How to reset Android if you forgot your PIN code: from unlocking to hard reset

Forgotten PIN code on an Android smartphone is a situation that every fifth user faces. According to a study Kaspersky for 2023, 18% of mobile device owners blocked themselves at least once due to the loss of a password or pattern. The problem is aggravated by the fact that modern phones store not only contacts, but also access to banking applications, social networks and work correspondence. In this article we will look at all the current unlocking methods - from soft methods with saving data to a radical reset to factory settings.

It is important to understand: the unlocking method depends on the phone model, Android version and the presence of a linked Google account. For example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.0+ function works on Find My Mobile, and on Xiaomi — Mi Account. There are no universal solutions, but we have collected instructions that cover 95% of cases. If the phone was released before 2018, some methods may not work - manufacturers have tightened the security policy.

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

This method worked on older versions of Android, but with an exit Android 10 and later it was removed due to vulnerabilities. If your phone was released before 2019 (for example Samsung Galaxy S7, Huawei P20), try the following:

1. Enter the wrong PIN code 5 times until the message appears "Forgot your pattern?" or "Forgot" password? If two-factor authentication is enabled, you will need a code from SMS or application..
2. Click on this inscription - the system will prompt you to enter data from Google account, which was associated with the device.
3. Enter your email and password. If two-factor authentication is enabled, a code from SMS or app will be required Google Authenticator.
4. After successful authorization, the phone will be unlocked and you can set a new PIN.

⚠️ Attention: On new devices (for example, Google Pixel 6, Samsung Galaxy S23) this method does not work. It is also useless if the phone is not connected to the Internet or the Google account has been deleted.

2. Using the Find My Device (Google) service

If synchronization with Google account is enabled on your phone and you have access to the Internet, you can use the official service Find My Device. This method is suitable for most modern devices, including Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola and others with pure Android.

Step-by-step guide:

• 💻 Go to the site google.com/android/find from a computer or another phone.
• 🔑 Log in using the same Google account that is linked to the blocked device.
• 📱 Select your phone in the list of devices. If it is not there, check whether geolocation and the Internet are enabled on the locked device.
• 🔄 Press "Erase device" (this will delete all data, including the PIN code).
• 🔄 After the reset, the phone will reboot and offer to set it up as new.

⚠️ Attention: This method erases all data without the possibility of recovery, including photos, messages and installed applications. If backup to Google Drive is enabled on your phone, some of the data (contacts, notes) can be restored after re-authorization.

Data synchronized with Google Drive

mobile data is enabled on the phone or Wi-Fi

Know the password for your Google account

Ready for the loss of local files (photos, videos, documents)-->

3. Unlocking through manufacturer services

Major brands offer their own unlocking tools. Let's consider the most popular:

Brand	Service	Link	Requirements
Samsung	Find My Mobile	findmymobile.samsung.com	Samsung account, internet enabled
Xiaomi	Mi Cloud	i.mi.com	Mi account, linked to the phone
Huawei	Huawei Cloud	cloud.huawei.com	Huawei ID account, Find My Phone enabled
Google Pixel	Find My Device	google.com/android/find	Google account, geolocation enabled

For example, for Samsung the algorithm is as follows:

1. Come in on findmymobile.samsung.com.
2. Authorize with your account Samsung.
3. Select a blocked device in the list.
4. Click "Unblock" (if the function is available) or "Erase data".

💡 Important: On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10) after resetting via Mi Cloud you may need to enter the old password from your Mi account to activate. If you don't remember it, you will have to contact support with proof of purchase.

What to do if the phone is not displayed in the manufacturer's service?

If the device does not appear in Find My Mobile or Mi Cloud, check:

1. Is mobile data or Wi-Fi turned on on the phone (even when locked, some models connect to the network automatically).

2. Whether the manufacturer's account was reset (for example, after a reset through recovery).

3. Have you changed the IMEI of the phone (this blocks access to the manufacturer’s services).

If all else fails, proceed to reset methods through recovery.

4. Reset via Recovery mode (it will not work without data loss)

If the previous methods did not work, it remains Hard reset via the recovery menu (Recovery Mode). This method deletes all data but is guaranteed to unlock the phone. The instructions are universal for most Android devices, but button combinations may differ.

How to enter Recovery Mode:

• 🔄 Samsung: Hold Volume up + Power button + Bixby (if available).
• 🔄 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Hold Volume up + Power button.
• 🔄 Google Pixel: Hold Volume down + Power button, then select from the menu Recovery Mode.
• 🔄 Huawei/Honor: Hold Volume up + Power button (on some models you need to hold for 10+ seconds).

After entering recovery:

1. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.
2. Select the item "Wipe data/factory reset" (on some phones it may be called "Clear eMMC" or "Erase all data").
3. Confirm the action (usually item "Yes").
4. After resetting, select "Reboot system now".

⚠️ Attention: On phones with encrypted storage (for example Pixel or OnePlus with Android 11+) after resetting through recovery, you may need to enter the old PIN code to decrypt the data. If you don’t remember it, the phone will become a “brick” and will require flashing.

5. Unlocking via ADB (for advanced users)

If your phone is enabled USB debugging and you have access to your computer, you can try resetting the PIN code via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not work on all devices and requires preliminary configuration, but in some cases it allows you to bypass the blocking without losing data.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers for your phone.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB (you can download from the official website Google).
• ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging (if it was enabled before).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   If the phone is displayed in list, proceed further.

4. Delete the file with the PIN code (does not work on all firmware):

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

5. Reboot the phone:

   adb reboot

💡 Note: On new versions of Android (12+), this method often does not work due to enhanced protection. It may also not work correctly on phones with. encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption), which will lead to data loss.

6. Contacting the service center: when nothing helps

If all of the above methods did not work, all that remains is to contact official service center the manufacturer. This is relevant for:

• 🔒 Phones with hardware encryption (for example, Samsung Knox or Google Titan M).
• 📱 Devices where reset through recovery requires the old PIN code.
• 🔧 Phones with damaged firmware after unsuccessful unlocking attempts.

What is required for unlocking in the service:

• 📄 Document confirming the purchase (receipt, warranty card).
• 🆔 Passport or other document, identification.
• 🔑 Phone box (on some models Xiaomi and Huawei require a serial number from a sticker).

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial services often offer “unlocking via firmware”, but this can lead to to:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty.
• 🔴 Hardware failures (for example, a non-working NFC module or camera).
• 📵 IMEI blocking (if the phone is on credit or leasing).

The cost of unlocking in official centers varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model. On phones with eSIM (for example, Google Pixel 7), additional operator activation may be required.

How much does it cost? unlocking in unofficial services?

Prices in "underground" workshops are usually lower (from 500 rubles), but the risks are high:

- Installation of pirated firmware with backdoors.

- Data theft (if the master copies the phone's memory).

- Damage to hardware components (for example, when soldering contacts to bypass the lock).

Official centers are more expensive, but they provide a guarantee of work and maintain the integrity of the device.

7. How to avoid blocking in the future

To avoid finding yourself in a similar situation again, follow these simple rules:

• 🔐 Use password manager (for example, Bitwarden or 1Password) for storage PIN codes.
• 📱 Set up biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) as a backup method.
• 🔄 Regularly create backups via Google Drive or locally on your computer.
• 📧 Link to your phone backup email to restore your Google account.
• 🔧 Enable Smart Lock (in the security settings) so that the phone is unlocked in trusted places (for example, at home).

💡 Tip: On phones Samsung i Xiaomi can be configured emergency unlock via SMS. To do this, add a trusted number in your security settings from which you can send a special code to reset your password.

If you often forget passwords, consider using a graphic key instead of a PIN code — it’s easier to remember visually. However, remember that a graphic key is less secure: according to data Avast, 10% of such passwords can be found in 5 attempts by analyzing fingerprints on the screen.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

Is it possible unlock your phone without losing data?

On new versions of Android (10+) this is almost impossible without prior configuration (for example, USB debugging enabled or a backup PIN code). The only chance is if the phone is synchronized with a Google/Samsung/Xiaomi account and there is access to the Internet. In other cases, resetting will lead to the deletion of data.

What should you do if, after resetting, the phone asks for the old PIN code?

This means that the data on the phone is encrypted, and the old password is required to decrypt it. If you don’t remember it, only a complete flashing via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for Pixel, Xiaomi) will help. Contact the service center.

Does unlocking work through a call to a locked phone?

No, this myth is a thing of the past along with Android 4.4. On modern phones, the lock screen does not allow you to receive calls without entering a PIN code. The only exception is the function Emergency call, but it does not give access to the system.

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

Yes, but only if special applications for remote control are installed on the phone (for example TeamViewer QuickSupport). However, they need to be configured before locks. After losing the PIN code, such apps are useless.

What to do if the phone is blocked by an operator (for example, Megafon or Beeline)?

This is another blocking - network, not related to the screen PIN code. To unlock a phone for an operator, you need to:

1. Clarify the reason for blocking (unpaid loan, loss/theft).
2. Contact the operator with a passport and contract.
3. Pay the debt (if any yes).

Network blocking cannot be removed by resetting the settings!