It happens that a smartphone user forgets the password for his device. There are several ways to unlock your phone yourself if you have forgotten the password, but you will have to tinker, since the easiest options may not work. Below are instructions for devices running on different operating systems - Android and IOS.
We should start with the fact that if you have a fingerprint lock, you need to configure this function, since there can be only ten fingerprint options for obvious reasons, and there are an infinite number of digital and graphic password variations. This option is very convenient, since the muscle memory of the hands itself will tell you which finger was used for blocking, and you will not have to remove the blocking with more time-consuming operations.
At the moment, for modern smartphones there are several ways to remove the lock if the key is forgotten:
Smart Lock is a feature that makes it easier to “unlock” your mobile device and allows you to unlock it when one of the keys (or all) is forgotten. This option is applicable if the option was previously configured.
Through Smart Lock, there are three ways to “smartly” unlock:
It is important to remember that without first setting up the Smart Lock feature, none of these options will work.
This function has one significant drawback - anyone can unlock the phone using “Unlock by location”.
After repeatedly entering your password incorrectly, whatever it may be, the message “Forgot your password?” will appear at the bottom of the screen. or “Forgot your graphic key?” The inscription may be different depending on the brand of the smartphone. When clicked, an automatic transition to recovery through the account occurs.
Restoring via Google is only possible if an account is linked to the phone. Even if you have forgotten your Google credentials, you can also recover them via email. To do this, you only need a computer.
In order to do this using this method, you will need to be connected to Wi-Fi.
Another quick and reliable way is to contact the brand’s service center. The password reset service is usually not too expensive, but you will have to pay for the operation, since it is not considered a warranty case.
Some phone brands provide additional tools that allow you to find your phone, lock or unlock it, and even format it remotely if the device is stolen.
For example, for Samsung it is Find My Mobile - searching and resetting settings via backup occurs in the same way as with the iPhone. The option is available after logging into your Samsung account on a PC or any other device through which the search is carried out.
To find out whether a specific phone brand has the same functionality, you need to go to the manufacturer’s official website or view the technical documentation (included with the box upon purchase). As a last resort, you can ask the operator a question through the website in the feedback form.
This option works on devices using the Android operating system no older than 4.0.
Resetting to factory settings allows you to bypass the lock on any modern smartphones, including Chinese devices that do not have other built-in functions. The operation will delete all user settings along with the pattern and digital password.
Remember that in this case, all user data will be destroyed if synchronization with Google accounts has not been performed before or the user has not bothered with a recovery point in the absence of an SD card.
First you need to call the system menu using a special key combination. The combination differs depending on the brand of the device and the model configuration, for example, for Samsung and Lenovo. To find out which combination you need to use, you can check the technical documentation of the model that comes with the box upon purchase, or go to the official website in the FAQ section.
After this, follow the instructions:
This option works with all phones running new versions of the OS. This operation may not work with older versions due to the lack of such functionality.
All of the methods mentioned work the same for both a pattern and a digital password. There is another method that may work with some models and brands of phones - an incoming call.
You do not need to enter a password to accept an incoming call. When you receive an incoming call, do the following:
The mentioned method will not work on all smartphone models, but this option is worth checking first, since it is one of the simplest. You can try to reset your digital password in the same way.
Another simple option is to wait for the battery to drain and go to the battery status menu. Through it, you can go to the phone settings and remove the lock by setting new parameters or resetting them altogether.
For older versions of Android, there are different ways. The security level of such OSs is lower than on modern smartphones, due to which you can get by with simple options. Older versions of Android (5.0 and below) allow you to unlock your phone during a call.
Most push-button phones (for example, Nokia) that do not run on Android can be unlocked by pressing the “*” or “#” keys (depending on the brand).
In the case of the iPhone, everything is somewhat simpler, since the manufacturer has provided two simple methods:
If none of them worked for one reason or another, you should contact the service center and do not try to “hack” the phone yourself using additional utilities or connecting to a PC, as this will automatically void the warranty period due to user intervention in the operation of the OS.
The method will only work if the Find My iPhone function was previously enabled and the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
It is possible to recover deleted data through iTunes when connected to a PC.
If your smartphone is locked and you can’t remember the password (neither digital nor graphic), you can use one of the many methods to bypass the lock. It is important to remember that the simpler it is, the better. And if you can’t unlock the phone yourself, it’s best to contact a service center so as not to disrupt its functionality out of ignorance. This is especially true for iPhone owners, who are forced to comply with stricter operating rules so that the warranty period is not violated due to user intervention.
It often happens that a person forgets the key that locks his mobile device, and does not know what to do next. This is a common problem that any of us can face.
This article provides several unlocking methods that will help forgetful people. How to unlock your phone if you forgot your password?
If you do not have access to the Internet, then the problem is more serious. It's the same story if you don't remember your details to connect to your Google account.
Before moving on to more complex unlocking methods, we’ll tell you a few little tricks that will help you unlock your phone on some versions of Android. You can try to call a locked mobile device, and press the Home key during the beeps. This will take you to the device’s desktop, from where you can disable the lock.
Another technique is to wait until the gadget is discharged. As soon as the corresponding message appears, click on it and you will be taken to the control menu. From there it is easy to get to the device settings, where the locking function is disabled.
If the methods listed above did not achieve anything, all that remains is to try restoring the device to factory settings. Remember - this will lead to the deletion of all information on the device, so use this method yourself at your own peril and risk. Don't forget to remove the memory card first. The algorithm of actions for most Android smartphones is the same.
You will need to turn off the device, and then press the power key and the volume up button. Sometimes you also have to press the “Home” button. The phone will turn on and show you a menu with the option wipe data / factory reset. Select it, and then go to the delete all user data line. We confirm and then reboot the phone. After this, the password will be reset. An important point is that some devices have a special button that allows you to reset the settings to factory settings by pressing.
Locking the screen using a pattern, password or PIN significantly increases the security of your phone. This protection will not allow an attacker to gain access to your files, photos, crack passwords and find out bank card numbers. But sometimes the blocking turns against the owner of the gadget. Below are several ways to unlock your Samsung Galaxy phone. The methods also work with the company’s tablets.
After 6 incorrect PIN codes, the gadget blocks the entry of new data for 30 seconds. After this time, the user has a chance to enter the cherished numbers again.
Therefore, the first method to unlock Samsung is to simply wait for the timeout to expire after entering an incorrect PIN code and try another combination.
This method is useful in two cases:
The proprietary remote unlocker, the Find My Mobile service, will need access to the gadget. Before using this method for the first time, you should prepare your phone for remote control.
Select a device from the list of gadgets you own and click Prepare.
The user is informed of the steps by following which he can prepare the gadget for remote control. The main point is that in the Settings menu, in the Lock screen and protection section, the Search for phone item should be open.
In the options menu, you must set the Remote control flag.
The points regarding transmitting the location of the gadget are secondary and have no direct relation to the ability to lock/unlock the device.
Select the desired phone from the list. A menu of available actions will appear on the right. They can be done without direct access to the phone.
Do not forget that the gadget must be registered in a cellular or Wi-Fi network. If you turn on Airplane mode, the method will not work.
Select Unlock and wait for the result. At this moment, the Internet service will remove the screen lock. The success of the operation is confirmed by changing the color of the item in the menu on the website.
This method allows you to remove the lock using a PIN code, pattern or password. All modern Samsung smartphones are controlled in this way, including duos, Samsung Galaxy J1, J3, mini, A5 and others running the Android operating system.
You can access the Find My Mobile service website from a friend or relative’s phone. The gadget does not have to be made by Samsung. A device on any mobile OS is suitable: Android, iOS, Windows Mobile. Internet access is critical.
If the blocking is not removed in the usual way, the phone may be blocked by some malicious applications. This does not necessarily mean viral activity, but it is a fact that deserves close attention.
If the attempt is successful, analyze the recently installed applications and remove them from the gadget. Once the operation is complete, restart your smartphone as usual.
If the user has forgotten the pattern key, but remote access through the Find My Mobile service is not available, he still has one more unlocking option on Samsung. or Hard reset will solve the problem.
Go to the website of a branded web service for finding lost mobile phones and find your device in the list. Select Remove my device.
All data will be deleted and the phone will return to its factory state.
Important note for owners of modern phones running Android 5.1 and later versions. To ensure increased user security, Google developers have provided protection against gadget theft.
After resetting your mobile phone, the user must enter the password of the last account installed on it. Otherwise, only specialists from the company’s service center will help and only upon presentation of documents for the device and receipts for its payment in the store.
What to do if you forgot the password for a gadget that is locked without access to the network? Performing a hard reset using the buttons will help.
Stop panicking and read five instructions on how to unlock Android if you forgot your password or pattern. Most likely, one of them will help you. The methods are described for smartphones, but for tablets everything is done in the same way.
This method is suitable for unlocking an old smartphone released before 2014 inclusive. If so, you most likely have a version of Android lower than 5.0. In this case, you can bypass the protection using your Google account. Another condition is that the phone must be able to connect to the Internet (for example, it automatically connects to your home Wi-Fi hotspot).
If you have a newer device, read on.
This method, on the contrary, is suitable if you have a new smartphone - from 2015 and newer. In this case, most likely you have Android 5.0 or older. Starting with this version, the Smart Lock function is available in Android, with which you can try to unlock Android if you forgot your password.
Smart Lock allows you to unlock your phone in three different ways:
If you haven't set up Smart Lock to unlock Android if you forgot your password, read on.
If you have a Samsung smartphone, then there is a website for you Find My Mobile, which allows you to find your device and remotely control it, including unlocking it. You may have set up a Samsung account, and then you can unlock Android if you forgot your password from your computer.
If you have a smartphone from another company, or you have not set up a Samsung account, read on.
This method is suitable if your phone has an SD memory card and supports Recovery Mode. To unlock Android using this method, download a file manager to your computer Aroma via one of the links below:
After this, you need to enter recovery mode on your phone. This is done for each smartphone individually, and in order to find out how to do this on yours, enter in the search “ smartphone_model recovery mode” and figure out how to do it.
After that:
If this all seems too complicated for you, read on.
If the safety of data on your smartphone is not particularly important to you, you can simply reset it to factory settings. This is done differently for each phone model, so to be sure, enter in the search “ smartphone_model hard reset» and find out how to do this.
Within a few minutes, the phone will be completely returned to the condition in which you bought it. All your data and installed applications will be destroyed! However, this way you will definitely unlock Android if you forgot your password.
When you turn it on, the phone will ask for a login and password for your Google account. Enter them. If you have a relatively new smartphone, then most likely it synchronized with your Google account and Google Play without your knowledge. So deleted applications can be returned back.
If you suddenly forgot the pattern, PIN or password that locks your Android device, you may think that you are faced with a serious problem and will not be able to bypass the Android lock. These security methods are designed to be difficult to hack, but in many cases, it can be done and gain access to a locked device.
There are several different ways to hack the lock screen of an Android smartphone or tablet, but unfortunately, there is no one method that suits everyone. Therefore, we will provide 6 of the most effective methods, and we hope you will be able to access the device without losing data. Creative types can choose which method to use first. By the way, for them we recommend the latest version of Minecraft http://droidsplay.com/games/strategy/288-maynkraft-0121-mod-.html, available for downloading without registration.
For new Android phones and tablets, using a service called Android Device Manager is probably your best choice. Once you are logged into your Google account, you can use any device or computer to access the service https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager.
Surprisingly, you can unlock your device by clicking on the “Block” button in Device Manager, which gives you access to manage the device. If the service is having trouble finding your device, press the browser's refresh button several times, and if your phone is associated with this account, the service should connect within 5 attempts.
After clicking the “Block” button, you will be asked to enter a new password that will replace the pattern, PIN or password that you forgot. Enter your new password twice to confirm your choice, and then click the Lock button.
Changing your password may take up to 5 minutes, but when it does, you will be able to enter the new password to unlock your device.
If you have a Samsung device, a service called Find My Mobile should be the first one you try. To get started, visit https://findmymobile.samsung.com/login.do from any web browser and then log in to your Samsung account. If you've never created a Samsung account, unfortunately this method won't work. Additionally, some providers, like Sprint, block this service, which can be very useful if you lose your phone.
Once you've signed in to your Samsung account, click the "Lock My Screen" button in the left pane. Enter your new PIN in the first field and then click the "Block" button at the bottom of the screen. After a minute or two, your lock screen password should be changed to the PIN you just entered, and you can use it to unlock your device.
If your device is running Android 4.4 or lower, try using the Forgot Pattern feature. After 5 unsuccessful unlock attempts, you will see the message “Retry in 30 seconds.” While this message is displayed, click on the “Forgot your pattern?” button. at the bottom of the screen.
Here, select "Enter your Google account information" (depending on your device, you may be able to go directly to this option), then enter your Gmail username and password. Google will either send you an email with your unlock pattern, or you can change it right there.
If you're more concerned with unlocking your phone than saving any data stored on it, a factory reset should work in almost any situation.
This process will vary depending on the type of device, but for most phones it starts with turning off the device's power completely. When the screen turns black, press and hold the Volume and Power buttons at the same time, this should bring up the Android bootloader menu. Here, press the Volume Down button twice to highlight the Recovery Mode option and then press the Power button to select it.
Then, while holding down the Power button, press the Volume Up button once - your phone should enter recovery mode. Next, use the Volume buttons to highlight the “Wipe data/factory reset” option and then press the Power button to select it. When the process is completed, select "Reboot system now" and your phone will be unlocked.
The next option will only work if you have previously enabled USB debugging mode on your phone, and even then, it will only work if you have allowed the computer you are using to connect using ADB. But if all these requirements are met, this is the ideal way to unlock your device.
Start by connecting your phone to your computer using a USB data cable, then open a command prompt window in your ADB installation directory. From here, type the following command and then press Enter.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
Next, restart your phone and the lock screen should disappear, allowing you to connect to your phone. After this, make sure to set a new pattern or pattern, PIN or password until the next reboot.
If the lock screen you are trying to bypass is displayed by a third-party application and not by the system security utility, booting into safe mode is the easiest way to bypass it.
For most phones, you can boot into Safe Mode by pressing and holding the Power key right on the lock screen. In the menu that appears, long press on the “Power off” option. Select "OK" when asked if you want to boot into Safe Mode. When the process is finished, all third-party applications that perform screen locking will be temporarily disabled.
After that, simply remove or change the third-party lock screen app password or uninstall it and then restart your phone to exit safe mode. The third-party app's lock screen should disappear.
What method are you using? Do you know any other hacks that can bypass the Android lock screen? Let us know in the comments below.
