The Android operating system supports a screen protection function to ensure the security of the device from unauthorized access by third parties. Users can set a PIN code, password or a specific connection pattern of the 9 dots on the display. If you are using Android recently, you can easily become a victim of your own protection by simply forgetting the data entered as a password. Below are 5 simple ways to unlock your phone if you forgot your pattern password.
The instructions are suitable for all models and brands: Alcatel, Asus, Lenovo, Phillips, Prestigio, Sony Xperia, HTC, Samsung, Xiaomi, Umidigi, Leagoo, Doogie, Huawei, HomTom, Chinese No-Name, Megafon, Beeline, MTS, etc. d.
Entering your Google account information
When you turn on the tablet for the first time, the OS always prompts you to register a new Google account, which will subsequently be linked to the device. If you remember your account login and password, unlocking a forgotten graphic code will not be difficult. How to unlock Android in this way, read the instructions:
Important! The method works if the phone is connected to Wi-FI or a mobile network.
- If you enter the wrong password, PIN code or pattern 10-15 times (depending on the device), Google will prompt you to sign in to your account to restore access.
- Click on the “Forgot your graphic code?” window that appears. Enter your account login and password, the device will be unlocked.
- Now you can change the blocking method in the settings or disable it completely.
Now you know how easy it is to unlock your Android phone if you know your account information. But what to do if there is no Internet connection, but you urgently need to read a message from your boss?
Movements of a fitness tracker or smartwatch also “give up” the password
If a hacker installs a special scanner near your workplace, ATM or terminal, he will be able to obtain a password or PIN code by tracking the movement of your hands on a fitness tracker or smart watch.
The experiment was carried out by employees of the Stevens Institute of Technology and Binghamton University (USA). They developed a scanner that monitors electromagnetic radiation from sensors in smart watches and trackers. Data from the scanner was transmitted via Bluetooth.
The scanning results were processed in an application that detects up to 5 thousand key movements . To create the algorithm, two dozen users, two models of smart watches and a fitness bracelet with a standard nine-axis accelerometer were involved.
On the first attempt, the password was recognized in 80% of cases, on the second (if the user enters the same combination twice) – in 90%. The more sensors in a wearable device (gyros, magnetometers, accelerometers), the higher the accuracy. The position of the hand does not affect it.
Connecting the Internet
Option 1 – use the service code
- Go to the emergency call menu.
- Dial the following code: *#*#7378423#*#*.
- In options select "Service Tests"
- WLAN. The Wi-Fi network will turn on.
Service codes may differ on different models; you can always find the required one on the forums.
Option 2 – lan adapter
If it is not possible to use Wi-Fi, a LAN adapter and a router with an Ethernet (Lan) cable will come in handy. We connect it to the standard micro-USB connector, the network will appear automatically.
Important! LAN adapters are not supported by all Android devices. For information specific to your model, contact your service center or read the specifications in your owner's manual.
Option 3
Android on a tablet cannot check account data on Google servers if the smartphone is not connected to the network. It is not at all necessary to hack the pattern on your phone; the main thing is to provide the gadget with access to the Internet.
- Reboot your device by holding down the power button for a few seconds.
- As soon as the device turns on, open the notification shade and click on the Wi-Fi or mobile network icon. If there are saved access points or enough money in the SIM card account, the Internet will work. Do everything as quickly as possible, otherwise the screen will lock before you open the notification center.
- Re-enter your login and password. If everything is correct, the device will be unlocked. You can reset your security settings.
How to reset your password on Android if it is locked
How to connect your phone to the network if it is locked? The easiest way to connect to Wi-Fi. To do this, restart the phone and while turning it on, when the notification line appears (the panel at the top where signal levels, battery charge, time, etc. are displayed), grab it and quickly drag it down. After that, simply connect to the network as you usually do. You can also enable mobile Internet in the same way.
Using third party applications
For gadgets with ROOT rights, a special SMS ByPass application has been developed. It allows you to unlock using a special SMS message containing a specific code.
- Install the application on your smartphone and give it access to ROOT rights.
- If you forgot your pattern key, just send a message with the text: “1234 reset” (without quotes). Immediately after receiving the SMS, the device is unlocked.
This method helps to maintain the confidentiality of data and not be afraid that if there is a problem with the security code, access will be lost.
USB Debugging
The following method will work if USB debugging was previously enabled on the device. Download the ADB Run program on your PC and install it.
- Connect your device to your PC. The program interface is simple and clear.
- You only need one command, press the number 6 on your keyboard - Unlock Gesture Key.
- The device will reboot and you will need to enter a new password on the lock screen.
The method also does not work with all smartphones.
Service center
If you have tried all the ways to unlock your phone screen, if you forgot the password, but nothing helped, and after purchasing the gadget you still have the warranty card and receipt, then you can take your phone to the service center and they will help you. This pleasure will cost some money, but you will save the data on your smartphone. Another downside is that it can take some time.
Conclusion
These, of course, are not all methods; here we have described probably the simplest ones. But for most devices they will be quite sufficient. And remember - remember your passwords, or better yet, write them down in a notepad or somewhere safe, so that in such situations you don’t rack your brains and risk precious photos, hundreds of SMS contacts and other data stored on your phone.
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If the user has forgotten the pattern key, then unlocking Android becomes the most exciting issue. To solve this problem, there is no need to seek the help of specialists, because there are a large number of ways to do it yourself.
Thanks to a multi-stage protection system that is being installed and improved, you can protect your personal data from unwanted attacks. The more complex the password on the screen, the harder it is to guess the phone's pattern lock. But then there is a chance of forgetting the necessary combinations. You can find out how to remove a pattern key from Android without losing data using the methods below.
Enter the correct pattern here to unlock your device. This solution does not pose a security risk because you need to know the correct template and your account information. Otherwise, you should try to unlock your device using one of the following methods.
Phone call
On older versions of Android, you can remove the graphic lock simply by calling the device. If you are the owner of an old gadget:
Important! The instructions work on Android 2.2 and older.
- Dial your number on another device and press the call button.
- Receive an incoming call and quickly go to settings. In the “Security” tab, disable the lock using a pattern.
There is another similar method, but it only works on older Samsung models:
- Click on "Emergency Call", then the hardware "Back" button.
- For a second, Android will go to the main menu with applications, and only then return back to the lock screen. In this second, you can click on the application menu. Then open the settings in the same way, scroll to the security tab and remove the protection.
Methods for unlocking a graphic password
The methods described below are intended solely for unlocking your own device and cannot be applied to stolen devices. An important note is that the names of menu items may look different depending on the manufacturer.
Unlock your phone via 4uKey
Perhaps the easiest option is to use a special program to remove the screen lock on an Android device - 4 uKey For Android . The advantage of this method is that it is efficient and does not require complex operations (the program itself will perform all the necessary operations to achieve the desired results).
- Download the program installation file and install it on your computer. Then double-click the icon on your computer desktop to open the program, and connect your locked Android phone to the PC using a USB cable;
- After the program automatically detects your smartphone, click the “Delete” option on the screen;
- When prompted to delete all data saved on your phone, select OK. Once the process is completed, you will be able to access your smartphone again. If you previously backed up your phone files on another storage device, you can now copy them back to your device.
Combination selection
Everyone knows that number combinations like “123456” are unreliable and are easily picked up by ordinary people. A similar problem occurs with passwords in graphical representations - letters of the Latin alphabet are often used. Considering that about 75% of the world's population is right-handed, keys like "M" or "I" should be entered from left to right. It makes sense to try the symbols: “C”, “G”, “L”, “S”, “Z”, “7” . Geometric shapes are popular: sharp, straight triangles; large square; two small rectangles connected in the center; stars .
In mathematics, searching through solution options is called the “brute force method”; among IT specialists, it is called “brute force”. The difficulty in using the method is caused by the presence of a protection system against it, which works in a simple way: 5 incorrect combinations will lead to blocking the device for 30 seconds, all subsequent unsuccessful attempts will force the user to wait for the timer to expire again.
Call to smartphone (for Android 2.2 and below)
The method involves using the Android bug up to 2.2 inclusive, and looks like this:
- From another smartphone, call the locked gadget, accept the call;
- Minimize the call window by clicking on the “Home” or “Back” button;
- You will have full access to the system, but in order not to repeat the steps taken again, remove or assign a new password;
- Open the settings program, select "Safety", in the window that opens, go to the tab "Screen lock" Models running on older Androids do not ask for the previous key.
Despite the fact that this error was corrected by specialists, the “side effect” of it remained - on modern versions of the OS, you can reset the timer that protects against selection through it. The bug has a temporary effect: the next 5 incorrect attempts will lead to the requirement to wait or use the trick again.
Open low battery alert
When the battery charge level drops to 15%, a window appears on the screen advising you to connect the gadget to a power source. Along with the “OK” button, “Battery Status” is located next to it, after clicking on it, charge usage statistics will be displayed. From this tab you can go to the parameters, and then do the fourth step from the previous method.
It will take a lot of time to “catch” the window. The situation is complicated by its automatic closing within 15-20 seconds from the moment it occurs, so you need to keep the device at hand at all times. As a tip, lithium-ion batteries discharge quickly in the cold: when the temperature changes from room temperature to zero, 7-11% of the charge is instantly lost.
Calling emergency services
Even if access to the device is completely blocked, you can call contacts from the “White List” from it by clicking the “Emergency Call” button at the bottom of the screen. By default, it contains rescue service numbers: 101, 112 and the like. After an instant reset call, the device’s desktop will open for a couple of seconds, from which you can go to the options menu if you react well. Further steps are the same as in the second method.
Making false calls can lead to negative consequences such as overcrowding the communication channel with operators, which is why this method is the least recommended of all those described in the text.
Recovery via Google account
The convenience of this method is that it can be used immediately after an unsuccessful brute force - several incorrect attempts will lead to a window appearing asking you to try again later. After closing it, the “Forgot your key?” button will appear at the bottom, after clicking on which the login field to your Google account will appear. It requires you to specify your login and password. If they are also forgotten, they can be recovered using a PC or another smartphone using email recovery. In cases where you can access your profile by confirming your mobile number, you should move the SIM card to another gadget.
If you have a smartphone running Android 2.1 or lower in your hands, you should try entering “NULL” or “NULL” in the password entry field. In the “Login” line, you should indicate the email address without the dog and the characters after it (for example, the user just needs to enter ivan_123). It is important to note that the request for data from Google does not occur on all devices.
Network connection
Some models do not allow you to open the “curtain”, from where you can perform basic operations with the device - turn on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS. This makes it difficult to complete the previous step if the smartphone has not previously connected to wireless networks within range. To access connection settings, follow these steps:
- Open the emergency calls tab using the corresponding button at the bottom of the lock screen;
- Without quotes, type the combination to open the engineering menu (depending on the manufacturer, but you can try - *#*#7378423#*#* ), and press “Call”. The call will not be made - the command is needed to open the settings;
- In the application, go to the “ Service Tests ” tab, from where click on the “ WLAN ” button to select the network to connect to.
After successfully connecting to the Internet, new password recovery methods will open. If you cannot find out the menu display command, an adapter from LAN to Micro-USB will help you establish a connection, but some devices are not compatible with it. Everything is extremely simple - the cable coming out of the router is inserted into one connector; the other end is installed into the smartphone.
Using the ADB Run utility
The method is suitable for devices with USB debugging enabled . By default, it is not available for security reasons, but if you have previously enabled it, pay attention to this method. Granting Root rights is not required - you just need to connect the gadget to a Windows computer where the ADB Run program is installed. The application has a console format and is available in English. It is controlled by pressing numbers, so if there is no free USB port, you can insert a smartphone instead of a mouse.
If the program closes automatically after launch, you need to:
- On your computer, use the keyboard shortcut Win+R ;
- Enter cmd, press Enter;
- In the terminal, specify cd c:/adb. After this, you can start executing the commands described below.
The procedure is as follows:
- Insert the device, install the driver for it from the manufacturer's official website. If the software is incompatible or it is impossible to download it, you should use universal drivers for devices based on chips from the same company. Download files for Mediatek;
- Put the gadget into Fastboot mode by holding down the volume down and power buttons for 10-20 seconds while it is turned off. Open the ADB Run application, go to the “Manual Command” section;
- Go to directory /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases, through the command sqlite3 go to file settings.db;
- Enter the command update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock' .
- Wait for the process to complete, reboot your smartphone into normal mode.
Automatic method via ADB Run
You can also download ADB Run from the link and use the automatic method to reset the graphical password:
- Open the ADB Run program and press the number 6 on the keyboard to execute the item Unlock Gesture Key;
- You will see 2 methods in a new window: first press the number 1 to launch Method 1 ;
- If that doesn't work, press number 2 to start Method 2;
- After these steps, you need to restart your smartphone and check its functionality.
Using the Windows console
Using the built-in Windows command line, you can remove the Android password when USB debugging is enabled. In the terminal, using the cd , you need to open the folder mentioned in the previous instructions, and then delete the files locksettings.db, locksettings.db-wal, locksettings.db-shm, gesture.key . By rebooting the smartphone, the user will be able to use its functions without radical actions that lead to loss of saved files.
Smart Lock function
Each time the smartphone is locked by pressing the power button, you will be required to enter a password. In case of automatic transition to sleep mode, some time is given during which you can not specify the key. The size of this gap can be specified in the settings.
Smart Lock, available with Android 5.0, prevents the lock screen from appearing when paired with another device. A good solution is to link the gadget to a smart refrigerator, since it is always at home: if you lose your phone in your own apartment, no one else will use it. In this abstract example, roughly speaking, you will need to move the device closer to the refrigerator - but instead of household appliances, any other devices that support Bluetooth technology can be used.
However, Smart Lock is not limited to this: it can rely on the user’s GPS data, allowing the use of the device in a certain geolocation zone. The function is called “Safe Place”, and if it has been assigned, you need to be at a given point in order to be able to change the settings of the gadget. Smart Lock also uses facial recognition technology, so if you or someone else has entered a photo into the database, all you need to do is use the front camera.
In Recovery mode via GEST, Aroma
Recovery is a special smartphone mode designed for experienced users. It is built into many mobile devices; cases of self-installation by the user are rare. You can go to it while turning on the gadget, by holding down the power button and raising the volume level. The keys should not be released until the corresponding transition message appears.
The GEST utility will help you remove the graphic code, but it needs to be built in as firmware. At this stage, a problem arises: this can be done “painlessly” with standard Recovery only if the phone runs Android 2.3 and earlier versions. Modern models perceive it as unofficial firmware and do not allow installation without additional operations. To do this, you will need to download ClockworkMod Recovery , which supports most devices. The only purpose of the GEST program is to automatically remove the mentioned gesture.key without root rights.
The Aroma file manager was created to change system settings; it differs from applications downloaded from Google Play in the fact that it is downloaded to Android, which makes it useful in case of critical errors in the operation of the OS. Like GEST, this program works on modern gadgets with custom Recovery. The procedure is as follows:
- Download Aroma, place it on your memory card (preferably in the root directory). Please note that Aroma is not on Google Play, and you need to download from third-party sites, for example, here;
- Go to Recovery, flash the utility in unpacked form. To do this, install the downloaded archive in Recovery mode through the Install zip ;
- Reboot the device, wait for the program to start and, with its help, go to the data ;
- From there you should open the directory system, where the password settings files are located, a list of which is given in the removal method via the Windows console.
List of possible password files that need to be deleted:
- gesture.key
- cm_gesture.key
- password.key
- personalbackuppin.key
- personalpattern.key
- locksettings.db
- locksettings.db-shm
- locksettings.db-wal
Full reset
A factory reset will not affect information on external media, and files can be restored using Google backup. You can perform the operation according to the following instructions:
- Switch the gadget to “Recovery Mode”, also known as Recovery;
- In the menu, select "Wipe data"(can be called differently, pay attention to the name - it usually contains the words “factory reset”, “hard reset” and the like);
- Read the system warning, confirm your intentions, wait until the operation is completed;
- When the progress bar reaches 100%, reboot your device. This can be done by clicking on the “Reboot system now” button or something similar.
Resetting picture password via TWRP
TWRP is an unofficial recovery, mainly used as a means of installing custom firmware - manufacturers of modern smartphones prohibit this from being built-in functions. Among the utility's capabilities is its own file manager, which, like Aroma, loads before Android.
The key data must be deleted as follows:
- Once booted into TWRP, go to the "Advanced", then open "File Manager»;
- Go to the data , from there open the system ;
- Delete the file key;
- Exit the list of documents, open “ Reboot ”, from there click on the “ System ” button;
- The device will reboot and may ask for a password. You can use any graphic combination - the system will still let you through.
Clearing data using Find My Device in Google
The gadget search function is designed to remotely control smartphones in case they are lost. In addition to the ability to lock the device, the user is given access to delete all data on it with one click. The instructions work for operating systems of all versions and are published on the official website of the developer company. You should follow these steps:
- Open your browser and go to the Google profile management menu. When using someone else's device, you should enable the "Private Browsing" mode using Ctrl+Shift+P in Firefox, Ctrl+Shift+N in Chrome, Edge;
- In the “Security” tab, open the “Your devices” page, select “Device management”. Select the missing device from the list, click on it to see its last location;
- On the left panel, click on the “Clean device” button, confirm your intentions after reading the information about the irrevocability of the actions taken. Deletion will occur as soon as the smartphone connects to the Internet;
- Continue to use the device - the code will be removed along with other settings. You can restore data from backup save points.
Cleaning via Fastboot
Correct use of the method is possible with an unlocked bootloader - otherwise, access to system files via Fastboot is not provided. A similar method is described above, which, like this one, involves switching to this mode and further issuing commands through the ADB Run terminal. Using the same utility, you can try the following:
- Launch the ADB Run program after connecting your smartphone to the computer;
- Using numbers, go to mode Manual Command, then select A.D.B.;
- Enter the command fastboot -w to clear data;
- Reboot your smartphone to normal mode.
Firmware for models with MTK processors
Above in the article there is a link to install the MediaTek driver. Along with it, you will need firmware. The problem with models from little-known brands is the limited choice of firmware, so it is recommended to choose official ones or the most compatible ones. You can download archives from the official websites of manufacturers, or from reliable forums like w3bsit3-dns.com. Once you have the files you need, do the following:
- Charge the gadget to at least 25-30%. While flashing the firmware, turning off the device may lead to consequences such as the inability to boot the system, so performing the operation when the battery level is low is not recommended;
- In line "Scatter-loading File"specify the path to the txt document containing the word "scatter" In the title;
- Without clicking anything, install the drivers by opening the control panel by entering the command control in a window that opens Win+R. Go to the “System and Security” section, open the “System” tab, select “Device Manager” in the left menu (you will need administrator rights).
- Remove the battery from the device, connect the smartphone to the computer. An “Unknown Device” will appear in the “Other Devices” section, which may also be called “MTK Preloader”. Select it and specify the path to the driver folder. At this stage, an error may occur due to the inability to accept the publisher's digital signature. In this case, you need to do the following: Using the Win+R combination, open the program launch window, enter gpedit.msc, press Enter;
- On the left side of the program, click “User Configuration”, from there go to “Administrative Templates”, open the “System” section and the “Driver Installation” item;
- Select the “Digital signature of device drivers” setting and change its value to “Enabled”. In the “Options” window, select the “Skip” option;
- Restart your PC and repeat the steps to install drivers.
Note : the path to the utility and firmware files must contain only Latin characters and numbers.
Resetting settings in the Recovery menu
It’s easy to disable tablet protection through the Recovery menu, preinstalled on any Android gadget.
Important! All data will be lost after performing a Hard Reset.
For each model, the method of entering Recovery is slightly different. Below are options for popular manufacturers:
- Samsung - turn off your smartphone. Press and hold the volume and power buttons at the same time. Once the Android icon appears, release Volume Down.
- Sony - turn off the device, hold down the volume up and power buttons. Release after the screen turns on and wait for Recovery to load.
- LG – with the gadget turned off, press “Volume Down” and the Power switch. Within 10-15 seconds you will enter the Recovery menu.
- HTC - the method is similar to the instructions for Sony.
Navigation through Recovery is carried out using the hardware volume buttons, and confirmation of the action is possible by pressing the power button.
- Select "Wipe Data/Factory Reset".
- Confirm the desired action by highlighting “Yes” on the touchscreen, then press the Power switch. Wait for the reset to complete.
- Reboot your phone by selecting "Reboot system now".
On some models, navigation through Recovery is possible using touch buttons, and the menu is different. This is especially true for tablets and smartphones from Huawei and ZTE.
The lock key has been reset, but all your application and account data, as well as information from the internal memory, have been permanently deleted. The information on the SD card will not be affected during this operation.
Contacting the service center
The manufacturer's official service center can help with unlocking for a fee. This is not a warranty case and free service may be denied. In addition, specialists cannot always hack the latest versions of the Android operating system, as security measures are being modernized and manufacturers are increasingly installing security electronic chips.
In any case, use the services of only authorized services and do not agree to give your device for repair to “masters” at the market. As a rule, such craftsmen can only do harm, but they will not help with returning access to data.
Huawei and Honor
Phones released by these companies work using the new FaceID technology, as well as using special gestures. In this regard, a complete flashing of the system may be required, even if you just need to remove the classic password.
NTS
Devices from the NTS company are considered one of the least closed among other manufacturers. Therefore, the owner of the gadget can easily go to the system settings of the device. Moreover, the user can find the latest firmware versions on the manufacturer’s official website.
Recommendations
A forgotten unlock key on a smartphone is an extremely unpleasant situation. You can prevent it by installing a special program and obtaining ROOT rights. In addition, thanks to the vulnerabilities of the Android system, it becomes possible to turn on the Internet and log into your Google account, removing the protection quite legally.
If you have only recently used a smartphone or tablet, do not set a complex pattern or a long password with many characters. In any case, try to remember at least part of the security scheme - Android will provide 10 attempts to enter every 20 minutes. Of course, if you constantly enter incorrect codes, the device will be blocked, and then you will not be able to do without authorization with Google.