Forgetting the PIN code to unlock your Android phone can be frustrating, but don’t worry – you have options to regain access to your device. In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to reset or recover your forgotten PIN so you can get back into your phone.
Try Entering Common PINs
Before attempting a full reset, try entering some common PIN combinations like:
- 1234
- 1111
- 0000
- Last 4 digits of your phone number
- Birth year or date
You may get lucky with one of these simple codes. If not, it’s time to dig deeper into resetting the phone.
Use Find My Device
If you had the Find My Device feature enabled on your Android phone, you may be able to bypass the PIN by erasing the device remotely. This feature allows you to locate, ring, lock, or fully erase your phone if lost or stolen.
To use Find My Device to reset your PIN:
- On a computer, visit android.com/find
- Sign in with your Google account that was set up on the locked phone
- Select your phone’s name or click “Ring” to confirm it’s the correct device
- Choose “Erase” to reset the phone to factory settings. This will remove the PIN but also all of your data.
Once erased, you’ll be able to set up the phone again with a new PIN code and restore a backup to retrieve your apps and data.
Reset from Recovery Mode
Every Android phone has a recovery mode you can access to perform a factory reset. Here’s how:
- Make sure your phone is turned off completely
- Hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time
- Keep holding both buttons until you see the recovery menu appear
- Use the volume keys to scroll and select “Wipe data/factory reset”
- Select “Yes — delete all user data” to confirm and reset the phone
This will bypass your PIN code and erase all data. You’ll then need to set up the phone again.
Use ADB Commands
If you’re comfortable using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can reset your PIN with a few commands on a computer.
To do this:
- Install ADB tools on your PC
- Enable USB debugging in your phone’s developer options
- Connect your locked phone to your PC with a USB cable
- Open command prompt/terminal and enter:
adb devices(Should see your device in the list) - Then enter:
adb shell
rm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm - Finally:
adb reboot
This will delete your lock screen credentials and restart the phone, allowing you to set a new PIN.
Use Android Device Manager
The Android Device Manager is a web tool similar to Find My Device that lets you locate, ring, lock, or erase your phone remotely. You can use it to bypass a forgotten PIN:
- On a computer, visit android.com/devicemanager
- Sign in with the Google account associated with your locked phone
- Select your phone device
- Choose “Erase” to reset to factory settings and remove the PIN
This erases all data but allows you to access and set up the phone again. Device Manager may be integrated into Find My Device in the future.
Use Android Factory Reset Protection
Newer Android phones have a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature that prevents others from resetting and accessing your phone if lost or stolen. However, you can use your Google account credentials to unlock the phone if you forget your PIN.
To use FRP:
- Reset your phone from recovery mode
- When prompted, enter your Google account details that were on the phone
- If correct, FRP will unlock the phone and allow you to set a new PIN
As long as you can sign in with the registered Google account, you can bypass the lost PIN and reset the device.
Use Backup PIN
Some Android devices will prompt you to create a backup PIN when you first set up your phone. This acts as an emergency PIN in case you forget your main one. Try entering your backup PIN if prompted after too many failed unlock attempts.
Contact Your Carrier
As a last resort, you may need to contact your phone carrier for assistance resetting the device. Customer service should be able to reset your PIN code remotely or provide steps for resetting it through recovery mode.
Call or chat with a carrier representative online and be prepared to verify your identity and ownership of the phone. There may be a fee for this service.
Avoid Losing Your PIN Again
Once you successfully reset your Android phone, you’ll get to set a new PIN during setup. Here are some tips to avoid forgetting it again:
- Avoid obvious number patterns like 1234 or 1111
- Use at least 6 digits for greater security
- Enable password visibility so you can see what you’re entering
- Save a backup of your PIN in a secure place
- Write down hints that will help you recall numbers
- Set up PIN recovery options like Find My Device
Setting a strong, unique PIN and enabling remote recovery features will prevent you from going through this hassle again. With the right preparation, you can rest easy knowing you can always regain access to your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I don’t have Find My Device enabled?
If Find My Device is not enabled, you will need to reset your phone using recovery mode or Android Device Manager. You can try contacting your carrier as well.
Will I lose all my data if I reset my phone?
Yes, resetting your phone to factory default settings will erase all data, photos, apps, and accounts on the device.
Can I reset my PIN without losing everything?
Unfortunately no – the only ways to reset your PIN require erasing the phone entirely. Your best option is to restore a full system backup after resetting to recover your data.
I forgot my Google account password. Can I still reset my phone?
Without access to your associated Google account, resetting your forgotten PIN is very difficult. You will need to work with Google to recover access to your account first.
My reset phone is asking for my Google account. What now?
This is Factory Reset Protection working as intended. Simply enter your original Google account details that were on the phone prior to reset it.
I don’t remember setting up a backup PIN. Could I still have one?
It’s possible. Try entering likely PIN combinations at the backup PIN prompt after a few failed unlock attempts. If setup properly, it will give you access.
Conclusion
Resetting your Android phone when you’ve forgotten your PIN is possible through various methods. The easiest options are using Find My Device or recovery mode resets. Just be prepared to erase all data and start fresh. Avoid simple PINs and enable remote security features in the future to prevent this issue from happening again.
With the right tools and preparation, you can get back into a locked Android device in no time. Just try to remember those numbers going forward!
