How to reset Android to factory settings if you forgot your password: a complete guide

Forgot your pattern key or PIN code from your smartphone on Android? The situation is familiar to many - especially if the device has been lying idle for a long time or was given as a gift with a password already set. Fortunately, factory settings you can restore it even without access to the lock screen. In this article, we will analyze all working reset methods, from standard to little-known, taking into account the features of different versions Android and brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.).

Important to understand: reset to factory settings deletes all data from the device - photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. If synchronization with Google Accountwas enabled on your smartphone, some of the data (for example, contacts or notes) can be restored after unlocking. But local files, alas, no. Therefore, before you begin, make sure that there are no other unlocking methods (for example, through Smart Lock or backup PIN).

If you are trying to unlock someone else's device, remember the legal consequences. Unauthorized access to data may constitute a violation of the law. These instructions are intended only for device owners or legally authorized persons.

1. Resetting via Recovery Mode is a universal method

The most reliable way to reset settings is to use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). It works on 99% of devices, regardless of version Android or brand. The main condition is physical access to the smartphone and the ability to turn it off.

To enter Recovery Mode, you need to hold down a certain combination of buttons on the switched off device. It differs for different manufacturers:

• 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Home (or Volume up + Bixby + Power for new models)
• 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Volume up + Power (hold 10-15 seconds)
• 📱 Huawei/Honor: Volume up + Power (on some models - Volume down + Power)
• 📱 Google Pixel/Nexus: Volume down + Power, then select Recovery Mode v menu
• 📱 Other brands: usually Volume up/down + Power. If it doesn’t work, try holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).

After the manufacturer's logo appears, release the button Power, but continue to hold Volumeuntil you see the menu Recovery. It is controlled by the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the button Nutrition (item selection).

Further actions:

1. Select item Wipe data/factory reset (may be called Clear eMMC or similar).
2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes — Delete all user data.
3. Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 1-3 minutes).
4. Select Reboot system nowto restart the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung s Android 11+ after the reset, you may need to enter data from the last one tied Google Account (protection FRP). If you don’t remember your login/password, use method No. 4 from this article.

Turn off your smartphone (hold the power button for 10+ seconds)

Remember the button combination for your brand

Connect charging (if the battery is discharged below 30%)

Make sure that there is no important unsynced data on the device-->

2. Using Find My Device from Google

If your device has Internet access enabled and linked Google Account, you can reset the settings remotely through the service Find My Device. This method works even if the smartphone is locked, but requires: Google Account settings

• 🔹 Active connection to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• 🔹 Enabled function Find device in settings Google.
• 🔹 Access to the account Googlethat was linked to the phone.

Instructions:

1. Go to the website Find My Device from a computer or other smartphone.
2. Login using the same account as on the locked device.
3. Select your smartphone in the list of devices.
4. Click Erase data (Erase Device).
5. Confirm the action by following the prompts on the screen.

After this, the device will be reset to factory settings and will reboot. Please note: if the smartphone was turned off or not connected to the network, the reset command will be executed the next time you turn it on and connect to the Internet.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ after a remote reset, you may need to re-authorize in Google Account the first time you turn it on (protection FRP). If you don’t remember your account details, this method will not work.

The advantage of this method is that you do not need to physically interact with your smartphone. However, it only works if all conditions are met (Internet, linked account, search function enabled).

3. Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If the device was enabled USB debugging mode (USB Debugging, you can reset the password using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for users who have previously set up the developer on a smartphone.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with drivers installed for your device.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utility ADB (can be downloaded from official Android website).

Step-by-step guide:

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

   adb devices

   If the device is displayed in the list, you can continue.

4. Reset the password:

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

   Or an alternative command (for some versions Android):

   adb shell recovery --wipe_data

5. Wait for the process to complete and reboot device.

Critical: this method only works if the debugging mode was enabled IN ADVANCE. If you did not activate it before blocking, the method will not work.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB requires technical knowledge Incorrect commands can damage the system. If you are not sure, it is better to use others. methods.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

If the command adb devices returns an empty list, check:

1. (download from the manufacturer’s website).

2. Is debugging mode enabled on your smartphone (if the screen is locked, this method will not work).

3. Are you using an original USB cable (low-quality cables may not transfer data).

4. Try another USB port on your computer (preferably USB). 2.0).

4. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after resetting

If you reset the settings via Recovery or Find My Device, but after rebooting the device requires you to enter data from Google Account —you are faced with FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This is anti-theft protection, which is activated on Android 5.1+ when reset through standard methods.

How to bypass FRP legally (if you are the owner of the device):

• 📧 Enter the data from the last linked one Google Account. If you don't remember your password, recover it via recovery page.
• 📞 If the account is not yours (for example, the device was purchased second-hand) - contact the previous owner and ask him to remove the device from his account Google via section "Security".
• 🔧 For devices Samsung you can use the official service Samsung Find My Mobile (requires a linked account Samsung).

If you cannot restore access to your account, there are two options left:

1. Contact the service center with documents confirming the purchase of the device.
2. Use unofficial FRP bypass methods (for example, through TalkBack or OTG cable), but these require technical skills and may void the warranty.

Brand	Bypass method FRP	Difficulty
Samsung	Via Samsung Find My Mobile or a combination of buttons in the setup menu	Average
Xiaomi	Entering a backup code or using Mi Account Unlock Tool (requires confirmation of purchase)	High
Huawei	Through HiSuite or service center with a receipt	Medium
Google Pixel	Only through the original account Google or service center	High

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial methods of bypassing FRP (for example, through vulnerabilities in the firmware) can lead to blocking of the device or loss of warranty Manufacturers regularly close such loopholes in new versions. Android.

5. Reset via service codes (for some models)

Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or LG) allow you to reset settings via service codesentered in the phone application. This method does not work on all devices and may vary depending on the device. models.

Popular reset codes:

• 📞 ##7780## - soft reset (deletes settings, but saves data).
• 📞 *2767*3855# - full reset to factory settings (all data will be deleted!).
• 📞 ##7378423## —reset on some devices Sony.

How to use:

1. Open the standard application Phone.
2. Enter one of the codes (as a regular phone number).
3. Confirm the action if prompted.
4. Wait until the device reboots.

Method limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work on all devices (especially on new models with Android 10+).
• 🚫 May require input PIN code or password (if the screen is locked, the code will not work).
• 🚫 On some firmware, the codes are disabled by the manufacturer.

If the code does not work, do not try other combinations at random. This may lead to the SIM card being blocked or other problems.

6. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods do not help, you can try less known options. They are suitable for rare situations or specific models.

Reset via Safe Mode (if). the blocking is caused by a third-party application):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Turn it on by holding the button Volume down (on some models - Volume up).
3. When the logo appears, release the power button, but continue to hold Volumeuntil it boots Safe Mode (there will be an inscription at the bottom of the screen).
4. Uninstall the application that may have caused the blocking (for example, a third-party launcher or antivirus).
5. Reboot the device in normal mode.

Using an OTG cable and mouse (to bypass FRP):

1. Connect to smartphone OTG cable and a wired mouse.
2. On the lock screen Google (after reset), use the mouse to navigate the menu.
3. Add a new one through settings Google Account or take advantage of interface vulnerabilities (for example, through TalkBack).

Reset via fastboot (for devices with an unlocked bootloader):

1. Connect the smartphone to the computer in mode fastboot (usually press Volume down + Power when turning on).
2. Enter the command:

   fastboot erase userdata

   or

   fastboot -w

3. Reboot the device:

   fastboot reboot

These methods require technical knowledge and are not suitable for all devices. If you are not sure, it is better to contact a service center.

Common errors and how to avoid them

When resetting the settings, users often encounter common problems: Here is how to prevent them:

• 🔋 Low battery: If the smartphone turns off during the reset, this may damage the system. 50%. data-i="262">Cheap USB cables may not transfer data. Use an original cable or a certified one to start of the process.
• 🔌 Non-original cable: When using ADB or Fastboot Cheap USB cables may not transfer data. Use original cable or certified one USB Type-C.
• 📱 Incorrect button combination: If the device is not included Recovery, check the combination for your model (see section 1). On some smartphones you need to hold the buttons until 20 seconds.
• 🔒 FRP lock after reset: If you do not remember the data from Google Account, before resetting, try restoring access through recovery page.
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware: If after resetting the device does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, an error may have occurred when clearing the partition. In this case, only flashing via Fastboot or Odine will help (for Samsung).

If something goes wrong, do not panic. In most cases, the device can be restored through a service center. The main thing is not to try to "resuscitate" its untested methods (for example, through unofficial firmware), if you are not an expert.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to reset the password without losing data?

Unfortunately, on most devices with Android 6.0+ resetting the password without losing data impossible. The only exceptions:

• If the device was enabled USB Debugging —you can try to delete the file gesture.key or password.key via ADB (but this will not work for everyone firmware).
• On some devices Samsung with Android 9 and below it was possible to bypass the blocking through a vulnerability in Samsung Account, but now this method does not work.

In other cases, resetting the password is equivalent to resetting to factory settings.

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

This can happen for two reasons:

1. The function was enabled on the device reset protection (for example, Samsung Knox or Xiaomi Mi Cloud). In this case, you need to enter the last used PIN or password from the manufacturer's account.
2. The reset was performed incorrectly (for example, through service codes that did not clear all partitions). Try repeating the reset via Recovery Mode.

If you do not remember the old PIN, and the device was purchased second-hand, contact the previous owner or service center with documents.

How to reset settings on Android if the touch screen does not work?

If the sensor does not respond, but the device turns on, try:

• Connect OTG cable and mouse/keyboard for control.
• Use physical buttons to enter Recovery Mode (see section 1).
• If the screen is full black, but the device makes sounds - perhaps the problem is in the display cable. In this case, reset via Recovery may not work (you need to connect to the computer and use ADB or Fastboot).

If the sensor does not work due to mechanical damage, it is better to contact a service center.

Will reset via Recovery work on a custom one? firmware?

Yes, but with reservations:

• If you have official custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS), resetting via Recovery will work as standard.
• If the firmware unofficial or heavily modified, may require a separate reset menu (for example, Advanced Wipe v TWRP).
• On some firmware, after resetting, you may need to reinstall GApps (service package Google).

If you are not sure about the type of firmware, do this before resetting backup copy via TWRP or another custom one Recovery.

Is it possible to unlock Android through a service center without a receipt?

It depends on the policy of the service center and the brand:

• Samsung, Google, OnePlus - usually require a receipt or warranty card.
• Xiaomi, Realme - sometimes the owner's passport is enough.
• Huawei - confirmation of purchase may be required through Huawei ID.

If you do not have documents, but you are the owner of the device, try contact an unofficial service center. However, be prepared for the fact that they may require an additional fee for unlocking.