PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Fill and Sign a Secured PDF on iPad and Android Tablets

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to fill out or sign secured PDF forms on mobile devices like iPads and Android tablets, even though the same files work perfectly on Windows PCs and Macs.

How to Fill and Sign a Secured PDF on an iPad or Android Tablet

Product: PDF
Device & OS: iPad, Android, Windows, Mac
Scenario: Attempting to fill in and add a digital signature to a secured PDF form using a mobile tablet device.
Observed behavior: The secured PDF form restricts filling and signing actions on mobile devices, defaulting to a read-only state, despite functioning correctly with the same permissions on a desktop computer.

Before you start

Ensure you have the permissions password for the secured PDF and access to a desktop computer (Windows or Mac) to modify the file's security settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove or Modify Security Settings on a Desktop Computer

Since mobile PDF readers often lack the capability to handle advanced security permissions, you must first remove or adjust the document's security restrictions using a desktop application.

This issue is a known limitation of mobile PDF editing applications. While a secured file might allow form filling on a desktop environment, mobile platforms often enforce strict read-only modes on secured files to protect document integrity. By removing the restriction on a PC or Mac first, the file becomes fully editable on your tablet.

Open the file on desktop

Launch a desktop PDF application (such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat) on your Windows PC or Mac and open the secured PDF form.

Access security properties

Navigate to the document properties by selecting 'File' > 'Properties' from the top menu, then switch to the 'Security' tab.

Change security method

Next to the 'Security Method' dropdown list, click on 'Change Settings' to modify the current restrictions.

Enter the permissions password

Type the correct permissions password in the prompt box and click 'OK' to authorize the changes.

Disable security and save

In the settings dialog, disable the security restrictions. Save the updated PDF and transfer the file back to your iPad or Android tablet to successfully fill and sign it.

Remove or Modify Security Settings on a Desktop Computer

Password Requirement: You must have the original 'permissions password' (sometimes called the master password) to alter the document's security settings. If you do not have it, contact the document creator.

Advanced PDF Management

Easily Manage PDF Security and Fill Forms with WPS Office

WPS Office provides seamless PDF editing and form management across desktop and mobile devices. Use WPS Office for Windows or Mac to quickly remove PDF permission restrictions, then seamlessly fill and sign your documents using the highly-rated WPS mobile app.

1. Open the secured PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Windows PC or Mac and open the secured PDF document.
2. Access the Protect tab: Navigate to the 'Protect' tab on the top ribbon and select 'Encrypt' to view the security settings.
3. Remove editing restrictions: Uncheck the editing restrictions box, enter the required permission password, and apply the changes.
4. Save and transfer: Save the unprotected PDF file and send it to your mobile device via cloud storage or email.
5. Fill and sign on mobile: Open the updated file in the WPS Office app on your iPad or Android tablet to easily fill out form fields and insert your signature.

Easily remove PDF passwords and security restrictions on desktop devices.Seamlessly fill and sign PDF forms on iPad, iPhone, and Android tablets.Fully compatible with standard PDF formats and Adobe Acrobat files.Cross-platform support ensures your documents sync perfectly between PC and mobile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I edit a secured PDF on my PC but not on my iPad?

Mobile PDF applications often have limited support for managing complex security permissions. Forms that allow filling on desktops might automatically default to a strict read-only mode on mobile devices if any security restrictions are detected.

Do I need the original password to remove PDF security?

Yes, you must have the permission password (also known as the master password) set by the document owner to change or remove any security restrictions on the PDF.

Can I remove PDF security directly on my Android tablet or iPad?

Most mobile PDF editors cannot remove advanced security settings natively. You typically need to use a robust desktop application like WPS Office for PC or Mac to disable the restrictions before editing the file on a mobile device.

PDF Troubleshooting