Having a password, PIN, or pattern lock set up on your Android device is important to protect your personal information in case your phone gets lost or stolen. However, forgetting your password can be inconvenient if you can no longer access your own device.
The good news is that there are several ways to unlock your Android device and reset the password or PIN if you forget it. With some time and effort, you can get back into your phone without losing any data.
Trying obvious passwords
If you just set up your phone or changed your password recently, your old password might still work. Try entering passwords or PINs you’ve used in the past, even if you don’t think that’s the current one. You may get lucky and guess the right password.
Additionally, try the default password that came with your device or generic passwords like “1234” or “1111”. You may not have changed the default password yet or set an easy to remember numerical code.
Using your Google account
If your Android device is linked to a Google account, you can use Google’s Find My Device service to unlock it remotely. Just go to android.com/find on a computer and sign in to your Google account that is linked to the locked device.
You will see all your linked devices and can select the locked one. Google allows you to put a new PIN/password on it remotely or erase the device entirely if needed. Putting a new password will allow you to unlock it.
Factory reset from recovery menu
Every Android device has a recovery menu that allows you to wipe the device and restore factory settings. To access this menu:
- Power off your device completely
- Hold down the Volume Up button and Power button at the same time
- When you see the recovery menu, use the volume buttons to scroll and power button to select “Wipe data/factory reset”
- Confirm the reset on the next screen
This will erase all data but allow you to access the device again with no password. You can then set a new password.
Use lock screen removal apps
If you can’t reset your device from the recovery menu, there are special apps that can bypass or reset the lock screen. These require connecting your phone to a computer with a USB cable.
Popular lock removal apps include:
- LockWiper (Android)
- iMyFone LockWiper (Android)
- Tenorshare 4uKey (Android)
- dr.fone – Screen Unlock (Android)
These apps walk you through the process of removing FRP lock, bypassing Google account verification, cracking lock screen passwords, and resetting passwords. They provide step-by-step instructions during the process.
Use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands
For advanced users, you can use ADB commands to reset your lock screen. ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge and allows communicating with an Android device through command line inputs.
Here are the steps:
- On a computer, install ADB and launch a command prompt
- Enable USB debugging on your Android device
- Connect the device to computer via USB
- Type “adb devices” to ensure the device is detected
- Type “adb shell” to access the device shell
- Enter “rm /data/system/gesture.key” and “rm /data/system/locksettings.db”
- Reboot your Android device
This will remove the gesture lock file and reset lock settings, disabling any password or PIN lock.
Use Find My Mobile on Samsung devices
If you have a Samsung device, the Find My Mobile service allows you to remotely unlock your device just like Find My Device. Just go to findmymobile.samsung.com to erase your device or reset your screen lock remotely.
Get professional help
For situations where you cannot remember your password and cannot reset the device due to encryption or other issues, you may need to take it to a phone repair shop. Professional mobile technicians have advanced tools to unlock Android phones without losing data.
They can use forensic tools to bypass locks and gain access to your phone, allowing you to use it again or recover data if needed. There is often a fee for this service.
Prevent future lockouts
To avoid getting locked out of your Android device again, make sure to:
- Have a Google account linked to your device.
- Enable USB debugging in developer options.
- Create a memorable password or PIN you won’t forget.
- Keep backup unlock codes provided by Google or your manufacturer.
- Write down your password somewhere safe in case you forget it.
Following these tips will ensure you always have a way to get back into your phone if you ever get locked out again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I exceed the maximum number of wrong password attempts?
On most Android devices, after 10 wrong password attempts, you will be locked out of your phone for 30 seconds. This increases to 1 minute after the 11th attempt, 5 minutes after the 12th attempt, 15 minutes after the 13th attempt, and up to a full day after repeated failed attempts. This serves as an extra security measure, but also means you need to be very sure of your password before attempting to unlock the device.
Can I unlock my Android without losing data?
Yes, a factory reset through recovery mode is the only way to unlock your device while also erasing all data. All other methods, like using your Google account, third party apps, or professional services allow unlocking the device while keeping your apps and data intact.
I forgot my pattern lock, what should I do?
The steps to unlock your Android are the same whether you forgot a password, PIN or pattern. Try repeating an older pattern, accessing your Google account, using a third party app, or performing a factory reset. Pattern locks have the same capabilities to unlock your device.
I forgot my PIN, what are my options?
Similar options are available if you forget your numerical PIN as if you forgot a full password. Try entering old PINs, using Find My Device through Google, resetting your device from recovery mode, using lock screen removal apps, or taking it to a professional for assistance.
Can I reset my lock if I forgot my Google account details?
Unfortunately without access to your Google account, your options are more limited. You won’t be able to use the Find My Device features. In this case, your main options are to factory reset your device from recovery mode, use a third party lock removal app, or seek professional assistance.
Summary
Forgetting your Android password, PIN, or pattern does not mean you are locked out of your device permanently. With some time and effort, you can get back into your phone and reset the screen lock using the convenient options provided by Google, device manufacturers, and third party software companies. Just don’t try too many wrong password attempts in a row!