home · Windows · What to do if you forgot your phone lock password. How to unlock Android if you forgot your password? Step-by-step instruction

What to do if you forgot your phone lock password. How to unlock Android if you forgot your password? Step-by-step instruction

Until relatively recently, it was difficult to imagine that soon almost everyone around would have mobile phones, and some would even have several. We are increasingly immersed in them, often trusting them to store important information. It is quite obvious that where information is stored, there are a huge number of options for protecting it. The latter can play a cruel joke on the owner of a mobile device. Let's imagine for a second that you purchased a phone whose operating system is called Android. Then they uploaded some important information there, set a password, and the next morning they conveniently forgot it. It happens to everyone? It’s completely logical to ask the question: how to unlock Android if you forgot your password?

Unlock via Internet

So, we have used all five attempts, and now we are no longer allowed to enter any password. In the end, the only thing that worries us is how to unlock the Android screen. A person forgot his password - it doesn't happen to anyone. A warning may appear on the display indicating that you can unlock via the Internet. There is no point in discussing this for a long time. We go online - fortunately it can now be found in almost all public places - and log into our Google account. Once logged in, you will finally have the opportunity to change your phone key.

We unlock using a reset

This means a normal reset to factory settings. This option is very useful, and especially in our case, because we are interested in how to unlock a forgotten password. "Android" sets one task in this case - saving data. They will be erased from the phone, so be sure to think several times before resetting. Each phone model has its own menu features, so the reset is carried out a little differently, so we recommend that you refer to the manual for your specific model. In it you can easily find the necessary information.

We resort to using the ADB command utility

Eh, that's how it is! Forgot your phone password, how to unlock your Android device? ADB is an android debug bridge. He can help you too. In order to work normally with the ADB console, you need to enable debugging mode. This is where the rub comes in - you should have it enabled by USB by this point, because you can’t turn it on on a device without access.

The mode is there, so all that remains is to reset the password. Now you will need to enter code into the command line to carry out this process. It won't be difficult for you to find it on the Internet.

Once the phone has rebooted, you may be required to enter the key again. If this is what happened, enter whatever you want. Did not help? then enter an alternative command in ADB, which is responsible for deleting the gesture. It is also easy to find on the Internet.

Contacting the service center

And if you don’t want to dig around yourself, then who else can you turn to with a question about how to unlock Android if you forgot your password? Of course, to the warranty service! After all, they not only fix hardware, but do a lot of other things, including unlocking your phone. Don’t forget that you should go to such places with official documents, otherwise anyone could come there and repair or hack a stolen phone for free. This is not how they work there, so be sure to check if you have all the necessary documents. If yes, feel free to contact the center of the company that services your manufacturer’s devices that is convenient for you.

Special unlock for Samsung

And if the question is more specialized: I forgot my password on Android, how to unlock Samsung? Then there is a special way to solve the problem - this is Find My Mobile. The tool is very convenient and is intended for finding a lost mobile phone. Moreover, it also helps in cases where, for one reason or another, the user has forgotten his password. Please note that only Samsung owners can use this! Please note that everything on your phone should already be in order with your account, as well as access to the network.

Once you are logged in, select your phone from the list and click on “Unlock my device.” There is very little left to do - enter the data to gain access.

Device Manager in Android to help you

A fairly good way to solve the problem of how to unlock Android if you forgot your password is to use Device Manager. After logging into your Google account, you can use any device or computer to access the google.com/android/devicemanager service. Although it sounds funny, you can unlock your phone using the “Lock” button in the “Device Manager”. As soon as this button is pressed, you will be prompted to enter a new password to replace the old one. Next, enter the new password twice and click on the “Block” button.

Let's take advantage of this opportunity if you forgot your graphic password

None of the above helped, but the words are still spinning in my head, like in a mad dance: “unlock Android, forgot the graphic password”? Checking the OS version. If 4.4, then after five unsuccessful attempts you should receive a question from your phone: “forgot your graphic password?” This question appears during the thirty second period between password retries at the bottom of the screen. Next, enter your Google account information again. It is easy to change the key on your account.

Boot in safe mode. Bypass screen lock with third party apps

Let's see which application displays the lock screen. If it's a third party, you can try to solve the problem by booting into safe mode. Most phones enter safe mode when you hold down the power button. In general, we hold it and look at the window that says “Turn off power.” We agree to switch to safe mode. In this mode, you can remove the blocking of a third-party application or simply delete them. After everything is done, all that remains is to reboot the device and hope that you will no longer have to answer the question of how to unlock Android if you forgot the password."

Battery drain method

Try waiting until the battery is almost empty. A window should appear to notify you about this. With its help, you can try to enter the battery menu, and then go in a roundabout way to change the password. Next, everything should be extremely clear: change the password and rejoice.

The method of calling yourself

On earlier versions of Android, it was possible to solve this issue this way: the owner called himself, and then, right during the conversation, went to the menu, from where he completely successfully changed the security settings. Tricky, isn't it?

Service menu

Try accessing emergency calls from the locked screen - there is often such a function. Dial the service key combination *#*#7378423#*#*. This will take you to the menu. Next we look for Service tests. Next is WLAN. Connect packet data or Wi-Fi and unlock the phone.

Alternative screen lock types

To less often wonder how to unlock your tablet if you forgot the Android password, you can set a simpler lock. If we talk about the merits of blocking, we can come to the conclusion that it is quite reliable and even, in a sense, diverse. We have both passwords and graphic keys. In addition, the user can password-protect access to some user data or folders, which is also very useful. It’s fair to say that almost everyone won’t need this level of protection. It is quite obvious that some craftsmen have already decided to make good, and most importantly, not complicated types of phone locking. An example is the Knock Lock program. In order for the application to be activated, you will first need to install it, and then assign it as a screen lock method. Nothing complicated. Roughly speaking, instead of the graphic key in the menu, select Knock Lock.

Useful

Online unlocking is only available on Android versions 5.0 and below, so if you don't see this option, there's nothing to worry about. Most likely you have the wrong version.

When resetting to factory settings, all internal memory data, which includes games, applications, and user data available on the phone, is lost. However, everything that was recorded on the memory card will be saved. Don’t forget to take this into account when choosing to recover your phone password if you wish.

How to unlock Android in other ways? When giving your phone to a service center, remember that the warranty card guarantees a lot, but, for some reason, not the repair time. So there is a chance to lose a lot of time waiting for your phone.

The Knock Lock app works on any device. Even on smartphones and tablets of the Korean giant. If anyone has forgotten the password on Android, you will find out below how to unlock Samsung.

When unlocked using Device Manager, the gadget may not respond immediately. If this happens, refresh your browser several times. If your phone has any connection with your account, it will definitely answer in no more than five attempts.

Unlocking using the service menu is not always possible, since it is not available on all device models.

Human memory is the most extensive data store in the world and the most unreliable. What to do if you forgot your PIN code and how to unlock your Android or iOS phone if you forgot your password. The whole complexity of the situation lies in the fact that the device usually stores necessary or important data and contacts, which you don’t want to lose at all.
At the same time, hacking the hardware protection of modern smartphones and tablets is quite difficult.

And in some cases, on the contrary, the data is not as important as you need to unlock your phone in order to simply use it. I want to give a few tips that any user can do. And if they don’t help, you’ll just have to take the gadget to a service center.

Unlocking an Android smartphone

The recommendations below are very dependent on the installed version of the operating system and what additions the smartphone manufacturer has made to it. However, each of them is worth a try.
On the now old version of Android 4, unlocking a PIN or pattern is quite simple - after several attempts to enter it incorrectly, you will receive a link to restore access. And if you remember the password to the Google account that is on your phone, then you can easily unlock it through remote access! It’s really worth making a reservation here - the smartphone must be connected to the mobile Internet or to a WiFi network.
Another method that works on newer versions of the operating system is Android remote control. It is available here - link. This is a very convenient and quite functional tool with which you can track your device, as well as control it from your computer.

To unlock your phone, first select “Lock” and set a new password. Then unlock and log into the device with a new password. Profit!

There is a special proprietary utility for Samsung smartphones and tablets Dr.Fone. It also allows you to restore access to the phone's operating system, reset the graphic password or SIM card lock.

Sometimes you can unlock Android as follows:

1. At the bottom of the screen, click on "Emergency Call".
2. Enter the "*" symbol ten times
3. Double-click on the entered string of characters and select “Copy.”
4. Paste the copied characters at the end of the asterisk sequence already entered.
5. Repeat the action. This must be done until the machine fills the entire length of the field and refuses to insert characters. The result will be a copied long, long line of asterisks.
6. Return to the lock screen. Open the Camera app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
7. Open settings by clicking on the gear icon.
8. Android will require you to enter a password. Click on the field and hold until the “Paste” command appears. Paste the copied stars into the input field.
9. Repeat the procedure until the screen is unlocked and you can access the system again.
10. Profit!

In the case when you need to unlock your phone in order to use it and the data is not important, you can reset it to factory settings through the boot menu of the device.

To do this, turn off the device, press the volume rocker downward along with the power key. We keep them in this state until the phone boots into Recovery mode. Select the “wipe date/factory reset” option. After this, the device should reset all current parameters and settings, which will help remove the lock via a PIN code or pattern!

How to unlock iPhone

With Apple phones from Apple, everything is even more complicated. The method for unlocking the device depends on what version of iOS is installed on the iPhone. Based on this, you need to look for vulnerabilities on the Internet that allow you to bypass the blocking.

Here is another option on how to unlock an iPhone:

If there are no other options other than resetting to factory settings, you can try this option. You can reset your iPhone through the iTunes application directly from your computer, to which you will need to connect your phone with a cable. Of course, all data will be erased.

Have you tried to protect the data on your phone with a numeric password or pattern? Now you can't remember your password and use your phone? Such problems lie in wait for many - forgetting identification data, people cannot access the contents and functionality of their devices. How to unlock your phone if you forgot your password? In our review you will find the most detailed and simple instructions to remove the password request.

Here are the main unlocking methods:

  • Flashing – new software is uploaded to the phone;
  • Hard Reset – reset to factory settings;
  • Programs and services from manufacturers - contain built-in unlocking tools;
  • Deleting files with passwords and keys - through the file system;
  • Holes in security systems – relevant for old pipes;
  • Through another user – for multi-user devices;
  • Password reset apps are a great tool for many devices.

We will look at all these methods in detail and outline unlocking schemes for phones from various manufacturers.

It's nice to know that some manufacturers take care of the users of the devices they develop by offering additional services. A typical example is Samsung, which created the Samsung Account service. It contains functions for remotely erasing information from Samsung smartphones and tablets, functions for remotely blocking devices, as well as functions for finding them. That is, if the lost device is not found, all important and confidential data can be easily deleted via the Internet.

How to unlock a Samsung phone if the password was safely forgotten? To do this, use the “Find My Phone” function with its sub-function “Unlock my device”. It allows you to restore the functionality of your smartphone or tablet by resetting the screen lock settings. To do this, you need to go to the official website of the service, select the “Find phone” item, make sure there is a connection with the device and click on the “Unlock my device” button. After this, a command to reset the lock settings will be sent to the smartphone/tablet.

In order to use this functionality, you must first lock your phone/tablet by allowing remote control via Samsung Account in the security settings. In addition, the locked device must be connected to the Internet.

Unlocking a password via Google account

The developers of the Android operating system have taken care to make it easier to restore access to smartphones and tablets if you lose your password. For this purpose, a link to a Google account is provided. It is she who will help us in the matter of restoring access to the contents and functionality of the Android device. How to unlock your phone using your Google account? If you enter the password incorrectly, your phone will be locked for a while. That is, we are given time to remember the ill-fated password.

Temporary blocking also prevents hackers from trying to guess your password. After five attempts to enter the password incorrectly, the phone will prompt us to enter the password for our Google account. We remember the password, enter it in the field that opens - the lock is lifted! Now we need to go to the security settings and reset the password, since we couldn’t remember it.

From this we can conclude that to successfully restore access to your device, you need to know and remember the password for your Google account - write it down and save it in a safe place. This place could be your phone box.

Unlocking with an additional PIN code

Let's get back to unlocking Samsung phones, since we haven't discussed another way to restore access - using an additional PIN code. It is assigned when setting the main security password and includes four digits. Here you need to enter numbers that you will definitely never forget. If you have forgotten the main password, allow several attempts to enter it incorrectly, after which you will have access to the PIN code entry form - enter the treasured numbers and restore access to your phone.

Do not specify too simple digital combinations as a PIN code - this may help attackers gain access to the data stored on your phone. Enter here, for example, the PIN code of your credit card, which only you know.

Unlocking via master reset

How to unlock a password on your phone if all the above methods do not work? You can use a very simple solution - perform a factory reset. The disadvantage of this technique is that all data from the internal memory will be completely deleted(only the contents of the memory card will remain).

How to perform a master reset if access to the menu is blocked? To do this, you need to enter Recovery Mode - this is done using combinations of buttons pressed when turning on the phone. What kind of combinations could these be?

  • Both volume buttons and power button;
  • Volume up button, home button and power button;
  • Volume Down button, Home button and Power button.

There are also many other button combinations that allow you to put your phone into Recovery Mode - look for the corresponding instructions on our website or on specialized forums. After entering Recovery Mode, you need to find and select “wipe data/factory reset”. Having confirmed your intentions, you will start the reboot process, resetting the device to factory settings. At the same time, the previously set password will be deleted.

If you don't want to lose important data, make it a habit to regularly create and save backup copies of your files. Cloud services are also used for this.

Unlocking your phone through flashing

This method is one of the most radical, as it allows you to completely replace the software on your phone. At the same time, the interfering blockage is removed. How to unlock a phone through flashing? To do this, you need to figure out how to flash your phone - look for suitable instructions, download firmware files and programs, charge the battery. After this, we connect the phone to the computer, launch the software, select the firmware files, and perform other operations provided for in the instructions. We start the flashing and wait for the procedure to complete - then we enjoy the absence of blocking.

Flashing phones is carried out using special software, which is selected depending on the handset manufacturer and its model. For example, the Odin program is used to flash phones from Samsung - here owners of handsets from the South Korean giant are very lucky, since the program is very easy, and even an inexperienced user can handle the flashing procedure.

Fly and Sony phones are flashed using the Flashtool application - it’s quite easy, but it won’t hurt to re-read the instructions once again. Chinese phones running on MTK processors (and other handsets with these processors, for example, from MegaFon or Beeline) are flashed using the SP Flash Tool program. There is nothing complicated in it, so in most cases the flashing is successful - you just need to blindly follow the instructions, and not conduct experiments, playing with the program parameters.

Remember that flashing your phone, like resetting it to factory settings, involves complete loss of data stored in the internal memory.

Unlocking your phone through security holes

This method is relevant for owners of very old handsets, where it is very easy to bypass the protection by fraudulent means. A typical example is bypassing a block using a regular phone call. The protection breaks down like this: we call a locked phone from another phone, accept the call, while making a call, go to the settings and turn off the password request. Next, we drop the call and enjoy the unlocked phone.

This security hole is present on smartphones with the Android 2.2 operating system and lower..

Modern phones don’t have this, so you can’t really rely on this method - but owners of old handsets will be incredibly happy with this method of disabling the lock.

Another hole lies in the process of discharging the battery. At a certain stage, the system will notify you of a strong discharge and the need to connect a charger. At this point we can click on the link to show battery usage statistics. From here we will go to settings and disable the password request. Naturally, this method does not work in modern phones, so you can’t count on it - it’s better to familiarize yourself with other methods that are more effective and efficient.

Unlocking your phone via SMS Bypass

Have you given your phone superuser rights and are enjoying features not available to other users? In this case, you need to take care that you may forget your password - let's try to create a workaround. To do this, we will use the extremely useful SMS Bypass application. Download it, install it in your phone, go to settings and set a digital code - it will serve as the key to unlocking the handset.

How to unlock your phone using SMS Bypass? To do this, you need to send an SMS with the text “XXXX reset” to your number - instead of XXX, enter the previously specified digital code. Having received the SMS, the phone will reboot, after which it will prompt you to enter the password again– enter arbitrary numbers and get an unlocked handset at your disposal.

To obtain root rights, use the instructions on our website or look for a more suitable solution on specialized resources and forums.

Unlocking your phone using codes

Have you forgotten your password and can't use your phone's features? We have already said that resetting the password is done by resetting to factory settings - this is done using Recovery Mode. But what if your phone doesn’t have this mode? Then we try another solution - if when entering a password it is possible to select a keyboard for dialing, you should dial the general reset code on it or the exit code to the engineering menu. Find the corresponding codes on specialized forums and try to use them to unlock your phone.

Do not enter commands whose purpose you do not know - such actions can lead to the most unpredictable consequences, including the complete loss of the phone’s functionality.

Unlocking your phone using Aroma Manager

Are you an experienced user, and do you have root rights and custom CWM recovery on your phone? Then you can unlock the handset in one of the most advanced ways. To do this, you will need the Aroma file manager, which should be downloaded to your memory card. Next, turn off the phone and turn it on, switching to CWM, install the application, go to the system folder /data/system and delete four files there - locksettings.db-shm, locksettings.db-wal, locksetting.db and gesture.key. These files store data about installed passwords and graphic keys.

This unlocking method is available only on prepared phones and only to prepared users. To obtain superuser rights and install custom recovery, use the appropriate instructions. Do not carry out actions or launch programs whose purpose you do not know - this way you will protect your phone from being “bricked”.

Unlock PIN code

How to unlock your phone if you forgot your PIN code? You are given three attempts to enter the correct PIN code.. If all attempts have been exhausted, the phone will prompt you to enter a PUK code - you can find it in the connection kit or request it through your operator's help desk by calling the hotline. After entering the correct PUK code, the phone will unlock and prompt you to assign a new PIN code - save it somewhere safe.

You have ten attempts to enter the PUK code. If all attempts were incorrect, the SIM card will be permanently blocked - you will have to get a duplicate at the nearest communication store. There are no other available ways to unlock your phone if you have forgotten your PIN code.

Unlocking phones on Windows Phone

If your phone runs on Windows Phone, you can unlock it through the operating system's website. By logging in with your username and password, you will find a linked phone in your personal account and will be able to unlock it. This unlocking method works on Lumia handsets and handsets from other manufacturers. Another way to unlock your phone on Windows Phone is to perform a factory reset (useful if you don’t remember your account login and password).

To reset, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until vibration occurs. Release all buttons and press the volume down button again, holding it until an exclamation mark appears on the display. Now press the volume up, volume down, power and volume down buttons in sequence - after a while the phone will reset.

Please note that this procedure involves completely deleting all data stored on the phone - do not forget to make backup copies.

Methods to unlock phones by brand

How to unlock a Samsung phone if you forgot your password? To restore prepared handsets, you can use the Samsung Account service. If you have not prepared your phone for remote control, try going into Recovery Mode and performing a reset. The last method is to flash the phone via Odin.

In order to unlock your phone from MTS, you can use a general reset or flashing. If your handset has root and CWM, try installing Aroma and deleting the files responsible for blocking. Many other phones, for example from ZTE, Lenovo or Fly, are unlocked in a similar way. And to unlock your Nokia phone, you can use the MyNokiaTool application (for computer).

In order to unlock your LG phone, you should use flashing, general reset or custom recovery with the Aroma file manager. In addition, some LG smartphones assign an additional PIN code that will help you unlock your phone if you have forgotten your password. A similar function is available in many modern smartphones from Samsung.

The most universal way to unblock is to use a Google account - try to learn the password for your account or save it in some safe place. If none of the above helps, contact the nearest service center.

If you're tired of your operator

Guys, we know very well that operators raise prices and force subscribers to connect to services that the latter do not want to use. Fortunately, now there is a great opportunity to move to another operator with your number. There are virtual operators that provide very good rates and cool perks when porting a number. One of them is Tinkoff Mobile, which is increasingly being chosen by visitors to our site.

If you suddenly forgot the pattern, PIN or password that locks your Android device, you may think that you are faced with a serious problem and will not be able to bypass the Android lock. These security methods are designed to be difficult to hack, but in many cases, it can be done and gain access to a locked device.

There are several different ways to hack the lock screen of an Android smartphone or tablet, but unfortunately, there is no one method that suits everyone. Therefore, we will provide 6 of the most effective methods, and we hope you will be able to access the device without losing data. Creative types can choose which method to use first. By the way, for them we recommend the latest version of Minecraft http://droidsplay.com/games/strategy/288-maynkraft-0121-mod-.html, available for downloading without registration.

Method 1: Using Android Device Manager

For new Android phones and tablets, using a service called Android Device Manager is probably your best choice. Once you are logged into your Google account, you can use any device or computer to access the service https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager.

Surprisingly, you can unlock your device by clicking on the “Block” button in Device Manager, which gives you access to manage the device. If the service is having trouble finding your device, press the browser's refresh button several times, and if your phone is associated with this account, the service should connect within 5 attempts.

After clicking the “Block” button, you will be asked to enter a new password that will replace the pattern, PIN or password that you forgot. Enter your new password twice to confirm your choice, and then click the Lock button.

Changing your password may take up to 5 minutes, but when it does, you will be able to enter the new password to unlock your device.

Method 2: Use Samsung's Find My Mobile service

If you have a Samsung device, a service called Find My Mobile should be the first one you try. To get started, visit https://findmymobile.samsung.com/login.do from any web browser and then log in to your Samsung account. If you've never created a Samsung account, unfortunately this method won't work. Additionally, some providers, like Sprint, block this service, which can be very useful if you lose your phone.

Once you've signed in to your Samsung account, click the "Lock my screen" button in the left panel. Enter your new PIN in the first field and then click the "Block" button at the bottom of the screen. After a minute or two, your lock screen password should be changed to the PIN you just entered, and you can use it to unlock your device.

Method 3: Using the “Forgot your pattern?” function

If your device is running Android 4.4 or lower, try using the Forgot Pattern feature. After 5 unsuccessful unlock attempts, you will see the message “Retry in 30 seconds.” While this message is displayed, click on the “Forgot your pattern?” button. at the bottom of the screen.

Here, select "Enter your Google account information" (depending on your device, you may be able to go directly to this option), then enter your Gmail username and password. Google will either send you an email with your unlock pattern, or you can change it right there.

Method 4: Perform a Factory Reset

If you're more concerned with unlocking your phone than saving any data stored on it, a factory reset should work in almost any situation.

This process will vary depending on the type of device, but for most phones it starts with turning off the device's power completely. When the screen turns black, press and hold the Volume and Power buttons at the same time, this should bring up the Android bootloader menu. Here, press the Volume Down button twice to highlight the Recovery Mode option and then press the Power button to select it.

Then, while holding down the Power button, press the Volume Up button once - your phone should enter recovery mode. Next, use the Volume buttons to highlight the “Wipe data/factory reset” option and then press the Power button to select it. When the process is completed, select "Reboot system now" and your phone will be unlocked.

Method 5: Use ADB to Delete Password File

The next option will only work if you have previously enabled USB debugging mode on your phone, and even then, it will only work if you have allowed the computer you are using to connect using ADB. But if all these requirements are met, this is the ideal way to unlock your device.

Start by connecting your phone to your computer using a USB data cable, then open a command prompt window in your ADB installation directory. From here, type the following command and then press Enter.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

Next, restart your phone and the lock screen should disappear, allowing you to connect to your phone. After this, make sure to set a new pattern or pattern, PIN or password until the next reboot.

Method 6: Boot into Safe Mode to Bypass Third-Party Apps Lock Screen

If the lock screen you are trying to bypass is displayed by a third-party application and not by the system security utility, booting into safe mode is the easiest way to bypass it.

For most phones, you can boot into Safe Mode by pressing and holding the Power key right on the lock screen. In the menu that appears, long press on the “Power off” option. Select "OK" when asked if you want to boot into Safe Mode. When the process is finished, all third-party applications that perform screen locking will be temporarily disabled.

After that, simply remove or change the third-party lock screen app password or uninstall it and then restart your phone to exit safe mode. The third-party app's lock screen should disappear.

What method are you using? Do you know any other hacks that can bypass the Android lock screen? Let us know in the comments below.

When enabled, this feature automatically unlocks your screen when at least one of the conditions you specify is met. For example, if the device is located at your home or another device of yours is connected to it via Bluetooth.

You may have previously set up Smart Lock but forgot about it. In this case, remember the given condition and fulfill it. For example, if you have added one of the Bluetooth devices to the list of trusted devices on your smartphone, turn on the wireless module on both. Once connected, the phone can be unlocked without entering a PIN, password or key.

If Smart Lock has not been configured in advance or you cannot meet the specified condition, then this method is not suitable.

2. Bypass protection using a Google account

Some devices with older versions of Android (before 5.0 Lollipop) allow you to bypass the screen lock using your Google Account. But for this, the device must be connected to the Network. To check if your smartphone supports this method, enter any password, PIN or pattern five times.

After five incorrect entry attempts, the message “Forgot your password?” should appear on the screen. or similar hint. Click on this inscription and enter the username and password for the Google account that is the main one on your smartphone. After successfully logging in, you can specify a new password or set up a different screen lock method.

If you also forgot your Google account password, try to restore access to it using the company’s special service.

3. Use the service from the smartphone manufacturer

Some brands offer owners of their devices additional unlocking tools. For example, Samsung has a Find My Mobile service, with which you can remove a pattern, PIN, password, and even a fingerprint. To do this, your device must be linked to your Samsung account, support the service, and be online.

To find out whether such services exist for your model, look for this information in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s official website.

4. Reset the device to factory settings

If other options do not work, all that remains is to return the factory settings. This will lead to the loss of all data, copies of which are not saved in your Google account and others. But you can remove the protection from the screen.

Turn off your smartphone and remove the memory card if it was inside. Then try these key combinations in turn until one of them works (you need to press all the buttons and hold them for about 10-15 seconds):

  • Volume down key + power button;
  • Volume up key + power button;
  • Volume Down key + Power button + Home key;
  • Volume down key + Volume up key + Power button.

When the service menu appears on the display, select Recovery, and then the Wipe data / factory reset command. If none of the key combinations work or you don't see the necessary commands in the menu, look for reset instructions specific to your device model.

After this, the smartphone should return to factory settings within a few minutes. The device may request a login and password from a previously connected Google account, but you will no longer need to unlock the screen. After logging into your old account, the system will restore the settings and data synchronized with it.

All of the unlocking methods listed above are suitable not only for smartphones, but also for Android tablets.

How to unlock iPhone

If you have forgotten the password for your iOS device, you have only one option - reset to factory settings. You can do it in two ways: using iCloud and through iTunes. The first one will only work if you previously enabled the Find My iPhone function on your smartphone. For the second, you will need a USB cable and a computer with iTunes installed.

In both cases, you will not only delete the password, but also all data from the device. But if you have a backup of your iPhone, then after resetting you can restore the information saved in it: calendars, contacts, notes, SMS, settings and shopping lists in iTunes and the App Store. Personal photos and videos will also not be lost if you previously synchronized them with your computer or iCloud.

1. Reset iPhone to factory settings using iCloud

To check if Find My iPhone is active on your smartphone, connect it to the Internet. Then log into your Apple ID account on the iCloud website using your computer and click on the “Find iPhone” icon.

If you don't have a computer at hand, but have an iPad, iPod touch, or another iPhone, you can use the standard Find My iPhone application on any of these gadgets. It works the same as the web version in iCloud.

If Find My iPhone is active, you'll immediately see your locked iPhone (in the app) or select it from the All Devices list (on the iCloud website). If the device is not displayed, proceed to the second method. Otherwise, continue.

Click on the smartphone icon, and then on the “Erase iPhone” button and follow further prompts.

This will remove your passcode and all data from your device, allowing you to set up your iPhone again.

2. Reset iPhone to factory settings via iTunes

Launch iTunes on your computer, then connect your smartphone to it using a USB cable.

If you have previously synced your iPhone with this computer, click on the smartphone icon in iTunes. In the menu that opens, sync again and create a fresh backup of the device on your computer. Then click “Restore from a copy...”, select the newly created image and follow the system prompts until complete recovery.

If you've never synced your iPhone with your current computer, or iTunes also asks for a password, then most likely you won't be able to create a new backup. But you can do a reset in a special mode, and then restore the device from old copies (if any). Follow these steps to reset:

1. Force restart your iPhone.

On iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and older models, hold down the Home key and the top (or side) button for 10 seconds or more until the recovery screen appears.

On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, hold down the Side key and the Volume Down button for 10 seconds or more until you see the recovery screen.

On an iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, hold and immediately release the volume up key and then the volume down key. After that, press and hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.

2. When the recovery dialog box appears on your computer display, click “Restore” and follow the iTunes prompts.

3. If the iPhone exits recovery mode while iTunes is downloading the necessary files from the Internet, press and hold the force restart buttons again until the device returns to this mode.

Although the instructions for both reset methods are based on the iPhone, they will also work if you suddenly forget your iPad password.