Users of mobile devices often encounter a situation where a pattern key, PIN code or digital password is forgotten. On devices with an operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow this problem is especially acute, since old methods of bypassing the blocking no longer work here, and new security systems require Google account verification. If you have forgotten your access code, you have several solutions, but it is important to understand the risks of data loss.
Resetting the lock on this version of the OS can be done either through the recovery menu Recovery Modeor using remote management services. The choice of a specific method depends on whether the Internet is turned on on the device, whether data-i="34">is connected and whether you have access to a computer. In some cases, the only way out is to completely clear the device's memory. Google account and whether you have access to a computer. In some cases, the only way out is to completely clear the device's memory.
Before taking drastic measures, evaluate the importance of the data stored on the phone. Photos, contacts and messages may be permanently lost when using standard reset procedures. However, if access to the system is critical and there are no backup copies, you will have to take this step to restore the functionality of the gadget.
Using the Find My Device service for remote unlocking
The most civilized and safest way to restore access to a smartphone without losing data (in rare cases) or with minimal consequences is to use the official service from Google. The service Find My Device (formerly Android Device Manager) allows you to manage a locked device remotely if it has an activated Internet connection and geolocation is enabled.
First, you need to log into your Google account from any other device, be it a computer or a tablet. Go to the official page of the service and log in using the same login that was used on the locked phone. The system will automatically try to determine the location of your gadget and display it on the map.
If the device is successfully found, you will see several options in the control menu: “Ring”, “Block” and “Clear”. We need the Erase function. Pressing this button initiates the remote factory reset to factory state. This will erase all data, including the forgotten password, and return the phone to "out of the box" condition.
⚠️ Warning: Using the "Wipe" function in Find My Device will completely erase all user data from the phone's internal memory. Photos, applications and files will be erased without the possibility of recovery.
After executing the command, the phone will reboot. When you turn it on for the first time, the system will ask you to enter your Google account information to confirm ownership (FRP protection). This is a mandatory security measure in Android 6.0, preventing the use of stolen devices.
Make sure that data transfer is turned on on the locked phone or it is connected to Wi-Fi, otherwise the command from the Google server will not reach the device.
Resetting the password via Recovery mode (Hard Reset)
If remote control is not possible due to lack of Internet on the phone, the only working option is to use recovery mode. This method, known as Hard Resetis performed completely offline and does not require a network or computer connection. It is universal for most manufacturers using Android 6.
The process of entering recovery mode varies depending on the device model and manufacturer. Usually this is a combination of physical buttons that must be pressed when the device is turned off. Most often, a combination of the power button and one of the volume buttons is used.
☑️ Algorithm for entering Recovery Mode
When you find yourself in the menu Android Recovery, control is carried out by the volume buttons (up/down to move) and the power button (to confirm the selection). You need to find the item called wipe data/factory reset. Be extremely careful when navigating so as not to select unnecessary items.
After selecting the reset item, the system will ask for confirmation of the action, since this is an irreversible operation. Select item Yes — delete all user data or similar. The formatting process will take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, after which the phone will prompt you to reboot.
| Manufacturer | Button combination | Input features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Volume Up + Home + Power | On models without the Home button: Volume Up + Bixby + Power |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Volume Up + Power | Sometimes you need to connect the charger |
| LG | Volume Down + Power | You need to release and hold Power again when logo |
| Sony | Volume Down + Power | The indicator vibrates upon successful entry |
| Meizu | Volume Up + Power | The menu may differ from the standard Android Recovery |
This means that when you first set up the phone will require you to enter the password for the Google account that was synchronized with the device before it was blocked. If you do not remember this data, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone.
What to do if the buttons do not respond?
If the button combination does not lead to the Recovery menu appearing, try connecting the phone to the computer via a USB cable before pressing the buttons. On some models (for example, LG or OnePlus) this is a prerequisite for entering recovery mode. Also make sure that the battery is charged at least 30%.
Bypassing the lock via Google account on the input screen
Some builds of Android 6.0 Marshmallow still have the ability to reset the pattern directly from the lock screen if the device is connected to the network. This method does not require a complete data reset, but only works if a number of strict conditions are met, which are increasingly rare.
The essence of the method is to repeatedly enter the key incorrectly. After 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the system may temporarily block input and offer the option “Forgot your pattern?” or “Forgot your PIN?” By clicking on this button, you will be taken to the authorization window.
- 📶 Make sure that Wi-Fi or mobile data is active on your phone (the icon should be in the status bar).
- 🔑 Enter the login and password for your main Google account.
- 🔄 After successful authorization the system will offer to set a new screen lock method or disable it altogether.
It is worth noting that in the 2016-2017 security updates, this function was gradually removed from most firmwares. If you do not see the restore access button after many attempts, it means that your firmware version requires more radical measures described in the previous sections.
Sometimes the challenge trick helps. If your phone has a SIM card, you can try calling it from another number. During an incoming call, try minimizing the call screen and getting to the settings menu or calling the Google Assistant, although in Android 6 access from the lock is very limited compared to newer versions.
Using ADB to delete lock files
For advanced users who had previously enabled USB debuggingon their phone, there is a method for resetting the password through a computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) toolkit. This method allows you to delete the system file that stores access key data without losing user files.
You will need to install ADB drivers on your computer and connect your phone with a cable. If the device is recognized correctly and debugging is enabled, you will be able to run the command via the command line. However, on Android 6, this method often does not work due to changes in the system file permissions structure.
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.keyadb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
After running these commands, you must restart the device. On some firmware this actually erases the key and you can enter by entering any graphic. But it is worth considering that modern data encryption mechanisms in Android 6 can make this method useless, since the keys can be tied to a hardware identifier.
⚠️ Attention: The ADB method only works if “USB Debugging” was previously activated in the “For Developers” menu. If this option was turned off, the computer will not have access to the phone's file system.
If you do not have debugging enabled, this method is useless. Don't waste time installing complex software if you haven't activated this feature in advance. In this case, return to the Hard Reset method via Recovery.
Features of FRP protection in Android 6.0
Starting with Android version 5.1 and continuing in the sixth version, Google has implemented a tough anti-theft system known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This means that a simple button reset no longer allows an attacker (or a forgetful owner) to just start using the phone.
After performing a Hard Reset, the phone checks when it first boots up to see if any Google account has previously been synced. If yes, then the system requires you to enter the password for this account. Entering any other account, even if it is also yours, but was not the main one on this device, will be rejected.
This security measure was created to make the theft of a smartphone pointless. Even after flashing or resetting, the phone remains a “brick” for an outsider without access to the owner’s mail. For an honest user, this means the need to remember your credentials.
FRP blocking is activated automatically when adding the first Google account to the device. You can disable it only by completely deleting the account in the settings before selling or resetting the phone.
There are situations when the user changed the email password recently and the phone has not yet had time to synchronize the new data before blocking. In this case, try entering the old password that may have been stored in the system cache. Sometimes this helps to pass the verification.
Preventing loss of access and creating backup copies
In order not to encounter the problem of unlocking in the future, it is necessary to regularly take preventive measures. The most important of them is setting up automatic data backup to the cloud. In Android 6, this is done through the Google account settings.
Go to Settings → Recovery and reset and make sure the “Data backup” checkbox is active. This will save your contacts, Wi-Fi settings and app list. It is also recommended to set up the “Find Device” function so that if you lose your password, you can have remote control.
- 📝 Write down your pattern or PIN code in a safe place, inaccessible to others.
- ☁️ Regularly check that contacts and photos are synchronized with the cloud.
- 🔐 Use a password manager to store account data.
Don't forget to periodically check the health of your Google account. Try logging into your email from your computer to make sure you remember your password and recovery phone number. This will save you a lot of nerves in a critical situation.
If you plan to sell or give the phone to another person, be sure to reset it the correct way: go to settings, remove your Google account from the list of devices, and only then reset the data. This ensures that the new owner has no problems with FRP.
Is it possible to disable FRP permanently?
It is impossible to completely disable FRP at the system level without root access, since this is a built-in protection of the platform. However, if you delete all Google accounts from the Accounts menu before resetting, the protection will not activate the next time you turn it on.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will resetting my password delete all my photos and contacts?
Yes, in most cases, reset methods password on Android 6, such as Hard Reset via Recovery or remote wipe via Find My Device, imply a complete formatting of the user memory partition. All photos, videos, installed applications and files will be deleted. The exceptions are data saved on the SD memory card (unless it was formatted as internal memory) and data synchronized with the Google cloud.
What should I do if the phone asks for an account that I deleted or don’t remember?
It was FRP protection that triggered. You need to remember the details of the account that was last added to the device before it was blocked. If you don't remember your password, try to restore access to your mail via your computer on the Google website. Entering a new account created after the reset will not help you get past this blocking stage.
Is it possible to unlock a phone without losing data on Android 6?
The chances are extremely low. There were vulnerabilities in versions of Android 4 and early 5 that allowed this to happen. Android 6 has significantly improved security. The only chance is if the “Forgot the key” function works on the lock screen if you have the Internet, or if you had USB debugging enabled and you are using ADB, but this does not guarantee success due to encryption.
Will calling your phone help to remove the lock?
On Android 6, this method practically does not work. In older versions, you could get to the settings through the call menu, but in Marshmallow, access to the settings from the lock screen is closed. A call can only allow you to answer the call, but will not give you access to the system to change your password.
Is it safe to use third-party apps to reset your password?
Be careful. Most apps that promise to “remove password without losing data” on new versions of Android are scams or contain viruses. Official methods from Google or standard Hard Reset are the only reliable methods. Using unknown software may break the phone software.