Protecting a smartphone with a password or pattern key is a basic security measure, but sooner or later every user is faced with the need to change it. Perhaps you suspect that someone has found out your current PIN, or you simply want to complicate the combination after purchasing a used phone. Or maybe the system itself requires updating the password after unsuccessful unlocking attempts. In any case, the procedure takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the nuances.

In this article we will analyze all current methods of changing the lock password on Android - from the standard path through the settings to bypassing through your Google account (if you have forgotten the current code). We will pay special attention Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor and Realme modelswhere the interface may differ. You will also learn what to do if the phone requires an old password for confirmation, but you don’t remember it, and how to avoid blocking the device after unsuccessful attempts.

Important: if your smartphone is linked to a corporate account (for example, via Microsoft Intune or VMware Workspace ONE), company security policies may restrict password changes. In this case, contact your IT department administrator.

1. Standard method: changing the password through Android settings

This is the most reliable and recommended method that works on 99% of devices running Android 8.0 Oreo and newer. The main condition is that you must know the current password, PIN or pattern to confirm your identity.

The instructions are universal for most brands, but we will indicate the features for popular manufacturers. If your phone model is not mentioned, follow the basic scheme.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy c One UI 5.0+), after changing the password, a reboot may be required to apply the changes. Do not interrupt the process if the screen freezes for a few seconds after saving.

Steps to change the password:

  • 📱 Open the application "Settings"** (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  • 🔒 Go to to section Security and privacy (on Xiaomi — Passwords and security, on Honor — Biometrics and password).
  • 🔑 Select Screen lock or Screen lock type.
  • 📝 Enter the current password/PIN/pattern to confirm.
  • 🔄 Select a new lock type (for example, change the PIN to a pattern or vice versa).
  • ✅ Enter the new password twice and save the changes.

Battery charge > 20%|Connect to Wi-Fi (for account synchronization)|Remember the current password|Check that the SIM card is active (for SMS codes)

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On Samsung Galaxy (for example, S23 Ultra or A54) the path may look like this: Settings → Lock screen → Screen lock type. Here you can also configure automatic unlocking safe places (for example, at home) via Smart Lock.

On Xiaomi Redmi or POCO after entering a new password, the system will offer to link it to your account. Mi AccountThis will help restore access if you forget the code in the future. Refuse to link. It is not recommended - without it, resetting the password will require a complete flashing of the device.

2. Changing the password through your Google account (if you forgot the current one)

If you do not remember the current lock password, but the phone is linked to your account Google, you can try resetting it using the function "Forgot" password? data-i="83">🔄 Synchronization with. This method does not work on all devices (depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer’s policy), but it often saves in critical situations.

Important: this method will only work if:

  • 📶 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • 🔄 Synchronization with Google.
  • 🔑 You remember the login and password for the account Googlethat was used on the phone.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, enter incorrect password 5 times in a row (on some models - 3 times).
  2. A message will appear Forgot your password? or Unlock via Google - click on it.
  3. Enter data from the account Googlethat is linked to the phone.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new lock password.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 Pie and newer (especially Samsung and OnePlus) this method may be disabled by default for security reasons. In this case, you will need hard reset (see section 4).

If the button Forgot your password? does not appear, try:

  • 🔄 Reboot the phone (sometimes it helps).
  • 📶 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (if the current one blocks access to Google servers).
  • 📞 Call the phone from another device - sometimes during a call you can access the settings.
What to do if unlocking via Google does not work?

On some devices (for example, Huawei without Google services or Samsung s Knox) this method is blocked. An alternative is to use Find My Device (find device) through a browser on a PC:

1. Go to device search page.

2. blocked phone.

3. Click “Lock device” and set a new password.

4. Confirm the action via SMS or backup email.

Please note: this method will only work if Remote control and Location.

3. Using biometric data (fingerprint/face) to change the password

If your phone is set to unlock by fingerprint or facial recognition, you can use it to confirm your identity when changing your password. This eliminates the need to remember the current PIN.

How it works:

  1. Go to Settings → Security → Screen lock.
  2. The system will ask for the current password - use instead biometrics (touch the scanner or look at the front camera).
  3. After successful authentication select a new lock type and set the code.

Method limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work if biometrics is disabled or broken (for example, the fingerprint scanner is damaged).
  • ❌ On some devices (for example Pixel 7) it is still required entering the current password once to confirm.
  • ❌ After resetting the biometric data through the settings, a reboot may be required.

On Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 i Note 20 there is an additional option - Unlock by face and PIN. It allows you to use face recognition as the main method, but requires a backup PIN. To change it:

  1. Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Face recognition.
  2. Select Alternative blocking.
  3. Enter the current PIN, then set a new one.
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If the fingerprint scanner does not work well, clean it with a dry cloth and re-register the fingerprint. On Samsung this is done in Settings → Biometrics → Fingerprints → Delete data → Add fingerprint.

4. Hard Reset is a last resort

If you completely forgot the password, and the previous methods did not work, all that remains is full reset (Hard Reset). This will delete all data from the phone, including applications, photos and messages, but will unlock the device.

Warnings before resetting:

  • 💀 All data will be irretrievably deleted (if there was no backup).
  • 🔒 After resetting, you may be required to enter data from Google accountthat was linked to the phone (protection FRP).
  • ⚠️ On some models (for example, Xiaomi s Mi Account) confirmation via SMS or email.

How to do a Hard Reset:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode (depending on the model):
    • Samsung: Volume up + Power button + Bixby (on older models).
    • Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Volume up + Power button.
    • Google Pixel: Volume down + Power button (hold for 10 seconds).
    • Honor/Huawei: Volume up + Power button (may be required on newer models connection to a PC).
  • In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (volume button control, confirmation - power button).
  • Confirm the action (Yes) and wait completion.
  • Reboot the phone (Reboot system now).
    • ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ and activated function File-Based Encryption (FBE) resetting may not remove the lock password. In this case, flashing via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).

    After reset:

    • 📱 The phone will start as new - initial setup will be required.
    • 🔑 If enabled FRP, enter data from the last used Google account.
    • ☁️ Restore data from a backup copy (if it was created via Google Drive or Mi Cloud).

    Yes, because of a forgotten password|Yes, for another reason|No, but I know how|No and I don’t plan to|I don’t know what it is-->

    Manufacturers often modify the Android interface, adding their own functions. security. Let's look at the nuances for top brands.

    Brand Features of changing the password Additional security options
    Samsung (One UI) Path: Settings → Lock screen → Lock type. via Samsung Account when reset. Samsung Knox (protection of corporate data), Secure Folder (encrypted storage).
    Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI) Path: Settings → Passwords and security → Screen lock. Linking to Mi Account is required for recovery. App Lock (blocking individual applications), Second Space (dual OS).
    Google Pixel (Stock Android) Path: Settings → Security → Screen lock. Supports Smart Lock (auto-unlock in secure places). Titan M (hardware security chip), Live Transcribe (secure input).
    Honor/Huawei (Magic UI/EMUI) Path: Settings → Biometrics and password → Lock screen. On new models without Google services, use Huawei ID. PrivateSpace (hidden profile), Face Unlock 3D (deep face scanning).
    Realme/Oppo (ColorOS) Path: Settings → Password and security → Screen lock password. Supports double password (for applications and screen). Safe Center (security monitoring), Fingerprint Quick Launch (quick launch of applications).

    On Samsung s One UI 5.0+ there is a function "Network and security lock"** (Settings → Connections → Additional network settings → Network blockingIt allows you to block changes to mobile network settings with a password - useful if children use the phone.

    On Xiaomi V MIUI 14 an option has appeared "Application protection"** (Settings → Passwords and security → Application protectionIt allows you to set a separate password for specific apps (for example, banking). or instant messengers), even if the main screen is unlocked.

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    On devices with Android 12+ when changing the password, the system may require confirmation via two-factor authentication (SMS or email). access to backup communication channels.

    6. Common errors and how to avoid them

    Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems and their solutions.

    Error 1: “Incorrect.” password" when entering the current code

    • 🔢 Make sure that it is not turned on Caps Lock (case matters!).
    • 🔄 If you use a pattern, try swiping slower or faster.
    • 📵 On some phones (for example, Sony Xperia) after 10 unsuccessful attempts, you need to wait 30 minutes.

    Error 2: “Failed to change password”

    • ☁️ Check your Internet connection - some devices require synchronization with servers Google.
    • 🔋 Make sure the battery charge is > 15% (on Huawei password reset is blocked when the battery is low).
    • 🔄 Reboot the phone and try again.

    Error 3: After changing the password, fingerprints stopped working

    • 👆 Re-register your fingerprints in the biometrics settings.
    • 🔒 Make sure that the Settings → Security → Screen lock option is enabled Fingerprint unlocking.
    • 📱 On Samsung resetting biometric settings may help: Settings → Biometrics → Delete all data.
    ⚠️ Attention: If after changing the password the phone no longer recognizes the SIM card, check settings Security → Other security settings → SIM card encryption. Automatic encryption may have turned on, which is blocking the network.

    Error 4: Forgot your password Google account after reset

    If after Hard Reset the phone requires data from Googlethat you do not remember:

    1. Try to restore access through Google recovery page.
    2. If the account is corporate, contact the administrator.
    3. On Samsung you can try to bypass FRP via Odin (firmware skills are required).

    7. How to come up with a strong lock password

    A weak password is like an unlocked door for scammers. According to research Kaspersky, 23% of users use simple combinations like 1234 or 0000, which are cracked in seconds. We have collected rules for creating a reliable code:

    What NOT to do:

    • ❌ Use dates of birth, names of loved ones or phone numbers.
    • ❌ Set the same password for locking and banking applications.
    • ❌ Choose short PIN codes (less than 6 characters).
    • ❌ Store the password in notes or screenshots on the phone.

    Recommendations for creating:

    • 🔢 For PIN: a combination of 8+ digits with alternating even/odd (for example, 7294-1863).
    • 🔤 For a text password: 10+ characters with capital letters, numbers and signs (Tr0ub4dour&3).
    • 🎨 For a pattern key: complex figure (not a cross or square), affecting 6+ points.

    Example of a reliable pattern key:

    

    ● — ● — ●
    

    /
    

    ● — ●
    

    \
    

    ● — ● — ●

    Memorization tips:

    • 🎵 Convert a line from a song to numbers (for example, "Hey Jude" → 439 5833).
    • 📍 Use the first letters of the phrase ("My cat loves fish" → Mklr7!).
    • 🔄 Change your password every 3-6 months (set a reminder in Google Keep).
    💡

    On Samsung and Google Pixel can be turned on automatic erasure of data. data-i="322">Settings → Security → Auto Erase after 15 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password. This will protect the information if it is stolen, but will also delete everything if you forget the code. It is included in Settings → Security → Auto Erase.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to change the lock password without losing data?

    Yes, if you know the current password, use the standard method through the settings (section 1). but the phone is tied to Google account, try the method from section 2. As a last resort, you will have to do Hard Reset (section 4), but this will delete all data.

    Why did notifications stop working after changing the password?

    This may be due to the fact that some applications (for example, instant messengers) are tied to the old password to encrypt notifications. Restart your phone and check your notification settings in Settings → Applications → [Messenger name] → Notifications. Also make sure that the mode is not enabled Do not disturb.

    How to change the password on a phone with a broken screen?

    If the sensor is not works, but the screen is visible:

    1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB and use the mouse (on Samsung s DeX or via Scrcpy).
    2. If the screen does not respond at all, connect the keyboard via OTG and use the keys Tab/Enter for navigation.
    3. As a last resort, do Hard Reset (section 4), but this will delete all data.

    On Xiaomi s MIUI you can try to unlock via Mi Cloud (if synchronization is enabled).

    What to do if the phone requires the old password after resetting?

    This happens due to the function File-Based Encryption (FBE) on Android 10+Solutions:

    • Enter the old password if you remember.
    • If you don’t remember, reflash the phone via Fastboot or Odin (for Samsung).
    • On some models, rolling back to an older version of Android with a subsequent update helps.

    ⚠️ Without firmware skills, it is better to contact a service center.

    Is it possible to disable the lock password completely?

    Technically yes, but highly not recommended. Without a password, your data (photos, messages, banking applications) becomes vulnerable to theft. If the password is annoying, use it. alternatives:

    • Biometrics (fingerprint or face) + backup PIN.
    • Smart Lock (auto-unlock at home/at work).
    • Pattern key (easier to enter, but less reliable).

    To disable the password:

    1. Go to Settings → Security → Screen lock.
    2. Select an option No or Swipe (swipe).
    3. Confirm the action with the current password.