Locked your Android phone and forgot your password - what to do in 2026?

Forgotten password on an Android smartphone 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 problem is complicated by the fact that modern smartphones store not only contacts, but also access to banking applications, social networks, and work correspondence. Attempts to find the code at random often lead to total blocking of the device or even to deletion of all data after 10 unsuccessful attempts.

In this article we will look into all current unlocking methods for devices based on Android 10–14, including proprietary solutions from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google and universal methods through ADB, Fastboot and Recovery Mode. We will pay special attention to methods that allow save data on the phone (photos, messages, documents) even after resetting the settings. If your phone was locked less than a day ago, the chances of successful unlocking without loss are up to 70%.

1. Unlocking methods without losing data (if the phone is connected to a Google account)

The most reliable way to regain access to the phone is to use a linked account Google. This method works on most devices with Android 9 and below, as well as on some models with Android 10–12, if the manufacturer has not disabled the function Find My Device.

To unlock via Google Account:

• 🔹 Enter any password on the lock screen 5-10 times until a message appears "Forgot your password?" or "Unlock via Google".
• 🔹 Click on the link and enter the username/password from account that was linked to the phone before blocking.
• 🔹 🔐 If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm login via SMS or backup code.
• 🔹 After successful authorization, the phone will prompt you to create a new PIN or pattern key.

⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 11, many manufacturers (including Samsung and OnePlus) have removed the ability to unlock via Google Account for security reasons. If there is no button on the screen "Forgot your password?", proceed to the next method.

2. Unlocking via Find My Device (for phones with active Internet)

If your phone is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi, you can use the service Find My Device from Google. This method works even on new versions Android, but requires:

• 📶 An active Internet connection on the phone.
• 🔄 Enabled function Find a device in the settings Google (enabled by default on most devices).
• 🔑 Access to the account Googlethat was linked to the phone.

Instructions:

1. Go to the site google.com/android/find from a computer or other phone.
2. Login using the same account Googleas on the locked device.
3. Select the locked phone from the list of devices.
4. Click "Device lock" (yes, even if it is already blocked).
5. Enter new temporary password (for example, 123456) and confirm.
6. After 1-2 minutes A field for entering this password will appear on the phone screen.

⚠️ Attention: After unlocking via Find My Device some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) require you to re-enter the account password Mi Account. If you don’t remember it, you will have to use the reset method via Recovery Mode (see section 5).

3. Unlocking via Samsung Find My Mobile (only for Samsung devices)

Smartphone owners Samsung (series Galaxy S, Note, A, Z Flip/Fold) can use the proprietary service Find My Mobile. This method even works on Android 13/14 and allows you to unlock the device without losing data if:

• 📱 The phone is linked to an account Samsung Account.
• 📡 The Remote control function is enabled in the settings (activated by default).
• 🔋 The device is connected to the Internet (mobile network or Wi-Fi).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the website findmymobile.samsung.com.
2. Login using your own Samsung Account.
3. Select a blocked phone in the list of devices.
4. Click "Unlock" (English "Unlock").
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
6. Wait for a notification about successful unlocking (usually takes 1-3 minutes).

If after unlocking the phone requires you to enter Samsung account password, but you forgot it:

• 🔑 Go to account.samsung.com and restore access via email or phone number.
• 📧 If a backup email is linked, check the folder "Spam" —the letter with the recovery code may go there.

What to do, if Find My Mobile does not see the phone?

If the device is not displayed in the list, check:

1. Is it connected to the Internet (even in a locked state, some models support a background connection).

2. Is the function disabled? Remote control in the settings (path: Settings → Biometrics and security → Find My Mobile).

3. Are the phone settings reset to factory settings (in this case, the link to the account is lost).

4. Unlocking via ADB (for users with USB debugging enabled)

The method via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable if on the phone USB debugging was previously enabled (USB Debugging). This is a rare case, but if you have ever connected your phone to a computer for flashing or debugging, there is a chance. The method works on Android 5–13 and allows delete a file with a password without resetting the data.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers for your phone.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB (can be downloaded from the official website Google or via Platform Tools).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
2. Open the command line (CMD in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and go to the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   If the phone is displayed in the list, move on. If not, install the drivers or try a different cable.

4. Delete the password file (for Android 9 and below):

   adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

   For Android 10+ use:

   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 should disappear. If you are prompted to create a new password, just skip it ⚠️ Attention: On some firmwares. (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) this method may not work due to additional layers of protection.

Install drivers for your phone model|Download Platform Tools from the site Google|Connect your phone with the original USB cable|Check if the device is detected by the command adb devices-->

5. Reset via Recovery Mode (universal method, but with data loss)

If the previous methods did not work, it remains hard reset through recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method deletes all data from your phone, including photos, messages, and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock your device. Suitable for all Android models, regardless of version.

How to log in Recovery Mode:

Brand	Button combination	Notes
Samsung	Volume up + Power button	On Galaxy S22/23 press first Volume up + Bixby, then connect USB cable.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco	Volume up + Power button	On some models you need to hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds.
Google Pixel	Volume down + Power button	In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.
Huawei/Honor	Volume up + Power button	On new models, you may need to enter an unlock code (if you had an account Huawei ID).
OnePlus/Oppo/Realme	Volume down + Power button	In the recovery menu, select a language (English/Chinese), then Wipe data.

After entering Recovery Mode:

1. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.
2. Select item "Wipe data/factory reset" (on some phones - "Clear data" or "Erase all data").
3. Confirm the action (usually item "Yes" or "Confirm").
4. After the reset, select "Reboot system now".

⚠️ Attention: On phones with a chip Qualcomm (most flagships Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi) after the reset you may need entering data from your account Google or manufacturer (Mi Account, Samsung Account). If you don’t remember them, the phone will turn into a “brick” (FRP Lock). In this case, you will need FRP bypass (see section 7).

6. Bypass FRP Lock (Google Account Verification) after reset

FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection) is an anti-theft protection that works after a reset. If you reset the phone via Recovery Mode, but do not remember the data from Google Accountthat was linked earlier, the screen will require you to enter your login/password. You can bypass this protection in several ways:

Method 1: Through TalkBack (for Android 8–11)

1. On the input screen Google Account tap on the text field and hold until it appears menu.
2. Select "TalkBack" (voice assistant) and turn it on.
3. Draw a letter "L" on the screen to open the global menu.
4. Go to "Settings" → "Reset settings" and perform another reset (this will remove the FRP).

Method 2: Through OTG cable and a flash drive (for Android 9–12)

• 🔌 Connect OTG cable with a flash drive on which the file is located FRP_Bypass.apk (can be downloaded on specialized forums).
• 📁 On the input screen Google Account a notification about the connected drive will appear. Click on it.
• 📥 Install APKfile and follow the application instructions to bypass FRP.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP Lock may violate terms of use Google. Some methods only work on certain versions Android and require technical skills. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

7. Unlocking through a service center: when this is the only way out

If none of the listed methods worked, all that remains is to contact official service center or private specialists. This is relevant in the following cases:

• 🔒 The phone is blocked after an unsuccessful firmware update.
• 🛡️ Hardware protection has worked (for example, Knox on Samsung or Secure Boot on Huawei).
• 📱 The device does not respond to buttons (not included in Recovery Mode).
• 🔧 Requires soldering or replacement of the memory chip (in cases of software failure).

Cost unlocking in the service:

Blocking type	Average price (₽)	Terms
Password reset without data loss	1 500–3 000	1–3 hours
Bypass FRP Lock	1 000–2 500	30–60 minutes
Firmware via EDL Mode (for "bricks")	3 000–6 000	1–2 days
Hardware lock repair (soldering)	5 000–15 000	2–5 days

⚠️ Attention: Before contacting the service:

• 📋 Check whether they provide a guarantee for unlocking (some workshops refuse responsibility for data loss).
• 🔍 Check reviews about the service - there is a risk of running into scammers who “unlock” the phone but steal data.
• 💰 Compare prices: in official services (Samsung Service, Xiaomi Authorized Center) unlocking may cost more, but they provide a guarantee.

8. How to avoid blocking in the future: 5 security rules

To no longer encounter the problem of a forgotten password, follow these simple recommendations:

• 🔐 Use biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to the PIN code.
• 📝 Write down a backup PIN or pattern key in encrypted notes (for example, in Google Keep with a password or 1Password).
• 🔄 Regularly create backups via Settings → System → Backup.
• 📱 Turn on Smart Lock (Settings → Security → Smart Lock) so that the phone is automatically unlocked at home or when connecting to a trusted device (for example, a smartwatch).
• 🔧 Check whether the function is enabled Find device (Settings → Google → Security → Find my device).

If you often forget passwords, consider using password manager (for example, Bitwarden or KeePass). These applications store all codes in encrypted form and are synchronized between devices. The main thing is not to forget master password from the manager himself!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

Is it possible to unlock a phone without losing data if backup has not been enabled?

Yes, but only if:

• 🔹 The phone was enabled USB debugging (method with ADB).
• 🔹 The device is linked to an account Google or the manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi), and the remote unlock function is not disabled.
• 🔹 You remember the data from the account that was linked to the phone.

If none of the conditions are met, unlocking without data loss is unlikely.

What to do if the phone is locked after flashing via Fastboot?

This is a typical situation when the firmware was interrupted or an incorrect version was installed. Solutions:

1. Try to flash the phone again via Fastboot using official firmware for yours. model.
2. If the phone does not turn on, try entering EDL Mode (emergency mode) and flash via Qualcomm Tools (requires a box or a special cable).
3. Contact the service center - independent manipulations with EDL can lead to complete loss of data.

How to unlock Samsung Galaxy account Samsung Accountif you forgot your password?

If the phone requires entering data from Samsung Account after reset:

1. Go to account.samsung.com and restore access via email or phone number.
2. If restoration does not work, try contacting support Samsung (proof of ownership will be required, such as a receipt or box from phone).
3. As a last resort, contact the service center - they have tools for resetting Samsung Account without data loss (on some models).

Does unlocking work via Find My Device on Xiaomi?

No, Xiaomi uses its own service - Mi Cloud. To unlock Redmi or Poco:

1. Go to i.mi.com.
2. Log in using your Mi Account.
3. Select a device and click "Find device" → "Unlock".

If you forgot the password for Mi Account, restore it through the linked email or phone number.

Is it possible to unlock the phone if it is turned off and does not respond to charging?

If the phone is completely discharged and does not turn on:

1. Connect it to charge for 30-60 minutes (even if the indicator is not lit).
2. Try forced reboot:
   • For Samsung: Volume down + Power button (hold for 10 seconds).
   • For Xiaomi: Volume up + Power button (hold for 15 seconds).
   • For Google Pixel: Power button (hold for 30 seconds).

If the phone does not respond, the battery or power controller may be faulty - service diagnostics are required.