Forgot your phone PIN code or your child accidentally locked the screen after the tenth unsuccessful attempt? The situation is familiar to millions of users Android —according to statistics, every fifth smartphone owner has at least once encountered an unlocking problem. Luckily, there are several ways to reset your digital password, and not all of them result in data loss. In this article we will look at legitimate methods (via Google account, Smart Lock, ADB) and extreme measures (Hard Reset, bypassing FRP), and also tell you how to minimize the risks of blocking.

It is important to understand: the effectiveness of the method depends on the version Android, device model and security settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0 reset via Find My Mobile works differently than on "clean" Android 13 from Google Pixel. We have collected universal instructions, but some steps may require adaptation to your firmware.

We warn you right away: if your phone has FRP protection (Factory Reset Protection) enabled, after resetting via Recovery you will need to enter data from a previously linked Google account. This is a measure against theft, and it is legally impossible to bypass it - only through the official services of the manufacturer (for example, Samsung Members or Xiaomi Service).

1. Unlocking through a Google account (for Android 4.4–9.0)

This is the easiest method, but it only works on outdated versions of Android (up to Android 10 inclusive). Modern devices with Android 11+ block this bypass due to stricter security policies. If your smartphone was released before 2019, try the following:

  • 🔹 Enter any password 5 times in a row until the message appears "Forgot your pattern key?" or "Forgot your PIN?".
  • 🔹 Click on this message - the system will prompt you to enter data from the Google account that was tied to the device.
  • 🔹 Enter your email and password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need a code from SMS or application Google Authenticator.
  • 🔹 After successful authorization, the device will unlock and you can set a new password.

Why did this method stop working? Starting from Android 10, Google has removed the feature unlocking through the account due to vulnerabilities. Attackers could reset the password on a stolen phone, knowing only the victim’s email. Currently, this method is only available on old firmware or custom builds (for example, LineageOS).

⚠️ Attention: If you bought the phone secondhand and do not know the details of the previous owner, this method will not work. In this case, In this case, there is only Hard Reset (see section 5), but after that you will need to bypass the FRP.
📊 What version of Android does your smartphone have?
Android 10 or older
Android 9.0–8.0
Android 7.0 or lower
Not know

2. Using Smart Lock (if the function has been configured)

Smart Lock is a function Androidthat automatically unlocks the device in trusted conditions: when you are at home, connected to a familiar Wi-Fi network, wearing a watch on your wrist or using a Bluetooth device (for example, a car radio). If you have set up Smart Lock before, the chance of unlocking the phone without resetting the data is very high. Android Wear-watch or using a Bluetooth device (for example, a car stereo). If you have set up Smart Lock before, the chance of unlocking your phone without resetting your data is very high.

How it works:

  1. Bring the phone to trusted place (for example, home, where geolocation unlocking was previously enabled).
  2. Connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device (for example, a fitness bracelet Mi Band).
  3. Try to unlock the screen - if Smart Lock works, the system will skip entering the password.

If you don’t remember whether you set up Smart Lock, check this:

  • 🔍 Try bringing the phone to a place where you often go (work, home, car).
  • 🔍 Connect any Bluetooth device that was previously connected to your smartphone.
  • 🔍 Look at the lock screen - if there is a small inscription at the bottom "Unlock by trusted device", the function is active.

Smart Lock can work even after several unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, if the device recognizes a trusted environment. However, after 10-15 incorrect attempts, some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) block this method for 24 hours.

💡

If you Samsung s One UI, try connecting the phone to a charger - sometimes this works as a “trusted action” for Smart Lock.

3. Unlocking via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

This method is suitable if you have previously connected it to the computer. USB debugging mode is enabled (USB Debugging) and you have previously connected it to your computer. The method works on any version Android, but requires preliminary preparation. If debugging is not activated, proceed to the next section.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with drivers installed Android SDK (or at least Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 📱 Phone with at least 30% battery discharge (so as not to turn off during the process).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect the phone to the computer via USB.
  2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter: 
    adb devices

    If the device is shown in the list, move on. If not, install the drivers or try a different cable.

  3. Enter the commands one by one: 
    adb shell

    su
    

    rm /data/system/gesture.key (for pattern key)
    

    or
    

    rm /data/system/password.key (for PIN code)

  4. Reboot your phone: 
    reboot

After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If appears. error "su: not found", which means the phone does not have rights root —in this case, the method will not work.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files gesture.key or password.key may cause system applications to crash on some firmware (for example, MIUI). If after unlocking the phone starts to fail, reset via Recovery.

Install Android SDK drivers on PC

Enable USB Debugging on the phone (if not already locked)

Prepare the original USB cable

Charge the phone at least 30%

Download Minimal ADB and Fastboot (if there is no full SDK)-->

4. Bypass blocking via Find My Device (for devices with a Google account)

Service Find My Device from Google allows you not only to find your lost phone, but also delete all data remotely. This will lead to a password reset, but also all files, photos and applications will be erased. The method works on any device with a linked Google account, but after resetting you may need to bypass FRP.

Instructions:

  1. Go to the website Find My Device from a computer or another phone.
  2. Login using the same Google account that is linked to the blocked device.
  3. Select your smartphone in the list of devices.
  4. Click "Erase data" and confirm the action.
  5. Wait for the process to complete (may take up to 30 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will reboot to the “out of the box” state. On modern devices (Android 8.0+), after this you will need to enter the details of the Google account that was on the phone before the reset (FRP protection) If you do not remember the password for your account, restore it via Google recovery page.

Manufacturer Service for bypassing FRP Is proof of purchase required?
Samsung Find My Mobile Yes (via Samsung account)
Xiaomi Mi Cloud No, but you need a linked Mi account
Google Pixel Find My Device + confirmation by SMS Yes (if two-factor authentication is enabled)
Huawei (until 2019) Huawei Cloud No, but a SIM card with the original number is required

Find My Device will not work, if:

  • 🚫 The Internet is disabled on the phone (Wi-Fi/mobile data).
  • 🚫 The device is discharged or turned off.
  • 🚫 The Google account was deleted from the phone before it was blocked.

5. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (full reset)

This last resort, which erases all data on the phone, including photos, messages and applications. Use it if other methods don't work. The procedure differs depending on the manufacturer, but the general scheme looks like this:

How to log in Recovery Mode:

  • 📵 Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  • 🔧 Press the combination buttons:
    • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (or Power + Volume up on new models).
    • Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume up.
    • Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode.
    • OnePlus: Power + Volume Down.
  • 🖱️ In the menu Recovery use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to selection.
  • 🗑️ Find the item "Wipe data/factory reset" (or similar) and confirm the reset.
  • 🔄 After completion, select "Reboot system now".

On some phones (for example, Samsung s One UI) after Hard Reset you will need to enter account data Samsung or Google to bypass FRP. If you do not remember the password, recover it through official services:

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Medatek processors (many models Realme, Oppo, Tecno) after Hard Reset an error may appear "This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account...". In this case, you will need FRP bypass via SP Flash Tool —the procedure is complex and requires skills in working with firmware.
What to do if after a Hard Reset the phone asks for the old PIN?

On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honorafter a reset, you may still be prompted for the old password. This is due to data encryption. In this case:

1. Repeat Hard Reset again.

2. If it doesn’t help, flash the phone via Fastboot or HiSuite (for Huawei).

3. Contact the service center with proof of purchase (receipt, box).

6. Alternative methods: service centers and specialized software

If none of the above methods work, two options remain:

  1. Official service center:
    • 📄 Take with you a receipt or warranty card (proof of ownership).
    • 💳 The service is paid (from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model).
    • ⏱️ Duration - from several hours to 2-3 days.

Manufacturers (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi) can unlock the phone by serial number, but only upon confirmation of purchase.

  • Specialized software (for advanced users):
    • 🖥️ apps like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare 4uKey or iMyFone LockWiper promise password reset without loss data, but:
    • 💰 License cost - from 30 to 100 dollars.
    • 🛡️ Risk of installing malware (download only from official sites).
    • 📉 Efficiency depends on the phone model (on Samsung Exynos works worse than on Qualcomm Snapdragon).

    We warn: using “pirated” versions of such apps or contacting “masters” with Avito is fraught with:

    • 🚨 Data leakage (passwords, photos, banking applications).
    • 🔧 Damage to the firmware (the phone can turn into a “brick”).
    • 💸 Fraud (they took money, but did not unlock it).

    If you decide to use the software, choose only official sources and read reviews on independent sites (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA).

    💡

    Service center is the most reliable way, but expensive. Specialized software can help, but the risks are high: from data loss to phone breakdown.

    7. How to avoid blocking in the future

    The best protection against a forgotten password - preventionThis is what you can do now. today:

    • 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup option.
    • 📝 Write down your PIN code in password manager (for example, Google Password Manager or KeePass).
    • 📱 Configure Smart Lock for automatic unlocking in safe places (home, work).
    • ☁️ Regularly make backups via Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
    • 🔧 Enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings (will help when flashing firmware via Fastboot).

    If you are afraid of forgetting your password, install an application for emergency access, for example:

    • SOS Emergency Unlock (sends an SMS with an unlock code to a trusted number).
    • Break In Case Of Emergency (BICE) (shows contact contact on the lock screen).

    On phones with Android 12+ a function appeared "Backup PIN" —it can be used if you have forgotten the main one. To set up:

    1. Go to Settings → Security → Screen lock.
    2. Select "Backup PIN" and set an easy-to-remember code (for example, date of birth).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting your password on Android

    Is it possible to unlock the phone without losing data?

    Yes, but only if:

    • The phone is enabled USB debugging (ADB method).
    • You use Smart Lock and find yourself in a trusted zone.
    • You have an old Android (up to version 9.0), where unlocking works through a Google account.

    In all other cases, the data will be lost.

    What to do if after resetting the phone asks for the previous owner's account (FRP)?

    This is protection Factory Reset Protection. Solution options:

    • Enter the details of the Google account that was on the phone before the reset.
    • If the phone was purchased second-hand, contact contact the seller and ask for unlocking data.
    • For Samsung use the service Find My Mobile (Samsung account required).
    • Contact the service center with proof of purchase.

    Bypass FRP through "holes" in the firmware is possible, but requires technical skills and may violate the warranty.

    Does unlocking work through a call (method with an emergency call)?

    No, this method outdated and does not work on Android 8.0+. emergency call to access the settings, but Google closed this vulnerability in 2017. On modern phones, such a bypass is not possible.

    Is it possible to unlock a phone through a computer without ADB?

    Yes, but only if synchronization with services was enabled on the phone. manufacturer:

    Without first linking your account, these services will not help.

    How to unlock a phone if it is linked to a company account (corporate device)?

    Corporate phones are often managed via MDM (Mobile Device Management). In this case:

    • Contact your company's IT department - they can reset your password remotely.
    • If you quit and still have your phone, contact your former employer to unlock it.
    • Independent reset via Recovery may not work due to MDM security policies.