Forgotten smartphone password is a situation that almost every user has encountered. According to statistics Google, about 30% of calls to service centers are related to unlocking devices. The problem is aggravated by the fact that modern Android smartphones (starting from version 5.0 Lollipop) use hardware data encryption, which means that incorrect input attempts can lead to total loss of information without the possibility of recovery.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of resetting the factory password - from official methods using an account Google to technical solutions through ADB i Fastboot. It is important to understand that the effectiveness of the method depends on the version Android, smartphone model and security settings. For example, on devices Samsung s Knox or Xiaomi s MIUI 14+ some methods may not work due to additional layers of protection.

1. Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4 and below)

This method worked on older versions Android (before 5.0 inclusive), but is still relevant for budget devices or smartphones with custom firmware. The idea is to use the function "Forgot your password?", which appears after 5 unsuccessful entry attempts.

How to do this:

  • 🔹 Enter any password 5 times in a row until the message appears "Try again in 30 seconds".
  • 🔹 Click on the button "Forgot your pattern key?" or "Forgot password?" (depending on the version).
  • 🔹 Enter data from the account Googlethat was linked to the device.
  • 🔹 Follow the instructions to create a new password.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 6.0+ This method is disabled by default due to a security vulnerability. If you have Samsung Galaxy S7 or newer, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and similar models, this method will not work.

If after entering data Google an error "Unable to verify account"appears, this may mean:

  • 📌 The device is not connected to the Internet (check Wi-Fi or mobile data).
  • 📌 The account Google has been deleted or blocked.
  • 📌 The smartphone has unofficial firmware installed.
📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Honor/Huawei
Another Android
iPhone

2. Resetting via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is a complete reset to factory settings, which deletes all data, including the password. The method works on 99% of devices, but has a critical drawback: you will lose photos, contacts and installed applications if you do not make a backup.

Instructions for most smartphones:

  1. Turn off the device (press and hold the power button for 10 seconds).
  2. Press the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode:
    • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Home (or Volume up + Bixby + Power for new models).
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Volume up + Power.
    • 📱 Honor/Huawei: Volume up + Power (hold for 10+ seconds).
  • In the menu Recovery select Wipe data/factory reset (control - volume buttons, selection - power button).
  • Confirm the action (Yes) and wait for completion.
  • Restart your smartphone (Reboot system now).

    • ☑️ Preparing for Hard Reset

    Done: 0 / 4
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s FRP Lock) after the reset, you may be required to enter data from the previous account GoogleIf you do not remember them, the smartphone will remain. blocked.

    If after resetting the device asks to enter FRP (Factory Reset Protection), try:

    • 🔧 Insert a SIM card with the same number that was linked earlier.
    • 🔧 Connect to Wi-Fi and try to restore access through Google Account.
    • 🔧 Use specialized unlocking services (paid, ~500–1500 ₽).

    3. Unlocking via ADB (for experienced users)

    ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone via a computer. The method only works if on the device USB debugging mode is enabled and there is access to a computer with installed drivers.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Download and install Platform Tools (official tool from Google).
    2. Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB.
    3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter: 
      adb devices

      If the device is detected, proceed further. If not, install the drivers.

    4. Enter the command to delete the file. with a password: 
      adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

      or for a pattern key:

      adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
    5. Reboot your smartphone: 
      adb reboot

    After a reboot, the password will be reset, but errors may occur:

    Error Cause Solution
    device unauthorized Access to debugging on the phone is not confirmed You need to unlock the screen and confirm the connection
    no devices/emulators found The drivers are not installed or the cable is faulty Try another USB port or cable
    read-only file system The file system is locked You need to get root access or use Fastboot
    💡

    If command adb does not work, try first entering adb shell su, and then repeating deleting files. This requires superuser rights (root).

    4. Using manufacturer services (Find My Device, Mi Account)

    Many brands offer their own services for remote unlocking. For example, Samsung has Find My Mobile, Xiaomi — Mi Account, and Google is universal Find My Device. The main condition: the device must be connected to the Internet and linked to an account.

    For Samsung (Find My Mobile):

    1. Go to the website Find My Mobile.
    2. Login using the same account Samsung, as on a smartphone.
    3. Select a blocked device in the list.
    4. Click "Unblock" and confirm the action.

    For Xiaomi (Mi Account):

    • 🔗 Go to Mi Account page.
    • 🔗 Log in and select "Find device".
    • 🔗 Press "Unlock screen" (the function is not available on all models).
    ⚠️ Attention: Remote unlocking via Find My Device from Google works only on devices with Android 7.0 and below. On new versions, you can only erase data ("Clear device").
    What to do if the service does not see the device?

    If the smartphone is not displayed in Find My Mobile or Mi Account, check:

    - Is it connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile network).

    - Is the function "Find device" enabled in the settings (on some in firmware it is disabled by default).

    - Was the manufacturer's account reset after the last synchronization.

    5. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after Hard Reset

    FRP is reset protection that is activated after Hard Reset, if an account was linked on the device Google. You can bypass it legally only by knowing your account information. Otherwise, additional manipulations will be required.

    Bypass methods (for experienced users):

    • 🛠️ Usage Fastboot for flashing modified firmware recovery (an unlocked bootloader is required).
    • 🛠️ Installing custom firmware via ODIN (for Samsung).
    • 🛠️ Using specialized apps like FRP Bypass APK (does not work on all models).

    Bypass example via Fastboot (for Xiaomi):

    1. Download modified recovery (for example, TWRP).
    2. Switch the smartphone to mode Fastboot (Volume down + Power).
    3. Connect to the PC and enter the command: 
      fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
    4. Reboot into Recovery and delete the files: 
      /data/data/com.google.android.gms/
    💡

    Bypassing FRP may violate the warranty and lead to unstable operation of the device. Use this method only if there are other options. exhausted.

    6. Contacting the service center: when nothing helps

    If independent unlocking attempts are unsuccessful, all you have to do is contact the official service center. Advantages of this method:

    • ✅ Guaranteed result (if the device is not blacklisted).
    • ✅ Maintaining the warranty (when contacting an authorized center).
    • ✅ Possibility of data recovery (in some cases).

    What you need to know before your visit:

    • 📄 Take a receipt or warranty card with you (if you have one).
    • 📄 Check the cost of the service - on some models (Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 7), unlocking can cost up to 3000 ₽.
    • 📄 If the smartphone was purchased second-hand, check it for IMEI - it could have been stolen.

    Average prices for unlocking in services (2026):

    Brand Cost (₽) Term (hours)
    Samsung 1500–3000 1–3
    Xiaomi 1000–2000 1–2
    Honor/Huawei 2000–3500 2–4
    Google Pixel 2500–4000 3–5
    ⚠️ Attention: Unofficial services may offer “cheap” unlocking for 500–800 ₽, but often use illegal methods that can damage the firmware or leave backdoors.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Android

    Is it possible to unlock a smartphone without losing data?

    On devices with Android 5.0+ and encryption enabled - no. The only chance to save the data is if you have USB Debugging enabled and you can use ADB. In other cases, Hard Reset erases everything.

    What to do if you forgot your password and Google account?

    Restore access to your account via recovery page. If this is not possible, all that remains is Hard Reset with subsequent bypass FRP (if necessary).

    Does the method work with a call to a locked smartphone?

    On Android 9.0 and below sometimes it helped to call the device, accept the call and get into the settings through the call menu. This bug has been fixed in new versions.

    Is it possible to unlock a smartphone using a fingerprint if it is not recognized?

    If the fingerprint sensor does not work or does not recognize the finger, try rebooting the device - sometimes this clears temporary errors. If this does not help, use the backup PIN code (if it was set).

    What is FRP and why does it appear after a reset?

    FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is an anti-theft protection that is activated if you reset the settings on the device with a linked account Google. To bypass it, you need to either enter your account information or use technical methods (for example, firmware).