Forgot your password, PIN code or pattern on your smartphone LG? Can't unlock your device after purchasing it in person or after resetting the settings? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if the phone has not been used for a long time or has been transferred to another owner. Fortunately, there are several official and unofficial methods of unlocking without data loss (in some cases) or with a full reset to factory settings.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methodsthat work on most models LG โfrom budget LG K-Series to flagships LG V60 or LG G8. It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on the version Android, the presence of a linked Google account, battery condition and even the type of lock (PIN, password, pattern or fingerprint). Some methods require connecting to a computer, others only require Internet access.
Before you begin, make sure you have a backup of your important data. If your phone is low, charge it to at least 30% first - this will prevent it from suddenly shutting down during the procedure. Also prepare a USB cable (original or certified) and a computer with installed drivers LGif you plan to use ADB or Fastboot.
1. Unlocking via Google account (Android 4.4 and below)
This method is suitable for older models LGworking on Android 4.4 KitKat and earlier versions. Modern devices (starting from Android 5.0 Lollipop) do not have this function for security reasons, so if your phone was released after 2015, skip this section.
If you entered the pattern or password incorrectly several times, the system will offer the option Forgot your password? or Forgot your pattern key?. Click on this link, then:
- ๐ Enter the data from Google accountthat was linked to the phone (email and password).
- ๐ฑ The device will request confirmation via SMS or backup email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
- ๐ After successful authorization, the phone will unlock and you can set a new password.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you reset your Google account password after the last time you synchronized your phone, this method will not work. The system requires current account data, and not what was at the time of blocking.
On some firmware LG (for example, on LG Optimus) instead of a button Forgot your password? may a field for entering a backup PIN code appears. If you set it when setting up the blocking, try entering it. This is usually a 4-digit code that is different from the main password.
2. Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode
If the phone LG is locked and there are no other unlocking methods, the only option is hard reset (hard reset). This method will delete all data from the device, including photos, contacts and installed applications, but will restore access to the system. Suitable for all models, regardless of version Android.
To enter Recovery Mode on LG, follow these steps:
- Turn off the phone (hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds if it does not respond).
- Hold down the combination of buttons:
- ๐ฑ For most models:
Power button + Volume down. - ๐ง For LG G5, V20 and newer:
Power button + Volume down, then release the power after 2 seconds, but continue to hold the volume.
- ๐ฑ For most models:
Wipe data/factory reset and confirm with the power button.Reboot system now.| LG model | Combination for Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|
| LG G2, G3, G4 | Power + Volume down |
Hold until the menu appears, then release. |
| LG V10, V20, V30 | Power + Volume down (release power after 2 seconds) |
It may take several attempts. |
| LG K10, K20, K40 | Power + Volume down + Home (if available) |
On some models, the button Home virtual. |
| LG Stylo 4/5/6 | Power + Volume down |
The menu may open with a delay. |
โ ๏ธ Attention: On devices with encrypted storage (starting with Android 6.0), after resetting you may be required to enter the old password to decrypt the data. If you do not remember it, the data will be lost forever.
If after resetting the phone requires you to enter Google account (protection FRP), proceed to the next section.
Charge the phone at least 30%|Download LG drivers to your computer (in case you use ADB)|Prepare a backup (if you have access to another device)|Make sure the SIM card is removed (if the phone is not yours)
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3. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) on LG
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is protection against factory reset, which is activated on all phones LG s Android 5.1 and higher, if the device was linked to Google account. After a hard reset, the system requires you to enter this account information to prevent theft. If you bought the phone secondhand and the previous owner did not unlink his account, it will be more difficult to unlock the device.
There are several ways to bypass FRP on LG, but most of them require connecting to a computer and using special tools. Let's consider two working methods:
Method 1: Through Wi-Fi settings (for Android 5.1โ7.0)
- ๐ On the welcome screen, connect to Wi-Fi (if the phone requires a Google account immediately after resetting).
- ๐ Go back and click
Add networkin the Wi-Fi settings. - ๐ In the network name field, enter free text, select it and select
ShareโGmail. - ๐ง In the Gmail window that opens, click
Add accountand log in to your Google account. - ๐ After authorization, reboot the phone - the FRP lock will be removed.
Method 2: Using the app LGUP and KDZ firmware
This method is suitable for experienced users and requires:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with Windows and installed drivers LG.
- ๐ฅ apps LGUP (official tool for firmware).
- ๐ Firmware file
.kdzfor your model (you can download it atlg-firmwares.com).
Step-by-step guide:
- Install LGUP and connect the phone to the computer in mode
Download Mode(pressVolume upwhen connecting USB). - In LGUP select the firmware file
.kdzand pressStart. - Wait for the firmware to complete (10โ20 minutes).
- After the reboot, perform the initial setup - the FRP lock will be removed.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Firmware via LGUP can lead to loss of warranty if the device has not been officially unlocked. There is also a risk of the phone being โbrickedโ if chosen incorrectly. firmware.
What to do if LGUP does not see the phone?
If the app LGUP does not recognize the device, check:
1. Are the drivers installed? LG Mobile Drivers (download from the official one) site).
2. Is the phone connected in the Download Mode mode (should be displayed Firmware Update).
3. Is the original USB cable being used (not all cables support data transfer).
4. Are antiviruses disabled that can block LGUP.
4. Unlocking via ADB (for developers)
If your phone LG is enabled USB debugging (section For developers), you can try to unlock it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method only works if you have previously activated this option in the settings.
You will need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ A computer with installed ADB i Fastboot.
- ๐ฑ USB cable for connecting the phone.
- ๐ง Enabled USB debugging on a locked device.
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb shellrm /data/system/gesture.key
rm /data/system/password.key
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm - Restart your phone with the command:
adb reboot - After reboot, the screen lock will be reset.
If this method did not work, try an alternative command to delete the file key:
adb shell su -c "rm /data/system/gesture.key"
โ ๏ธ Attention: Commands rm delete system files responsible for blocking. Improper use may result in system failure. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to use other methods.
If ADB does not see the device, try reinstalling the drivers manually via Device Manager (Windows). Select Update driver โ Search on this computer โ specify the folder with drivers LG.
5. Unlocking via service codes (for some models)
Some models LG support service codes to reset the lock. This method does not work on all devices and depends on the firmware version, but can be useful as an alternative.
Try the following codes:
- ๐
##7780##- soft reset (deletes settings, but saves data). - ๐
*2767*3855#- hard reset (deletes everything including data). - ๐
##7378423##โservice menu (on some models allows you to reset the lock).
Enter the code as a phone number. If nothing happens, then your model does not support this method. Also note that after entering the code *2767*3855# all data will be erased without the possibility of recovery.
On some firmware LG (for example, on LG G3) you can try the following trick:
- On the lock screen, type any password 5 times until the message appears. data-i="217">and hold press on any item until the context menu appears.
Repeat after 30 seconds. - Click
Emergency calland dial##4636##. - In the menu that opens, select
Battery informationand hold down on any element until the context menu appears. - Select
Settingsand disable the screen lock.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Service codes may vary depending on the region and firmware version. Some mobile operators block their use.
6. Official unlocking through LG support
If none of the above methods worked, all you have to do is contact official LG service center. This is the most reliable, but also the longest method. You will need proof of ownership of the device (receipts, box, warranty card).
How to proceed:
- ๐ Call support LG by phone (the number for your region can be found on the official website).
- ๐ง Write to the support chat or email with a description of the problem (indicate the model, IMEI and reason for blocking).
- ๐ข Find the nearest service center LG through official search.
The service center can offer:
- ๐ง Unlocking through special software (for a fee if the warranty has expired).
- ๐ Restoring access using documents (if the phone was lost or purchased secondhand).
- ๐ Device firmware with full reset (free under warranty).
The cost of the service depends on the model and the reason for the blocking. On average, unlocking costs 1,500โ3,000 rubles, but for new flagships the price may be higher. If the phone is under warranty, the service should be free.
Official unlocking is the only legal way if you are not the first owner of the phone and do not know the details of the previous Google account.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to unblock LG users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Phone is not included in Recovery | Incorrect button combination | Check the combination for your model (see table above). |
| ADB does not see the device | No drivers or USB debugging is disabled | Install drivers LG and check the developer settings. |
| After reset, it requires the old password | Data encryption is enabled | Perform full firmware via LGUP. |
| FRP does not bypass via Wi-Fi | Updated version of Android | Use LGUP or contact the service. |
Another common mistake is use of unofficial firmware. If you download .kdza file with a model number that does not match your phone, the device may not turn on. Always check the compatibility of the firmware by:
- ๐ฑ Phone models (for example, LM-G820 for LG G8).
- ๐ Region (firmware for
EURandRUSmay differ). - ๐ข Android versions (you cannot flash Android 10 on a phone with Android 8).
If after unsuccessful firmware the phone stops responding to buttons and does not turn on (โbrickedโ), you can only restore it via JTAG or at the service center.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to unlock LG without losing data?
Yes, but only if:
- ๐ USB debugging is enabled on the phone (then will help ADB).
- ๐ง You remember the data from your Google account (on Android 4.4 and below).
- ๐ฑ The device is not encrypted (starting with Android 6.0, encryption is enabled by default).
In all other cases, the data will be lost.
What to do if you forgot the password for your Google account?
If the account is linked to your phone and you donโt remember the password:
- Try to restore access through Google recovery page.
- If the account is not yours (the phone was purchased second-hand), contact the previous owner.
- If it is impossible to contact, all that remains is to update the firmware through LGUP or a service center.
Does unlocking through service codes work on new LG models?
No, on devices with Android 8.0 and higher service codes for resetting the lock are disabled for security reasons. They can only work on older models (LG G2, G3, L90 etc.).
Can I unlock LG through Find My Device?
Service Find My Device only allows:
- ๐ Determine location phone.
- ๐ Turn on the sound signal.
- ๐ Lock device (but do not unlock!).
- ๐๏ธ Erase data (analogous to resetting via Recovery).
It is impossible to unlock the screen through this service.
How much does it cost to unlock LG at a service center?
The cost depends on:
- ๐ฑ Phone model (more expensive for flagships).
- ๐ง Type of lock (FRP, graphic key, PIN).
- ๐ข Region (in Moscow and St. Petersburg prices are higher than in the regions).
Approximate prices:
- ๐ฐ Resetting the graphic key: 1,000โ1,500 rubles.
- ๐ฐ FRP bypass: 1,500โ2,500 rub.
- ๐ฐ Full firmware: 2,000โ3,500 rub.