How to unblock on Android: a complete guide (2026)

A ​​blocked smartphone on Android is a situation that almost every user has encountered. The reasons are different: forgotten pattern key, incorrect PIN code after flashing, buying a used device with someone else's password or activating factory protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). Depending on the version Android (from 5.0 Lollipop to 14+) and smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.), the unlocking methods differ.

In this article we will examine 7 proven methodshow to remove the screen lock, including bypassing Google Account, ADB, Recovery Mode and specialized utilities. Important: some methods require preliminary preparation (for example, debugging is enabled), others work only on older versions. USB), others only work on older versions Android. To avoid losing data, carefully read the terms and conditions of each method.

If your phone is locked after resetting the settings (FRP-lock), go straight to section about FRP bypass. For devices with root access or custom firmware (LineageOS, MIUI) there are separate solutions - they are marked with special marks.

1. Unlocking via Google account (Android 4.4 and below)

This method only works on devices with Android 4.4 KitKat and older (up to 5.0 Lollipop). In new versions Google he removed this function due to security vulnerabilities. If your smartphone was released before 2015 (for example Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One M7), try the following algorithm:

• 🔹 Enter any password/pattern 5 times in a rowuntil the message “Forgot your pattern?” appears. or “Forgot your password? new
• 📧 Click on the button and enter the data from Google Account, which was associated with the device.
• 🔓 After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new PIN code or pattern key.

⚠️ Attention: If the device was enabled two-factor login (2FA), you may need a code from Google Authenticator or SMS. Without access to the backup code, unlocking using this method is impossible.

2. Resetting the lock via ADB (USB debugging required)

The method is suitable for devices with USB debugging enabled (USB Debugging) and installed drivers ADB. This is relevant if you have previously connected your phone to a computer for development or backup purposes. Instructions:

1. 🖥️ Connect your smartphone to PC via USB cable (original!).
2. 📥 Download Platform Tools (official package from Google) and unpack to the root of the disk C:\.
3. 🐍 Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and execute the commands in order:

   cd C:\platform-tools
   adb devices

   If the device is detected (serial number appears), continue. If not, install drivers for your model.

4. 🔑 Enter the command to delete the file with the password:

   adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

   For Android 7+ 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 the phone:

   adb reboot

   After turning on The screen lock will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Xiaomi, Huawei) after this procedure it may work. FRP-lock. Be prepared for additional unlocking through your account.

Make sure that USB debugging is enabled|Download Platform Tools from the official website|Connect the original USB cable|Check the device detection with the command adb devices-->

3. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (full reset)

Reset to factory settings is a universal unlocking method, but it deletes all data from the device (photos, contacts, messages). Use it if other methods have not helped. The instructions differ depending on the manufacturer:

Manufacturer	Button combination	Notes
Samsung	Volume up + Power + Home	On new models (Galaxy S22 and newer) instead of Home — Volume down.
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO	Volume up + Power	Hold 10-15 seconds until the logo appears Mi.
Huawei/Honor	Volume up + Power	Some models require confirmation via Huawei ID.
Google Pixel	Volume down + Power	In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.

After logging in Recovery Mode:

1. 🔧 Select item Wipe data/factory reset (volume button control, confirmation - power button).
2. 🗑️ Confirm reset (Yes — Delete all user data).
3. 🔄 Reboot the device (Reboot system now).

⚠️ Attention: On devices c Android 6.0+ after the reset, you may need to enter data from previous Google Account (FRP-lock). FRP section about FRP bypass.

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination does not work, try:

1. Connect the charger and try again (on some models, a minimum of 5% charge is required).

2. Use USB OTG with a keyboard for navigation (relevant for broken volume buttons).

3. Contact a service center - the motherboard may be damaged.

4. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection)

FRP-lock - this is the reset protection that appears. after Hard Reset on Android 5.1+. The system requires you to enter the login and password from Google Accountthat was associated with the device before the reset. If you do not know this data, there are several ways to bypass:

Method 1: Through settings (for Android 8-10)

• 📱 On the welcome screen, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 In the input field Google Account click on the line Add network (or Emergency Call → type ##4636##).
• 🔗 Go to Settings → Reset and recovery → Reset DRM (on some models the path is different).
• 🔄 Reboot the device - FRP it will reset.

Method 2: Using the utility FRP Bypass APK

For devices on Android 11+ you will need:

1. 📎 Download FRP Bypass Tool (for example, SamFw FRP Tool for Samsung).
2. 📤 Write a file to USB drive and connect it to the phone via OTG adapter.
3. 📁 menu FRP select Review → install APK and follow the instructions of the utility.

⚠️ Attention: Using third-party utilities may lead to Google account blocking or loss of warranty. On devices with Android 12+ and security patches after May 2022 most FRP bypass stopped working.

1. On the input screen Google Account turn on TalkBack (press two fingers on the screen).

2. Draw a letter L to call the global menu.

3. Select Settings → Reset → Delete all data (path may vary).-->

5. Third-party unlocking apps

If standard methods do not work, you can use specialized apps. They are paid, but often. more effective than manual methods. Popular tools:

• 💻 Dr.Fone — Screen Unlock (Android): supports Samsung, LG, Huawei, Xiaomi. Removes PIN, pattern key, fingerprint without data loss (on some models).
• 🔓 Tenorshare 4uKey: bypasses FRP and screen lock on Android 6-12. Requires connection to PC.
• 📱 iMyFone LockWiper: works with Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus. Offers a free trial version.

🔹 How to use:

1. Download and install the app on PC.
2. Connect the locked phone via USB.
3. Select the device model and follow the instructions wizard.
4. Wait for the process to complete (usually 5-15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Before purchasing, check the compatibility of the app with your smartphone model. Some utilities (for example, for Samsung c Knox) can only work on older firmware versions.

6. Official service centers

If self-unlocking is unsuccessful, contact authorized service center the manufacturer. This is relevant for:

• 📱 Devices with Android 13+ and the latest security patches.
• 🔒 Smartphones with hardware locking (for example, Samsung Knox or Huawei TEE).
• 📄 Phones linked to corporate MDM systems (for example, Microsoft Intune).

🔹 What will be required:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (receipt, warranty card).
• 🆔 Owner's passport (if the device is under warranty).
• 💳 Payment for the service (from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model).

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial services may offer to “flash” the phone through SP Flash Tool or Odin, but this is risky:

• 🚨 Possible loss IMEI (the phone will become a “brick”).
• 🔒 There may be “traces” of hacking that will block updates OTA.
• 📵 The warranty will be void.

7. How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid encountering the problem again, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Use Smart Lock (Settings → Security → Smart Lock) to automatically unlock in trusted places (home, work).
• 📝 Write down backup codes (for example, for Google Authenticator) in a safe place (1Password, KeePass).
• 🔄 Create regularly backups via Settings → System → Backup.
• 🖥️ Enable USB debugging (Settings → For developers → USB debugging) and save ADB keys on the computer.
• 📧 Bind to device spare email and phone number for recovery.

🔹 What NOT to do:

• ❌ Install unknown firmware from dubious sources.
• ❌ Disable Find My Device (Settings → Google → Security).
• ❌ Use the same PIN code for locking the screen and bank cards.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

🔒 Is it possible to unlock a phone without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

• The device is enabled USB debugging (method with ADB).
• You use official utilities (for example, Dr.Fone for Samsung).
• You have backup copy to Google Drive or to PC.

To Android 12+ without root access data saving unlikely.

📱 Why does it ask for the old Google Account after the reset?

This is FRP-lock (Factory Reset Protection) - protection against theft It is activated if:

• On. the device was linked Google Account.
• You did Hard Reset via Recovery.
• The phone works on Android 5.1+.

You can bypass it via special methods or by contacting service.

⚙️ Does unlocking work through the engineering menu?

On older devices (Android 4.4-6.0) it was possible to reset the lock through codes like ##7780##. Now this one. method does not work on 99% of devices. Modern smartphones block such commands due to the risk of hacking.

💰 How much does unlocking in the service cost?

The cost depends on the model and type of lock:

• Samsung/Huawei (with FRP): 1,500–3,000 rubles.
• Xiaomi (with Mi Account): 2,000–4,000 rub.
• Google Pixel: 3,000–5,000 rub. (due to complex protection).

In official services the price is higher, but the result is guaranteed without the risk of “scrapping”.

🔧 Is it possible to unlock a phone with a broken screen?

Yes, but the methods are limited:

• If the screen responds to touches - connect USB mouse via OTG.
• If the screen does not work at all, only Hard Reset via Recovery or service.
• For Samsung s Knox the utility can help SamFw Tool (requires PC).