Forgot your smartphone password or are tired of entering the pattern every time? Requesting a password for Android is a standard security measure, but sometimes it turns into a headache. Especially if you purchased a used device with someone elseโs PIN code or a child accidentally activated the lock. In this article we will look all working ways to remove the password request from official methods through settings to bypassing blocking on locked devices.
It is important to understand: some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, linking an account Google or enabled debugging by USB). If you are reading this article after blocking, your options will be limited. But even in this case, there are solutions for most models Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands.
Before you start, check:
- ๐น Do you know the current password? If yes, use the standard settings (section 2).
- ๐น Is a Google account linked to the device? This will make unlocking easier.
- ๐น Is it turned on
USB Debugging? If yes, advanced methods are available (section 5).
If the device is completely locked, skip the first sections and go to bypassing the blocking. For owners Samsung with an account Samsung Account there is a separate method - see section 4.
1. Removing a password through Android settings (if you know the current one)
The easiest way is to disable the password request through the settings menu. This method works if:
- ๐ฑ You remember the current password/PIN/pattern.
- ๐ The device is not locked after incorrect input attempts.
- ๐ค Version Android โ from 5.0 and higher (on older ones there may be nuances).
Instructions:
- Open
SettingsโSecurity(orLock screenon some firmware). - Select
Screen lock type. - Enter the current password/PIN/key.
- On the lock type selection screen, press
NoorSwipe(swipe). - Confirm the action.
On some devices (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI) the path may differ:
Settings โ Password and security โ Lock screen.
โ๏ธ Preparing to remove the password
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with corporate policies (for example, tied to Microsoft Exchange), the administrator can prohibit disabling the password. In this case, you will need to unlink the organization account.
2. Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4 and lower)
If you are using an old version Android (4.4 KitKat or lower), after 5 incorrect attempts to enter the password, the system will offer to unlock the device via your account Google. This method does not work on new versions (starting from 5.0 Lollipop), but can save owners of outdated smartphones.
How it works:
- Enter the wrong password 5 times in a row.
- A button will appear on the screen
Forgot your pattern key?orForgot your password?. - Click on it and enter your account information Googlethat was associated with the device.
- The password will be reset automatically.
If the button does not appear:
- ๐ Reboot the device and try again.
- ๐ถ Make sure you are connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile data).
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with Android 5.0+ this method is disabled for security reasons. Attempts to bypass the blocking via Google on new versions will lead to a complete reset (see section 6).
Why did Google remove this method?
From the Android version 5.0, the company has tightened its security policy. Unlocking through a Google account was considered vulnerable - attackers could reset the password by stealing the phone and knowing the victimโs email. Now, unlocking requires a full reset or confirmation through factory services (for example, Find My Device).
3. Unlocking Samsung via Samsung Account (even without a password)
Owners. devices Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A etc.) have a unique opportunity to unlock the phone through the service Find My Mobile. This method works if:
- ๐ฑ The device is linked to an account Samsung Account.
- ๐ There is access to Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).
- ๐ The battery is at least 10-15% charged.
Step-by-step guide:
- Go to the site Find My Mobile from another device.
- Log in using the same account Samsungas on the locked phone.
- In the left menu, select the blocked device.
- Click
Unlock(orUnlockin English version). - Confirm the action. The password will be reset remotely.
Advantages of the method:
- โ Does not require data reset.
- โ Works even if you donโt remember the password.
- โ Supports most models Samsung (starting from Galaxy S5).
โ ๏ธ Attention: If the option is enabled on the device Factory protection (Factory Reset Protection, FRP), after unlocking you may need to enter account data Googlethat was linked before the reset.
| Samsung model | Find My Mobile support | Is FRP bypass required? |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S22/S21/S20 | โ Yes | โ No (if the account is linked) |
| Galaxy Note 20/10 | โ Yes | โ ๏ธ Possible (depending on the firmware) |
| Galaxy A52/A72 | โ Yes | โ No |
| Galaxy J3/J5 (2016-2017) | โ Yes | โ Yes (requires FRP bypass) |
4. Password reset via ADB (for advanced users)
If the device has the USB debugging (USB Debuggingmode enabled, you can reset the password via the command line ADB. This method is suitable for unlocked devices (where you can connect to a PC) or if the password has been forgotten, but ADB has been activated. in advance.
What you will need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with drivers installed ADB.
- ๐ USB cable (original or high-quality).
- ๐ฑ Enabled debugging
USBin the developer settings.
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC.
- Open the command line (
cmdon Windows orTerminalon macOS/Linux). - Enter the command to test the connection:
adb devicesYour device should be displayed.
- Delete the file with the password (for Android 4.4 and below):
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.keyOr for new versions:
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.dbadb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm - Reboot the device:
adb reboot
After rebooting, the password will be reset, but side effects may occur:
- ๐ The pattern will be reset to the standard swipe.
- ๐ฑ Some security settings may be reset.
- โ ๏ธ On devices with Android 10+ this method may not work due to enhanced protection.
If the command adb devices does not find the device, try reinstalling the drivers or using a different USB cable. Often the problem is in non-original cables that do not support data transfer.
5. Bypassing the lock on a locked device (without data loss)
If the phone is completely locked and the previous methods do not work, you can try to bypass the lock screen without resetting. These methods do not work on all devices and depend on the version Android and model.
Method 1: Using Recovery Mode
On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) password via Recoverywithout losing data. To do this:
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold the combination of buttons to enter
Recovery(usuallyPower + Volume up). - Select from the menu
Wipe cache partition(do notWipe data!). - Restart the device.
In some cases, this resets temporary lock files, but does not guarantee results.
Method 2: Emergency call (for older versions of Android)
On Android 5.0-7.0 Sometimes the bypass through the emergency call screen works:
- On the lock screen, press
Emergency call. - Enter
##4636##(test menu). - If the menu has opened, go to
Settingsand disable the blocking.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Most modern devices (starting from Android 8.0) have closed these loopholes. Attempts to deceive the system can lead to a complete blocking or requirement. reset.
Bypassing the lock without resetting is only possible on outdated versions of Android or devices with vulnerabilities in the firmware. On new smartphones (2020 and later), these methods practically do not work.
6. last chance
If no methods help, you can do so. hard reset (Hard ResetThis will delete all data from the device, including the password, but will restore access. The instructions are universal for most brands:
For Samsung:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press
Power + Volume Up + Bixby(orHomeon older models). - In the menu
RecoveryselectWipe data/factory reset(volume button control). - Confirm the action and wait for completion.
For Xiaomi:
- Turn off the device.
- Hold
Power + Volume upuntil the logo appears Mi. - Select
Wipe DataโWipe All Data.
For Huawei:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Hold
Power + Volume Up. - In the menu
eRecoveryselectWipe data.
After resetting, the device will boot as new. On devices with Android 5.0+ you will need to enter the details of the Google account that was linked before the reset (FRP protection). If you do not remember this account, you will need to bypass FRP (instructions depend on the model).
| Brand | Combination for Recovery | Presence of FRP after reset |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Power + Volume up + Bixby |
โ Yes |
| Xiaomi | Power + Volume up |
โ Yes (starting from MIUI 9) |
| Huawei | Power + Volume up |
โ Yes (on EMUI 8+) |
| Google Pixel | Power + Volume down |
โ Yes |
7. How to avoid password problems in the future
To avoid being blocked again, follow these simple rules:
- ๐ Use password manager (for example, Google Password Manager or Bitwarden) for storing PIN codes.
- ๐ฑ Set up fingerprint unlocking or face - itโs more convenient than entering a password.
- ๐ Regularly make backups via
Settings โ System โ Backup. - ๐ง Enable
USB Debugging(for advanced users) - this will help in case of blocking. - ๐ง Link your account Google and (for Samsung) Samsung Account.
If you are afraid to forget your password:
- ๐ Write it down on paper and store it in in a safe place (not on your phone!).
- ๐ฉ Send yourself an encrypted message with a hint by email.
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Give access to the backup PIN code to a loved one.
On devices with Android 9+ you can configure Smart Lock automatic unlocking in safe places (for example, at home or when connected to a trusted Bluetoothdevice: path: Settings โ Security โ Smart Lock.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Disabling all types of locking (password, PIN, pattern) reduces the security of the device. In case of theft or loss, the data will be available to anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I remove the password without losing data if I donโt remember it?
On new devices (Android 8.0+) this is almost impossible without preliminary preparation (an enabled USB Debugging or linked account Samsung/Google). On older versions (4.4โ7.0), methods from section 5sometimes help, but there are no guarantees.
What to do if after the reset it asks for an old Google account (FRP)?
This is protection Factory Reset Protection. To bypass it:
- Enter the details of the account that was linked before the reset.
- If you donโt remember, look for instructions on how to bypass FRP for your model (they differ for Samsung, Xiaomi etc.).
- On some devices, inserting a SIM card with mobile data and using a voice assistant to bypass helps.
โ ๏ธ Bypassing FRP can violate the terms of the warranty and laws of some countries (for example, in the EU this is considered as hacking).
Does password reset via SMS or call work?
No, this is a myth. Previously, on some devices (for example, HTC or LG 2013โ2015) it was possible to send a special SMS for unlocking, but now all manufacturers have closed this vulnerability. Modern smartphones do not support unlocking via SMS/calls.
How to remove the password on an Android tablet?
The instructions from this article are also suitable for tablets with Android (for example, Samsung Tab, Lenovo Yoga, Huawei MediaPad).The exception is tablets with modified firmware (for example, on Amazon Fire OS), which may have their own nuances.
Is it possible to restore data after a Hard Reset?
If synchronization with Google Accountwas enabled before the reset, some of the data (contacts, photos in Google Photos, notes) will be restored automatically after logging into your account. To restore the rest you will need backup copies:
- ๐ฑ Local copies (if done through
TWRPor applications like Titanium Backup). - โ๏ธ Cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
- ๐ป Copies on PC (via Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi PC Suite etc.).
Without backups, data recovery after Hard Reset is almost impossible.