Forgotten smartphone password is a situation that almost every user has encountered. Android. If you cannot remember your pattern, PIN or password, do not rush to take your phone to a service center. In most cases, you can unlock the device yourself - using the linked one. This method works on most devices up to Google Account. This method works on most devices up to Android 9 Pie inclusive, as well as on some models with newer OS versions (provided that the function Find My Device is activated).

In this article we will look in detail at how to reset your password via Google Account, what nuances are important to consider, and what to do if the standard method does not work. You will also learn about hidden limitations of the methodthat smartphone manufacturers (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei) implement in their firmware. Ready to regain access to your phone without losing data? Then let's get started!

Why can Google Account unlock Android?

The unlocking function through Google Account was introduced in the early versions Android as a backup option in case you lose your password. It is based on linking the device to the account Googlethat the user specifies when turning on the smartphone for the first time. When you try to unlock your phone and enter the wrong password several times, the system offers a recovery option via email and Google Account password. However, with the release of newer versions, many manufacturers began to abandon this method for security reasons. Now it is guaranteed to work only on: Google.

However, with the release Android 10 and newer versions, many manufacturers have begun to abandon this method for safety reasons. Now it is guaranteed to work only on:

  • 📱 Devices with Android 9 Pie and lower (for example, Samsung Galaxy S8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7).
  • 🔓 Some models with Android 10/11if the function Find My Device is enabled in settings.
  • 🛠️ Smartphones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where the developers saved this option.

If your phone was released after 2020, most likely, this method will not work. In this case, you will have to use alternative methods - we will talk about them at the end. articles.

📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Huawei
Google Pixel
Another brand

Preparation: what you need to do before resetting your password

Before you start unlocking, make sure that all prerequisites are met:

Make sure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network

Know the email and password for the Google Account associated with the device

Have access to another device (PC, tablet, second phone) to log into your account

Check the battery charge (minimum 30%. data-i="71">Google recovery page

If you don't remember your password Google Account, first restore it via Google recovery page. Without this data, you will not be able to unlock the phone. Also note:

  • 🔋 If the phone is low, connect it to a charger. Interrupting the process may lead to data loss.
  • 🌐 The device must have access to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network). No connection. data-i="75">will not be able to confirm your identity. Google will not be able to confirm your identity.
  • 📧 If two-factor authentication (2FA) is enabled on your phone, you will need a code from SMS or application Google Authenticator.
⚠️ Attention: If you are trying to unlock someone else's phone without the owner's permission, this is against the law. These instructions are intended only to restore access to yours device.

Step-by-step guide: resetting your password via Google Account

Now let's move on to the process itself. The instructions are suitable for most devices on Android 9 Pie and below. If you have a newer OS version, skip this section and read about alternative methods.

Step 1. Enter any password (or pattern) on the lock screen 5 times in a row. After the fifth unsuccessful attempt, the system will offer a recovery option via Google AccountClick on the button. data-i="87">or Forgot your password? or Forgot pattern? (depending on the interface language).

Step 2. In the window that opens, enter emailthat was associated with the phone. If you do not remember the exact address, try all possible options. After entering the email, click Next.

Step 3. In the next window, enter Google Account password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm your login via SMS or authenticator application. After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new password or pattern to unlock the screen.

Step 4. Create and enter new password (or draw a pattern). Confirm the changes. The phone will unlock and you will have access to the main screen.

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If after entering Google data the system displays the "Invalid password" error, try reset your account password on another device, and then try again.

Phone model Supports unlocking via Google? Alternative method
Samsung Galaxy S9 (Android 9) ✅ Yes Find My Mobile (service Samsung)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Android 10) ❌ No (only through Mi Account) Reset via Fastboot or Recovery
Google Pixel 3 (Android 11) ⚠️ Partially (only if enabled Find My Device) Remote unlock via Google Find My Device
Huawei P30 (Android 10) ❌ No Reset via Huawei ID or eRecovery
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) after unlocking via Google Account Additional authorization may be required through the manufacturer's proprietary account (Mi Account, Huawei ID). Without this, the phone will remain blocked.

What to do if the method does not work?

If, after several attempts to unlock the phone through Google Account failed, the reasons may be as follows:

  • 🔄 The device works on Android 10+where the function is disabled by default.
  • 🔒 The manufacturer has blocked this method (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei).
  • 📵 The Internet is turned off on the phone, and Google cannot confirm the data.
  • 🔑 Account Google was not linked to the device initially.

In such cases, try alternative methods:

1. Unlocking via Find My Device (Google)

If the function is enabled on the phone Find My Device and it is connected to the Internet, you can:

  1. Go to the site Google Find My Device from another device.
  2. Login using the same Google Accountas on the locked phone.
  3. Select your device in the list and click Lock device.
  4. Enter a new temporary password that will replace the current one.

2. Reset after Recovery Mode (data loss!)

If other methods did not work, remains hard reset through recovery mode. This will delete all data from the phone, including applications, photos and settings. Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the button combination to enter Recovery (for example, Power + Volume Up for Samsung or Power + Volume Down for Google Pixel).
  3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (controlled by the volume and power buttons).
  4. Confirm the reset and wait for the reboot.
What will happen after resetting via Recovery?

After a hard reset, the phone will return to factory settings. You will need to reconfigure it as after purchase. All data (photos, messages, applications) will be deleted if there was no backup in Google Drive or another cloud.

3.

Some brands offer their own tools for unlocking:

  • 📱 Samsung: service Find My Mobile (required Samsung Account).
  • 📱 Xiaomi: unlocking via Mi Account (requires a linked account).
  • 📱 Huawei: recovery via Huawei ID.
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If the phone is locked after resetting via Recovery, protection may be enabled FRP (Factory Reset Protection)In this case, you will need authorization through the Google Account that was linked before the reset.

How to avoid blocking in the future?

To avoid collisions with the problem of a forgotten password again, follow these tips:

  • 🔐 Use password manager (for example, Google Password Manager or 1Password) to store complex combinations.
  • 📱 Set backup to Settings → System → Backup (data will be saved to Google Drive).
  • 🔄 Enable Find My Device in the security settings - this will help you unlock your phone remotely.
  • 📝 Write down the PIN code or pattern in a safe place (for example, in a notepad or encrypted file).

We also recommend add spare fingerprint or face recognition (if the phone supports these functions). This will simplify unlocking if you forget the main password.

⚠️ Attention: If you are selling or transfer the phone to another person, be sure to reset via Settings → System → Reset settings. This will delete your Google Account and protect your data from unauthorized access.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When unlocking through Google. Account users often encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones and ways to solve them:

Error Cause Solution
"Incorrect email or password" Mistyped data or account not linked to phone Check the correctness of the input, recover the password via Google
"The device is not connected to the Internet" There is no Wi-Fi or mobile network Connect to the network through the notification panel (if available) or insert a SIM card
"The function has been disabled by the administrator" The phone is controlled via MDM (corporate device) Contact your company's IT department
"Too many attempts" The number of password entry attempts has been exceeded Wait 30 minutes or restart the phone

If you see a message "This unlocking method is not available", it means that the manufacturer has disabled this function in the firmware. In this case, only alternative methods remain (for example, resetting via Recovery or contact the service center).

Is it possible to unlock Android via Google Account if the phone is not connected to the Internet?

No, to authorize via Google you must have a network connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). Without the Internet, the system will not be able to check your account data. If there is a button on the lock screen Emergency call, try turning on data transfer through it or connecting to Wi-Fi (on some models this is possible).

I entered the correct email and password, but the phone says "Authentication error". What should I do?

This error can occur for several reasons:

  • The account Google was not linked to the phone initially.
  • Two-factor authentication is enabled on your device, but you have not entered a verification code.
  • The manufacturer has blocked this method (for example, on Xiaomi or Huawei).

Try to restore access via Find My Device or perform a reset via Recovery.

Will this method work on Android 12 or Android 13?

Starting from Android 10, most manufacturers have disabled unlocking via Google Account for security reasons, however, on some devices (for example, Google Pixel) this method may work if the feature is enabled Find My Deviceis enabled. For new versions Android we recommend using remote unlocking via the website Google or proprietary services of the manufacturer.

Is it possible to unlock the phone without losing data?

If unlocking via Google Account or Find My Device does not work, then the only way to bypass the blocking without losing data is to contact a service center. data-i="257">or Recovery or Fastboot will lead to the deletion of all information from the device. If backup was enabled on your phone, you can restore some of the data after unlocking. Google Drive, you will be able to recover some of the data after unlocking.

What to do if I don’t remember my email, linked to the phone?

If you forgot which Google Account was linked to the device, try the following steps:

  1. Try all the email addresses that you used on this phone.
  2. Check your mailboxes for letters from Google Play —there may be information about the device.
  3. If the phone was synchronized with Google Photos, check the photos on another device—there may be clues there.
  4. Contact support Google and provide proof of ownership of the device (receipts, box, etc.).