Locking a PDF document is the best way to restrict unauthorized access to its content. Depending on your device, you can choose from the various PDF tools available to lock your PDFs.
But, if you use an iPhone, you don’t have to deal with third-party apps. Instead, you’re able to use the Files app, which comes pre-installed with iOS and iPadOS, to lock your PDFs natively.
Stick around, and we’ll show you how to lock PDF files on an iPhone and iPad using the Files app.
How to Password-Protect PDFs on an iPhone or iPad
First, make sure you have theFiles app on your iPhone or iPad. If it isn’t, perhaps because you’ve uninstalled it previously, you can install it from theApp Store.
Once done, here’s how to lock a PDF document in Files:
The Files app doesn’t allow you to remove the password of a locked PDF file. So, if you need to do this, you’ll have to usethird-party PDF password remover toolslike Smallpdf.
How to Unlock a Locked PDF File
After you’ve lockeda PDF file, you’ll see a lock icon on its thumbnail, indicating that it’s a password-protected document. If you wish to access it, you need to follow these steps:
Files will now verify the password. If it’s correct, it’ll unlock the PDF, and you’ll be able to access it, just like before. Else, you’ll be locked out of the document.
Apple’s Files App Has Its Uses
We can’t stress enough how important it is to secure your PDF documents—especially those with sensitive content—before sharing them online or simply storing them on your local storage or cloud.
And with the Files app making the whole process a matter of a few taps, there’s no reason to skip it. Plus, if you always feared giving access to your PDFs to third-party apps, Files saves you the headache.
Apple’s Files app isn’t just limited to locking PDFs; you can also use it for other important tasks on your iPhone and iPad.
