How to unlock Android manually: step-by-step guide for all versions

A locked smartphone on Android is a situation that every fifth user faces. The reasons are different: a forgotten password, a failure after an update, buying a used device with an active lock, or even childish pranks. Fortunately, in 90% of cases you can unlock the phone yourself, without resorting to service centers. But here it is important to act carefully: incorrect actions can lead to total loss of data or "bricking" the device.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods manual unlocking Android - from the simplest (via account Google) to advanced (commands ADB and flashing via Fastboot). Each method is illustrated with screenshots, has risk warnings and is suitable for specific scenarios. For example, if you Samsung Galaxy c Knox, some methods will not be available - we will also tell you about this.

Before you begin, answer two key questions:

1. Does the phone have important data that need to be saved?
2. Is the phone connected to the account Google (or Samsung/Xiaomi for branded devices)?

The choice of method depends on the answers. And remember: on devices with Android 10+ and FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption, unlocking without data loss is almost impossible - you will have to reset the settings.

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

The easiest method that works on devices up to Android 9 Pie inclusive. After 5 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, the system offers the option “Forgot your pattern?” or "Forgot your password?" Click on this link - a window will open to log in to your account Googlelinked to the phone.

Enter the login and password for the account that was added on the device before blocking. After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and you will be prompted to set a new password or pattern. This method does not require resetting the data and takes less than a minute.

• ✅ Works on: Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony and other devices with Android 4.4–9.0.
• ❌ Does not work on: Android 10+devices with corporate policies (Knox, Android Enterprise), phones after reset via Recovery.
• 🔧 Required: Internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile network).

⚠️ Attention: If two-factor authentication is enabled on the phone Google, you will need to enter the code from SMS or application Google Authenticator. Without it, unlocking is impossible.

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei), instead of an account Google you may need to log in to the brand's brand account (Mi Account or Huawei ID). The logic is the same: enter the details of the linked account, and the phone will be unlocked.

What to do if I don’t remember the password for your Google account?

If you have forgotten the password for your Google account, recover it through the [recovery page](https://accounts.google.com). Use a backup email or phone number linked to your account. Important: Restoration may take up to 24 hours due to security checks.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (universal method)

If the phone does not offer the option of unlocking through an account or with you Android 10+, the only reliable way is hard reset (hard reset) through recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method will delete all data from the device, including applications, photos and settings, but will restore access to the phone.

Step by step instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination buttons to enter Recovery:
   • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (or Home on older models).
   • Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume up.
   • Google Pixel, OnePlus: Power + Volume down.
   • Huawei, Honor: Power + Volume up (hold for 10 sec).
3. In the menu Recovery select item Wipe data/factory reset (control - volume buttons, confirmation - power button).
4. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes.
5. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung c Knox) after the reset you may need to enter data from the last account Google or Samsung, even if the phone was reset. This is a protective measure FRP (Factory Reset Protection). To bypass it, additional steps will be required (see section 4).

If the button combination does not work, try alternative options:

• 🔌 Connect the phone to charge and repeat the combination.
• 🔄 On some Xiaomi you must first hold down Volume up + Power, and after the logo appears, release Powerhold Volume up.
• 📱 For Google Pixel you may need to first hold Volume down, then Power, and after vibration, release Powerwhile continuing to hold Volume down.

Disconnect the phone from charging (if connected)

Make sure the battery charge is > 30%

Prepare a backup copy of important data (if you have access to PC)

Check the button combination for your model-->

3. Unlocking via ADB (without data loss)

A ​​method for advanced users that allows you to delete a file with a password (gesture.key or password.key) via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). It only works if the phone USB debugging mode is enabled has access to a computer with installed drivers ADB.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and run the commands:

   adb shell
   su
   cd /data/system
   rm *.key

3. Reboot the phone with the command:

   reboot

After the reboot, the screen lock will be reset. This method works on Android 5.0–7.0. On newer versions due to encryption FBE it is useless - password files are stored in encrypted form and are inaccessible even through ADB.

• ✅ Pros: all data is saved, no reset required.
• ❌ Cons: rights required root or USB debugging enabled, does not work on all versions of Android.

⚠️ Attention: If disk encryption is enabled on your phone (by default on Android 6.0+), commands ADB will not be able to delete password files. In this case, the method will not work.

For devices with MIUI (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10), an additional command may be required:

adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm

4. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection)

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a reset protection that is activated on devices with Android 5.1+ after a hard reset. If the phone was linked to an account Googleafter resetting via Recovery it will require you to enter the details of this account. There are several ways to bypass FRP, but they depend on the phone model.

Universal method (works on most Samsung, LG, Nokia):

1. After the reset, wait for the setup screen and connect the phone to Wi-Fi.
2. On the account entry screen Google tap on the input field email, then bring up the keyboard.
3. Hold the symbol @ on the keyboard until the menu appears Google.
4. Select "Settings" → "Add account" → add any account Google.
5. Go back to setting up your phone and skip step with FRP.

For Xiaomi and Redmi the method with Mi Account Unlock Toolis often helpful, but it requires waiting 72 hours after linking the account to Huawei and Honor FRP bypass is possible through HiSuite, but only if the phone was previously connected to a PC.

Brand	FRP bypass method	Required tools
Samsung	Through the keyboard menu or Samsung Frp Tool	USB cable, PC with Odine
Xiaomi	Mi Account Unlock Tool (waiting 72 hours)	Account Mi, PC
Google Pixel	Via ADB (command adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/)	PC with ADB, USB cable
Huawei	HiSuite or DC Unlocker	PC, original cable

⚠️ Warning: Bypassing FRP may violate the terms of use Google. On some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox 3.0+) this will result in a flag trigger Knox and loss of warranty.

5. Flashing via Fastboot (advanced method)

If none of the previous methods worked, it remains flashing via the mode FastbootThis method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) and requires availability of firmware (stock ROM) for your model.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website (for example, Xiaomi — [miui.com](https://miui.com), Samsung — [sammobile.com](https://sammobile.com)).
2. Install on PC Minimal ADB and Fastboot or Platform Tools.
3. Load the phone into mode Fastboot:
   • Turn off the device.
   • Hold Volume down + Power (for Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi).
4. Connect the phone to the PC and run the commands:

   fastboot devices
   fastboot flash boot boot.img
   fastboot flash system system.img
   fastboot reboot

On Samsung instead of Fastboot used Odine —a proprietary firmware utility The process is similar, but requires a firmware file in. format .tar.md5.

• ✅ Works on: most unlocked devices bootloader.
• ❌ Doesn't work on: phones with a locked bootloader (for example Samsung without OEM Unlock in the developer settings).
• 🔧 Required: PC, USB cable, firmware, drivers.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect firmware can “brick” the device. Always check the compatibility of the firmware with your phone model (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro and Redmi Note 9S have different firmware, despite similar names).

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods do not help, try one of these options:

• 📞 Calling a locked phone: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S7) you can accept an incoming call, then go to settings through the call menu and disable blocking. It rarely works, but sometimes it saves you.
• 🔄 Reset via Find My Device: If the phone is linked to an account Google, go to [google.com/android/find](https://google.com/android/find), select the device and click "Erase data". This will reset, but will bypass the screen lock.
• 🛠️ Service centers: Official services (Samsung Service, Xiaomi Authorized Center) can unlock the phone using purchase documents (receipt or warranty card). Cost - from 500 to 3000 rubles.
• 💻 Specialized software: apps like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey promise unlocking without data loss, but often require payment and do not always work. The risk of fraud is high.

For devices with Android 12+ and hardware encryption (for example, Google Pixel 6, Samsung Galaxy S22) unlocking without data loss is almost impossible. In such cases, the only option left is to reset via Recovery or flashing.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

Is it possible to unlock the phone without losing data?

On devices with Android 5.0–7.0 and USB debugging enabled - yes, via ADB. On newer versions (especially with encryption FBE) - no, you will have to reset the settings.

What to do if you forgot your Google account after resetting?

Restore access to your account via [Google recovery page](https://accounts.google.com). If the account is not yours (for example, the phone was purchased used), contact the previous owner or contact the service.

Why does the button combination for Recovery not work?

The combinations are different on some devices. For example, on Samsung Galaxy A52 you need to press Volume up + Power, and on OnePlus 9 — Volume down + Power. Check the instructions for your model.

Is it possible to unlock the phone through a computer without ADB?

Yes, using apps like Dr.Fone or iMyFone LockWiper. However, they are paid (from $30) and do not guarantee 100% results. Free analogues often contain viruses.

What is FRP and why does it interfere with unlocking?

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) - anti-theft protection that is activated after a reset. It requires entering data from the last account Googlelinked to the phone. You can bypass it, but this violates the terms of use Google.