How to find the Android PIN code to reset your phone: all unlocking methods

Forgotten Android PIN code is one of the most common problems faced by smartphone users. Without this code, it is impossible not only to unlock the screen, but also to perform a hard reset (hard reset) through the standard recovery menu. Many people mistakenly think that it is enough to just reflash the phone, but modern versions Android (starting from Android 5.0 Lollipop) require entering a PIN code even after resetting via Recovery Modeif the device has security enabled FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

In this article we will examine legitimate and technical methods restoring access to the device, including methods using an account Google, tools ADB, as well as workarounds for old and new smartphone models. It is important to understand that some methods may lead to total data lossif backup was not enabled on the phone. Before you begin, make sure you have exhausted all simple options - for example, trying to enter frequently used combinations or checking notes where the code may have been written down.

If your phone is locked due to repeated incorrect PIN code entry, the system may offer an unlocking option via Google Account or biometrics (fingerprint/face). However, on devices with Android 9+ these options are often disabled by default for security reasons. Next, we will look at all current solutions, starting with the most secure ones.

1. Unlocking via Google Account (for Android 4.4–8.1)

On devices from Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 8.1 Oreo after 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the PIN code, a button Forgot your password? or Forgot your pattern key?appears. This method only works if:

• 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🔑 An account is linked and synchronized on the device Google.
• ⚙️ The function Android remote control (or Find My Device) is not disabled in the settings.

To use this method:

1. On the lock screen, tap Forgot your password?.
2. Enter the email address and password from Google Accountthat was associated with the phone.
3. Follow the instructions to create a new PIN code or pattern.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 9 Pie, this method does not work —Google has removed the account unlock feature due to security vulnerabilities. If your phone is updated to a new version of the OS, proceed to the following methods.

If the button Forgot your password? does not appear, try connecting the phone to charging and waiting for the Internet connection (if turned on Wi-Fi in the background). Sometimes the system offers unlocking only after connecting to the network.

2. Using Find My Device (Remote Unlock)

Service Find My Device from Google allows you not only to find a lost phone, but also delete all data or lock the device remotely. However, to reset the PIN code, this method is only suitable indirectly:

• 🔄 You can erase all data from your phone, after which the PIN code will be reset, but along with it all files, photos and applications.
• 🔒 If your phone has FRP protectionenabled, after resetting you will need to enter data from Google Accountthat was last linked to the device.

Instructions for use Find My Device:

1. Go to the site Find My Device from another device.
2. Login using the same account Googleas on the blocked one phone.
3. Select your device in the list (if there are several of them).
4. Click Erase data and confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: This method does not restore the PIN code, but completely resets the phone to factory settings. If you did not have a backup, all data will be lost forever. Also note that on some models Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei after such a reset you may need to enter PUK code from the SIM card.

If you do not remember the password from Google Account, restore it via recovery page. Without access to the account, it will be impossible to unlock the phone after the reset.

3. Unlocking via ADB (for experienced users)

The tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to control the device via a computer if the phone was previously enabled USB debugging mode. This method is only suitable if:

• 🖥️ You have previously connected the phone to this PC and confirmed debugging.
• 🔌 Enabled on the phone USB Debugging in the settings developer.
• 📱 The device is detected by the computer (even in a locked state).

If these conditions are met, follow the instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable.
2. Open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

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

4. Delete the file with the PIN code (does not work on all firmware):

   adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
   adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
   adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
   adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
   adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

5. Reboot your phone:

   adb reboot

After rebooting, the lock screen may disappear or prompt you to enter a new PIN code. However, this method does not work on devices with encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption)which is used on Android 7+.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB can lead to "brick" the phone. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a service center. damage to system files and “brick” the phone. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a service center.

4. Reset via Recovery Mode (with data loss)

If other methods did not work, the only option is hard reset through the recovery menu (Recovery Mode). This method will erase all data from your phone, including apps, photos, and settings, but will bypass the screen lock. The instructions differ depending on the device model:

Manufacturer	Button combination to enter Recovery	Notes
Samsung	Power + Volume Up + Bixby (or Power + Volume Up)	On new models, confirmation may be required Samsung Account after the reset.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco	Power + Volume Up	On some devices, you need to hold the buttons for 10+ seconds.
Google Pixel	Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode	After the reset, you will need to enter data from Google Account.
Huawei/Honor	Power + Volume Up	On new models with EMUI 10+ a reset may not help because Huawei ID.

General instructions for resetting:

1. Turn off the phone (hold Power 10–15 seconds).
2. Hold down the combination of buttons for your model (see table above).
3. In the menu Recovery select Wipe data/factory reset (control is carried out with the volume buttons and Power).
4. Confirm the action (Yes — Delete all user data).
5. After the reset, select Reboot system now.

On devices with Android 5.0+ after the reset, you may be prompted to enter data from Google Account (this is FRP protectionIf you do not remember the password, restore it via Google page or contact service center to bypass FRP.

5. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after reset

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a security feature that is activated after resetting the settings on devices with Android 5.1+It requires input from Google Account, which was last synced with the phone. If you don't remember your password or your account has been deleted, you can bypass FRP in several ways:

• 📧 Restoring access to your Google Account: Go to recovery page If the account is deleted, you can restore it within 20 days.
• 📱 Using a backup code: If you have backup codes for two-factor authentication, enter them instead of the password.
• 🔧 Special apps for bypassing FRP: For some models (Samsung, Xiaomi) there are utilities like FRP Bypass APK, but their use requires technical skills and may violate the warranty.

To bypass FRP on Samsung (models 2018–2022) you can try the following method:

1. After the reset, connect the phone to Wi-Fi.
2. On the input screen Google Account tap on the text input field and select TalkBack (voice assistant).
3. Activate TalkBackthen draw a letter L on the screen to open the menu.
4. Go to Settings → Reset → Delete all data (the path may differ).

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing FRP using third-party utilities can be regarded as device hackingOn some models (Google Pixel, OnePlus) this will lead to locking the bootloader. (bootloader) and the inability to further use the phone.

What to do if FRP cannot be bypassed?

If none of the methods worked, there are two left option:

1. Contact official service center with documents for the phone (warranty card, receipt). Some manufacturers (for example, Samsungcan unlock the device upon request.

2. If the phone is not under warranty, use paid unlocking services (cost from 500 to 3000 rubles depending on the model).

6. Contacting the service center: when this is the only option

If all of the above methods did not help, or you are afraid of damaging the phone by doing it yourself, the best option is to contact authorized service center. Advantages of this method:

• 🛠️ Guarantee of data safety (in some cases, specialists can extract information before resetting).
• 📄 Official unlocking without the risk of losing the warranty.
• 🔐 Bypassing FRP legal methods (for example, through the manufacturer's service utilities).

What is required for unlocking in the service:

• 📋 Documents confirming the purchase of the phone (receipt, warranty card).
• 🆔 Owner's passport (to confirm identity).
• 💳 Payment for the service (cost varies from 500 to 5000 rubles depending on complexity).

Average prices for unlocking in service centers in Moscow and regions (2026):

Unlock type	Cost, ₽	Time frame
Resetting the PIN code without data loss	1500–3000	1–3 hours
Bypassing FRP (Google Account)	1000–2500	30 min - 2 hours
Restoring access via EFS (for Samsung)	2000–4000	1–5 days

⚠️ Attention: Avoid “handicraft” masters offering unlocking at low prices. Unqualified intervention can lead to firmware damage or IMEI blocking, after which the phone will become a “brick.”

7. Prevention: how not to lose access to your phone in the future

To avoid problems with unlocking in the future, follow simple rules:

• 🔐 Write down PIN code in a safe place (for example, in Google Keep or 1Password).
• 📱 Set up backup via Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
• 🔄 Add a backup unlock method (fingerprint, face recognition).
• 📧 Link a recovery account (for example, backup email or phone number).

It is also recommended:

• 🛡️ Disable FRPif you plan to sell the phone (in settings Accounts → Google → Delete account).
• 📲 Check periodically, do you remember the PIN code (for example, enter it manually once a month).
• 🔧 Use a password manager (for example, Bitwarden or KeePass) to store access codes.

On devices with Android 12+ a function appeared automatically reset the PIN code via Google Accountif you forgot it. To do this:

1. On the lock screen, press Forgot your PIN code?.
2. Select Recover using Google.
3. Enter your account information and follow the instructions.

This function only works with an active Internet connection and if synchronization with is enabled on your phone Google.

Frequently asked questions questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to find out the Android PIN code without resetting the data?

On most modern devices (Android 9+) there is no legal way find out or reset the PIN code without losing data. The only exceptions:

• If the phone is enabled USB debugging mode and it was connected to the PC earlier (see the section about ADB).
• If you use Samsung with the function Find My Mobile (allows you to unlock the device remotely).

In all other cases, resetting the PIN code will lead to the deletion of user data.

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

This happens on devices with data encryption (Android 7+).In this case:

1. Try to enter last used PIN code (even if you don’t remember it - sometimes the cache works).
2. If this does not help, perform full reset via Fastboot (requires an unlocked bootloader).
3. Contact the service center to flashing remove encryption.

On some models (Xiaomi, OnePlus), flashing custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) helps, but this requires unlocking the bootloader.

Is it possible to bypass FRP on a phone without a SIM card?

Yes, The SIM card does not affect FRP will work. However, to bypass the protection you will need:

• Connection to Wi-Fi (on some devices you can use OTG cable with a mouse or keyboard for navigation).
• Access to Google Accountthat was tied to the phone.
• Use special APK files (for example, FRP Bypass) for older models.

On new devices (Android 11+) bypassing FRP without account data is almost impossible.

How to unlock your phone if you have forgotten both your PIN code and Google password?

In this case, there are few options:

1. Restore access to your Google Account via recovery page (you will need a backup email or phone).
2. If the account is deleted, try contact Google support and confirm ownership of the device (receipts, serial number will be required phone).
3. Contact service center with documents for the phone - some manufacturers (Samsung, Huaweican reset the FRP upon request.

If the phone was purchased secondhand, contact the previous owner - without his data, you will not be able to unlock the device.

Does flashing the phone help to reset the PIN code?

Flashing can help, but with reservations:

• ✅ On devices without FRP (before Android 5.0), the firmware will remove the PIN code.
• ⚠️ On devices with FRP (Android 5.1+) after the firmware you will need to enter data from Google Account.
• ❌ On phones with locked bootloader (bootloader) flashing is impossible without unlocking, which will lead to resetting all data.

For firmware you will need:

• Unlocked bootloader (on most brands this erases all data).
• Official or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• Skills in working with Fastboot i ADB.