Forgot your gallery password on your smartphone or just want to disable it? This problem is familiar to many users Android, especially if the password was set a long time ago or was set accidentally. Depending on the phone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.) and operating system version, the process of removing protection may differ. In some cases, a few clicks in the settings are enough, and sometimes a data reset or even the use of special tools is required.

In this article we will look at all current methods of removing a password from standard methods through the phone menu to bypassing protection using ADB or backup. You will learn what to do if you forgot your pattern, PIN or password for the gallery application, as well as which risks are associated with each method. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different manufacturers, since the interfaces MIUI, One UI and EMUI have their own characteristics.

Password protection of the gallery is a privacy feature that appeared in Android starting with version 5.0 Lollipop. It allows you to hide personal photos and videos from prying eyes, but sometimes it becomes a problem for the owner of the device. Reasons why the gallery may ask for a password:

  • 🔒 Manual installation —you yourself have enabled protection in the application settings (for example, Google Photos, Samsung Gallery or Mi Gallery).
  • 📱 Manufacturer function —some brands (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) automatically encrypt media files when device protection is activated.
  • 🔄 Software update —after a system update, folder access settings may be reset.
  • 🛡️ Third-party applications — if you used Vaulty, KeepSafe or similar apps to hide files.

You can almost always remove the password, but the method depends on the type of protection:

  • 📁 Password for the folder —it can be removed through the file settings manager.
  • 🔐 Password for the application —requires access to the gallery settings or resetting data.
  • 🔗 Account linking —authorization in Google, Mi Account or Samsung Account.
⚠️ Attention: If the gallery is blocked via Secure Folder (on Samsung) or Private Safe (on Huawei), standard methods may not work. In such cases, you will need to reset the settings or contact the service. support.
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Huawei
Another Android
iPhone

If the password was set in the gallery application itself (for example Google Photos, Samsung Gallery or Mi Gallery), it can be removed through the settings menu. This method works on most devices without the need to reset the data.

Instructions for Samsung Galaxy (One UI):

  1. Open the application Gallery.
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to section Security or Privacy.
  4. Select Remove password or Reset protection.
  5. Enter the current password (if you remember) and confirm the action.

Instructions for Xiaomi (MIUI):

  1. Run Gallery and tap on the profile icon (or three lines in the upper left corner).
  2. Select Settings → Privacy protection.
  3. Click Remove password and enter the current code.

For Google Photos:

  • 🔹 Open the application and go to Settings (gear icon).
  • 🔹 Select Access control → Protected folders.
  • 🔹 Click Remove protection and confirm the action.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI 12+s) the gallery protection function is tied to the main lock screen password. If you change it, access to media files may be lost!

☑️ Preparing to remove the password

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If you do not remember the password or the gallery settings are not available, you can reset the application data. method will not delete your photos, but will return all parameters to factory settings. Suitable for standard and some third-party galleries.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings phone.
  2. Go to the section Applications (or Manage applications).
  3. Find the gallery application (for example, Gallery, Google Photos, Mi Gallery) and tap on it.
  4. Select Storage → Clear data (or Reset settings).
  5. Confirm the action. After restarting the application, the password will be removed.

⚠️ Important: On devices Samsung s Secure Folder this method will not work - you will need a separate reset for the secure folder via Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder.

Manufacturer Gallery name Does reset work? Notes
Samsung Samsung Gallery Yes Does not reset password Secure Folder
Xiaomi Mi Gallery Yes Requires password entry Mi Account at first start
Huawei Huawei Gallery Partially Reset may be required Private Safe
Google Google Photos Yes Resets synchronization settings
💡

If after resetting the gallery asks for a password again, try reinstalling the application via Google PlayThis often helps in case of malfunctions.

Method 3: Using ADB to bypass protection (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to manage system settings. This method is suitable for unlocking the gallery without losing data, but requires developer mode to be enabled and access to the computer.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers ADB.
  • 📱 USB cable for connecting your phone.
  • 🔧 On mode USB debugging (how to enable - see. below).

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • Tap 7 times on the item Build number.
    • Go back to Settings → System → For developers and turn on USB debugging.
  • Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  • Enter the commands order: 
    adb devices

    (the name of your device should appear)

    adb shell pm clear com.sec.android.gallery3d

    (for Samsung) or

    adb shell pm clear com.miui.gallery

    (for Xiaomi).

  • Reboot your phone. The password from the gallery will be removed.
    • ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB may lead to system malfunctions. On devices with Android 11+ some commands may be blocked due to security restrictions.
    What to do if ADB does not see the device?

    Make sure that drivers for your phone model are installed (download from manufacturer's official website). Try using a different USB cable or port. Enable the "Allow USB debugging (OEM factory unlock)" option in the developer settings.

    Method 4: Restoring access through a backup

    If you have previously backed up data (for example, via Google Account or Mi Cloud), you can try to restore access to the gallery by resetting the phone to factory settings and restoring the data from backup. This method is only suitable if the password was set after creating a backup..

    Step-by-step guide for Google Account:

    1. Make a backup copy of your current data (if possible).
    2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
    3. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
    4. After reboot, log in to the same Google Accountthat was used for backup.
    5. During the setup process, select restoring data from backup.

      6. For Xiaomi (via Mi Cloud):

      • 🔹 Reset the phone via Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
      • 🔹 When you first start, select Restore from Mi Cloud.
      • 🔹 Log in and wait for the recovery to complete.

      ⚠️ Important: This method will delete all data installed after the backup was created. If the password was added later, it may remain!

      💡

      Restoring from a backup is the only way to regain access to the gallery if the password was set accidentally and you do not remember it. However, it only works if the backup was created BEFORE the blocking.

      Method 5: Bypassing protection through Safe Mode (for third-party applications)

      If. the gallery is blocked by a third-party application (for example, Vaulty, KeepSafe or AppLock), you can try to remove it in Safe Mode - mode, where all user apps are disabled. This will help if you do not remember the password for the blocking application.

      How to launch Safe Mode:

      • 🔄 For most Android: Press and hold the power button, then hold your finger down Turn off until a window appears asking you to go to Safe Mode.
      • 🔄 For Samsung: Turn off the phone, then turn it on while holding the buttons Power + Volume Down.

    Further actions:

    1. In Safe Mode go to Settings → Applications.
    2. Find the application that is blocking the gallery (for example, AppLock).
    3. Click Delete or Clear data.
    4. Reboot your phone in normal mode.

    ⚠️ Limitation: Some applications (for example, Secure Folder on Samsung) are not deleted in Safe Mode, since they are built-in into the system.

    What to do if nothing helps?

    If none of the above methods work, radical measures remain:

    • 🔧 Reset to factory settings — will delete all data, including the password, but also all photos in the internal memory. Recommended only if you have a backup!
    • 📞 Contacting support — Manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) can help unlock the gallery upon request if the phone is linked to a brand account.
    • 🔓 Use of specialized apps — for example, Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey. These tools are paid and do not always work on new versions. Android.

    💡 Tip: If the gallery is blocked due to Secure Folder (Samsung) or Private Safe (Huawei), try logging in through another device with the same account. For example, Samsung Secure Folder is synchronized between devices via Samsung Account.

    ⚠️ Attention: Using third-party password cracking apps may violate the terms of use Android and result in loss of warranty. In addition, such apps often contain malicious code.
    Is it possible to remove the password from the gallery without losing the photo?

    Yes, in most cases, Methods 1–3 (through settings, resetting the application. or ADB) do not delete the photos themselves, but only remove the protection. However, if you use Secure Folder or similar functions, a backup may be required.

    Why does the gallery still ask for a password after resetting the settings?

    This happens if the password is tied to the account (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account) or to a system function (for example, Private Safe on Huawei). In such cases, authorization in the account or reset through a special menu is required (for example, Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder on Samsung).

    How to find out which application is blocking the gallery?

    Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions and find the section Special access → Application protectionThere will be a list of apps that can block access to the gallery. Secure Folder (on Samsung) or Private Safe (on Huawei).

    Does password bypass work through ADB on Android 13?

    Starting from Android 11Google has tightened its security policy, and some commands ADB may not work. However, resetting application data (pm clear) usually works. If ADB refuses to execute the command, try using adb shell dumpsys activity to find the gallery ID.

    Is it possible to unlock the gallery through a computer without ADB?

    Without ADB there are few options. Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) offer a web interface for controlling the device via Samsung Find My Mobile, but unlocking the gallery is not available there. An alternative is to use apps like Dr.Fone, but they do not guarantee 100% results and may be possible. are unsafe.