How to completely erase the system on Android if the phone is locked: step-by-step methods 2026

A ​​forgotten pattern, PIN or fingerprint is one of the most common reasons for a locked Android smartphone. The situation is aggravated if the device does not have debugging mode (USB Debugging), and the Google account is not linked or is inaccessible. In such cases, the only way out is hard reset (hard reset), which will delete all data, including the lock password.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods resetting the system on a locked Android device - from the standard one Recovery Mode to advanced methods using ADB i Fastboot. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others. You will also learn how to minimize data loss and what to do if resetting does not help.

We warn you right away: some methods may lead to loss of warranty or damage to the device if performed incorrectly. If the phone contains critical data, it is better to contact a service center.

1. Resetting via Recovery Mode is a universal method for all Android

The most reliable method of resetting is using recovery mode (Recovery Mode). It works on 90% of devices, including old models on Android 5-7 and new smartphones on Android 13-14. The main condition is physical access to the power and volume buttons.

The instructions are suitable for most brands, but key combinations may vary. Below is a universal algorithm:

• 🔋 Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds if it does not respond).
• 🔄 Hold down the button combination to log in Recovery:

Manufacturer	Button combination	Note
Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus	Power + Volume up	On Samsung s Exynos may be required add Bixby
Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO	Power + Volume up	On new models, hold for 10+ seconds
Huawei, Honor	Power + Volume up	Works on some models Power + Volume down
LG, Sony	Power + Volume Down, then release the power and press again	On Sony Xperia you may need to connect the charger

After the manufacturer's logo appears, release the buttons. You will see a menu Recovery (usually in English or with icons). Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.

Select "Wipe data/factory reset"|Confirm action ("Yes")|Wait for the reset to complete (3-10 minutes)|Reboot the phone ("Reboot system now")

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⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI 12+) after the reset you may be required to enter your account data Mi Account. If you do not remember your login/password, use the official unlocking service from the manufacturer.

2. Using Google Find My Device - resetting via Google account

If the phone was turned on Find device service (Find My Deviceand it is connected to the Internet (via a mobile network or Wi-Fi), you can reset it remotely. The method works even if the screen is locked, but requires:

• 📱 Linked and active account Google (which was on the phone before blocking).
• 🌐 Access to another device with a browser (PC, tablet, other phone).
• 🔄 Enabled synchronization and geolocation (not necessary, but increases the chances).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the website Find My Device (log in using the same account as on the phone).
2. Select a blocked device from the list (if there are several of them).
3. Click "Erase data" (Erase Device).
4. Confirm the action and wait for completion (may take up to 30 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will reboot and offer to configure it as new. Important: If the device was offline, the reset command will be executed the first time you connect to the Internet.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ and factory firmware Samsung/Xiaomi after a remote reset, you may need to enter your account data Samsung Account or Mi Account. This is an anti-theft measure (Factory Reset Protection, FRP).

3. Reset via ADB (for devices with USB debugging enabled)

The method is suitable if on the phone USB debugging was previously enabled (USB Debugging in the developer settings). This is a rare case for locked devices, but if you activated it in advance, you can reset the system without losing data (or with minimal loss).

You will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers (you can download from official Android website).
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• ⚙️ Knowledge of the phone model (to find the correct commands).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.
3. Enter a command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed, proceed further.

4. Perform a reset (one of the options):

   adb shell recovery --wipe_data

   or for new versions of Android:

   adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

If the commands do not work, try an alternative method via Fastboot (described in the next section).

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Check if the drivers are installed (there should be no exclamation marks next to the phone in the "Device Manager").

2. Try a different USB cable or port.

3. Restart the phone in Fastboot Mode (usually Power + Volume downand reconnect.

4. On some Xiaomi required. unlock OEM Unlock in the developer settings (if the phone has been unlocked at least once).

4. Fastboot Mode - reset via bootloader (for unlocked bootloader)

Fastboot is a firmware mode that allows you to control the device at a low level. It is useful if Recovery Mode is not available or does not work. However, the method requires an unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader), which is not typical for most users.

If you have previously unlocked bootloader (for example, to install custom firmware), follow the instructions:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to the PC and put it in Fastboot Mode (usually Power + Volume Down).
• 🖥️ Open the command line in the folder with fastboot.
• 📜 Enter the command to reset:

  fastboot erase userdata

  or to completely clear:

  fastboot -w

• 🔄 Restart the device:

  fastboot reboot

Some devices (for example Google Pixel) may require an additional command to unlock:

fastboot flashing unlock

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking bootloader on most devices leads to full reset (including internal memory) and may void the warranty. data-i="160">Attention: Samsung With Knox this will also reset the counter Knox Warranty Void (0x1).

Recovery Mode|Find My Device|ADB/Fastboot|Service Center|Never reset

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5. Specific methods for brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei

Manufacturers often implement their own protection and recovery mechanisms. Let's consider the features for popular brands.

Samsung: FRP bypass and reset via Odin

On devices Samsung after a reset, it may trigger Factory Reset Protection (FRP) - data request account Samsung or Google. If you do not remember the password, try:

• 📱 Enter the details of the last account you used (even if it is not yours - for example, if the phone was bought used).
• 🔧 Use Odin for flashing stock firmware (requires downloading the official firmware from the website Sammobile).
• 📞 Contact the service center with proof of purchase (receipt).

Xiaomi: unlocking Mi Account

On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO after the reset, data entry is required Mi AccountIf you have forgotten your password:

1. Go to recovery page.
2. Use the linked phone number or email.
3. If the account is not yours, contact the previous owner or support Xiaomi with proof of purchase.

Huawei: reset via eRecovery

On many models Huawei i Honor there is a hidden mode eRecoverythat allows you to reinstall the firmware without a PC:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the menu appears.
3. Select "Download latest version and recovery".
4. Connect to Wi-Fi and wait for completion (the process will take 10-30 minutes).

This method saves data in some cases, but does not guarantee screen unlocking.

6. What NOT to do when resetting a locked Android

Some actions may aggravate the situation or lead to to irreversible damage device. Avoid the following:

• 🔨 Disassemble the phone to remove the battery (risk of damage to the cables).
• 🔥 Heat or freeze device (the myth of "defrosting" screen does not work).
• 📱 Install unofficial firmware without experience (risk of "brick").
• 💰 Pay for "unblocking" to dubious services (many of them are fraudulent).

Also not worth:

• Use apps like Dr.Fone or iMyFone - they often require payment and do not guarantee results.
• Try to “reset” the counter of password entry attempts through the engineering menu (this is impossible on most modern devices).

⚠️ Attention: If the phone was stolen or purchased second-hand without resetting, an attempt to bypass the lock may be regarded as a violation of the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - “Illegal access to computer information”). In such cases, it is better to contact the previous owner or the police.

7. How to recover data after a reset

If a reset does occur, the chances of getting the data back depend on whether backups were enabled. Check the following sources:

• ☁️ Google Account: contacts, photos (Google Photos), notes (Keep) and some settings are synced automatically. Check Google Drive for backups.
• 📱 Local copies: if the phone was connected to a PC, check the folders DCIM, Downloads and Pictures on computer.
• 🔧 Third-party services: Dropbox, OneDrive, Telegram (saved files in "Favorites").

To recover deleted data after reset you can try apps like DiskDigger or EaseUS MobiSaver, but their effectiveness on modern Android devices with encryption (FBE) is close to zero.

If the data is critical (for example, photographs or documents), contact specialized data recovery laboratories. The cost of the service starts from 5,000 rubles, but the chances of success depend on the phone model and memory type (eMMC or UFS).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting a locked Android

Is it possible to reset a phone without losing data?

Technically possible, but only if:

• The phone was enabled USB debugging (USB Debugging) and you can use ADB to copy files.
• The device was rooted (root access) and installed TWRP Recovery.
• You previously created full backup via Titanium Backup or analogues.

In all other cases, resetting will lead to data deletion.

Why does the phone ask for the old password after resetting?

This works Factory Reset Protection (FRP) - protection against theft. To remove the request:

• Enter data last used Google account (even if it is not yours).
• If the account is not remembered, try restoring access through recovery page.
• On Samsung you may need to enter data Samsung Account.

If the phone was purchased second-hand, contact the previous owner.

What to do if no method works?

If reset via Recovery, Find My Device i ADB does not help:

1. Try to flash the device via Fastboot or proprietary utilities (Odin for Samsung, Mi Flash for Xiaomi).
2. Contact service center with proof of purchase (receipt or box). Many manufacturers (for example Samsung) provide official unlocking upon request.
3. If the phone is old or inexpensive, consider buying a new one - sometimes it is cheaper than restoring.

Is it possible to reset the phone via SIM card or call?

No, this is myth. Previously, on some older phones (for example Nokia or Sony Ericssonthere were engineering codes for resetting via the keyboard, but on modern Android devices (starting from Android 5.0) there is no such option.

Similarly, calling a locked phone or sending an SMS will not help unlock it - this only works in movies.

Will the reset work if the phone does not turn on?

If the phone does not respond completely (does not vibrate, the screen does not light up), reset through software methods impossible. In such cases:

• Try charge the device 30-60 minutes (the battery may be dead).
• If there is no reaction after charging, take it to the service center (there may be problems with the board or battery).
• Do not try to disassemble the phone yourself - this may void the warranty.