How To Password Protect a PDF File on Any Device

In the modern world, where information is a valuable asset, protecting your PDF from prying eyes has never been more crucial. Furthermore, protecting your documents with a password will keep them in their original form and guard against unnecessary overwriting and modifications.

Unfortunately, few people know how to password-protect their PDF files. This article will guide you through the process across different devices. Let’s get started.

How to Password Protect a PDF File on a Windows 11 PC

One of the things you’ll discover on your Windows 11 is the absence of an inbuilt application that allows you to add a password to your PDF. While this can be frustrating, there are many other ways to solve this puzzle and get your PDF files protected.

How to Password Protect a PDF File Using TinyWow

Here’s how to use TinyWow to protect a PDF file with a password:

1. Navigate to TinyWow’s PDF Protector.
   
2. Click the “Upload from PC or Mobile” to upload the PDF file you want to protect with a password.
   
3. Once the PDF is uploaded, type in your password and click the “Protect” button.
   
4. Complete the reCAPTCHA and wait a few seconds for your file to be processed.
   
5. Click the “Download” button to download your password-protected PDF.
   

Please note that TinyWow encrypts your PDF files using 128-bit AES Encryption – a robust password encryption mechanism that makes it hard for hackers to crack your password. Also, the encrypted files are only stored on the app for one hour. Therefore, be sure to download your file immediately after processing.

In addition, if you run into any problems while using the website on Google Chrome, repeat the process on Microsoft Edge, and you shouldn’t encounter any issues.

How to Password Protect a PDF File Using Adobe Acrobat

If you’re uncomfortable with using a web-based option to protect your files, an easy-to-use alternative is Adobe Acrobat. If you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your Windows 11 PC, encrypting your PDF file is relatively easy.

Here’s how to go about it:

1. Open “Adobe Acrobat” on your computer.
   
2. Open the PDF file you want to protect.
   
3. From the right sidebar, select “Protect.”
   
4. From the options at the top, select “Protect Using Password.”
   
5. Specify which operations require the user to enter a password.
   
6. Set your preferred password and hit “Apply.”
   

While TinyWow allows you to password-protect your PDF online, you can get the job done offline with Adobe Acrobat. The program also offers advanced methods of encrypting your file. For instance, you can use a digital certificate instead of a password to protect your PDF file.

How to Password Protect a PDF File on a Windows 10 PC

Just like Windows 11, Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in option that allows you to protect your PDF with a password. However, there are alternatives you can rely on to get your files protected.

Password Protect a PDF File on Windows 10 Using TinyWow

To add a password to your PDF using TinyWow, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the TinyWow PDF Password tool.
2. 
3. Click the “Upload from PC or Mobile” to upload the PDF file you want to protect with a password. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file into the upload box.
   
4. Once the file is uploaded, type in your password and hit the “Protect” button.
   
5. Complete the reCAPTCHA and wait a few seconds for your file to finish processing.
   
6. Download your password-protected PDF.
   

Password Protect a PDF File on Windows 10 Using Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is another excellent way to protect your PDF file using a password, especially if you’re using Windows 10. Here’s how to use Microsoft Word for the task at hand:

1. Open Microsoft Word.
   
2. Go to “File” and open the PDF you want to protect with a password.
   
3. Click “OK” to allow Microsoft to convert your document into an editable format.
   
4. Go to “File,” and from the listed options, select “Export.”
   
5. Select the Create PDF/XPS Document option.
   
6. Click the Create PDF/XPS button.
   
7. Browse the output location for your file and set the file type as “PDF.”
   
8. Open “Options” and select “Encrypt Document with Password.”
   
9. Set a password for your PDF file and hit “Publish.”
   

How to Password Protect a PDF File on a Mac

It is super easy to protect your PDF files with a password on a Mac, thanks to the built-in utility known as Preview. With Preview, you can add a password to your PDF files without spending a dime.

Follow the steps below to add a password to your PDF files:

1. Open your PDF using Preview.
   
2. Go to “File,” and select “Export…”.
   
3. Rename your PDF.
   
4. Select the folder you want to save the file to.
   
5. Click “Permissions”.
   
6. Check the “Require Password to Open Document”.
   
7. Set your password and Verify.
   
8. Once your password is set, hit “Apply.”
   
9. Click “Save”.
   

How to Password Protect a PDF File on an iPhone or Android Device

If you’re using an iPhone or Android, giving your PDF files an extra layer of protection is easy.

1. Using your phone browser go to TinyWow.com and tap the search icon, then type “Protect PDF.”
   
2. Tap the “Upload from PC or Mobile” to upload the PDF file you want to protect with a password.
   
3. Once the PDF is uploaded, type in your password and click the “Protect” button.
   
4. Then check the box to complete the reCAPTCHA and wait a few seconds for your file to be processed.
   
5. Finally tap the “Download” button to download your password-protected PDF.
   

Protect Your PDF Files Like a Pro

Protecting your PDF file is an excellent way to add an extra layer of security to your device. Fortunately, the process is relatively easy, thanks to programs like TinyWow and Adobe Acrobat. If you’re using a phone and want to protect your files using a PDF, you have excellent apps like ILOVEPDF that can get the job done.

We hope the instructions in this guide have helped you protect your PDF file using a password regardless of your device.

Have you ever added a password to your PDF document? Did you use any of the third-party solutions mentioned in this article? Let us know in the comments section below.