How to unlock your phone if you forgot your password. Everything you need to know

Our memory is designed in such a way that at one inopportune moment it may refuse to bring out the most important information to the surface. For example, account login parameters, personal online banking account, or smartphone unlock password. In the latter case, the user is at great risk, since a lot of information is stored in our gadgets. In this case, the question arises, how to reset the password on Android. Or will you still have to play the role of a hacker of your own device?

Why use a password

What we don’t store on our gadgets! Here are personal photos, documents and much more. Finally, a smartphone is already a full-fledged wallet, and protecting one’s own data is the most important task of the user.

Setting a password significantly reduces the possibilities of ill-wishers and scammers. The former are unlikely to be able to bypass the password on Android and gain access to personal information, and only a four-digit digital code is unlikely to protect them from the latter, but will force them to tinker. Small children will also not be able to disturb the peace by accidentally deleting important files. Yes, there can be a lot of reasons for locking a mobile device, but we often forget passwords.

Unlock by call

The method of unlocking by calling exploits a certain vulnerability in the firmware, so on modern devices it works extremely rarely, almost never. But the majority of devices on Android 2.1 and older are unlocked with its help quite often.

The method is to call a blocked phone. After accepting the call, press the Home button to go to the desktop. Without interrupting the call, open the Settings app and turn off the key prompt.

Another option for this method is to make an outgoing call from a locked phone (if the function is supported). After dialing the number of a non-existent subscriber, the desktop opens for a short time and it becomes possible to pull out the curtain, from which you can go to settings and disable protection. For the operation to be successful, you will most likely have to make several attempts.

Resetting your digital password when you forgot it

Of course, each of us is more interested in the question of how to reset a password on Android without losing the data that we care so much about protecting. The methods are as follows:

1. Using an account.
2. Using an emergency call.

Both options work well. The first is provided by the developer of the operating system and involves working on his official website. And for this you will need a Google account. The second one will require a good reaction. But in some cases it is worth showing miracles of dexterity.

But to unlock Android if you forgot your password and account, you will have to use more complex and completely merciless methods for user data:

1. Full reset.
2. Flashing.

These methods work 100% and are just as likely to erase absolutely everything from the gadget (including passwords), returning the system to its original state.

Using a Google Account

If this is the developer’s recommendation, then you should first try to remove the password using this method. This is the standard and easiest effective option to reset your password. But you must know the account login password used on the locked device. To do this you need to take the following steps:

1. Enter any set of numbers more than five times.
2. The gadget will issue a reminder that the number of attempts has been exceeded and will be permanently blocked.
3. A link “Forgot your key?” will appear on the display, following which the user will be taken to a window in which he must enter the password and login (email) of the account. If the link does not appear immediately, you will have to re-enter the incorrect password and additionally press the “Home” key.

The system itself will offer to use this method. If the gadget is connected to the Internet and the correct login parameters are used, the blocking will be removed. After authorization, you need to change the password on your Android smartphone, enter and confirm the new choice. If you have forgotten your account login parameters, you can restore them on another device using a special service.

In addition, you can use the remote control service, in which you can set a new password, you just need to have an active Internet connection:

1. After authorization, the system will show all registered user devices. Having selected a password-protected one, you need to click on the “Block” button.

2. The system will offer to change the password, that is, create a new one.

In 5-10 minutes, the gadget will have a new password, which in this case is definitely known to the user.

Android manufacturers' applications for unlocking

Korean Samsung offers approximately the same unlocking option to its customers. They have their own account and a similar software unlocking method. To disable the password on Android Samsung, you should:

1. Open the Samsung account website and log in. If you don't have a login and password, register.

2. Enter the “Content and Services” section.
3. On the page that opens, confirm the “Unlock screen” command. The problem will be solved immediately.

But this is perhaps the only program for resetting a password on Android provided directly by mobile device developers. All others involve sharing utilities on a PC and even obtaining root rights, but more on that later.

How to delete system.db file

If you delete the system database from the device, there will be no password on it. The database, which includes system passwords, is located in a folder in the system.db file, by erasing which you can get rid of the annoying lock. But to access such features you need superuser rights, which can be obtained in two ways:

• Using software - special utilities installed on Android and/or PC.
• Using flashing.

If you cannot find out the password for your Android phone, having full access to the operating system, you can use the explorer of the connected computer to enter the system partition. Here it is easy to find and erase the file, without which passwords cannot be saved.

How to perform a hard reset

There is another answer to what to do if you forgot your Android password. Hard Reset, or a complete reset of user settings, will erase the password from memory and open the device. This operation is performed using the Recovery menu, which can be entered in two ways:

• By a certain sequence of pressing the volume keys, power on and the center button.
• Special teams via emergency call.

The combinations for different devices are practically the same, but there are still some nuances. You can find one suitable for a specific model on the manufacturer’s official website or on numerous user forums on the Internet.

Once in the specified menu, the user selects wipe data/factory reset or Clear Storage, which means “erase data/factory settings” or “Clear storage,” which, in principle, is the same thing.

After a reset, the device remains clean, without passwords or locks. Starting from Android version 5.1, confirmation through a Google account will be required for the first login. To start Android, enter your account password. If it is also lost, then on such a device you will have to use some system vulnerabilities.

Contacting service

It also happens that none of the methods work. Most likely due to the inexperience or carelessness of the user himself. Although, even purely technical reasons why it is impossible to remove the password on Android, there can be quite a few.

In this case, there is only one way out - turn to professionals, that is, Google support, the manufacturer, or directly to a specialized service. In the latter case, the risks of losing important data are minimal, and the guarantees of returning the device to its normal state are maximum.

However, the services will have to confirm that the gadget belongs to you. They may require a receipt from the store or a warranty card.

NO.3 Removing Android Lock Screen - Android Device Manager

Android Remote Management (ADM) is one of the official device management services for Android users. It is developed by Google. You can rely on it to manage your Android devices through your Google account. It can locate, call, lock and erase your Android phone or tablet when it is lost or misplaced. Android Device Manager offers an easy way to keep your Android data safe. It can also work as an Android lock screen remover app to bypass Android password.

Is it possible to remove the password in the settings?

If the gadget is not locked, the user can remove the password at any time in the settings on Android. To disable the function you need to:

1. Open "Settings".
2. Enter the “Security” (or “Location and Security”) section.

3. Select the “Screen Lock” tab, and then select the type of lock that does not require codes. For example, "Slider" or "None". To confirm, you must enter the previously used password.

Disabling the function is available in the same place where it was enabled. The process is the same for almost all models from any manufacturer. The only differences may be in the names of the tabs in the branded shells.

Phone hacking software

Various manufacturers have created special programs for these purposes. For example, there are hacking programs Unlocker 2 (many people don’t like this program) and Universal Simlock Remover. This software can help various gadgets, even older models. You can also use the Phone CORD PACK application. But, this software only recommends a list of special codes that can bypass passwords.

Disabling a password using a PC

Now about the most difficult, but also the most effective method - how to reset a password on Android via a computer. To operate, you will need a cord, a PC and a special ADB Run program. This is an option for any device, including those without root.

Detailed instructions

The task is implemented in the following sequence:

1. Download the Android SDK archive from the official website and unpack it on your PC. You can’t download just ADB, so you download the entire Android Studio.
2. Place the platform-tools folder in the root (drive C) and rename it to ADB for convenience.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via a USB cable.
4. Enter the command line (Start menu, execute or find cmd, then press Enter) and enter the adb shell command

cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases

sqlite3 settings.db

update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';

update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';

.quit and then press Enter.

The password will disappear after rebooting the device. If the device is rooted and has a custom Recovery, you can do the following:

1. Download the Aroma file manager (on PC) without unpacking the archive. In principle, you can use any other one, it’s just that this one works with graphic files and is suitable for bypassing a graphical password.
2. Connect the gadget to the PC.
3. Copy the downloaded archive to the Android memory card.
4. Turn off the gadget.
5. Log in to Recovery and select archive installation (Install zip).

6. Select installation from SD card.

7. Find and indicate the downloaded archive. The file manager will launch.
8. Open the data/system folder, where you can find and delete the password.key file.

After rebooting the gadget, the password will be lost. In the same way, you can remove the password on an Android tablet. Well, flashing the firmware will completely update the operating system, and the password will not be enabled by default. But this work is not for dummies and requires more knowledge and time.

Through Recovery mode

“Recovery” mode is a special option that is built into all mobile devices running on the Android operating system. To describe this option briefly, these are the most common system settings of a smartphone, but very few users know about them. Using this mode, the phone owner can reset his gadget to factory settings, which will also allow him to reset any type of protection.

It is worth remembering that resetting the device to factory settings means completely deleting the data stored in the system.

In order to reset the device in the described way, you will first need to switch to Recovery mode. This is done by pressing the buttons described below in the phone body:

• Volume down button and power button;
• Volume up button and power button;
• Both volume control buttons and the power button.

Once the user is in the Recovery menu, he should find a tab called “wipe data/factory reset”. Then you will need to confirm the reset, after which the mobile device should reboot.

Is it possible to unlock Android with your finger?

If your mobile device uses a fingerprint scanner, then the question of how to log into Android if you forgot your password is simply inappropriate. You can remove the lock in two ways:

• The main way, that is, by placing your finger on the scanner (on some devices you first need to press the power button).
• Backup – if the fingerprint is not recognized, after changing the user, etc. These are considered ways to roll back a lock using a PIN code, graphic or digital password.

The functionality, interface and features of the system largely depend on the OS version, model and manufacturer.

How to turn on the Internet on a locked gadget

The majority of methods for unlocking smartphones and tablets are effective under one condition - if the device is connected to the Internet. You can turn on the Internet without access to your desktop in different ways, but, unfortunately, they do not always work.

Here are some of these methods:

• Reboot your device. Your task is to catch the moment the notification panel appears at the top of the screen, behind which the curtain is hidden, and have time to pull it down before the lock screen opens. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to enable Wi-Fi or packet data transmission via 3G/4G. The method works on smartphones and tablets of different brands - Meizu, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Asus, etc., but not on all.
• On Sony Xperia smartphones, Internet access is enabled through the service menu, which is opened by calling the number *#*#7378423#*#*. You can dial the number using the emergency call keypad while on the lock screen. After opening the menu, go to the “Service Tests” -> “WLAN” section, where the option to activate Wi-Fi is available, and turn on the Internet. By the way, it is possible that the method will work on devices of other brands.

• On some smartphones, the 3G/4G packet data function is activated through the power button menu.
• Sometimes it helps to replace the SIM card with another one, the tariff plan of which includes an Internet connection service, and there are enough funds in the account.
• If none of the methods helped connect your mobile device to the Internet, the last thing left is to connect it directly to the LAN port of the router using a LAN-USB adapter and an OTG cable. A positive result is achieved in approximately half of the cases.