How to unlock an Android smartphone if you forgot your password or pattern

Forgotten password or pattern on an Android smartphone is a situation that almost every user has encountered. According to statistics Google, about 30% of support calls are related to unlocking problems. Fortunately, there are several official and unofficial ways to regain access to the device - from simple (through an account Google) to complex (using ADB or recovery mod).

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. Some of them lead to k complete data loss, others require preliminary configuration (for example, enabled USB debuggingIn this article we will analyze current unlocking methods for modern versions Android 10–14, including bypass FRP protection (Factory Reset Protection) on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others. brands.

Before you start, check:

• 🔄 Do you have a backup copy of your data (for example, in Google Drive or Mi Cloud)?
• 📱 Is the smartphone connected to the Internet (important for account-based methods)?
• 🔧 Is OEM unlocking enabled in the developer settings (needed for some methods)?

1. Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4–9.0)

This method worked on older versions Android (before Android 10), but many manufacturers abandoned it due to security vulnerabilities. However, on some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S7 or LG G5) it may work.

Instructions:

1. Enter the wrong password/key 5 times until the message appears "Forgot graphic key?".
2. Click on this inscription and select "Log in with your Google account".
3. Enter the login and password for the account that was linked to the device.
4. Create a new graphic key or PIN code.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ this method is blocked by default. It also does not work if the device is turned on two-factor authentication or the smartphone is not connected to the Internet.

If the button "Forgot your pattern key?" does not appear, try connecting k Wi-Fi through the quick settings panel (if it is available on the lock screen). On some firmware (for example MIUI) this can be done by swiping your finger down from the top edge of the screen.

2. Using Safe Mode to bypass lock

Safe Mode allows you to boot your smartphone with third-party applications disabled, including some screen lockers (for example AppLock). This method is suitable if the lock is installed not by the system software, but by third-party software.

How to start Safe Mode:

• 🔁 Turn off the smartphone (hold down the power button and select "Turn off").
• 🔧 Hold the power button until the logo appears, then immediately press and hold the button Volume Downuntil the message appears "Safe Mode" at the bottom of the screen.
• 📱 After downloading, delete the application that blocks the screen (for example, through Settings → Applications).
• 🔄 Restart the device in normal mode.

⚠️ Attention: On new versions Android (12+) Safe Mode may not disable the system screen lock. Also, this method will not work if the password is set through standard security settings.

If the lock remains after a reboot, try deleting the file gesture.key or password.key via ADB (more on this in the next section).

3. Unlocking via ADB (only if USB debugging is enabled)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a powerful tool for managing your smartphone via a computer. It will help you reset the password but only if the device was previously turned on USB debugging and connected to the PC. data-i="108">USB debugging. If these conditions are not present, the method will not work.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools from the official website Google (or use the portable version Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC via a USB cable.
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and enter:

   adb devices

   Make sure that the device is detected (its serial number should appear).

4. Enter the commands to delete the password files:

   adb shell
   su
   rm /data/system/gesture.key
   rm /data/system/password.key
   reboot

After rebooting, the screen lock should disappear. If you are prompted to create a new password, just skip this one. step.

Install Android SDK Platform-Tools|Enable USB debugging on your smartphone (before!)|Connect the device to the PC with the original cable|Check the visibility of the device with the command `adb devices`-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ access to /data/system/ via ADB may be limited. In this case, you will need root access or use TWRP.

4. data)

If other methods did not help, there is a radical way - reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode. This will delete all data on the device, including photos, contacts and applications. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for most smartphones:

• 🔁 Turn off the device.
• 🔧 Press the button combination to enter Recovery:

  Brand	Button combination
  Samsung	Power + Volume Up + Bixby
  Xiaomi/Redmi	Power + Volume Up
  Huawei/Honor	Power + Volume Up (hold 10 sec)
  Google Pixel	Power + Decrease volume

• 📱 In the menu Recovery select "Wipe data/factory reset" (control of the volume and power buttons).
• 🔄 Confirm the reset and reboot the device.

After the reset, you may need to enter data from Google accountthat was associated with the device (this FRP protection). If you do not remember the password, use instructions for bypassing FRP below.

5. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after a reset

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is an anti-theft protection that is activated after a factory reset. If you do not remember the data from Google accountthat was linked to the device, it will be more difficult to unlock your smartphone. Below are legal bypass methods for popular brands.

For Samsung (models 2018–2023):

• 📱 Connect your smartphone to Wi-Fi on the settings screen.
• 🔍 Go back and select "Add account" → "Google".
• 🔑 Enter any email and password, then go back and select "Skip" (on some firmware this bug is still works).

For Xiaomi:

• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for the connection check error.
• 🔧 Press "Wi-Fi settings" → "Add network" → enter any text and select it.
• 🔍 In the menu that appears, select "Search" and find "Settings", then disable "Factory protection".

⚠️ Attention: FRP bypass methods are often covered by firmware updates. If your device was updated via OTA, these methods may not work. In this case, contact the service center with proof of ownership.

What to do if FRP cannot be bypassed?

If legal methods did not help, there are two options left:

1. Contact the official service center with a receipt or box from the device (proof of purchase).

2. Use paid unlocking services (for example, FRP Tools), but they do not guarantee 100% results and may violate the terms of use Google.

6. Unlocking through service centers and official tools

If independent attempts are unsuccessful, contact the official service center. Most brands have unlocking procedures for owners:

• 📄 Samsung - app "Find My Mobile" (account required Samsung).
• 📱 Xiaomi - service "Mi Cloud" (linked account required).
• 🔧 Huawei - tool "HiSuite" (works only with previous synchronization).

To unlock you will need:

• Receipt or box from the device (proof of purchase).
• Passport or other identity document.
• IMEI of the device (can be found through dial *#06# on another phone, if the packaging is saved).

The cost of the service varies from 500 to 3000. rubles depending on the brand and model. In some cases (for example, in case of theft), unlocking may be impossible by law.

7. Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If you are familiar with firmware and modification Android, you can try the following methods:

• 🔧 Installing custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) and deleting password files manually.
• 📦 Flashing stock firmware via Fastboot or Odinh (for Samsung).
• 🔑 Using exploits (for example, "DirtyCOW" for older versions Android).

These methods require:

• Unlocked bootloader (on most devices this erases data).
• Knowledge of commands Fastboot and working with ADB.
• Risk of "bricking" the device (turning into "brick").

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial firmware will void the warranty and can lead to unstable operation of the device. On new smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22+), unlocking bootloader also activates Knox, which blocks some functions. (for example, Samsung Pay).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

Is it possible to unlock a smartphone without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

• You have it turned on USB debugging (then it will help ADB).
• The blocking is installed by a third-party application (you can remove it via Safe Mode).
• You have a backup copy in Google Drive or another cloud.

In all other cases, the data will be lost.

What to do if you forgot the email from your Google account?

Restore access through the service accounts.google.com. If the account is not restored, it will be impossible to unlock the device after the reset without contacting a service center.

Does unlocking through a call (emergency call method) work?

On Android 7.0+ this method does not work due to security patches. Previously, it was possible to access the settings through an emergency call, but now this is impossible.

Is it possible to unlock a smartphone using a fingerprint if you forgot the PIN?

Yes, if the fingerprint was added before locks. On most devices, after rebooting, you need to enter a PIN/password, but if the smartphone was not turned off, the fingerprint will work.

How much does it cost to unlock at a service center?

The price depends on the brand and model:

• Samsung/Xiaomi: 1000–2500 rubles.
• Google Pixel/Huawei: 1500–3000 rubles (due to the complexity of FRP).
• Budget brands (TECNO, Infinix): 500–1500 rubles.

The price usually includes FRP reset and device setup.