How to Fix Being Locked Out of an Android Phone 2024 -Unlocking Solution

It is exceedingly irritating to get locked out of your Android phone; however, several options are available to you before having to consider a factory reset. Thus, this article and associated tips will delve deeper into securing access to the central unit and present some simple preventive steps and some common FAQs.

Common Reasons for Lockout

By understanding the reasons behind being locked out from your Android device, you can ensure that the same doesn’t happen again.

Unlocking Methods

Method 1: Using Google Find My Device

Google’s Find My Device is a versatile, quintessential service that helps you trace, lock, or wholly wipe your device remotely. If you have already enabled Find My Device, you can use that as a springboard to re-establish your phone password.

Steps:

1. Access Find My Device: On a computer or another phone, go to Find My Device.
2. Sign In: Use the Google account linked to the locked device.
3. Select Device: Find your locked device on the list if you have multiple devices linked to the account.
4. Set a New Password: Click on the Lock option, and set a temporary password. This temporary password will replace your lock screen password.
5. Unlock Device: Enter the temporary password on your device to regain access.

Note: This method requires your device to be connected to the internet and the Find My Device feature enabled before.

Method 2: Unlock with a Backup PIN or Password

Some Android devices prompt for backup PIN or password on the initial installation of the lock screen. If primary PIN or pattern is forgotten, this backup can be used.

Steps:

1. Trigger Unlock Options: Enter an incorrect password multiple times until you see the option to use a backup PIN or password.
2. Enter Backup PIN/Password: Tap on Forgot Pattern? or Forgot Password? and enter your backup code.
3. Access Device: After entering the correct backup PIN, you’ll gain access to your device and can reset your screen lock if desired.

Method 3: Samsung’s Find My Mobile (Samsung Devices Only)

For Samsung device owners, there is an alternative other than Find My Device that allows them to uncover forgotten passwords, change PINs, or take down lost devices if signed up with a Samsung account.

Steps:

1. Access Samsung Find My Mobile: Go to Samsung Find My Mobile on a browser.
2. Log In: Use the Samsung account linked to your locked phone.
3. Select Device: Choose the locked device from your list.
4. Unlock Device: Click Unlock and follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll receive a confirmation notification once the device is unlocked.

Note: Samsung’s service only works if your device has an internet connection and is registered with a Samsung account.

Method 4: Using Android Device Manager

Android Device Manager can reset your phone’s lock screen if you have enabled it previously. This method also relies on your Google account.

Steps:

1. Access Android Device Manager: Visit the Android Device Manager website from a computer.
2. Sign In: Log in using the Google account associated with your locked device.
3. Locate Device: Select your device from the list.
4. Set a New Password: Choose the Lock option and set a new password for the lock screen.
5. Unlock Phone: Use this new password to unlock your phone and regain access.

Note: This method only works if your device is connected to the internet and you’ve enabled device management permissions.

Method 5: Safe Mode (For Third-Party Lock Screen Apps)

If you’ve installed a third-party lock screen app that’s malfunctioning and causing lockout issues, booting into Safe Mode may disable it temporarily so you can remove it.

Steps:

1. Enter Safe Mode:
   • On most Androids: Press and hold the Power button, then press and hold the Power Off option until Safe Mode appears.
   • Select Safe Mode to restart the device in Safe Mode.
2. Uninstall Third-Party Lock Screen App: Go to Settings > Apps and uninstall the lock screen app.
3. Reboot Device: Restart your device normally to exit Safe Mode, and set a new screen lock.

Method 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

A factory reset is a last-resort solution because it erases all data on your device. Only use this method if you cannot access your device using any other solutions.

Steps:

1. Power Off: Turn off your device.
2. Enter Recovery Mode:
   • Most Android devices: Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously.
3. Select Factory Reset:
   • Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and press Power to confirm.
4. Reboot Device: Once the reset completes, select Reboot system now.
5. Setup Device: After rebooting, sign in with your Google account credentials to restore your device.

Warning: This action is irreversible and will erase all data, so back up data regularly to avoid data loss.

How to check if phone is Unlocked or not

Preventive Tips to Avoid Lockout

1. Enable Google Find My Device: This is a built-in tool for Android devices to help you track, lock, and erase your device if needed.
2. Use a Memorable Pattern/PIN: Avoid overly complex patterns or PINs that are easy to forget.
3. Register for Samsung Find My Mobile: If you have a Samsung device, linking it to a Samsung account can be a lifesaver.
4. Set Up Smart Lock: Google’s Smart Lock feature keeps your phone unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to trusted devices.
5. Keep a Backup of Your Data: Regularly back up your device to avoid data loss if a reset is necessary.

FAQ’s