Forgetting your smartphone password is an unpleasant situation, but not a hopeless one. In 2026, device manufacturers tightened security measures, but at the same time left several official methods for restoring access. The main thing is not to panic and not to try to find the code by brute force: after 5–10 unsuccessful attempts, the system can block the device for 24 hours or completely erase all data. Android-devices tightened security measures, but at the same time left several official ways to restore access. The main thing is not to panic and not to try to guess the code: after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, the system can block the device for 24 hours or completely erase all data.

In this article we will analyze 7 proven unlocking methods, from the simplest (through an account Google) to complex (using ADB or custom Recovery). Important: the effectiveness of the method depends on the version Android, phone model and whether backup functions were enabled. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S24 s One UI 6.1 the reset algorithm through Find My Mobile differs from the procedure on Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 s MIUI 15.

If you are reading this article on a locked device through another gadget - immediately go to the “Emergency methodssection. If you have time to prepare, start with safe methods that do not require resetting your settings.

1. Unlocking via Google account (Android 9 and below)

This method worked on versions Android up to 9.0 (Pie) inclusive. On new devices (with Android 10+s), the feature has been removed for security reasons, but if you have an old smartphone (for example, Samsung Galaxy S8 or Huawei P20s), try this:

  1. Enter any password 5 times until the message "Forgot your pattern key?" or “Forgot your password?».
  2. Click on this inscription - the system will prompt you to enter the login and password for Google accountlinked to the device.
  3. After successful authorization, the phone will be unlocked, but you may need to create a new one PIN code or pattern key.
⚠️ Attention: If device was turned on verification in two steps (2FA), this method will not work - you will need a code from Google Authenticator or SMS.

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) instead Google a manufacturer's account may be required. Check this in the documentation for your model.

📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Huawei
Google Pixel
Other

2. Using the “Find My Device” (Google) service

Service Find My Device allows you not only to find a lost phone, but also erase all data or lock the device. If geolocation services and synchronization with Androidsmartphone, follow these steps: Googleare enabled on your

  • 🌐 Go to the website Find My Device from a computer or another phone.
  • 🔑 Log in using the same account Googlethat is associated with the locked device.
  • 📱 Select your smartphone from the list of devices (if there are several of them).
  • 🔄 Click "Erase data» (Erase Device). This will delete all files, including the lock password.

After the reset, the phone will reboot into the “as newstate. You will need to reconfigure it, but access will be restored. This method works even on the latest versions of Android (14–15), but requires first activating the “Find My Device” function in the settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox) after resetting through Find My Device the protection Factory Reset Protection (FRP)may work. In this case, you will need to enter the login and password from the last linked account Google.

Make sure that the phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network)

Check the battery charge (at least 30%)

Remember the details of the Google account linked to the device

Save important files (if you have access to a backup copy)

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3. Manufacturer services: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei

Major brands offer their own unlocking tools. Let's consider the most popular:

Brand Service Link Requirements
Samsung Find My Mobile findmymobile.samsung.com Account Samsung, enabled function remote control
Xiaomi Mi Cloud i.mi.com Account Milinked to the phone
Huawei Huawei Cloud cloud.huawei.com Account Huawei ID, synchronization enabled
Google Pixel Find My Device google.com/android/find Account Google, location services included

Action algorithm for Samsung Find My Mobile:

  1. Log in to the site using your account Samsung.
  2. Select a blocked device in the list.
  3. Click "Unblock» (Unlock).
  4. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

For Xiaomi Mi Cloud:

  1. Go to the section "Find device».
  2. Select a phone and click "Unlock screen».
  3. Wait 5-10 minutes - the device will unlock automatically.
⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei s EMUI 12+ after resetting via Huawei Cloud confirmation may be required via Huawei ID during the first setup.
What to do if you forgot your manufacturer account details?

If you do not remember your account login or password Samsung, Mi or Huawei, restore them through the official services:

- Samsung: account.samsung.com

- Xiaomi: account.xiaomi.com

- Huawei: id1.cloud.huawei.com

If the account cannot be restored, the only way out is to reset via Recovery Mode (see section 4).

4. Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the previous methods did not work, it remains hard reset through recovery mode. This will delete all data from the device, including photos, messages and installed applications. Use this method only as a last resort!

Instructions for most Androiddevices:

  1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode:
    • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (or Home on older models).
    • Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume Up.
    • Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down.
    • Huawei/Honor: Power + Volume Up.
  • In the menu Recovery select “Wipe data/factory reset" using the volume buttons and confirm the selection with the power button.
  • After resetting, select "Reboot system now».

    • On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22+), the menu Recovery may be hidden behind an additional confirmation. In this case:

    1. Select "Apply update from ADB».
    2. Connect your phone to the computer and enter the command: 
      adb shell recovery --wipe_data
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ and the function enabled File-Based Encryption (FBE) after Reset may require you to enter your old password to decrypt the data. If you do not remember it, the data will be lost forever.
    💡

    If the phone does not respond to the button combination, try connecting it to the charger for 10-15 minutes. A dead battery may block input to Recovery Mode.

    5. Unlocking via ADB (for advanced users)

    Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to control the device via a computer. This method is suitable if the phone USB debugging is enabled has access to a computer with installed drivers.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools.
    2. Connect your phone to the computer via a USB cable.
    3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
    4. Enter the commands in order: 
      adb devices

      adb shell
      

      su
      

      rm /data/system/gesture.key (or password.key for PIN code)

    5. Reboot your phone: 
      reboot

      6. After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If the error “adbd cannot run as root" appears, then the device does not have rights root, and the method will not work.

      ⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ this method is often blocked by the security system. An alternative is to use Fastboot Mode for custom firmware Recovery (for example, TWRP), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.
      💡

      The method with ADB works only if USB debugging was enabled BEFORE blocking. If not, move on to other methods.

      6. Third-party apps: risks and alternatives

      On the Internet you can find dozens of apps that promise to unblock Android “in 5 minutes.” Most of them either don't work or contain malicious code. We tested several tools and identified three relatively safe options: works with three relatively safe options:

      • 🔓 Dr.Fone — Screen Unlock: works with Samsung, LG, Google Pixel. Requires connecting to a PC and paying for a license (~$40).
      • 🔓 iMyFone LockWiper: supports Android 6–12, but does not guarantee results on new devices.
      • 🔓 Tenorshare 4uKey: specializes in bypassing FRP (protection after a reset).

      Warnings:

      • ⚠️ No app provides a 100% unlocking guarantee.
      • ⚠️ The risk of data loss or “bricking” the device (turning into a “brick”) remains.
      • ⚠️ On Android 13+ most tools are useless due to enhanced protection.

      If you still decide to use third-party software, follow the instructions on the official websites and create a backup copy (if possible).

      How to check the app for viruses?

      Before installation, check the file using VirusTotal. Pay attention to:

      - Date of creation of the file (latest versions are less risky).

      - Number of detections (if more than 3-5, do not install).

      - Reviews on independent forums (for example, XDA Developers).

      7. Emergency methods: if all else fails

      If all of the above methods do not work, radical measures remain:

      • 📞 Contact the service center: official centers (for example, Samsung Service or Xiaomi Authorized Center) can unlock the device using purchase documents. Cost - from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles.
      • 🔧 Reflash the phone: requires skills to work with Fastboot, ODIN (for Samsung) or SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek). The risk is high - if an error occurs, the phone may fail.
      • 📱 Buy a new phone: if the data is not critical and the device is old, sometimes it is cheaper to purchase a new model.

    For firmware via Fastboot (for example Google Pixel):

    1. Download the official firmware from the website Google.
    2. Unpack the archive and connect the phone to the PC in mode Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down).
    3. Run the commands: 
      fastboot flashing unlock

      fastboot flash bootloader [file_name].img
      

      fastboot flash radio [file_name].img
      

      fastboot reboot-bootloader
      

      fastboot flash -w update [firmware_name].zip

    ⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Fastboot resets Knox (to Samsung) or eFuse (to Huawei), which may void the warranty and block some functions (for example Samsung Pay or Secure Folder).

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

    Is it possible to unlock a phone without losing data?

    Yes, but only if:

    • On the device enabled synchronization with Google (for Android 9 and below).
    • Access to manufacturer account (Samsung, Xiaomi etc.).
    • It was enabled Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted device or location).

    In all other cases, the data will be lost.

    What to do if the phone requires the old password after resetting?

    This is how protection works. FRP (Factory Reset Protection). Solutions:

    • Enter the login and password from the last linked account Google.
    • Use the manufacturer's official tools (for example, Samsung Find My Mobile).
    • Contact the service center with documents for your phone.
    How to unlock your phone if you forgot the pattern key on Android 13?

    On Android 13+ the graphic key is equivalent to a password. Try:

    1. Enter any key 5 times → the "Forgot the pattern key?" button will appear → log in via Google (if supported).
    2. Use Find My Device to reset.
    3. Reset via Recovery Mode (data will be deleted).
    Works Is it possible to unlock through a call to a locked phone?

    No, this method stopped working after Android 5.0 Lollipop. Previously, you could call the phone, open the dial pad and access the settings through it, but now this vulnerability is closed.

    Is it possible to restore data after a reset via Recovery?

    Partially. If the phone was enabled synchronization with Google (contacts, photos in Google Photos, notes in Keep), the data will be restored automatically after logging into your account. Local files (SMS, calls, some applications) without a backup copy will be lost.