Forgotten smartphone password is a situation that every fifth user faces. Android. According to statistics Google for 2026, 18% of device locks occur due to the loss of a PIN code or pattern, and 12% due to errors when entering a fingerprint. Fortunately, you can unlock your phone even without losing data if you act correctly.

In this article we will look at all the current methods of resetting a password - from official methods through Google account to emergency solutions like Hard Reset. It is important to understand that not all methods work on new versions Android 14/15 due to tightened security policies. For example, bypassing via ADB now requires preliminary activation of debugging, and resetting via Recovery Mode on some Samsung and Xiaomi leads to linking to the manufacturer's account.

Before you begin, check:

✅ Do you have access to the email associated with your phone?

✅ Is your device Find My Device ("Find device" setting) enabled?

✅ Is there a backup copy of data in Google Drive or on a PC?

If the answer is “no” to all points, be prepared to lose information.

📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi/Redmi
Huawei/Honor
Google Pixel
Another brand

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

This method worked on older versions Android, but with the release Android 10+ it was removed due to vulnerabilities. If your phone was released before 2019 (for example Samsung Galaxy S8 or Xiaomi Mi A2), try:

  1. Enter any password 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot your password?” appears.
  2. Click on this text - an input window will open. Google login and password.
  3. Login with the same account as on your phone. After successful login, the device is unlocked.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10–15 this method will not work. Instead, a function appeared Smart Lock (unlocking by trusted devices/locations), but it must be configured in advance.

Why did Google remove this method?

Since 2019, the company has tightened its security policy due to the increase in data theft. In older versions of Android, attackers could reset the password through a Google account, even on a stolen phone, if they knew the owner’s email. Now unlocking requires confirmation via SMS or backup code.

2. Using Find My Device (the official method from Google)

The most reliable method for modern smartphones is the service Find My Device (google.com/android/find). It works if:

  • 📱 The phone is connected to the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
  • 🔄 The "Find device" function is enabled in the settings (Settings → Google → Security → Find device).
  • 🔋 The device is charged (minimum 5% battery).

Instructions:

  1. Go to the site google.com/android/find from another device.
  2. Select a blocked phone from the list (if there are several).
  3. Click "Lock device" (yes, even if it is already blocked).
  4. Enter a new password and confirm.

After 1-2 minutes, the phone will unlock with a new PIN code. This method does not lead to data loss, but requires an active Internet connection on the target device.

💡

If the phone is turned off, the service will show its last known location. Enable the "Wipe device" option only as a last resort - this will lead to a complete reset!

3. Resetting the password via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

If the previous methods did not work, it remains hard reset via Recovery Mode. This will delete all data, including photos, messages and apps, but will restore access to the phone. On new Samsung, Xiaomi i Huawei after the reset you will need to enter the login and password from the manufacturer's account (FRP Lock).

Instructions for most phones:

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Hold the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
    • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (hold for 10 seconds).
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power.
    • 📱 Google Pixel: Volume down + Power.
  • In the menu Recovery Mode select Wipe data/factory reset (control volume buttons, confirm - power button).
  • Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

    • ⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 11+ After a Hard Reset, you may need to enter data from Google accountthat was associated with the device (FRP Lock). If you do not remember the password, it will be impossible to unlock your phone without contacting a service center.

    Make a backup copy of important data (if the phone sometimes unlocks)

    Charge the phone to at least until 30%

    Find a combination of buttons for your model (see instructions above)

    Prepare data from your Google account to bypass FRP (if required)-->

    4. Unlocking via ADB (only for experienced users)

    The method via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable if on the phone USB debugging is enabled in advance (Settings → For developers → USB debugging). Otherwise, this method will not work.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB cable.
    2. Open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
    3. Enter the commands in order: 
      adb devices

      (your device should be displayed)

      adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

      or for the PIN code:

      adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
    4. Reboot the phone - the password will be reset.

      5. ⚠️ Warning: On Android 10+ this method often does not work due to changes in the password storage system. In addition, incorrect ADB commands may lead to system file damage.

      Unlock method Works on Android 10+ Requires Internet Saves data Difficulty
      Google account (old method) ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐
      Find My Device ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ⭐⭐
      Hard Reset (Recovery Mode) ✅ Yes ❌ No ❌ No ⭐⭐⭐
      ADB ⚠️ Partially ❌ No ✅ Yes ⭐⭐⭐⭐

      5. Bypassing FRP Lock after Hard Reset (for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei)

      If after resetting via Recovery Mode the phone requires you to enter data from Google account (or Samsung/Miaccount), it means that it worked. Factory Reset Protection (FRP). You can bypass it legally only if:

      • 🔑 You have the login and password for the linked account.
      • 📧 You can confirm ownership via SMS/email.
      • 🛠️ You have a receipt or box from the phone (to contact the service center).

      Illegal ways to bypass (through bugs or third-party apps) can:

      • 🚫 Violate the license agreement Google.
      • 🛡️ Lead to blocking IMEI (phone will become a “brick”).
      • 🕵️ Leave traces for tracking (if the phone is wanted).

      If you bought the phone secondhand and cannot bypass FRP, contact the seller for your account information. Otherwise, the only way out is an official service center with purchase documents.

      💡

      FRP Lock is not a bug, but a security feature. It protects your data if your phone is stolen. Bypassing the device without rights can be considered hacking.

      6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

      If standard methods did not help, try:

      • 🔧 Reset via Safe Mode: Hold down the power button → hold "Power off" → agree to go to Safe Mode. In this mode, some stock applications (for example Samsung Knox) may allow you to reset your password.
      • 📞 Call to a locked phone: On some Android 8–9 You can accept an incoming call, open the dial pad and access the settings through it.
      • 🖥️ Specialized software: apps like Dr.Fone or Tenorshare 4uKey promise password reset, but require unlocking the bootloader and often paid. The risk of data corruption is 50%.

      ⚠️ Attention: The call method stopped working due to a vulnerability fix. Password reset apps often contain malicious code - download them only from official websites. Android 10+ due to a vulnerability fix. Password reset apps often contain malicious code - download them only from official websites.

      What to do if the phone is locked due to repeated incorrect input?

      On Android 12+, after 10 unsuccessful attempts to enter the password, the phone is locked for 24 hours. The only ways out:

      1. Wait until unlocked (the timer does not reset even after a reboot).

      2. Use Find My Device to change the password (if enabled).

      3. Make a Hard Reset (data loss).

      7. Prevention: how not to lose access to your phone

      To avoid problems in the future:

      • 🔐 Configure Smart Lock (Settings → Security → Smart Lock) - unlocking by trusted devices (for example, smart watches) or places (home, work).
      • 📝 Write down the backup PIN in a safe place (not in your phone notes!).
      • ☁️ Turn on automatic backup in Google Drive (Settings → Google → Backup copy).
      • 🔄 Regularly check whether the function is enabled Find My Device.

      If you often forget passwords, consider alternative unlocking methods:

      • 👆 Fingerprint or face recognition (but do not abandon the PIN code completely - it is needed for backup login).
      • 🔑 Password-picture (pattern) - it is easier to remember than a digital code.

      💡 Tip: On phones Samsung i Xiaomi link the manufacturer's account to the same email as Google. This will simplify recovery after a Hard Reset.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting the password on Android

      Is it possible to reset the password without losing data?

      Yes, but only if:

      • The phone is connected to the Internet and turned on Find My Device.
      • Previously activated USB debugging (for the ADB method).
      • Your phone is on Android 4.4–9.0 (unblocking via Google account).

    In all other cases, the data will be lost.

    What to do if you forgot the email from your Google account?

    Go to the account recovery page accounts.google.com and try:

    1. Enter the last known password.
    2. Use a backup email or phone number.
    3. Answer security questions (if they were configured).

    If all else fails, create a new account - but access to the old data on the phone will be lost.

    Will flashing the phone help bypass FRP Lock?

    Partially. Flashing via Fastboot or Odin (for Samsung) can remove FRP, but:

    • You will need to unlock bootloader (bootloader), which will reset all data.
    • On some models (for example, Xiaomi s Mi Account) the lock will remain.
    • Incorrect firmware can turn the phone into a “brick.”

    It is better to contact the service center with documents for the device.

    Is it possible to unlock a phone via a SIM card?

    No, this myth appeared because of old phones Nokia, which had a PUK code to unlock the SIM. On Android The SIM card is not associated with the screen lock. However:

    • If the phone supports eSIM, some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can help with remote unlocking networks, but not the screen.
    • On the old ones Android 2.x–4.x there was a bug with unlocking via USSD commands, but now it is fixed.
    How much does it cost unlocking at a service center?

    The cost depends on the model and the reason for blocking:

    • FRP Lock (Google/Samsung/Xiaomi): 1,000–3,000 RUR (receipt or box required).
    • Hard Reset with saving data: 2,500–5,000 RUR (not always possible).
    • Flashing: 3,000–7,000 ₽ (risk of losing IMEI).

    In official services Samsung i Xiaomi may require proof of purchase.