Summary
If you forget your Android passcode, you have a few options to try to regain access to your device. You can attempt to guess the passcode, which may work if it’s a simple pattern or PIN. You can use Android Device Manager to remotely reset the device. Or on some devices, you may be able to perform a factory reset by rebooting into recovery mode. As a last resort, you may need to take the device to a repair shop to have the memory wiped and reset. But first, attempt to recall or guess the passcode, and use Android Device Manager before resorting to a full factory reset.
What happens when you enter the wrong passcode on Android?
When you enter an incorrect passcode on an Android device, you will get a message saying “Wrong PIN code” or “Incorrect Pattern.” After 5 failed attempts, you will be locked out for 30 seconds. This prevents someone from rapidly guessing the code.
After 10 failed attempts, the lockout time increases to 5 minutes. At this point, you may see a message like “Try again in 5 minutes” or “Too many pattern attempts.”
If you enter the wrong passcode 15 times, the device will lock for 30 minutes before you can try again.
After 20 failed attempts, you will be completely locked out by something called “Factory Reset Protection.” This is an anti-theft measure to prevent unauthorized access. At this point, you can’t unlock the device without performing a factory reset, which will erase all data.
So in summary, you get 5 guesses before a 30 second lockout, 10 guesses for a 5 minute lockout, and 20 guesses before the device resets completely. Entering incorrect codes too many times will leave you unable to access the device.
Ways to try and regain access when locked out
If you get locked out from too many wrong passcode attempts, here are some things you can try:
Attempt to recall the forgotten passcode
If you only locked yourself out recently, try to calmly recall your passcode. Retrace your steps mentally and visualize the pattern or numbers you normally use. Passcodes we create ourselves can sometimes slip our minds temporarily. Give yourself some time to remember before taking more drastic measures.
Guess simple passcode patterns
If you used a simple passcode, like a basic pattern or short PIN, it may be easy to guess correctly within the allotted attempts. Try things like 1234, 0000, 2580, or common letter shapes. Statistically, many users opt for quick easy-to-enter codes.
Use Android Device Manager to reset passcode
Android Device Manager is a web service by Google that lets you remotely control a lost or stolen Android device. You can make the phone ring, locate it, or fully erase and reset it. Resetting via Device Manager will factory reset the device and allow you to create a new passcode. However, it will erase all data in the process.
Factory reset from recovery mode
On some Android devices, you can perform a factory reset by rebooting into recovery mode. The steps vary by model, but typically involve some combination of holding down volume & power buttons during reboot. In recovery mode, use the volume keys to scroll to “wipe data” or “factory reset” and select it to reset. This also erases all data.
Use unlocking service or repair shop
As a last resort, you may need to take your Android device to a phone repair shop. They have tools to access the internal memory and reset the passcode so you can create a new one. However, this will wipe all data from the device. There are also some online services that claim to be able to unlock Android phones remotely. But use caution as many of these are scams and services cannot bypass Factory Reset Protection.
What happens when you factory reset an Android with passcode
Performing a factory reset on an Android device with an activated passcode will erase all data and reset the operating system back to its initial state. This allows you to set up the device like new, including creating a new passcode.
Here are the steps that occur during a factory reset:
Data wiped from internal storage
A factory reset will wipe all user data from the internal storage. This includes:
– Media files like photos, videos, music
– App data and settings
– System settings and preferences
– Downloaded files
– Messages, call logs, contacts
– Account info and logins
Essentially everything unique to how your device was setup and used will be erased.
Operating system reset
The Android operating system will be restored back to its default factory condition:
– Any OS updates or patches will be removed, reverting to the original OS version.
– All apps uninstalled, including any bloatware that came pre-installed.
– Default system apps like browser, contacts, calculator will be reverted to their original version.
– System settings like WiFi networks, Bluetooth pairings, accessibility options will be reset.
Lockscreen and security reset
The lockscreen and security features will be reset:
– The existing passcode or pattern will be cleared.
– Biometric unlocking like fingerprint or face unlock will be reset.
– Device encryption will be removed if it was enabled.
Once powered back on, you’ll be prompted to setup the device like new, including creating a new screen lock passcode.
Google account removed
Factory resetting a device signed into a Google account will remove that account association. Once reset, you’ll need to setup the device as a new user or login again with the previously associated Google account and password.
So in summary, resetting an Android with a locked passcode essentially destroys all personal data and customization to return it to an out-of-box state. The process allows you to regain access with a new passcode if locked out, at expense of the data.
Risks of factory resetting locked Android
While factory resetting an Android device with a forgotten passcode can let you unlock it, there are some risks:
All personal data will be deleted
Once wiped, all photos, app data, accounts, and customized settings are permanently erased. So you’ll be starting your device completely from scratch if reset.
May not work if encryption was enabled
On newer Android models, enabling device encryption will prevent factory resets from completing successfully on locked devices. The data remains encrypted and inaccessible in this case.
Doesn’t bypass all anti-theft measures
Some anti-theft features like Google’s Factory Reset Protection cannot be bypassed even with a reset. So you may need to provide the previous owner’s Google account credentials to reactivate and use the device after resetting.
Could break device functionality
In rare cases, attempting to reset a locked Android can sometimes damage software functionality instead of restoring it. For example, bricking could occur leaving the device unusable. Though rare, it’s a possibility.
Repairs may still be required
Depending on the situation, you may need to take the device to a repair shop even after resetting in order to make it fully usable again. So there’s no guarantee this method will work as a complete fix.
How to backup Android before factory reset
If you need to factory reset your Android device, first consider backing up your important data if possible:
Use Android Backup Service
Android’s built-in backup tool syncs app data, WiFi passwords, call history and other data to your Google account automatically. As long as you can sign into your Google account after resetting, this data can be restored.
Copy media files to cloud storage
Manually back up photos, videos and other media files to cloud storage like Google Photos or Dropbox before resetting. This prevents permanent loss of those files.
Export contacts to SIM card
Save contacts to your SIM card if possible, so you have a copy to import back after the reset. Just export contacts from your Google account before resetting.
Note down apps and settings
Make a list of your installed apps and custom settings so you know what to set back up after the reset. This will save time replacing your usual apps and preferences.
Create system images with apps
Some apps can create full system images or app backups as files, allowing you to quickly restore to the previous state after resetting. Examples include Helium, SwiftBackup, and System App Remover.
Backing up important data can make factory resetting less painful, by preserving some of your time investment in setting up the device. Use the backup options appropriate for your situation.
Steps to factory reset a locked Android
Here is an overview of the steps to factory reset a locked Android phone or tablet:
1. Charge device and turn off
First fully charge the device if possible and power it down. This helps ensure the reset completes smoothly.
2. Reboot into recovery mode
The steps to enter recovery mode vary by device but usually involve a special key combo of Volume Up, Volume Down and Power. Google “[your device model] recovery mode” for specifics.
3. Navigate menu and select reset
Use Volume keys to scroll and select options. Choose “Factory reset” or “Wipe data” then confirm to erase all data.
4. Allow device to reset
It may take several minutes to complete. Let the process finish without interrupting.
5. Set up device as new
Once powered back on, you’ll be walked through setting up the device like new, including setting a new screen lock passcode you can remember.
Be extremely cautious when resetting a device, as there’s no way to recover wiped data. But when locked out and done carefully, factory resetting may be your only option to regain access on an Android device.
Alternative solutions to recover a forgotten passcode
Before attempting a full factory reset on a locked Android device, consider these alternative solutions to recover a forgotten PIN, pattern or password:
Use Android Device Manager
Remotely resetting the device via Android Device Manager is less destructive, as it retains data. But you’ll still need your Google account info to finish setting up the device afterwards.
Auto-unlock with trusted places
If you had smart unlock set up, the device may automatically unlock at home or other trusted locations without needing the passcode.
Unlock with trusted device
Having a paired Bluetooth device like a smartwatch or activity tracker can also allow unlocking without entering the passcode.
Unlock via trusted voice
On devices with voice match, use trusted voice unlocking to access your device by speaking an unlock command.
Use password recovery tools
Some devices may allow password recovery via Google prompts sent to a trusted mobile number or email account, allowing you to reset the passcode online.
Retrieve passcode via Google Dashboard
Your actual Android device passcode may be accessible online by logging into Google Dashboard from a PC, under device settings.
Unlock with login credentials
Entering your Google account username and password during setup after a factory reset may allow you to use the device without re-entering your forgotten passcode.
Exhaust other options before erasing your phone or tablet completely. But if you’ve tried everything else, a factory reset may be your final option to access a locked down Android device again.
Conclusion
Forgetting your Android passcode can be frustrating, but is usually recoverable with minimal disruption. First try jogging your memory and entering likely passcode patterns. Use Android Device Manager to remotely reset the device while retaining data. In some cases, you may be able to factory reset the device by rebooting into recovery mode – but beware this erases all your personal content and settings. As a last resort, professional phone repair shops can reset locked devices. Back up important data in advance if possible. With the right approach, you can almost always regain access to your locked Android device. Just take it step-by-step and use the least destructive solution first before wiping your data as a final option.