How to unlock Android if it is remotely locked: a complete guide

Remotely locking a smartphone on Android is one of the most unpleasant situations that a user may encounter. Most often this happens after the theft or loss of the device (blocking via Google Find My Device or Samsung Knox), but sometimes the owners themselves encounter the problem - for example, after resetting the settings, if the phone was linked to a corporate account, or due to errors in synchronization services.

Unlike a standard pattern key or PIN code, remote locking affects the system level Android, and its bypass requires specific methods. In this article we will analyze all current unlocking methods, including official tools, bypass via ADB, factory reset and even methods for devices with a damaged screen. Important: not all methods are universal - their effectiveness depends on the smartphone model, version Android and type of lock.

Before you begin, make sure that you have backup copies of important data - most methods lead to their loss. If the phone is not blocked by you (for example, after purchasing a used device), check its status through the service IMEI.info —perhaps it is listed as stolen.

1. Unlocking via Google Find My Device (official method)

If the lock was installed via Google Find My Device (previously Android Device Manager), you have a chance to remove it without losing data - but only if two conditions are met:

• 🔑 You have access to Google account, which was linked to the phone.
• 📶 The device is connected to the Internet (via a mobile network or Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

1. Go to the website Google Find My Device from any device.
2. Login using the same account as on the blocked phone.
3. Select the blocked device in the list (if there are several).
4. Click Unlock device (or Secure Device → Erase Deviceif the unlock option is not available).

If there is no unlock button, then the account owner has installed full lock (with data encryption). In this case, the only option left is to reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Attention: After unlocking via Find My Device on some devices (Samsung Galaxy S22+, Pixel 7 Pro and later) may require you to enter your old PIN or password. If you don't remember it, the method will not work.

2. Reset via Recovery Mode (universal method)

If official methods do not help, the only remaining option is hard reset via recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works on 90% of devices, but results in complete data loss. An exception is smartphones with encrypted storage (for example, Samsung Knox or Pixel s Android 12+), where after resetting you may need to enter your Google account password (FRP).

How to log in Recovery Mode:

• 📱 Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
• 🔧 Press the button combination:
  • Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (or Volume up + Power for new models).
  • Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Volume up + Power.
  • Google Pixel: Volume down + Power (then select Recovery Mode via menu).
  • OnePlus/Oppo/Realme: Volume down + Power.
• 🖥️ In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (control - volume buttons, confirmation - power button).
• 🔄 After select reset Reboot system now.

Disconnect the SIM card and memory card (if any)

Charge the phone by at least 30%

Prepare the original USB cable (in case you need firmware)

Remember the details of the Google account linked to phone

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On devices with Android 11+ after the reset, you may be asked to enter the login and password from Google accountthat was on the phone before the blocking. This is protection Factory Reset Protection (FRP). You can bypass it only through special tools (see section 5).

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra), reset via Recovery may not work due to bootloader locking (OEM Unlock). In this case, you will need firmware via Odin or Smart Switch.

3. Unlocking via Samsung Find My Mobile (for Samsung devices)

Smartphone owners Samsung have an additional tool - service Find My Mobile. It works even if Google Find My Device is disabled, but requires:

• 🆔 Linked account Samsung.
• 📡 Active Internet connection on the phone.
• 🔄 Enabled function Remote control in the settings.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the website Find My Mobile.
2. Login using your account Samsung.
3. Select a blocked device in list.
4. Click Unblock (Unlock).
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email.

If the option Unlock is not available, then the device is blocked via Knox (corporate policy). In this case, only a reset via Recovery or firmware will help.

What to do if Samsung Find My Mobile does not see the device?

If the phone is not displayed in the service, check:

1. Is the function enabled Find my mobile in the settings (Settings → Biometrics and security → Find my mobile).

2. Is the phone connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi (even when locked) some models support background connection).

3. Was the account Samsung deleted from the device before blocking.

If all else fails, try unlocking via Smart Switch (PC required).

4. ADB (for advanced users)

Method via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable if the phone was turned on Developer mode and USB debugging before blocking. This is a rare case, but if the condition is met, you can delete the lock file without resetting the data.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed data-i="153">ADB drivers ADB drivers.
• 🔌 Original USB cable (preferably included).
• 📱 Locked phone with unlocked bootloader (on some models).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux) and enter:

   adb devices

   If the device appears in the list, proceed further. If not, install the drivers or try a different cable.

3. Enter the commands one by one:

   adb shell
   su
   rm /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
   reboot

After rebooting, the phone should start without asking for a password. If an error appears no such file or directory, then the lock files are stored in a different location (relevant for Android 10+).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox or Pixel s Android 12+ this method may lead to triggered eFuse (hardware security flag), which will void the warranty.

5. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after resetting

If after resetting through Recovery the phone requires entering the login and password from Google accountthat was on it earlier, this means that the protection has worked. data-i="177">. You can bypass it in several ways: FRP. There are several ways to get around it:

Method 1: Through Wi-Fi settings (for Android 8–11)

1. On the Google account entry screen, click Add Wi-Fi network.
2. Enter any text in the network name field, highlight it and click Share → Gmail.
3. In the Gmail window that opens, click Add account and log in with your Google account.
4. Return to your phone settings - The FRP lock will be removed.

Method 2: Via APK file (for Android 5–7)

• 📱 Download the file to PC FRP_Bypass.apk (for example, QuickShortcutMaker).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and copy the APK to SD card (if you have one) or to internal memory via ADB:

  adb push FRP_Bypass.apk /sdcard/

• 📲 On your phone via the file manager, install the APK and follow the application instructions.

Method 3: Through service codes (for Samsung)

On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy A52, S21) a bypass works by dialing the service code:

1. On the lock screen, enter #0# (display test).
2. Go back and dial *#9900# (menu SysDump).
3. Select Disable FRP and reboot the phone.

FRP bypass method	Suitable Android versions	Prerequisites
Through Wi-Fi settings	8.0–11	Access to the network adding screen
APK file (QuickShortcutMaker)	5.0–7.1	Ability to install APK
Service codes	9.0–12 (Samsung only)	Does not work on all models
Firmware via Odin	Any	PC, original USB cable, firmware

⚠️ Warning: Bypassing FRP may be considered a violation of Google's license agreement. On some devices, after such a bypass, Google services (Play Market, Gmail, etc.) stop working until a complete reset.

6. Unlocking via firmware (last chance)

If none of the methods worked, the only option is firmware through official tools. This method is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader or a damaged system.

For Samsung: use the app Odin.

1. Download the firmware for your model from the website SamFW or SamMobile.
2. Unpack the archive and run Odin.
3. Switch the phone to mode Download Mode (press Volume down + Power + Bixby).
4. Connect the phone to PC and wait until Odin detects it.
5. In the AP field, select the firmware file and click Start.

For Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: use Mi Flash Tool.

1. Download the firmware from the website Xiaomi Firmware.
2. Unpack the archive and run Mi Flash Tool.
3. Switch the phone to mode Fastboot (press Volume down + Power).
4. Connect your phone to the PC and select the folder with the firmware.
5. Click Flash and wait for completion.

For Google Pixel: use Android Flash Tool.

1. Go to site Android Flash Tool.
2. Connect your phone in the mode Fastboot.
3. Select your model and firmware version.
4. Click Install and follow the instructions.

The firmware deletes all data, but is guaranteed to remove any locks, including FRP and Knox. After the procedure, the phone will be as good as new, but may lose the warranty (on some models the counter is triggered Knox).

7. Unlocking damaged devices screen

If the phone screen is broken or does not respond to touches, but the device turns on, you can try to unlock it via USB-OTG or HDMI.

Method 1: Mouse via USB-OTG

• 🖱️ Connect to the phone USB-OTG adapter and a wired mouse.
• 🔓 If the screen responds to the connection, use the mouse to enter the PIN code or password.
• 📤 If the lock is remote (via Find My Device), connect to Wi-Fi through the notification panel and follow the instructions from section 1.

Method 2: Connecting to a monitor via HDMI

Some smartphones (Samsung DeX, Huawei Desktop Mode) support image output to an external screen:

• 📺 Connect your phone to a monitor or TV via HDMI adapter (Type-C → HDMI).
• 🖱️ Connect a mouse via USB-OTG.
• 🔓 Unlock your phone on the external screen.

Method 3: Control via ADB (if debugging is enabled)

If your phone was enabled USB debugging, you can try to unlock it with the commands:

adb shell input text 1234 && adb shell input keyevent 66

(where 1234 is your PIN code, and 66 is the pressing command Enter).

⚠️ Attention: If the screen is completely black, but the phone makes sounds or vibrates, only the display may be damaged. In this case, connect to the PC via ADB and try. reset with command:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

Is it possible to unlock a phone without losing data?

Yes, but only if the lock is set via Google Find My Device or Samsung Find My Mobileand you have access to the linked account. In other cases (FRP, Knox, ADB without root), the data will be lost.

What to do if the phone is locked by the previous owner (purchase used)?

Return the device to the seller - this is the only legal way. If this is not possible, try contacting him and asking him to remove the block via Find My Device. Bypassing it yourself can be considered theft.

Why does the phone ask for the old Google account after resetting?

This is protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). It works if the phone was linked Google account, and the reset was performed without unlinking it. You can bypass it using special tools (see section 5).

Do unlocking apps like Dr.Fone or iMyFone?

Most of these apps or do not work on new ones versions Android, or require root access, which voids the warranty. Official methods (via Find My Device or firmware) are more reliable.

Is it possible to unlock the phone? through a telecom operator?

No, operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) do not have access to blocking Android. They can only help if the blocking is set at the SIM card level (PIN/PUK), and not the system.