Forgot your phone's pattern key and can't unlock Android? Or just want to change it to something more complex? This problem is familiar to many - according to statistics, 23% of users they have been blocked at least once due to a forgotten password. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to regain access to the device without losing data (or with minimal loss).

In this article we will examine 5 current methods changing the pattern key - from simple (through an account Google) to advanced (using ADB or Fastboot). Each method is illustrated in detail and contains risk warningsso you can choose the best option for your smartphone model. Important: the effectiveness of the methods depends on the version Android and the manufacturer (on devices Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei there may be nuances).

If you If you are reading this article on a locked phone, try connecting it to your computer or use a second device. And if the graphic key still works, but you want to update it, go straight to the section on changing the current password.

Why might a graphic key stop working?

A pattern lock is a convenient alternative to a PIN code, but it has weaknesses. Most often, users encounter blocking for three reasons:

  • 🔄 Forgot the combination after a long break in using the phone (for example, after a vacation).
  • 👶 A child or another person entered the wrong pattern several times, and the device was blocked.
  • 📱 Failure after update — sometimes the firmware resets the lock settings (relevant for Android 12+).

On devices with Android 9 and older after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the system may require you to enter PIN code from the account Google or wait 30 seconds. On newer versions (for example, Android 14) is sometimes required Factory Reset —a full reset. Manufacturers like Xiaomi or OnePlus often add their own protection mechanisms, which complicates unlocking.

⚠️ Attention: If your phone has encryption. data enabled (usually activated when setting a password), resetting via Recovery Mode may lead to loss of all files, including photos and messagesCheck this in the security settings before starting the procedure.
📊 How often do you change the pattern on your phone?
Once a month
Once every six months
Only if you forgot
I never change

Method 1: Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4–9.0)

This is the simplest method, but it works only on older versions of Android (up to 10th inclusive If your smartphone was released before 2019, try the following). steps:

  1. On the lock screen, enter wrong pattern 5 times in a row.
  2. The message "Forgot the pattern key?" will appear - click on it.
  3. Enter login and password for your Google accountthat is linked to the phone.
  4. Create new graphic key or select another unlocking method (PIN, password).

If this method did not work, then:

  • 📵 You Android 10+, where the function was removed for security reasons.
  • 🔒 On the device access to the account is disabled Google (for example, on some models Huawei without services GMS).
  • 🌐 No Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data must be active).
💡

If you have two-factor authentication with Google, use backup codes or confirmation through another device. They can be found in the account settings on the page security.google.com.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

This method guaranteed to unlock your phone, but will delete all data, if there was no backup. Suitable for most devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Realme and others. data-i="109">(or

Turn off your phone

Hold down the buttons Power + Volume Up (or Power + Home + Volume Up for Samsung)

Wait for the Recovery Mode logo to appear

Use the volume buttons to navigate-->

Next:

  1. In the menu Recovery select item Wipe data/factory reset (use volume buttons to move, power button to confirm).
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes — Delete all user data.
  3. After the reset, select Reboot system now.

The phone will reboot to its factory state. Now you can configure it as new and install a new pattern. in the security settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung with Knox) after resetting, FRP protection (Factory Reset Protection)may work. In this case, you will need to enter data from the last linked account Google or Samsung.
Manufacturer Combination to enter Recovery Features
Samsung Power + Volume up + Bixby Confirmation may be required via Samsung Account after reset.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Power + Volume Up In the Mi Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset.
Google Pixel Power + Volume Downthen Volume Up + Power Use Volume buttons to navigate, Power to select.
OnePlus Power + Volume Down In the menu, select English, then Wipe data.

Method 3: Deleting the key via ADB (without data loss)

If on the phone USB debugging enabled (USB Debugging, you can delete the file with the pattern via the computer This method works on Android 5.0–11.0 and requires preliminary. preparation.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (you can download from developer.android.com).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging in the developer settings.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the computer.
  2. Open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and enter:
adb shell

su


rm /data/system/gesture.key


rm /data/system/locksettings.db


rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal


rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm


reboot

After the reboot, the pattern will be reset, but all data will remain in place. If the command su did not work, then the phone does not have root access - try. another method.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that USB debugging is enabled (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging).

Check drivers: installation may be required for Windows may require installation Google USB Driver.

Try another USB cable or port.

In the command line, enter adb devices - if the device is displayed, but with a mark unauthorized, confirm access on the phone screen.

Method 4: Unlock via Find My Device (for devices with Google)

If an account is linked on your phone Google and location services are enabled, you can use the service Find My DeviceThis method works even if USB debugging is disabled.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Go to the site google.com/android/find from a computer or another phone.
  2. Log in using the same account Googleas on the locked device.
  3. Select your phone in the list of devices.
  4. Click “Erase data» (Erase Device).
  5. Confirm the action - the phone will be reset to factory settings.

After rebooting, configure the device again. This method deletes all datais guaranteed to unlock the phone. Suitable for devices Pixel, Nokia, Motorola and others with a clean Android.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Oppo) function Find My Device can be disabled by the manufacturer. In this case, the service will not see the phone.

Method 5: Removing the key in Safe Mode (if a third-party launcher is installed)

If third-party launcher is installed on your phone (for example, Nova Launcher, Apex Launcher), you can try deleting the pattern via Safe Mode. This method does not work on all devices, but sometimes it helps to bypass the lock.

How to launch Safe Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the power button, and when the logo appears, press and hold the volume down buttonwhile the phone will not boot.
  3. The message “Safe Mode».

Next:

  • Go to Settings → Security → Screen lock.
  • Enter PIN code or password (if it was installed previously).
  • Delete or change the pattern.
  • Restart the phone in normal mode.

If this method does not work, then the blocking is implemented at the system level, and you need to use other methods (for example, ADB or Recovery).

💡

Safe Mode disables all third-party applications, but does not always allow you to change the system blocking settings. The effectiveness of the method depends on the firmware and phone model.

How to change the pattern key if the phone is unlocked?

If you just want update pattern password (for example, to a more complex one), do it through the settings:

  1. Open Settings → Security → Screen lock.
  2. Enter the current pattern (or PIN/password).
  3. Select "Pattern» (Pattern).
  4. Draw new combination (minimum 4 dots, preferably 6+ for security).
  5. Confirm the new key and save the changes.

Tips for creating a reliable key:

  • 🔐 Use at least 6 dots —this will complicate the selection.
  • 🚫 Avoid simple patterns (for example, the letters “L” or “Z”).
  • 🔄 Change the key periodically (every 3-6 months).
  • 📱 Set up backup PIN code in case you forget the pattern.

On Android 12+ you can add additional unlocking methods (for example, fingerprint or facial recognition) in the same security settings menu.

Frequently asked questions about the pattern lock on Android

Can data be restored after a reset via Recovery?

If before blocking it was enabled synchronization with Google (contacts, photos in Google Photos, notes), the data will be restored after logging into your account. Files on the internal memory (for example, downloads or screenshots) will be deleted permanentlyif there was no backup.

For the future: set up automatic backup in Settings → Google → Backup copying.

Why does it ask for the old pattern key after resetting?

This happens if the phone had data encryption. In this case, resetting via Recovery does not delete the encryption key, and the phone requires it to decrypt. data-i="260">or contacting a service center. full reset with data loss or contact the service center.

Does unlocking work through a Samsung/Xiaomi account?

Yes, some manufacturers have their own services:

  • Samsung: findmymobile.samsung.com — allows you to unlock the device through your account Samsung (preliminary linking is required).
  • Xiaomi: i.mi.com — the "Find device" function can reset the password (does not work on all models).
  • Huawei: Service cloud.huawei.com —requires an account Huawei ID.

These methods often require identity verification (for example, via SMS or backup email).

What to do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods did not work:

  1. Contact the service center manufacturer - they have specialized tools for unlocking (for example, Samsung uses Odin, Xiaomi — Mi Flash).
  2. Check if there is one for your model custom recovery (for example, TWRP) - it sometimes allows you to bypass the lock.
  3. If the phone is under warranty, do not try to unlock it yourself - this may void the warranty.