Forgotten password on a smartphone Android is a situation that every fifth user faces. According to statistics Google for 2026, 18% of calls to support are related specifically to problems with unlocking devices. But don’t rush to panic: in 90% of cases, the phone can be unlocked without contacting a service center. The main thing is to act according to proven algorithms and avoid dubious “hacks” that can lead to data loss or blocking your Google account.

In this article we will look at legitimate unlocking methodsthat do not violate the terms use Android and do not require root access. From standard recovery functions to little-known features ADB and Fastboot , you will find a solution even for devices with MIUI, One UI or EMUI. And if the data on your phone is critical, we will tell you how to minimize its loss.

Important: all methods described below are intended exclusively for unlocking your personal device. An attempt to hack someone else's phone violates Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Illegal access to computer information") and may result in criminal liability.

1. Standard reset via Google account (Android 9 and below)

On devices with Android version 9.0 Pie and below, after 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, the option "Forgot your pattern key?" or "Forgot your password?"appears. This method works if:

  • 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi)
  • 🔑 An account is linked to the device Google (and you remember the data from it)
  • 🔄 Function Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is not activated after reset

To use this method:

  1. Enter the wrong password 5 times in a row.
  2. Click to the link that appears "Forgot your password?".
  3. Enter your login and password from Google accountlinked to your phone.
  4. Follow the instructions to create a new password or graphic key.
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 10, this method stopped working due to stricter security policies. If you have a newer OS version, proceed to the next section.
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Huawei
Google Pixel
Other brand

2. Unlocking via Smart Lock (if the function is enabled) is a function that automatically unlocks the phone in trusted conditions (for example, at home, when connected to a certain device or when the phone is on you). If you set up

Smart Lock - function Android, which automatically unlocks the phone in trusted conditions (for example, at home, when connected to a certain Bluetooth-device or when the phone is on you). If you have configured Smart Lock in advance, the chances of unlocking the device without resetting the data increase significantly.

Check if this function works for you:

  1. Bring the phone to trusted place (for example, home or office, if it is added to the settings).
  2. Connect trusted Bluetooth device (headphones, fitness bracelet).
  3. If used face/voice recognition, try unlocking the phone with this method.

If Smart Lock worked, immediately:

  • 🔓 Go to Settings → Security → Smart Lock and disable the function (while solving the problem).
  • 🔑 Change the password to a more memorable one in Settings → Lock screen.
  • ☁️ Back up your data via Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
💡

If Smart Lock does not work, but you remember the PIN code from the SIM card, try calling the phone from another device. Sometimes during a call it becomes possible to briefly unlock the screen.

3. Reset via Recovery Mode (data loss)

If the previous methods did not work, it remains hard reset via Recovery Mode. This method will delete all data from your phone, including photos, messages, and installed apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for most devices:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold the button combination to enter Recovery:
    • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power button + Bixby
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power button
    • 📱 Google Pixel: Volume down + Power button
  • In the menu Recovery select Wipe data/factory reset (use volume buttons to navigate, power button to select).
  • Confirm the action (Yes).
  • After the reset, select Reboot system now.
    • ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 5.1+ after the reset it may work Factory Reset Protection (FRP) - you will need to enter the login and password for the last linked Google account. If you don’t remember it, go to the section about bypassing FRP.
    Brand Combination for Recovery Features
    Samsung Volume up + Power + Bixby On new models, you may need to connect to a PC via Odin
    Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Volume up + Power In the Recovery menu on Chinese firmware, the default language is - Chinese
    Google Pixel Volume down + Power Supports reset via Fastboot from PC
    Huawei/Honor Volume up + Power On models with EMUI 10+ required unlock code from Huawei

    4. Bypassing Factory Reset Protection (FRP) after a reset

    FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a protection mechanism Googlethat blocks the phone after a reset, if an account was linked to it. To unlock the device, you need to enter data from the last used one. If you don’t remember it, there are several legal solutions: Google account. If you don't remember it, there are several legal solutions:

    Official method (requires proof of ownership):

    1. Go to the account recovery page Google from another device: accounts.google.com.
    2. Enter your last known email and try to restore access through a backup address or phone.
    3. If recovery fails, contact support Google with your phone purchase receipt (proof of ownership).

      4. Alternative method (for the technically savvy):

      • 🖥️ Use ADB to delete the file gesture.key (only on some firmware).
      • 🔧 On Samsung you can try to flash the phone via Odin s disabling FRP.
      • 📱 For Xiaomi there are special FRP tools (for example, Mi Account Unlock Tool), but they require unlocking the bootloader.
    ⚠️ Attention: Using unofficial tools to bypass FRP may lead to IMEI blocking or loss of warranty. On devices with Android 12+ most of these methods have stopped working due to tightened security.

    ☑️ Preparing to bypass FRP

    Done: 0 / 4

    5. Unlocking via ADB (for advanced users)

    ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to control the device via the command line. This method only works if you have confirmed the connection to this computer on the phone. Android, which allows you to control the device via the command line. This method only works if the phone USB debugging was previously enabled. data-i="175">Instructions: and you have confirmed the connection to this computer.

    Instructions:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
    2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows) and enter: 
      adb devices

      Make sure that the device is detected.

    3. Enter the command to delete the file with the password: 
      adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

      or for the PIN code:

      adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
    4. Reboot phone: 
      adb reboot

    After rebooting, the lock screen should disappear. If not, try entering any password.

    ⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ this method works extremely rarely due to the encryption of the partition /data. Also, it can only work on unencrypted devices or with unlocked bootloader.
    What to do if ADB does not see device?

    1. Make sure that USB debugging is enabled (Settings → About phone → Build number (7 taps) → Developer settings → USB debugging).
    2. Install drivers for your model (for example, Samsung USB Drivers or Mi PC Suite).
    3. Try another USB cable (preferably the original one).
    4. In the command line, enter adb kill-server, then adb start-server.

    6. Contacting the service center: when nothing helps

    If all of the above methods fail worked, all you have to do is contact official service center. This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive method. The cost of unlocking varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and complexity of the work.

    What is required to unlock in the service:

    • 📄 Receipt or warranty card (proof of purchase).
    • 🆔 Owner's passport (to confirm identity).
    • 📱 Phone box (on some models Samsung and Xiaomi requires a serial number from the sticker).

    Advantages of the service center:

    • ✅ Guarantee of data safety (in some cases).
    • ✅ Official unlocking without the risk of blocking IMEI.
    • ✅ Possibility of restoring data after unlocking (if the phone was not encrypted).

    The disadvantages include high cost and waiting time (from several hours to a week). Also, some service centers refuse to unlock phones without a receipt, especially if the device is blacklisted (lost/stolen).

    7. How to avoid data loss in the future

    To avoid facing the problem of a locked phone again, follow these recommendations:

    • 🔐 Use password manager (for example, Google Password Manager or 1Password) for storing complex passwords.
    • ☁️ Configure automatic backup in Settings → Google → Backup.
    • 📱 Enable Smart Lock for trusted places or devices.
    • 📧 Link your backup email and phone to Google account.
    • 🔧 Regularly check if USB debugging is enabled (in case of use ADB).

    On devices with Android 12+, the only reliable way to avoid data loss when locked is to use the "Backup with Unlock" function. Unlock), which is available on some firmware from Samsung and Google. It allows you to restore access to the backup even after a reset.

    💡

    Starting with Android 13, Google has tightened its security policy: now two-factor authentication (2FA) is required for unlocking through an account. Set it up in your Google account in advance!

    Frequently asked questions

    Yes. Is it possible to unlock your phone without losing data?

    Yes, but only if:

    • You have USB debugging enabled and have access to a PC with ADB.
    • The phone is unlocked via Smart Lock.
    • You are using the device on Android 9 or lower with a linked Google account.

    On Android 10+ the chances of saving data are minimal due to the full encryption of the partition /data.

    What should I do if after resetting it requires an old PIN that I don’t remember?

    This means that it worked Factory Reset Protection (FRP). You need to:

    1. Enter the data from the last linked Google account.
    2. If you don’t remember the password, restore access via accounts.google.com.
    3. If the account deleted - contact support Google with proof of ownership of the phone.

    On some models Samsung and Xiaomi you can bypass FRP through service modes, but this requires technical skills.

    Do hacking apps work? Android password?

    Most apps like Dr.Fone, iMyFone LockWiper or Tenorshare 4uKey promise unlocking, but:

    • ❌ On Android 11+ they work in 10-20% of cases.
    • ⚠️ They can install malware on your PC.
    • 💰 The cost of a license often exceeds the price of unlocking at a service center.

    The only legal use of such apps is unlocking own devices with proof of purchase.

    Can I unlock my phone through Find My Device?

    Service Find My Device from Google allows:

    • 📍 Find your phone on map.
    • 🔊 Turn on the sound signal.
    • 🔒 Lock the device (but do not unlock!).
    • 🗑️ Erase all data (analogous to resetting via Recovery).

    Screen unlocking functions Find My Device noHowever, if you lock the phone through the service and then reset the data, FRP may not work (on some models).

    How to unlock the phone if the touch screen does not work?

    If the sensor does not respond, but the screen turns on:

    1. Connect USB mouse via an OTG adapter - on most phones it will work even on a locked screen.
    2. Use the mouse to enter password or go to Recovery.

    If the screen is completely inoperative:

    1. Connect the phone to the PC and try to control it via ADB (if debugging was enabled).
    2. Contact a service center to replace the screen and then unlock it.