Forgetting your smartphone password Huawei —the situation is unpleasant, but fixable. Even if the lock screen does not respond to entering a pattern, PIN code or fingerprint, you can regain access to the device in several ways. The main thing is not to panic and not try to choose a combination at random: after 10–15 unsuccessful attempts, many models Huawei are automatically blocked for 30 minutes or completely erase the data.

In this article we will analyze 5 proven unlocking methods, from the simplest (through an account Google) to radical (complete reset via Recovery Mode). Each method is suitable for different scenarios: for example, if you have debugging enabled, method c USB, the method with ADBis suitable, and if the phone is low, only a hard reset. Important: some actions will lead to data loss, so assess the risks in advance.

📊 What Huawei smartphone do you have?
P30/P40 series
Mate 20/30/40
Nova 7/8/9
Y6/Y7/Y9
Another model

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

This method worked on older versions Android (up to Lollipop 5.0 inclusive). If your Huawei released before 2015, try:

  1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message appears "Forgot your password?".
  2. Click on this inscription and enter the data from Google accountwhich was linked to the phone.
  3. After authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new password or PIN code.

⚠️ Attention: On new models Huawei (with Android 6.0+) this method will not work - the manufacturer has removed the unlocking function via Google for security reasons. If you have Huawei P30, Mate 40 or newer, proceed to the following methods.

Why did Google remove this feature?

In 2015, security researchers discovered a vulnerability that allows you to bypass screen locks by spoofing account data. Following this, Google and smartphone manufacturers (including Huawei) disabled the "Forgot your password?" feature. on new versions of Android.

2. Resetting via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Hard Reset is the most reliable way to unlock, but it completely erases all data from the phoneincluding photos, contacts and applications. Use it if other methods did not help or you do not have a backup.

Instructions for most models Huawei (including P20, Mate 10, Nova 5T):

  1. Turn off the phone by long pressing the power button.
  2. Hold simultaneously Volume up + Power and hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears Huawei.
  3. Release the buttons when you see the menu eRecovery or Recovery Mode.
  4. Use the volume buttons to navigate and select an item Wipe data/factory reset.
  5. Confirm the action by selecting Yes and wait for the process to complete (takes 2–5 minutes).
  6. Reboot the phone via Reboot system now.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Huawei Y6 2019), to enter Recovery you need to hold down Volume up + Volume down + Power. If the combination does not work, check the instructions for your specific model on the official website.

Disconnect the phone from charging

Make sure the battery charge > 30%

Save the phone’s IMEI (on the box or under the battery)

Prepare a backup (if the phone was previously synchronized with Huawei Cloud)-->

3. Unlocking via HiSuite (official software from Huawei)

If your Huawei mode was previously enabled HiSuite (for synchronization with a PC), you can try resetting the password through the official utility. This method does not erase data, but requires:

  • 💻 A computer with Windows/macOS and installed HiSuite (download from official website).
  • 🔌 Original USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).
  • 🔋 Phone charge at least 20%.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
  2. Run HiSuite and wait until the app recognizes the device.
  3. In the main menu, select Backup → Restore.
  4. Click Delete screen lock data (the function is not available on all models).
  5. Follow the app prompts and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: The function of removing the password via HiSuite may not be available on new models (for example, Huawei P50 or Mate Xs). If the option is inactive, try other methods.

1. Reinstall Huawei drivers on your PC.

2. Use another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

3. Enable the "File Transfer" mode on your phone (if the screen is partially unlocked).-->

4. Using ADB (for advanced users)

The method via Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is suitable if on the phone USB debugging was previously enabled. This is a rare case, but if you set up the phone for development or customization, there is a chance. The method does not erase data, but requires command line skills.

Instructions:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on a PC (for example, Platform Tools from Google).
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (cmd in Windows or Terminal on macOS).
  3. Enter the commands in order: 
    adb devices

    (your device)

    adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

    or for a PIN code:

    adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
  4. Reboot the phone with the command: 
    adb reboot

After the reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If an error appears "device unauthorized"it means that USB debugging was not enabled in advance. USB was not included in advance.

💡

ADB is the only way to unlock Huawei without losing data, but it ONLY works when USB debugging is enabled.

5. Contacting the Huawei service center

If none of the methods worked, all you have to do is contact official service center. This is relevant for:

  • 🔒 Phones with the function enabled Find My Device (remote locking).
  • 📱 Models with a damaged screen or buttons.
  • 🔧 Devices on which you cannot log in Recovery Mode.

What you will need:

Document/data What is needed for
Receipt or warranty card Proof of purchase (may be required for a free reset)
Passport Proof of device ownership
Phone IMEI Identification of the device in the Huawei database
Linked email Restoring access to your Huawei account ID

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial services may offer to "flash" the phone for an additional fee, but this is risky: unqualified intervention can lead to loss of IMEI or "bricking" the device.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to reset a password, users often encounter typical problems. Here's how to prevent them:

  • 🔋 The phone died during Hard Reset: Always charge your device to 50% before resetting. If the phone turns off during the process, connect it to the charger and try again.
  • 🔌 The PC does not see the phone in HiSuite: Try a different cable or port. Disable the antivirus - it may block drivers Huawei.
  • 📱 After resetting, the phone requires the old password: This means that the function was enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP). Enter the data from the last account Googlethat was used on the device.

If you plan to sell or transfer the phone after the reset, be sure to log out of your Huawei ID account i Google in the settings. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the device.

Is it possible to unlock Huawei without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

  • The phone has debugging enabled USB (method with ADB).
  • The device has been synchronized with HiSuite and the password reset function is available.
  • You remember the account data Google (only for Android 4.4 and below).

In all other cases, the data will be erased.

What should you do if, after Hard Reset, the phone asks you to enter the old PIN?

This is the protection triggered FRP (Factory Reset Protection)To unlock. phone:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Enter the email and password from Google accountthat was associated with the phone before the reset.
  3. If you don’t remember the data, restore access via Google recovery page.
How to reset the password on Huawei if the touch screen does not work?

If the screen is damaged, but the phone turns on:

  • Connect the mouse via USB-OTG adapter and use it to navigate through the menu.
  • Execute Hard Reset via physical buttons (see section 2).
  • Contact the service center for screen repair and subsequent reset.
Can I unlock Huawei via Find My Device?

No. The Find My Device from Google function only allows:

  • Determine the location of the phone.
  • Lock it remotely (if it is already unlocked).
  • Erase data (analogue Hard Reset, but without a guarantee of unlocking).

This function is not suitable for resetting the password.

Why does Huawei ask you to enter the network unlock code after resetting?

This is not related to the screen password. PUK code from the SIM card issued by your mobile operator. Usually it is indicated on the plastic carrier of the SIM card or you can get it:

  • Through the operator’s personal account.
  • By calling support (passport required).