1. Unlock With Smart Lock
Smart Lock, referred to as Extend Unlock on Samsung devices, is a feature available on Android that maintains the unlocked status of your phone when you are in proximity to a designated trusted location or connected to a reliable Bluetooth device, such as your fitness tracker or vehicle.
It is important to note that this functionality is only operational if you have configured Smart Lock on your device beforehand. You can access this feature by navigating to Settings > Security > Smart Lock on the majority of Android phones, or by going to Settings > Lock Screen and AOD > Extend Lock on Samsung smartphones.
1. The Smart Lock feature on Android provides several methods for unlocking your device without the need for a password:
- On-body detection: This function allows the phone to recognize when it is being carried, keeping it unlocked while it is in your hand or pocket.
- Trusted places: This option utilizes your geographical location to unlock your phone when you are in proximity to a designated address.
- Trusted devices: This setting maintains the phone's unlocked status when it is connected to a recognized Bluetooth device, such as a fitness tracker or vehicle.
If you have previously configured one or more Smart Lock methods and have since forgotten your password, you can utilize these options to regain access to your device. This will enable you to back up any essential data stored on your Android phone.
It is crucial to understand that you cannot modify Smart Lock settings without first entering your current PIN. Additionally, this feature will not unlock the device following a restart.
2. Use SmartThings Find on Samsung Devices
1. If you own a Samsung device, there is no need to worry about forgetting your screen lock code, as Samsung provides an easy method to reset the lock screen PIN. The company features a service known as SmartThings Find, which enables users to manage their devices remotely in the event of loss. To utilize this service, it is essential to be logged into your Samsung account on your device and to have an active Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
To reset your device's passcode using SmartThings Find, please adhere to the following steps:
- Access Samsung's SmartThings Find website on your computer.
- Log in with your Samsung account credentials.
- Choose your device and select the Unlock option.
- Click the Unlock button and input your account password to confirm your identity.
Wait a few seconds, and your current PIN or password will be deleted.
You can then set up a new lock screen security method from scratch.
3. Use the Forgot Password Prompt
Certain smartphone manufacturers, including Realme, facilitate the recovery of access to your device in the event that you forget your PIN. After several unsuccessful attempts to enter the correct password, some devices may present a "Forgot Password" or "Forgot PIN" option on the lock screen. Selecting this option will lead you through a series of steps designed to confirm your identity and allow you to reset the lock screen passcode.
The identity verification process may require you to input the email address linked to your device or to respond to security questions that you previously established in the device settings. Upon successful verification, you will receive instructions on the screen detailing how to create a new passcode for your device.
4. Delete the PIN File Using ADB
1. Android creates a KEY file that is utilized for the storage of user credentials, including fingerprints, patterns, and various passwords. This file facilitates the unlocking of the device upon the correct password entry while denying access when an incorrect password is provided. By utilizing the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool, one can access and delete this file from a computer.
However, this procedure is contingent upon the following conditions:
- USB debugging must be activated on your device. If you have not previously explored the Developer Options menu, it is likely that this feature is not enabled.
- Your computer must be permitted to connect to your device via ADB. A guide is available for those unfamiliar with the use of ADB.
- Your device must not be encrypted. Starting with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google mandates that all Android devices be shipped with encryption enabled, which means this method will not be applicable to newer models.
1. This approach does not ensure success, and if precautions are not taken, it may harm your device. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the instructions meticulously.
Begin by connecting your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
Next, access a Command Prompt or Terminal window directed to your ADB installation folder.
Enter the command adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key and hit Enter.
Afterward, restart your phone. Upon rebooting, the secure lock screen should be removed.
Please note that this solution is temporary, so it is advisable to reset your PIN or pattern lock prior to rebooting.
5. Perform a Factory Reset
1. In the event that you remain unable to access your Android phone, your final recourse is to execute a factory reset. This process will delete all data on your device, restoring it to its factory settings.
Given your current inability to access the device, you cannot initiate the reset via the Settings application. Therefore, you must navigate to Google's Find My Device website and sign in to your account. Subsequently, select your device and choose the option for Factory reset device from the left-hand menu.
Should this method be unavailable to you, consider performing a factory reset through Recovery Mode. The steps are as follows:
- Turn off your device completely.
- Once the screen is entirely black, simultaneously press and hold the volume down and power buttons to access Recovery Mode.
- Navigate to the Wipe data/Factory Reset option using the volume buttons, and select it by pressing the power button.
- Highlight the Factory data reset option with the volume buttons, and confirm your selection by pressing the power button.
After the device has rebooted, it will be necessary to reconfigure your Android phone. You will be required to log back into your Google account, which will facilitate the restoration of any data that has been backed up.
One of the aforementioned methods should assist you in regaining access to your Android phone; however, it is advisable to take preventive measures to avoid repeating this process in the future.
If you often forget your passcode, it may be beneficial to maintain a physical record of it in a secure location, such as a safe or a password manager. Additionally, ensure that you are logged into your Google account (and Samsung account, if relevant) and that Smart Lock is activated to allow unlocking your phone via Wi-Fi.
