What to do if you forget your Android pin, password, or pattern and can’t get past the lock screen?
I know it can be extremely stressful and upsetting to be locked out of your phone. I’ve been there many times before, and it’s no fun.
Luckily the steps in this guide will help you recover your Android device if you forgot your pin, password, or pattern. Let’s get started.
Method 1: Unlock Android Phone with Google Account
If you’ve incorrectly entered your password five times, your phone will be locked out on the sixth time.
You’ll have to wait for 30 seconds before attempting again. If you still can’t remember your password, you’ll have to admit you forget it.
To do so, click on the “Forgot pattern” button. Once you do that, you’ll be prompted to a screen to enter the Google account associated with your device.
After you’ve successfully logged in with your Gmail and password, you can now draw a new pattern.
You should note this method only works for Android phones running Android 4.4 KitKat or older. Your phone also needs to have an internet connection for this method to work.
Method 2: Unlock Android Phone with Find My Device
For Android devices running Android 4.4 and above, Find My Device (Formerly known as Android Device Manager) used to be one way to unlock your Android device.
With recent updates, you can only use it to locate a missing phone or tablet using the web or another device and to display a message or phone number on the screen in case someone finds your lost device.
However, if you own a Samsung phone, and if you added a Samsung account to your Samsung device, you’re in luck.
Samsung has a similar feature called “Find My Mobile” that lets you unlock your Samsung device. Please, follow the steps below:
Keep in mind the “Remote unlock” feature needs to have been enabled first for this method to work. It’s turned on by default when you add a Samsung account to your Samsung device.
- Open the Find My Mobile website on your favorite browser.
- Sign in with the same Samsung account that is linked to your locked Samsung device.
- From the list, choose the Samsung device you wish to unlock.
- Once your device has been located, click Unlock, and then click Unlock again.
- When prompted, enter your Samsung account password and click Next to finish.
This will reset the Lock screen security type you originally set up to swipe only.
Method 3: Unlock Android Phone with Factory Data Reset
If for some reason, you can’t log in to your Google account or you were using your Android phone without a Google account, you may need to perform a factory reset.
Here’s how to do that:
- Turn off your Android device
- Hold down the Power button and Volume Down key for a few seconds until you see the logo of your device. Once the logo shows up on the screen, release the Power button but keep holding on to the Volume Down key until your phone enters into Recovery mode.
- Use the volume key to navigate the menu and the Power button to select. Go to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.” It will erase everything (settings and data) on your phone. That’s why it’s always good to back up your Android phone.
Once you reset your Android phone, you’ll have to set up your phone again from scratch. It’s recommended to remove the SD card if your phone has one. It will ensure any files stored there are preserved.
Method 4: Unlock Android Phone Without Losing Data
If you don’t have a Google account and don’t want to factory reset your phone, your best option is to use an Android Lock Screen Removal tool. Dr.Fone is a good option, go ahead, download, and install it on your computer.
Follow the steps below:
- Download and install the software on your computer.
- Click on “Unlock” from the main screen
- A new window will show up, then connect your phone to the computer with a USB cable
- Follow the instructions on the screen to enter your phone into Download Mode
- The software will download the appropriate recovery package for your phone
- Once the download is complete, the software will perform a complete analysis of your device and remove the password.
This process should only take a few mins, and your phone will restart and your password/pattern or pin will be removed. There shouldn’t be any data loss during this process.
That’s a really nice and simple process. Really helpful. Thanks for your help.
Hey Worry Stones, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Keep me posted on how things go.
What if I want to open someone else phone without knowing the password?
I wouldn’t recommend you unlock somebody else’s phone without their consent.
What if I don’t have a computer?
Hey Sharif, you can use one of the above methods that do not require a computer. Let me know if you need further help.
Do you have a process for unlocking a Samsung Note 10+ that never was activated
Hey Ken, in this case the best way to do that is with the IMEI number. If you bought it from a Mobile Carrier, ask them to unlock it for you. However, if you purchased it online, the IMEI is your best bet. Good luck!
I just bought an HTC phone from someone. It is pin locked. Help
Cool. So nice to know this. Thank you a million.
Hi Christy, if you’ve never used the phone before with your Google account, you will need to perform a hard reset. Method 2 will walk you through the steps. Let me know how it goes.
Do you have a way to UNLOCK a Mi phone without having to lose the data ?
Please Suggest the Steps..
You are awesome, thank you so very much.
I can’t seem to unlock my secure folder with my “pattern”, any suggestions?
Hi Cortez, did you use any third-party app to secure your folder?
Can use my smartphone to unlock any other phone by downloading this software.
Hey Samson, this software claims to unlock a wide range of Android devices. What phone are you trying to unlock?
Thanks for sharing these useful tricks. They’re really helpful.
Hey Ishaq, You’re welcome.
If I’ve never logged any Google account on my phone and I forgot my password….is there any possible way that I can open my phone after wiping it??
Hi Zaharaddeen, the lock should be removed when you factory reset your Android phone. Let me know if you need further help.
Hi there, I bought a Galaxy A50 second hand, and its pattern is locked as well as Google, any suggestions on how I can unlock it?
Hi Eric, “Factory Reset” might be your best option. Method 3 will walk you through the steps. Hope that helps.
Purchased a 2nd hand Samsung Galaxy S5 2017. Due to covid restrictions it was doorway drop off and I paid via e-transfer it’s locked with a pin code I have tried the power and volume down button it simply shuts the phone down and as soon as it Powers back on it prompts me to put the code in again (your phone has been restarted you need to enter your PIN to open) it won’t allow me to do a factory reset because I can’t get that far??
Hi Vanessa, for Samsung Galaxy S5, try this combination of keys instead: press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: Volume Up button > Home button > Power button. The remaining steps are the same. Let me know if you need further help.
Herby you’re great
Hi Gyimah, thank you.
I found it helpful, thank you!
You’re very welcome, Zewdu. I’m glad you found this article helpful.