Forgotten PIN code on a smartphone Android is a situation that almost every user has encountered. According to statistics, about 30% of calls to service centers are related to unlocking devices. The reasons are different: from banal forgetfulness to buying a used phone with a password set. Fortunately, there are several ways remove the PIN code from Android, and not all of them require contacting specialists.

In this article we will look at both official methods (via account Google, resetting settings), and and alternative solutions (use ADB, mode Safe Mode). It is important to understand that the effectiveness of each method depends on the version Android, device model and security settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy s Knox some methods may not work, and on Xiaomi additional authorization via Mi Account.

Before you begin, remember: Any attempt to bypass the lock may lead to data deletion or activation of protection Factory Reset Protection (FRP), especially on devices with Android 5.1+. If critical files are stored on your phone, it is better to first try to restore access through official channels.

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1. Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4 and below)

This method worked on older versions Android (up to 5.0 Lollipop inclusive). If your smartphone was released before 2015, there is a chance that the method will work. The point is simple: after several unsuccessful attempts to enter a PIN code, the system offers a recovery option via Google Account.

How to do this:

  • 🔢 Enter any PIN code 5 times in a row until the message appears "Forgot your pattern key?" or "Forgot your password?".
  • 📧 Click on the link and enter the details of your Google accountthat was linked to the device.
  • 🔓 After successful authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new PIN code or disable blocking.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 6.0+ this method does not work due to stricter security policies. It is also not available if the phone is not connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or a mobile network).

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If you have Samsung s Android 7.0+, try entering the PIN code incorrectly 15 times - the system may offer an alternative unlocking method via Samsung Find My Mobile (provided that the function was activated earlier).

2. Resetting settings (Hard Reset) - a radical method

Reset to factory settings is the most reliable way to remove the PIN code, but it completely deletes all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed applications. Use it only if other methods did not help or there is no important information on the phone.

Instructions for most devices:

  1. 🔄 Turn off the smartphone.
  2. 🔧 Press the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode (depending on the model):
    • Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Home (or Bixby instead of Home on new models).
    • Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume up.
    • Google Pixel, OnePlus: Power + Volume down.
  • 📱 In the menu Recovery select Wipe data/factory reset (controlled by the volume and power buttons).
  • 🔄 Confirm the reset and reboot the device.

    • After the reboot, the phone will be like new - without a PIN code, but also without your data. If the function was previously enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP), you will need to enter the login and password for Google accountthat was linked to the device.

    What to do if after resetting it requires the old PIN code?

    On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor) after the reset, you may be asked to enter the old PIN code. This is due to hardware encryption. In this case, only flashing the firmware via Fastboot or contacting a service center will help.

    3. Using ADB (for advanced users)

    Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to control the device via a computer. If your phone was previously enabled USB debugging, you can try to remove the PIN code via ADB without losing data.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. 🖥️ Install ADB on your computer (you can download from the official website Android Developers).
    2. 📱 Connect your phone to the PC via a USB cable.
    3. 🔧 Open the command line (cmd) and enter: 
      adb shell

      su
      

      rm /data/system/gesture.key
      

      rm /data/system/password.key
      

      reboot

      4. After a reboot, the screen lock should disappear. This method does not work on all devices, especially those with enhanced security. Android 9.0+, where the security system is strengthened.

      ⚠️ Attention: If USB debugging was not enabled in advance, this method will also not work on some devices (for example, Samsung s). data-i="116">) attempt to use Knox) attempt to use ADB may result in protection triggering and complete blocking of the phone.

      4. Unlocking via Safe Mode (if the pin code is set by a third-party application)

      If the pin code appeared after installation third-party application (for example AppLock or CM Security), you can try to uninstall it through Safe Mode. In this mode, all third-party apps are disabled and you can access the settings.

      How to launch Safe Mode:

      • 🔄 Turn off phone.
      • 🔧 Press the power button until the manufacturer's logo appears, then hold Volume Downuntil the device boots.
      • 📱 The message should appear in the lower left corner of the screen "Safe Mode".

    In this mode:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications.
    2. Find the application that is blocking the screen and remove it.
    3. Restart the phone in normal mode.

    If the PIN code was set through standard settings Android, this method will not help.

    5. Using manufacturer services (Find My Device, Samsung Find My Mobile)

    Many manufacturers offer their own services for remotely unlocking devices. data-i="139">(for all

    • 📱 Google Find My Device (for everyone Androiddevices): allows you to lock or erase data, but does not remove the PIN code directly.
    • 📱 Samsung Find My Mobile: if the function has been activated, you can unlock the screen through the web interface.
    • 📱 Xiaomi Cloud: on devices Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco you can reset your password via Mi Account (account linking required).

    For Samsung:

    1. Go to the website findmymobile.samsung.com.
    2. Login using your own Samsung Account.
    3. Select a locked device and click "Unblock".

    For Xiaomi:

    1. Go to i.mi.com.
    2. Login your Mi Account.
    3. Select device → "Find device" → "Unlock".
    ⚠️ Attention: These services only work if:
    • 🔹 The device is connected to the Internet.
    • 🔹 The remote control function was activated to blocking.
    • 🔹 You remember the data from the manufacturer's account (Samsung Account, Mi Account etc.).

    6. Contacting the service center: when nothing helps

    If all of the above methods do not work, the last option remains - contact service center. This is relevant for:

    • 🔒 Devices with hardware encryption (Huawei, some models Samsung).
    • 🔒 Phones where it is turned on Factory Reset Protection (FRP), and you do not remember the data Google account.
    • 🔒 Smartphones with damaged firmware or malfunctions TouchWiz/MIUI.

    The cost of unlocking the service varies from 500 to 3000 rubles, depending on the complexity. In some cases, it may be necessary to flash the device, which will void the warranty.

    Before taking the phone for repair, check:

    Make sure that the phone is not under warranty (unlocking it yourself may void it)

    Save receipts and documents for the device (to confirm ownership)

    Try all possible PIN codes (sometimes users confuse the numbers)

    Check with the service whether the data will be saved after unlocking -->

    Some service centers offer the service "unlocking without data loss", but its success depends on the model and condition of the phone. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S22 s One UI 5.0 the chances of saving files are minimal, and on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 their chances are higher.

    Comparison of unlocking methods

    Method Suitable devices Is data saved? Complexity Risks
    Google account Android 4.4 and below Yes Low Does not work on new versions
    Hard Reset All devices No Low Delete all data, FRP activation is possible
    ADB Devices with USB debugging enabled Yes High Does not work without preset
    Safe Mode If the PIN code is from a third-party application Yes Average Does not help with system blocking
    Manufacturer service Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Yes/No Low Requires account and Internet linking

    The choice of method depends on the phone model, version Android and how critical it is to save data. If important files are stored on the device, first try methods without resetting the settings (ADB, Safe Mode, manufacturer services).

    💡

    On devices with Android 10+ and hardware encryption (for example, Google Pixel 6, Samsung Galaxy S23), most software unlocking methods do not work. In such cases, the only option left is to reset the settings or contact the service.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

    Is it possible to remove the PIN code without losing data?

    Yes, but only if:

    • 🔹 On the device enabled USB debugging (for the method with ADB).
    • 🔹 PIN code set third-party application (can be deleted via Safe Mode).
    • 🔹 The phone supports unlocking via manufacturer account (Samsung Find My Mobile, Mi Account).

    On modern devices with Android 9.0+ the chances of saving data are minimal.

    What to do if after resetting the settings the old one requires PIN code?

    This happens due to hardware data encryption. Solutions:

    • 🔹 Enter the old PIN code (sometimes the system accepts it even after resetting).
    • 🔹 If you do not remember the PIN code, it is required flashing via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).
    • 🔹 Contact the service center - they can reset the protection through special equipment.

    On some devices (for example, Huawei) this may mean that the phone has turned into a “brick” and requires repair of the motherboard.

    Does unlocking work via a call or SMS?

    No, this is a myth. Previously, on some devices with Android 2.3 it was possible to bypass the lock through an emergency call, but on modern smartphones such vulnerabilities have long been closed. All such “life hacks” from the Internet are either outdated or are fraudulent schemes.

    The only legal way to remotely unlock is to use the official services of the manufacturer (Find My Device, Samsung Find My Mobile etc.).

    Is it possible to unlock a phone if I don’t remember the email from Google account?

    If your phone is activated Factory Reset Protection (FRP), then without data from Google account it is extremely difficult to unlock it. Options:

    • 🔹 Try to restore access to it. account via accounts.google.com (password recovery function).
    • 🔹 If the phone was purchased used, contact the previous owner.
    • 🔹 On some devices (for example, Samsung) you can bypass FRP through a combination with TalkBack, but this requires special knowledge.

    In most cases, without account data, only a service center will help (sometimes even they are powerless).

    How to protect your phone from accidental blocking in the future?

    To avoid problems with unlocking:

    • 🔹 Use fingerprint or face recognition as an additional unlocking method.
    • 🔹 Write down the PIN code in a safe place (for example, Google Keep or notepad).
    • 🔹 Activate Smart Lock (setting up trusted devices or locations).
    • 🔹 Regularly make data backup to Google Drive or to your computer.
    • 🔹 Turn on USB debugging (in case you need to unlock via ADB).

    It is also recommended to link the device to the manufacturer's account (Samsung Account, Mi Account) so that in case of blocking you can use official unlocking services.