Forgotten 4-digit PIN code on an Android smartphone is one of the most common problems faced by users. According to statistics, about 30% of calls to service centers are related to screen locking due to a lost password. Fortunately, in most cases, unlocking can be done independently, without the help of specialists.

In this article we will look at all the current methods of unlocking a device - from standard methods through an account Google to advanced techniques using ADB i Fastboot. It is important to understand that the effectiveness of each method depends on the version Android, smartphone model and security settings. For example, on devices with Android 10+ and the function enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP) some methods may not work.

Before you start unlocking, make sure that you have a backup copy of your important data. Most methods reset settings and delete user information. If synchronization with Google Drive, some of the data (contacts, photos, applications) can be restored after unlocking.

📊 How often do you forget your smartphone password?
Never
1 time a year
2-3 times a year year
More often than 3 times

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

This method only works on outdated versions Android (up to 5.0 Lollipop inclusive). On modern devices, the unlock via Google function has been removed for security reasons. If your smartphone was released before 2015, try the following steps:

  1. After 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the PIN code, a button Forgot your password? or Forgot pattern? (depending on the firmware) will appear on the screen. Click on it.
  2. Enter the email address and password from the account Googlethat was associated with the device.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to create a new PIN code or pattern.

If the button Forgot your password? does not appear, which means your device is running on a newer version Androidand this method will not work. It is also worth considering that some manufacturers (for example Xiaomi or Huawei) have modified the standard lock screen, and the option may not be available even on older firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 5.0+ try unlocking via Google may lead to a complete reset of settings (hard reset) due to activation Factory Reset Protection (FRP). This is anti-theft protection that requires you to enter your previous account details after resetting.

2. Resetting settings via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

The most reliable, but also the most radical way is to reset the device to factory settings. It works on all versions of Android, but leads to complete loss of data on the internal memory (photos, messages, applications). The memory card microSD is not affected.

Instructions for most smartphones:

  1. Turn off the device by long pressing the power button.
  2. Hold the key combination to enter in Recovery Mode. It differs among different manufacturers:
    • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Home (on new models without a button Home — Volume up + Bixby + Power)
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Volume up + Power
    • 📱 Huawei/Honor: Volume up + Power (on some models - Volume down + Power)
    • 📱 Google Pixel and Nexus: Volume down + Power
  • V menu Recovery Use the volume buttons to select the item Wipe data/factory reset, and then Yes.
  • After resetting, select Reboot system now.

    • On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI) menu Recovery can be touch-sensitive. In this case, just tap on the desired item.

    ☑️ Preparing for Hard Reset

    Done: 0 / 4
    ⚠️ Attention: If the function was activated on the device FRP (Factory Reset Protection), after the reset you will need to enter your account information Google, which was bound before the blocking. Without this data, the smartphone will remain locked. On some models Samsung and Xiaomi may require additional unlocking via Mi Account or Samsung Account.

    3. Unlocking via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

    If your device was previously enabled USB debugging (USB Debugging, you can try to unlock it using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires a computer and preliminary setup, but allows you to bypass the lock without data loss.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Connect the locked smartphone to the computer via a USB cable.
    2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter: 
      adb shell

      su
      

      rm /data/system/gesture.key

      or for the PIN code:

      adb shell

      su
      

      rm /data/system/password.key

    3. Reboot the device with the command: 
      adb reboot

    After rebooting, the lock screen should disappear. If the command su does not work, then the device does not have rights rootand this method will not work. Also note that Android 9+ the path to the lock files may differ.

    What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

    If the computer does not recognize the smartphone, make sure that drivers for your model are installed. For Samsung you will need Samsung USB Driver, for Xiaomi — Mi PC Suite. Also check that in the developer settings the item is enabled Allow USB debugging (if you had access before blocking).

    4. Using Fastboot to unlock (for advanced users)

    Method via Fastboot suitable for unlocked devices bootloader. It allows you to reset settings or flash new firmware, bypassing the lock. This method may lead to loss of warranty and does not work on devices with a locked bootloader (for example, most smartphones Samsung i Huawei).

    Instructions:

    1. Turn off the smartphone and press combination to enter Fastboot Mode (usually Volume down + Power).
    2. Connect the device to the computer and open the command line.
    3. Check the connection with the command: 
      fastboot devices

      If the device is displayed, enter:

      fastboot flashing unlock

      or for older versions:

      fastboot oem unlock
    4. Confirm unlocking on the smartphone screen (if required).
    5. Flash new firmware or reset with the command: 
      fastboot erase userdata

    On some devices (for example, Google Pixel or OnePlus) unlocking bootloader leads to a complete data reset. Please note that after this procedure you may need to re-activate OEM Unlock in the developer settings.

    5. Unlocking through the Find My Device service (for devices with a Google account)

    If the service was enabled on your smartphone Find My Device (located in settings Google → Security), you can remotely reset the password or lock the device. This method works even if you do not have physical access to the phone.

    How. unlock:

    1. Go to the website Find My Device from a computer or other device.
    2. Log in using the same account Googlethat is linked to the blocked smartphone.
    3. Select your device in the list (if any several).
    4. Click Erase device data (Erase Device).
    5. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed.

    After the reset, the device will reboot and you can set it up as new. Please note that this method also activates FRP, so after the reboot you will need to enter the account information Googlethat was linked before blocking.

    💡

    If you do not remember the password for your Google account, try recovering it via recovery page. Use the backup email or phone number specified during registration.

    6. Unlocking through service centers and official tools of manufacturers

    If independent methods do not help, you can contact an official service center or use the manufacturer’s proprietary tools. Some brands offer legal unlocking methods upon presentation of proof of ownership of the device.

    Options for popular brands:

    • 📱 Samsung: The service Samsung Find My Mobile allows you to unlock the device if the account Samsung has been linked. You can also contact Samsung Members with a purchase receipt.
    • 📱 Xiaomi: Through Mi Account you can send an unlock request, but proof of identity (passport, check) will be required.
    • 📱 Huawei: Service Huawei Cloud allows you to reset the password if the device has been synchronized.
    • 📱 Google Pixel: Official support can help if you have a receipt or account information.

    The cost of unlocking at service centers varies from 500 to 3000 rubles, depending on the model and complexity. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the motherboard if the blocking is due to hardware faults.

    ⚠️ Attention: Avoid “gray” services that offer unlocking at low prices. Often such workshops use illegal methods (for example, modified firmware IMEI), which can lead to problems with the law or network operation.

    7. Alternative unlocking methods (for specific cases)

    If standard methods do not work, you can try lesser-known, but sometimes effective methods. They are suitable for individual models or versions Android.

    Method Suitable devices Efficiency Risks
    Calling a locked phone Android 4.4–7.0, some Samsung and LG Low (rarely works) May not work on new firmware
    Using mode Safe Mode Devices with stock installed launchers Medium (allows you to remove a third-party launcher) Will not work if blocked at the system level
    Firmware via Odin (for Samsung) Samsung Galaxy (required unlocked bootloader) High Risk of "bricking" in case of error
    Use TWRP Recovery Device with custom installed Recovery High (allows you to edit system files) Requires preliminary installation TWRP

    One of the most exotic methods is using hard reset through test points on the motherboard. This method is used in service centers and requires disassembling the device. It is suitable for smartphones on which software methods do not work due to damaged firmware.

    💡

    If none of the methods helped, most likely the blocking is due to a hardware failure (for example, damage to the memory module). In this case, only replacing the motherboard or chip will help. eMMC.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

    Is it possible? unlock Android without data loss?

    Yes, but only if the device was enabled USB debugging and you can use ADB. In other cases, unlocking without resetting the data is only possible through the official services of the manufacturer (for example, Samsung Find My Mobile), and not on all models.

    What to do if after resetting the old Google account (FRP) is required?

    If you do not remember the data from the previous one account, try to restore access via Google recovery page. If this does not help, contact the service center with proof of purchase. On some devices (for example Xiaomi) you can bypass FRP via Mi Account Unlock Tool, but this requires waiting (up to 72 hours).

    Does unlocking via call work on modern smartphones?

    No, this method stopped working after Android 7.0 Nougat. Previously, you could call a locked phone, accept the call, and access the settings through the call menu. This vulnerability has now been fixed.

    Is it possible to unlock a smartphone if it is linked to a corporate account (MDM)?

    If the device is managed through Mobile Device Management (MDM), unlocking is only possible through the system administrator. This is usually the IT department of the company that issued the phone. Independent attempts to reset can lead to a complete blocking of the device.

    What to do if after unlocking the smartphone does not turn on?

    If after Hard Reset or the firmware the device does not boot (stuck on the logo, the screen is blinking), most likely an error occurred during the reset. Try:

    1. Repeat reset via Recovery Mode.
    2. Flash stock firmware via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).
    3. Contact the service center to diagnose hardware faults.