How to reset a password on a ZTE phone: a complete guide with instructions

Forgotten password on a smartphone ZTE can become serious problem, especially if the device stores important data or is linked to work accounts. Unlike iPhone, where unlocking often requires contacting a service center, Android devices (including models ZTE Blade, Nubia or Avid) offer several ways to reset the password - from standard methods through Google account to technical solutions using Recovery mode or ADB.

It is important to understand that not all methods are suitable for all versions of Android and models ZTE. For example, resetting via Find My Device works only with an active Internet connection and a linked Google account, while resetting via hard reset is still available recovery deletes all data from the device. In this article we will look at 5 current unlocking methodsincluding little-known techniques for older models ZTE on Android 5-7, where a bypass via ADB.

If you are not sure in your technical skills, it is better to immediately go to the section about contacting a service center - incorrect actions can lead to total loss of data or even “bricking” the device (when the phone stops turning on).

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

This method works on most devices ZTEreleased before 2019, if you previously added a Google account and enabled synchronization. After 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, the system will offer a recovery option via email.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enter any password 5 times in a row until the message appears "Forgot your pattern key?" or "Forgot your password?".
2. Click on this text and the Google data entry window will open.
3. Indicate the email and password for the account that was linked to the phone.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new password or pattern.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions of Android (10 and higher), this method may not work due to stricter security policies. Also, the method will not work if the Internet is turned off on the device or if it was previously reset to factory settings without deleting the Google account (the so-called FRP lock).

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

Remember the email and password from the linked Google account

The device has an Android version lower than 10.0

There was no preliminary reset via Recovery (to avoid FRP)

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Method 2: Remote reset via Find My Device

Service Find My Device from Google allows you not only to track the location of the phone, but also perform remote resetincluding a password. The main condition is that the device must be:

• 📶 Connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 🔄 The function is enabled "Find device" in Google settings.
• 🔒 Linked to your Google account (even if you don't remember your phone password).

How to reset password:

1. Go to the site Find My Device from another device.
2. Login using the same Google account as on the blocked one ZTE.
3. Select your device in the list (if there are several of them).
4. Click "Erase data" ("Erase Device").
5. Confirm the action - the phone will be reset to factory settings and the password will be deleted.

⚠️ Attention: After resetting via Find My Device on some models ZTE (for example, Blade A7 or Nubia Z20) you may need to re-enter your Google account information due to FRP locks. If you do not remember your Google password, unlocking your phone will be more difficult - you will need to bypass FRP (described in method 4).

What to do, if Find My Device does not see the device?

If the phone does not appear in the list of devices, check:

1. Internet connection —mobile data and Wi-Fi may be disabled on the device.

2. Account settings —sign in to the same Google account that was used on phone.

3. Find device function —if it was disabled in the settings, a remote reset is not possible.

4. Battery status —if the phone is low, it will not appear in service.

Method 3: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (full reset)

If the previous methods did not work, it remains hard reset through recovery mode (Recovery Mode). the method deletes all data from the phone, including photos, contacts and installed applications, but is guaranteed to remove the password lock.

Instructions for ZTE:

1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of buttons to enter Recovery:
   • For most models ZTE Blade: Volume up + Power.
   • For ZTE Nubia: Volume up + Volume down + Power.
   • For ZTE Avid: Volume down + Power.

Hold the buttons until the logo ZTE or menu appears Recovery.

In the Recovery menu, select "Wipe data/factory reset" (use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to confirm).

Confirm the action by selecting "Yes — Delete all user data".

After reset, select "Reboot system now".

Model ZTE	Combination for Recovery	Features
ZTE Blade A3, A5, A7	Volume up + Power	Menu in English, sensor does not work
ZTE Nubia Z17, Z20	Volume up + Volume down + Power	You may need to connect to a PC to unlock the bootloader
ZTE Avid 579, 589	Volume down + Power	On some firmware, the reset takes up to 10 minutes
ZTE Axon 7, 9	Volume up + Power	After reset requires entering Google data (FRP)

⚠️ Attention: On new models ZTE (2020 and newer) after a hard reset, it may work FRP lock (Factory Reset Protection). It will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone - you will need to bypass FRP (see method 4) or contact the service.

Method 4: Bypassing the password via ADB (for advanced users)

Method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) suitable for devices ZTE on Android 5.0–7.1, where there were no strict restrictions on access through debugging. If USB debuggingwas previously enabled on your phone, you can try deleting the file with the password using the ADB command.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ZTE i ADB Tools.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 USB debugging enabled (if not, the method will not work).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   If the device is shown in the list, proceed further.

4. Delete the password file:

   adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

   or for the PIN code:

   adb shell rm /data/system/password.key

5. Reboot the phone:

   adb reboot

After rebooting, the password should be reset, but data on the phone will be saved (as opposed to a hard reset). If the command does not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell
su
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
sqlite3 settings.db
update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';
update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';
.quit
reboot

⚠️ Attention: On Android 8.0 and later this method does not work due to changes in the security system. It also does not work if USB debugging has been disabled. Incorrect use of ADB can lead to data loss or damage to system files.

Method 5: Bypass FRP lock after reset

If after a hard reset the phone ZTE requires you to enter the details of the Google account that was on it previously (the so-called FRP blocking), and you don’t remember them, you will need to bypass this protection. Bypass methods depend on the model and version of Android.

Options for bypassing FRP on ZTE:

• 📱 For Android 5.1–7.0: Use a vulnerability in the Wi-Fi settings or emergency call (calling emergency services). For example, on some models ZTE Blade you can open the keyboard through the emergency call menu, then go to settings and reset your Google account.
• 🖥️ For Android 8.0–9.0: You will need special software like FRP Bypass APK or D&G Unlock Tool, which is installed via an OTG cable.
• 🔧 For Android 10 and later: Bypass is only possible via service cable (for example, EDL) or in a service center, since the vulnerabilities are practically eliminated.

Example of bypass via OTG (Android 8.0):

1. Download the file to a flash drive FRP_Bypass.apk (can be found on thematic forums).
2. Connect the OTG cable to the phone and insert the flash drive.
3. In the Wi-Fi settings menu, click "Add network" and enter any text.
4. Select the text, click "Share" and select "File manager".
5. Install FRP_Bypass.apk and follow the instructions applications to reset FRP.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing FRP may violate Google's terms of service, and some methods are considered illegalif the phone does not belong to you. Also, after bypass, you may need to re-configure the device.

Method 6: Contacting the ZTE service center

If all the previous methods did not work or you are afraid of damaging the phone, the most reliable way is to contact to official ZTE service center or an authorized workshop. Advantages of this option:

• 🔧 Guaranteed unlocking without the risk of damaging the device.
• 📄 Retention of the warranty (if it is still valid).
• 🔒 Possibility of unlocking even with FRP without loss data (in some cases).

What is required for unlocking in the service:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (receipts, warranty card).
• 🔑 Phone box (sometimes required to confirm the model).
• 💳 Payment for the service (the cost varies from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the complexity).

Average cost of unlocking in service centers:

Type of blocking	Cost (₽)	Timeframe
Password/pattern reset	500–1000	10–30 minutes
Bypass FRP (Android 5–7)	800–1500	30–60 minutes
FRP bypass (Android 8–11)	1500–2500	1–2 hours
Data recovery after a reset	2000–5000	1–3 days

⚠️ Attention: Before contacting the service, make sure that the center has an official accreditation ZTE. Unofficial workshops may use illegal unlocking methods, which will lead to loss of warranty or damage to the firmware.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to reset the password on ZTE without losing data?

Yes, but only if it was previously enabled USB debugging and you can use ADB (method 4). In all other cases (hard reset, Find My Device) the data will be deleted. If there is important information on the phone, it is better to contact a service center - sometimes specialists can save part of the data.

What to do if after resetting the phone asks for the old PIN code?

This means that the reset was performed incorrectly. Try:

1. Repeat Wipe data/factory reset in Recovery.
2. If the phone asks for a SIM card PIN code, enter the PUK code (indicated on the SIM package or from the operator).
3. If a Google account password is required, use the FRP bypass method (method 5).

Does reset via Samsung account work on ZTE?

No, the service Find My Mobile from Samsung works only on devices of this brand. To ZTE use Find My Device from Google (method 2) or other methods from this article.

How to find the Android version on a locked ZTE?

If the phone is completely locked, you can find out the Android version:

• Via Recovery Mode —sometimes the version is indicated in the menu.
• By phone model—find it on the box or under the battery (if removable), then check the specifications on the Internet.
• Via Fastboot Mode —connect the phone to the PC and enter the command:

  fastboot getvar version-bootloader

Can I unlock ZTE via IMEI?

No, IMEI is used to identify the device on the network, but not to unlock the password. However, using IMEI you can:

• Check the phone for originality.
• Block the device through the operator (if stolen).
• Restore access to your Google account (if linked to a phone number).

To unlock the password, IMEI will not help - use the methods from this article.