We’ve all locked ourselved out of our phones at some point, but don’t worry there’s various things you can do to get back in without losing your sanity or data. We have five methods to try if you’ve forgotten your Android PIN, password or pattern.
Even if you’ve forgotten your pattern, pin, or password and can’t get into your phone – don’t worry, all is not lost. While lock screens are deliberately hard to get into by design, we’ve got a number of potential ways you can safely get around them.
Most phones these days give the option to use biometrics to log in – so try using the fingerprint scanner or facial recognition software first. If you don’t have this configured, then there are some other things you can try.
1. Google Find My Device
The most immediate solution that springs to mind is Google Find My Device (formerly Android Device Manager). You’ll need to log into your Google account for this, and it will only work on the more modern devices – but you can access this service from any device you’d like.
You will also need the location turned on and be connected to data/Wi-Fi.
Click on the device you want to unlock and then click on Secure Device. Then tap Erase Device, and confirm your choice. From there, you’ll be able to set up a brand new password.
You may lose some of your photos and apps initially, but these will be backed up via your Google account.
If the Device Manager isn’t picking up your device, then refresh the page or app a few times. It should get there eventually. You can also try a hard refresh on PC (CTRL + F5) which will clear your cache too.
2. Check if Smart Lock is enabled
Smart Lock is a feature on Android phones which allows your phone to open without a password if its in a location it recognises. However, this feature must be enabled before you lose access to your PIN.
It’s most likely that you set it up to work at home so try unlocking your phone there.
If you’d like to future-proof your device, you can turn on smart lock by heading to Settings > Security & lock screen > Smart lock.
You can choose from three options for Smart Lock:
- On-body detection – Keep your device unlocked whilst it’s on you
- Trusted places – Add location where device should be unlocked
- Trusted devices – Add device to keep this one unlocked when it’s nearby
3. Samsung’s ‘SmartThings Find’ Service
If you have a Samsung device then this would be a good option, however, if you haven’t set up your Samsung account prior to this then it’s not going to work.
Via the SmartThings Find service, tap the device you wish to reset the password of, and then click on Unlock.
This will wipe any other passwords you have set up on the phone. Confirm your choice and sign into your Samsung account if prompted. Your device should now be unlocked.
4. The ‘Forgot Pattern’ Feature
If you’re using an older version of Android, namely 4.4 or lower (which you really shouldn’t be), then you’ll be able to use the ‘Forgot Pattern’ feature.
If you’ve failed to unlock your phone 5 times, you’ll have a message pop up. At the bottom right of your screen, you’ll see a “Forgot Pattern?” button. Tap it.
You can then reset your screen lock.
5. Bypassing a non-stock lock screen with Recovery Mode
If the lock screen you’re having trouble with is from a third-party app, and not the stock lock screen that comes with the phone, then you can bypass this by booting the phone into recovery mode.
This method will differ depending on what device you have. We suggest searching for your device on the manufacturer’s website for exact instructions.
In most cases, you can bring up the option by long-pressing the power and volume buttons down together. You’ll then see a mascot and options appear on the screen. You can cycle through the options by using the volume keys for up and down.
When you reach recovery mode, click on the power button to confirm your choice. When the phone boots up the lock screen will be disabled.
