10 Best Methods to Unlock Android phone in 2023
Did you forget the password pin of the android lock screen of your Android phone for your google account and you have a locked phone? And you need to unlock your android phone using your lock screen? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who forgets their password pin. I’ll show you how to unlock the lock screen on Android phones.
Passwords pins serve as your android phone’s and for your google account protection from the use of unauthorized people on your lock screen. Although some on your Android device have new security features such as Fingerprint unlock for an Android lock screen to unlock your Android device for your google account, some people still prefer to use a password pin and passcodes on their Google account as their lock screen. It can be stressful and time-consuming when you forget the password of your android device or mobile device and even worse, be completely locked out of your lock screen. And can be hard at first to unlock your Android.
However it happens, it’s frustrating to get locked out of your Android phone or your Google account and to know how to unlock your android phone. You can always go to a store to get your Android phone unlocked but it’ll cost you just to unlock android.
But don’t worry! I know a few methods on how to unlock your Android phone. You can try software such as Tenorshare 4ukey for Android to help you unlock your phone in a few steps. Aside from this, there are different methods available.
Besides unlocking the Android phone, some of the best ad blockers for Android might actually help you get rid of the annoying lock-screen ads. So if you are facing a similar issue, I highly recommend you give these ad blockers a shot.
So, before going for a hard reset and losing all of your data to gain control back to your android lock screen, try these methods first. With these tips, you can get access to your Android phone within minutes. Let’s get started!
Related: The best lock screen apps for Android
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Most Android phones have different kinds of locking features. But at some point, people tend to forget their passwords or lock patterns. When you use the face or fingerprint recognition feature of your phone, there’s a chance that this will malfunction.
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You only need a working Mac or Windows PC where you can download this tool and follow the instructions to unlock your phone in just a few minutes. And if you’re worried about rooting, Droidkit won’t require you to root your device.
10 easy methods to unlock Android phone
To unlock Android phone, try these easy methods.
- Use Google account
- Use Android Debug Bridge
- Unlock Samsung with PC
- Use dr.fone
- Boot into safe mode
- Crash lock screen UI
- Use Android Device Manager
- Factory reset
- Use fingerprint
- Use face unlock
BONUS METHOD: Using PassFab Android Unlocker
1. Unlock Your Android phone with your Google Account for your locked phone
What you will need:
- Your Android Phone with your Google account
- Access to your synced Google Account on your Android phone
This method uses your Google Recovery account to unlock your android lock screen on your Android phone from your Android lock screen for your google account. One of the perks of Google Account integration is that google accounts are intertwined with most of your other android devices, giving you the capacity to access your Android phone from your Google Account on your Android device and to unlock it.
Note:
- If you don’t have access to your Google Account, you can skip to Method 3, which uses ABD Commands to unlock your Android phone.
- This option is available only on devices running on Android 4.4 or lower.
Step 1: Tap “Forgot Password” on your Google Account
To unlock your android phone, on your Android lock screen, tap “Forgot Password” on your Google account to access the Account unlock menu on your locked phone.
Step 2: Sign in to your Google Account
Google accounts are essential and therefore we always have to have access to it so that we will be able to fully utilize their capacity. This can help you unlock your Android phone.
Enter your Google Account details on your Google account and tap “Sign in” on your Android device. From there you can reset your google account pattern or passcode on your Android phone for your google account to unlock your android phone.
You’ll be prompted to reset your passcode for your google account to unlock your android phone to your Android phone right after you log in. Make sure to set one for your Google account that you’ll remember easily on your Android phone.
If your Google Account information isn’t working on your phone, you might need to recover it using your PC. Go to Google’s account recovery page and follow the steps above to be able to access your google account again.
2. Unlock Android phone using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)
If you haven’t tried ADB before – now is as good a time as any to unlock your android phone. Using a series of ADB commands, you can unlock your Android phone for your google account, provided you have USB debugging enabled on your Android phone. If you don’t, then this method won’t work for you for your Android phone to unlock your android phone.
There are some steps you have to go through first to fix your google account if this is your first time using ADB:
- If you don’t have Android SDK tools installed, or if you’ve enabled your device to accept ADB commands but don’t fully grasp how to use it, check out our article on ADB and how to use it.
You will need to confirm that you have SDK and ADB set up correctly. To do this, open your platform-tools folder, and then open a “command prompt” inside it. If you have done this before, go to step 3.
- You can open the command prompt in a folder with Shift + right-click, then select open command window here. (It may show “PowerShell” on some PC’s)
Now there are two commands you need to enter to confirm your ADB setup.
- ADB version – this will reveal the version number of your ADB software.
- ADB devices – for this one, make sure to connect your Android phone to the PC. If your device is connected, your phone’s serial number should appear in the command prompt window. If you’re unable to retrieve the serial number, try reconnecting your Android phone.
You need to enable USB debugging for this method to work but luckily, there’s a way to work around this. If you boot your Android phone into recovery mode, you can do these steps as usual, without having to enable USB debugging. However, your Android phone partition needs to be mounted:
- Go to Mounts and Storage in your recovery on your Android device.
- Now mount/data.
After you’ve done this, you can proceed as if you have USB Debugging enabled.
For unrooted devices
there are two steps:
Step 1: Open a command prompt
This process is a bit confusing so make sure to follow the steps carefully on your Android phone to unlock your android phone. With your Android phone connected to your PC – and the cmd open – enter the following commands in order:
- adb shell
- cd/data/data.com.android.providers.settings/databases
- sqlite3 settings.db
- update system set value=0 where name=’lock_pattern_autoblock’;
- update system set value=0 where name=’lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently’;
- .quit
Step 2: Reboot your device
After you’ve completed this, reboot your Android device. If this doesn’t reset your android lock screen, continue to the next step.
With your Android phone still connected to your PC and the command prompt opens, enter:
- abd shell rm/data/system/gesture.key
With that done, reboot your phone again.
For rooted devices
With the cmd open in the appropriate place, and your phone connected to the PC, enter the following commands:
- adb shell
- su
- rm/data/system/locksettings.db
- rm/data/system/locksettings.db-wal
- rm/data/system/locksettings.db-shm
- reboot
That wasn’t so hard, right? In case this method didn’t work for you, there’s still hope! I have one more method which doesn’t require you to erase all of your data. Let’s check that out and see if it’ll work!
3. How to unlock registered Samsung device
If you have a registered Samsung smartphone, then it’s your lucky day. The company provides a way to unlock registered Samsung smartphones with your google account.
What you will need:
- Your Android Device
- A registered Samsung Account
- A PC
Step 1:
Open the Samsung website on your PC and log in with your account information.
Step 2:
Select your Android device from the taskbar on the left to unlock your android phone.
Step 3:
Find the option Unlock my screen on the sidebar. Tap it, and unlock your phone’s lock screen.
4. Unlock Android phone with dr.fone
The next way to unlock your Android phone is an app named dr. fone – Unlock (Android). This Android Lock Screen Removal tool can unlock Android phone lock screens with a pattern, PIN, password, and fingerprint.
Note: You will need a computer to use this method to unlock your android phone.
Step 1: Download the app
Download dr. fone from the developer’s website to unlock your android phone.
Step 2: Open the app
Launch the app on your computer and click Unlock.
Step 3: Connect your device to your PC
Now connect your Android phone to your PC with a USB cable, then click Start.
Step 4: Verify your phone’s information
If your phone is connected successfully, information about your phone should appear on the screen. If it’s correct, press Next.
Step 5: Begin password removal
Boot your Android phone into Download Mode, and then the recovery package will be downloaded. After that, the password removal will begin, and a confirmation message will appear on the screen.
5. Unlock Android phone by booting into “Safe Mode”
It’s possible to unlock Android phones through safe mode. Please note that this method will only work for your Android device and phones that use a third-party app as its lock screen to unlock your android phone. This method works by temporarily disabling the third-party app and giving you a way to reset it to unlock your android phone.
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
For most phones and your android device, you can do this by bringing up the power menu and long-pressing “Power Off.” A notification will pop up, asking if you’d like to Reboot to Safe Mode, press OK.
Step 2: Clear your lock screen app’s data.
Clear Data from your lock screen app or uninstall it, then reboot your phone again to get out of safe mode – when you do so, you will unlock your phone or android device.
6. Crashing the lock screen UI to unlock Android phone (Android 5 only)
Before trying this one to unlock your android phone, please note that his method only works for devices running on Android 5.0-5.11, so if your phone doesn’t have this version, please go to the next process.
This method to bypass a locked screen is just an emergency workaround for the phones in this category.
Step 1: Tap the “Emergency” button
Enter 10 asterisks (*) through the dialer.
Step 2: Copy the asterisks
Copy the asterisks and paste them on the dialer until the “paste” option no longer shows up.
Step 3: Tap on “Camera”
Return to the lock screen and tap on the camera shortcut icon.
Step 4: Tap “Settings”
Press the settings option on your android device after pulling down the notification bar – now, you will have the opportunity to enter the password, and you should repeat the same thing here to unlock your android phone. Keep on pasting until the lock screen crashes.
7. How to unlock Android phone using Android Device Manager (ADM)
This method uses Google’s Find my Device to perform a Remote Factory Reset. It will not only remove the password or pattern from your Android phone and your lock screen password but also all the data you have on it.
Note: This will only work if you enable Find my Device on the phone, and again, it will delete all the data on your phone. If this isn’t what you want, I strongly suggest trying any other of the methods from above on your android device.
Step 1: Find your device
On your computer, go to the “Find my Device” website.
Step 2: Select “Erase my device”
You will see this on the left side of your screen. After confirming the Erase function, your phone will boot into recovery and start performing a factory reset. Once you approve of this action, it is impossible to stop or cancel on your android device. Even if you shut down your Android phone – the reboot will resume on startup.
8. Unlock Android phone using “Factory Reset”
What you will need:
- Your Android Device
- A USB Cable
- A PC
If you don’t have the “Find my Device” option enabled on our phone, you can do this the old fashioned way on your android device .
Unfortunately, if you’re still stuck behind a lock screen, the amount of personal data you’ll be able to save is limited along with your Google account. However, here’s what you can do to save what you can:
- Connect your device to your computer
- Find your phone and open the main folder with your PC
- Copy any folders you’d like to keep and save the files
Note:
- Depending on your Android device, the steps for the factory reset may differ a little, but the results will be the same on your android device. Most devices will let you hard reset by accessing the recovery mode.
- Using this method will erase all the data on your device. I highly advise you to back up your content if you use this as your last resort.
Step 1: Enter the boot menu
Turn on the Android device and enter the boot menu. If you can’t access it using the method above, do a quick search of your Android phone model and how to access its safe mode.
Step 2: Access safe mode
In safe mode. Use the volume keys to navigate up and down, press the Power key to confirm your selection on your android device.
Step 3: Reset your device
Find the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option.
After you confirm the option, your Android phone will begin the process – it can take several minutes. When completed, your android device will restart without your passcode, but also without your data. This process will unlock Android phones, but it also deletes all the information; unless you have a backup of your files, don’t do a factory reset on your device on your android device.
9. Unlock Android using Fingerprint
This method will help you unlock the Android phone without required you to change the PIN or pattern. The Android phone can be unlocked within a second by using this method and it is the simplest of all the methods mentioned above. For this method to work, you must have already added a fingerprint to your android phone. This method only works for Android phones with a fingerprint sensor.
To unlock Android using a fingerprint, follow these steps.
Step 1: Add a fingerprint on your phone
To add a fingerprint to your phone, go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint > Add fingerprint. Thereafter, follow the onscreen instructions to add your fingerprint to your Android phone.
Step 2: Unlock Android phone with fingerprint
Once the fingerprint is added, you are all set to unlock your Android phone with your fingerprint. Just place the added fingerprint on the fingerprint sensor and your phone will be unlocked.
10. Unlock Android phone with Face unlock
This is one of the most emerging technologies in the smartphone world. All the new phones these days come equipped with a Face unlock feature. this method allows you to unlock your Android phone without any hassle but rather just look at your Android phone’s front camera. Note that, face unlock is not as secure as fingerprint unlock as anyone resembling your appearance can unlock your phone. also, it may unlock the phone while looking at it when you don’t intend to.
Face unlock only works when it is already set up on your phone, so before you forget your PIN or pattern, set this up on your phone. To unlock your Android phone with face unlock, follow these steps.
Step 1: Set up face unlock on your phone
To set up face unlock on your phone, go to Settings > Security > Face unlock > Set up face unlock.
Follow the on-screen instructions to add the face ID.
Step 2: Unlock Android with face unlock
This is all, the next time you want to unlock your Android phone, just look at the front camera, as simple as that.
Bonus Method: Using PassFab Android Unlocker
PassFab Android Unlocker is an easy-to-use tool that can unlock your Android’s PIN, pattern, or password in case you have forgotten them.
Here’s a quick overview of how to use PassFab.
- Download the software on a computer.
- Connect your Android device to the computer via a USB cable.
- Choose the “Remove Screen Lock” option. You will be given the options “Remove Screen Lock” and “Remove Screen Lock without Data Loss”. The first option is available for almost all Android phones, while the second option only supports earlier Samsung smartphone versions like Note 3, Note 4, and S5. Choose the feature that will work for your device.
- Then, all you need to do is click on “Start” and then follow the instructions and read the messages carefully to unlock your Android phone. It just takes a while.
You can view more information and a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use PassFab Android Unlocker here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone unlock my stolen phone?
Yes, by performing a factory reset, everything on your phone will get wiped out – so it will be like the device was freshly pulled out of the box. So the only good news is that at least there is no way they could get your data that was on the phone on your android device.
Does a factory reset unlock Android phones?
A factory reset deletes any data you have on your phone, including settings. So, technically, after a factory reset, it will be like you opened your Android phone for the first time.
How to unlock an LG phone without a password?
Try to unlock your LG phone multiple times. Once you exhaust the limit, tap Forgot pattern. Next, enter your Google account username and password. Your phone will be unlocked. Go to Settings and reset the pattern.
Which is the best Android password cracker software?
dr. fone is by far the best lock removal tool available. It helps you remove all types of lock, viz., pattern, pin, fingerprint, face ID. The tool is pretty simple to use, even for non-tech-savvy people. Tenorshare 4ukey for Android is another good password-bypassing tool for Android. Whether you have forgotten your password or have given too many wrong attempts, this software helps you unlock Android devices in minutes.
Does a factory reset remove the root?
It depends. If your factory reset only deletes user data and cache partitions, it would not unroot your phone.
On the other hand, if the factory reset includes deleting the system and reinstalling it, it would unroot your phone.
How to unlock Samsung Galaxy S8 forgot password?
Try these methods to unlock your Samsung Galaxy S8 if you forgot your password. Another way to unlock your Samsung Galaxy S8 phone if you forgot the password is Samsung File my mobile. If you had earlier configured Samsung Find my mobile on your phone and connected to the internet, this method will work. the last option is to factory reset your phone wherein you’ll lose all your data if it is not backed up to your Google or Samsung account.
How to unlock a Samsung tablet when you forgot the password without losing data?
To unlock a Samsung tablet when you forgot the password without losing data, you should have already configured Samsung Find my mobile on your tablet. to do this, go to Settings > Biometrics & Security > Find my mobile and turn the toggle on. Next, enter your Samsung account details if you already have one or create a new account. If you haven’t already configured Samsung Find my mobile on your Samsung tablet, you can’t unlock it without losing the data and will have top factory reset it.
Conclusion
Passwords protect our device from unauthorized users but sometimes we get locked out unintentionally on our lock screen on your android device. Forgetting your password can be pretty annoying, especially if you’ve just changed it.
Hopefully, I was able to help you get back into your locked device without a factory reset on your android device. However, sometimes you’ll have no other option to unlock your android phone.
If you’ve reset your passcode, keep notes on your latest change and put it in your wallet or send an email to yourself, that way you’ll have a better chance of getting back into your phone using your lock screen password.
If I missed a way of unlocking an Android phone, or if you have any questions, let me know in the comments section down below!
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to ask a question. My daughter’s Android phone (LG G2) is locked. We are at the screen to enter the Backup Pin or Account Unlock (username and password). She enters her correct (and only) Google Account name and password and it does not work. She cannot remember the PIN. We have tried the PIN and PUK from the Sim card. We have seen your great solutions at https://joyofandroid.com/how-to-unlock-android-phone/. But her problem is that WiFi is not turned on on her phone and she does not have a data plan–so Google’s reset password plan won’t work and there is no way to get the Screen Lock Bypass app onto her phone (is there?). Why won’t her phone accept her Google account name and password? Is there another way? Or is there any other way to get her phone to turn on Wifi? We can’t do Command Line prompts because the phone won’t connect to the computer.
Thanks!
We understand the problem completely.
Usually when you type google account and its password it will unlock the phone. But you should have internet connection either wifi or data plan for it. Press and hold the power button to get the options to enable data plan. If you do not have data plan for the current sim, purchase from online. Or borrow from friends who has data plan.
The other way is hard resetting the phone. This will delete the phone data completely, hence I do not recommend this method.
This helped me so much. I’m so happy my phone is back to normal. Thanks man! ☺☺☺
We’re very glad that we could help 🙂
The one thing that finally unlocked my security pattern for my moto z was to simply press and hold power button!!! After spending hours of trying to find a solution. Most solutions that I found couldnt work for me, and others would require factory reset (loss of all data)
My phone was accidentally locked. Who knows? I hope this helps someone else get untangled.
Yes I just use one of the method to unlock my phone
how did u do it do u have a an lg g2.i have one i forgot my pass code gmail dont know how to download sdk and stuff can anyone help me do it or do it for me and i will pay u money to unlock my code thank you im in california in los angeles
Hi Gio,
Did you try all of the methods in the article?
Hey I was wondering the same thing. I locked my android LG and I don’t remember my username or password! is there any other way I could unlock or reset my phone? at this point, I don’t care what is deleted I just want it open :/
I am having trouble doing this once I downloaded the SDK file? Can you please help
Hi Felicia,
Have you tried all of the methods listed in the article?
I really need a help from you. I forgot the Password of my phone and also the password of my Goggle account. How can I solve my problem? Please help me.
Hi Francis,
You don´t see Forgot Password? option from Google?
My phone is lock by password but I forget my password how can unlock?
Hi Amarjeet,
Have you tried the methods in the article? Theys should help. =-)
i have a problem please help me if i want to use the first step but i don’t have the option “forget your password what should i have to do? i don’t want to loose my data. i have internet on my phone and i have a gmail account
what do you see?
Hi.. i forgot password to unlock my phone. Also after that i changed my google password because of which i cant find mobile in find my device app.. mobile is samsung A7 2015.. please help to unlock phone
I have a galaxy note 3 that I lost . I remotely locked it using Android device manager. I have now found it and can not unlock it. Is there a way other then a hard reset. Please help me!
Hi Dreena,
When you locked your phone, you entered a password, do you still remember it? =-)
I also have an LG G2(T-Mobile) with the above problem mentioned by Joe… I was locked out of my Google account, with all internet connection disabled and seemingly no way to turn it back on. The only options available from that point seemed limited, but after messing with it a bit, I found a pretty simple solution(after scanning this whole thread to no avail):
1. Select “emergency call”.
2. Use another phone to call the one you’re trying to unlock(assuming you have the correct Google login info and an available internet connection on the locked phone when normally unlocked)
3. The locked phone will ring normally(mine did at least). Answer the call. After answering, you should be able to pull down the shortcut menu and enable whichever connection you have available(Wi-Fi, data). Do so before ending the call, ensuring a successful connection.
4. Enter your Google login info into the empty spaces just the same as you probably have for what seems like forever now.
5. Carry on your merry little way without the hassles of factory data resets or PC-phone connections
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the detailed information on your experience. I am sure that others are going to find it useful. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Does this work on a Samsung S6 edge plus
Hi Angi,
I don´t see why not. =-)
I live in tel Aviv university and the national institute of technology in the world
Yes it won’t get off the secure start up it wants the pattern
What do i need to do
Have a ZTE phone, i don’t have any service or data plan on the phone currently. I forgot my numerical password, i tried a hundred combinations without luck. I tried resetting my phone to factory settings, it asked me to sign in with a Google account previously sinked on this device, put in my email, then it asked for my password, put in my password and then it went to aanother screen that said checking or verifying info, it thinks for a minute and goes back to the google screen asking for my email that was previously sinked on my device, i have a wifi connection. I dont know what to do. I need to unlock my phone in order to get my information off the SIM card. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
If you have exhausted all of the options, there isn’t a lot you can do. Many cell phone stores can pull the information from the sim card for you if that’s what you need.
My j6 is saying nothing but try again on166433minutes so I pushed the two buttons and now I have the computer looking print n the left corner but in the middle it says downloading do not turn off TARGETAND it been like that for but a hour what should I do
how many software can i use to flash android phone
Unable to understand your question correctly. What do you mean how many software you can use to flash?
my android karbonn a55i is locked what can i do
Sudeep,
Try these methods to unlock it.
hi
I have a sumsung divice with android OS.
my sun play with pattern and now it lock with google account.
(i set my phon number with another divice.)
i can’t login now !!!
how can i unlock my divice?
I don’t forget my pattern.
I don’t forget my User and pass in google account.
can You help me?
thanks
Hi Ali,
Did you already try the first method with Google Official Method? If that one doesn´t work, I am sure the other ones can help too. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Thanks for commenting. =-)
How do you know what file you need from android sdk to start this process
Slightly different point but if I have a PUK code and want to unlock the phone but retain the previous PIN (ideally displaying the pin to confirm I have the right number) can I do this? I only just applied the password and don’t want yet another different one but it is locked so think I may have set PIN incorrectly
It is a Samsung S5
Martin, I am quite not sure if that will work. I will leave this question to be answered by someone else.
great order and neat guide
just have a question…i read online android adb…and this usb debugging method uses sdk…are they generaly the same thing?
also, i downloaded the sdk as you said, but what exactly do i do after extracting the files to my downloads folder? there is like eclipse tool, and many other files in that folder…what exactly do i install from there for this? there was this one executable which i double clicked but a black screen came up then wuickly disappeared. idk what that was about so i just kept looking inside the sdk folder…but i dont know what exactly to do with what folder and file?
thanks in advance
Hadi, glad to help. Android ADB is a part of SDK.
In terms of actually executing the method, you just need to download the package on your PC. You don’t need to open anything. Right after downloading, enter the commands through command prompt. This will do the job.
i did the steps wuth the usb cord and downloaded the files onto my computer, but when i enter the second command it says something about the path wasnt detected? what am i doing wrong? is it just not going to work for me? i forgot the password i used for my lock screen and dont want to lose my data.
Same “The System Cannot Find The Path Specified” result here. I’ll keep plugging away today unless a JOA rep can give us some insight. I’m an iOS guy fumbling with my Boss’ kids ASUS Nexus7 Tablet that got locked out.
If you came across a different solution, please pass it on.
Hi Tim,
Are you using a Windows PC?
Hi. I have the same “cannot find path” nonsense happening here. I am on a windows 10 laptop. Im a Ubuntu guy stuck on a windows computer. Im lost. Screen is broke and has no touch response. Its currently plugged into a tv through a HDMI cable, and the USB is plugged into the computer. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Logan,
Have you tried checking that no files or directory name start or end with a period? Hope this helps.=-)
Also, for security reasons (job), my phone has the data encryption and sim card pin locked. The phone battery died, so now I have to enter 2 unlock codes (sim and screen). Thanks again.
Will the data and files be erased if i use the ‘How to Unlock Android Phone from Computer Without Resetting’ way ?
Deilan, nope, your data will not be erased.
Omg…i ave been on phone for hours and hours try frying to get it unlocked..please help me asap..
Hey, Sharon. I need more information to be able to help. Did you try the methods listed here? If they didn’t work, could you provide a description of what exactly the problem was? Thanks!
Thank you for the article. Do all the options only work for pattern lock? Will the Android ADB work for pin lock as well? Looks like the code is specific to pattern.
Hi Steve, first three should support all types of locks. The Android ADB method is only for pattern unlock.
nothing works on samsung note 3
only option i have is hard reset? not really good with computer to run adb : (
ADB should work. The step by step guide should help you, right? If not, then you are left only with hard reset 🙁
Nope, your data won’t be deleted. In case you fear that this could happen, you can always do a backup. Here are some articles that could help you.
https://joyofandroid.com/backup-contacts-on-android/
https://joyofandroid.com/how-to-backup-android-apps/
https://joyofandroid.com/top-10-android-backup-apps-to-save-your-essentials/
My fiances note 3 won’t unlock….. *with the correct security password it won’t ask for any google either is there any way besides a hard rest?
Did you try all the methods in this post?
I didn’t try a hard rest because she is trying to keep her info n there’s no pc around…
Then try some of the methods mentioned in https://joyofandroid.com/unlock-android-device-with-cracked-or-broken-screen/ and https://joyofandroid.com/unlock-android-device-with-dead-screen/
If all these doesn’t work, then you don’t have much option other than hard reset I am afraid.
Sir, I am using a third party app lockscreen, will the ADT shell method work ?
i dont want to hard reset the phone, please help.. !
Sorry, this method is only for Android’s default lock screens.
can u give me adb command so i can write directly please
Checkout Step 3 in ADB method. Hope that’s what you are looking for.
how do i unlock my android phone with no wifi after too many password attempts
Checkout this very article, it has solution for these as well. Especially read methods under “How to Unlock Android Phone Without Internet Connection?”
Excellent article! Have another curve ball to throw at you: I have an Android -HTC, reset my security pattern and promptly forgot it! I also have the 2-step verification enabled for my Google/Gmail account and now can’t log in to reset on the phone. Since I can’t receive my code, I can’t login to my Google/Gmail account from a PC either! Any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you.
You should receive the verification code!
Perhaps this article might help you https://joyofandroid.com/unlock-android-device-with-cracked-or-broken-screen/
Dani,
My screen isn’t cracked, I don’t remember the code. What happened is I dl’d Panda it said it had anti-theft. I went to check that out. It said, “if you lost your phone or it was stolen how do you want to proceed?”. I took it to mean, if and when that happens. Not right this minute. It locked my phone. I don’t remember the passcode. The code I entered to panda was a 3 digit code, but my phone won’t accept a 3 digit code. I’ve tried it and every # combination I could think of. Nothing works. I’m at a loss. Please Help me! PS I still have yet to receive my verification code.
JLyn
I found samsung galaxxxy note 3, but it asks for password!
How can I unlock it?
It should work! Let us know exactly at which step you are struck.
plz help me on intex agua y2 pro.. i had forgot my pin and there is no forgot password option .pz help me
Hi There,
Have you tried all of the methods in the article? =-) Please let me know if you need help with anything. Thanks for commenting.
My galaxy 3 Samsung i forgot my password my phone charger doesnt work i had to get a unyversal charger for my battery how do i unlocked with out delete my contacts
You may follow the methods listed in the article. Let me know if you cant proceed.
Hello! I have a question- I accidentally locked my Samsung Galaxy S4. I know my pin and my screen allows me to put in the numbers but it does not allow me to press ok. Is there a way to unlock my Galaxy without resetting it and maybe using a computer to unlock it? Any answers will be so helpful!
Angelica
Method 2 from this post should be helpful to you https://joyofandroid.com/unlock-android-device-with-cracked-or-broken-screen/
Hope this helps!
I am very happy that i could unlock my samsung galaxy Y duos , by given your advice ,
thanks dear
Cheers Anzar. Thanks for feedback and happy reading.
Hi I have a question I forgot the pin to my phone and my device is not giving me the option to use my Google information as a back up option to unlock my phone. my phone is not compatible with option number 2 installing an unlock app and im trying my best to avoid a Hard Reset. I tried option 4 over and over but it will not work i downloaded and installed the Android SDK the platform, tools and devices but it will not work……..please can you help me out? thanks for your time.
Hi I was having problems with option 4 after i downloaded the android SDK and its platform-tools, also the driver for my phone I keep running into this same problem”The system cannot find the path specified’ after I type in your commands into the command prompt…….What am I doing wrong here?
Wayne Gibson
You can try connecting your phone to a tv in order to use your phone and access the app.
Please explain connecting to TV. Thanks
Please refer to this. You can follow this guide https://joyofandroid.com/unlock-android-device-with-dead-screen/
why is it when I type cd android-sdkplatform-tools
it states they system can’t find the path specified?
AO, Try going into the platform tools folder and using shift+right click, select open command window here. Then enter the rest of the commands. Hope this helps.
I too am having the same problem. I went into the platform tools folder as suggested but continue to get same msg.
Kei,
Are the files present in the platform tools folder such as the adb exe file? if yes, then your phone is probably not connected properly.
So I tried this method, but now it is saying that the device is unauthorized. Is there any way to get around that?
Hi there,
I also had the same problem, but I went into the platform tools folder as suggested but now it says that it is unauthorized… is there any way to get around this??
What does hooking the phone to the TV do? I installed the app on my computer.
Antoinette
I cant understand your question. Please rephrase. Moreover we have not instructed to connect the phone to TV in this post!
Jan 10th, you suggest that Wayne Gibson connect to TV. Please refer to the above
Another method to bypass screen lock for Android (partially described in other sources).
You have non-rooted phone with USB debug disabled, no Google or Samsung account – the worst situation ever.
Download respective version Odin and flash you device with root firmware, then with TWRP bootloader / recovery manager. Use external SD card and copy /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db to it. Then download any of SQLITE DB files editor and set lockscreen.disabled to 1. Copy the file back and remove cached DB files (extention other then DB) in that directory. Also it may be required to remove /data/system/gesture.key
Thanks for the tip Dmytro. Hope this works!
hey i forgot my passcode to my galaxy avant what can i do/? my phone a week old and havent sync anything to it what can i do?
Laura,
Please follow the methods mentioned in this post.
Please am in Ghana my command prompt of my system always give me wrong formate i try several laptop Boss
Eric,
May I know what error do you get ?
i am regular visitor of your website, keep posing for help us. thanks
Happy to hear this. Let me know if you need any help in specific?
I am locked out of my Galaxy Note 3 and the phone is not providing option to reset with google. I don’t want to lose my data nor do I want to do a hard reset. What are some options?
Lysa,
Are you sure that you don’t see any option for resetting? No option as forgot password? Try entering the wrong code multiple times and that might bring up the menu. Otherwise, you can use the ADB method from this post.
Thank you for this info about resetting a forgotten password. I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 also. After 7 tries of password, I still am not getting option to reset password via my google account. The pop-up message on the phone is that after 10 failed tries the phone will automatically factory reset! Don’t want that. Tried to download bypass and says app is not compatible with this phone. Trying option 3 using Android adb and what’ s happening now (after doing all the preliminary steps) is that I’m on step 3 and I get through the first round of prompts but never get to random numbers; instead the prompt box says it’s not a valid path! Help please! Thanks.
i am a young boy who has grown much interest in modern information communication & technology,
recently about a month ago i had a problem with my samsung galaxy s3 mini. well, i was using the phone and it went of all of a sudden. so i tried putting it on buh it won’t boot at all, it only shows “samung s3 mini” on the screen and nothing else. i tried hardreset but nothing changed. is there any other way i can use?
Also help me on how to flash an android phone!
Thanks_in _advance!
Hi,
Try the methods listed here. Let me know the feedback. I shall give you other options after that.
https://joyofandroid.com/how-to-reset-samsung-galaxy-s3/
Android has a fail , if they give us opportunity to turn on wi-fi when this happens we easily unlock by gmail account and password , nobody is going to do something when the screen is locked and wi-fi is on.
at the end I had to restore with hard reset losing all my precious data because I have no debbug usb, no custom recovery , ect ect …. and if we could enable wi-fi it would be easier to track devices which has been lost or stolen.
Yes users are facing this issue.
The first one doesnt work on my grand prime 🙁
i lost my sumsung galaxy phone.. can i locate or trease that…
What is the specific driver’s that should be installed on android devices?
I’m locked out of my Samsung Exhibit II, & wifi and data were turned off when the phone locked so Gmail won’t run my info. I’ve tried rebooting the phone, and started the ADB process, but I get a failure notice with MTP USB Driver loading.. not sure if USB debugging is enabled. Is there a fix for this, or do I have to do a factory reset?
Hi I have a Note 3 and I attempted to do option 2 but was not able to select my phone (it was listed but un-highlighted). Will it still work with my operating system? The app’s description says it will not work for Anriod 4.1 and above. Do you think it will still work on my v4.3 device? Is my only option to do a hard reset?
Hi JOA Team,
I have a MOTO G phone ( Lollipop version). I have locked out my phone and not able to login. No root and USB Debbuging NOT enabled.
My only advantage is i have WIFI enabled.
1. I have tried Andriod device manager method. But Lock option doesnt seem to work in Lollipop version. I just got the message that device is locked by android device manager. It doesnt work.
2. I have tried “Screenlock Bypass Pro” installation from browser. But it doesnt seem to be compatible with my device. My device is listed but it is greyed out.
3. There is no “Forgot Password” option when i enter incorrect password 5 or more times. That option is not there in Lollipop version. So couldnt give my google login to unlock.
Please help me.
Also i can use my phone in Guest mode, where i can make or recieve calls. I would be happy if i can atleast recover my pictures in phone. Great if i can bypass unlock somehow.
Regards,
Shiva.
i reset my android phone because i couldn’t receive a message, but when i turned it on it asks for a pin and i don’t know the pin. how could i unlock it?….i tried to connect it to the computer but the computer could not detect it…. please help me…
Hi there,
Have you tried all of the methods in this post? One reason why your computer may not be detecting your phone could be because of a faulty USB cord or a damaged USB port on either your phone or computer. Please try using a different cord or connecting the phone to another computer to help troubleshoot the problem. If no other solutions work, you phone may have internal hardware problems.
I have a S5, if i use the method: How to Unlock Android Phone from Computer Without Resetting, and I reboot will I lose my data?
I already did the hard reset on my android phone, but when I open it on again it still asks for a pin code and i don’t know the pin. what should I do to unlock it?
so basically anyone can just break into my phone now with this advice?
It might be possible, but they’ll need to put in time and effort.
When I type adb devices the output is like this:
List of devices attached
Emulator-5554 device
0123456789ABCDEF device
After this I type adb shell then the output is like this
More than one devices/emu .
Pls help.
Hi Nizam,
Have you tried selecting which device you want:
adb -s {device serial} shell
Hope this helps.=-)
When I do the factory reset, it will not move on to the second screen for me to reset the whole phone.
When i type the command ” cd android-sdk\platform-tools “, without the quotes ofcourse, the window replies that it cannot find the path.
PLease suggest how can i fix this.
Also i went through the above comments, i cannot find the platform tools folder. where can i find it?
Hello,
when i connect my phone, and launch the command prompt, and launch it in the folder platform tools, after this when i type adb devices, it shows the connected devices are and then its blank and after that when i type adb shell, it shows no devices are connected, i have made sure that my phone is connected properly and the usb debugging option is switched on.
Please help me in resolving this issue.
Hi, I’ve been locked out of my Samsung Galaxy S4 since Wednesday, found your article on Thursday and have been tyring to make the adb work and it won’t. I read the comment that all you do is dl it and open the command prompt. I clicked your link and it took me to Android Studio so I dl’d it. I also went back and dl’d sdk stand alone. 1st time I opened both of these added extra tools, etc. Didn’t work. Saw the aforementioned comment so uninstalled. Started over. Dl’d android studio and sdk stand alone. Didn’t open, plugged in phone, opened DOS, typed in cd\ enter, ok in C: typed cd android-sdk\platform-tools\ and I get “The system cannot find the path specified. I got myself into the dl folder in the prompt and tried it there still nothing. And I do have the Samsung drivers dl’d on the computer. Please help I’m desparate!
Hello,
I pretty much have SDK installed and ready. Only issue is that I have an LG l34c Optimus fuel tracfone that does not have debug enabled.
There is no way to turn on wifi(not even if I call the phone and swipe) .
In cmd, when I type adb shell, system responds with: error device not found.
..
Please advise on any possible way to debug this phone.
I’ve even installed LGunited drivers and device is still not recognized. Hard reset is not an option as the owner of the Phone is now deceased, and we want to preserve the data on the phone. 🙁
hi
i’m trying ADB way.
i installed SDK Successfully
i’m using xperia j but i didn’t have drivers for it on my computer, i installed sony pc compation but it need’s to unlock the mobile … how i can install my driver.
Help I’m stuck my power button not pressing reboot
in ADB Command way , if my usb debugging is turn off ,
how i can turn on it ?
Should i install the android studio le just the sdk tools??
Hi Mobeen,
Can you rephrase your question?Thanks.
I just want my tablet to get back to normal but i can,tdo anything with it help
Hi Alice,
Can you please tell me what kind of problems you are experiencing?
Thank you Admin for the services you offer. unfortunately, my LG phone was locked in pattern after my sister changed it accidentally and couldn’t remember the password pattern. so, when i tried all the several procedures but to no avail in assistance because after five trials, it gives me a msg that i can try in 30seconds but cant show the reset window – please help me if there is any other option without loosing my contacts.
Thank you so much for your assistance
Heyden RM
[email protected]
+256785455955
I have formatted my phone but it is still asking for privacy protection password. I connected the USB cable its is not showing on the phone. i cant connect the phone because the USB debugger is not connecting.
I lock my app like gallery settings and other Apps with CM lock app and I forgot the pattern I used please which help can you render to me
Hy my phone is locked by pattern lock and my phone is not accepting Google account plz anyone help me
Hello Tayyab, To verify if your account is synced with your device, please go to Google Dashboard (google.com/dashboard), and sign in with your Google account.Then verify if your phone is listed and it is currently locked out. If it is, then unlock the device with your Google account.If not, then you need to use another Google account to sync with your device. If it dosent work try to factory reset your device. Let me know if that solves your problem!
I have Samsung Note 3..and your screen lock bypass pro app is not compitable with my device. So what should I do?
My device is connected to WiFi but I do not have any google account option appears on my screen. And I am left with only one trial of entering a backup PIN before my device goes through a factory reset automatically.
I cant choose my phone in from the option: ‘ Select your device from the list of devices registered to your account and click on the Install button. The app should now be downloaded and installed on your Android device.
there are no device available.
Please can someone help me to unlock my phone when I have forgotten my password
please help mee 🙁
i locked my device using android device manager.but when i opened it says wrong password.then i tried to reset password using android download manager,it says,”since google has verified a screen lock has already set,the password you entered wont be needed.” then i looked in the web for a long time and saw this page..i tried but when i plug the usb cable the computer shows its folder but no files.and also the amd is saying they cant find the path
Pls help mee…. 🙁
Device:Samsung Galaxy S4
HOPE YOU WILL HELP..
i have forgotten the pin of my android phone … unluckily i even don’t have USB debugging enabled due to which i am not able to use adb option too .. neither i can get thru using the google device manger .. any other way to unlock the phone without formatting it ??
My phone has locked itself and its requring me to put a privacy protection password which i dont know… It doesnot bring an option for forgetting password. It started when i removed the line and when i tried putting it back, itd asking for a privacy protection password.
Also the mobile antitheft is ON
Hi Basooma,
Have you tried all of the tips mentioned in this post?
My S4 is locked and my location isn’t enabled on my device so Adm cannot unlock it. Apps like screen lock bypass pro isn’t compatable and Verizon says I need to master reset like many ppl I cannot do that. Is there a way to enable my location to use Arm or is there any other way to unlock? Phone has been like 6 months now. Please please someone please help me.
Hi Gia,
Looks like Verizon gave you the solution to your problem, but have you tried all of the methods mentioned in the article?
A master reset isn’t a solution as many ppl would say as well. I need better solutions. Is there a way for you to answer my questions like is there a way to enable my location on my phone with it being locked? Are there any after market apps I can use to enable my location or unlock my phone? Please try to help because I have files on your cell that I need to use in a custody battle with my ex and if I master reset that would be the worst!
Hi Gia,
How unfortunate to hear about what you are going threw, but have you tried to connect your phone to your PC? By doing that you can see all the files you have on your phone and you can copy them onto your PC.
I have micromax phone and I for got my screen lock password
when I put wrong password 5 times IT says try after 20 seconds ,don’t ask Forget password. what should I do ,help me please!!
Hi Suni,
Have you tried using all of the methods in the article? Just want to make sure that you have so I can move on to other possible solutions.
Hi JOA,
Found this article informative. Now, will it work on my own Samsung Galaxy S4 after I replaced the motherboard with the one that I bought from eBay? This motherboard works but the phone is locked with a password pattern or pin. I cannot guess the password so I am asking for your help to unlock this phone. No way that I could connect it to the internet until it is unlocked. How do I unlock this phone? Thank you for your help.
Hi Ed,
If your phone is working just as good or even better than it was before, I see no reason why you shouldn´t be able to unlock the phone. Have you tried all of the methods mentioned in this article?
I have tried following these steps. When i enter the code adb devices, there are no devices that are listed. Please advise.
Thank you
Hi Ryan,
Problems with drivers, cable or USB port are all possible.
But to deal with the simplest first, are you sure USB debugging is enabled on the phone?
DEARS,
PLEASE HELP
If some steal my phone and uses ANDROID ADB METHOD TO OPEN IT, THEN HE GOT AN ACCESS TO MY PERSONAL INFORMATION, VIDEOS & PHOTOS…
PLEASE CLARIFY.
Hi Khaled,
Are you asking if its possible to steal your information using ADB? Was that your question?
I have forgotten my pattern for my huawei y220. Please help.
Hi Eric,
None of the methods worked for you?
I have same problemwith oppo A3…i tried to wipe data but it still ask for password…plz help
Hi , Ive locked my phone using ADB and it wont unlock no matter any password I tried which is really irritating as the only option that can find on the internet is need to do factory reset which will erase all my data. Do you have a way to get around this please
Hi Nafisah,
I would feel the same way if I was in your situation. Do you have Android Device Manager setup? How did you lock your phone using ADB in the first place?
Also, if you put in the passcode incorrectly in quick succession, it should ask for his Google account details (providing that you still have an active connection to the internet).
Hi I have a metro pcs Lg Ms 345 which I bought from my brother but he couldn’t remember his password so I hard reset it, erased everything but when I turned it on it took me to Google verification which he doesn’t know either, and I can’t go any further into my phone how do I get past google verification after hard reset?
Hi Lucci,
Has your brother tried recovering his account through this link?
https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/
I’ve downloaded the Android SDK and I believe I have completed all of the steps up to the command prompt. When I type in cd android-sdk\platform-tools\ into the prompt, The prompt returns “The system cannot find the path specified”. What do I do from here?
I have a Samsung Galaxy Exhibit (Android 4.4 KitKat), and I’m not sure if I have USB debugging enabled. Does it have to be enabled?
Hi Tommy,
Yes, you absolutely need to have USB Debugging on or else this method won´t work. The necessary drivers are also a must and pressing enter after each entering each command is also important. If one of these is not done properly that would explain the error. Hope this helps and please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Alright, will do. Thanks for your help!
Hi Tommy,
Welcome back! You are most welcome and please let me know of there is anything I can help you with in the future. Hope to hear from you soon. =-)
I tried the forgot password method but that option does not come up and i cant factory reset at all
Hi Connor,
What method did you try exactly? Are you having hardware issues that you can´t factory reset? =-)
I have multi gmail connected to my phone. Which one do I use to sign in.
Hi Angel,
Use the one you think you used on the locked phone. I also have multiple Gmail accounts, but there is one that is always used the most. Thanks for commenting. =-)
hi any solution for this
i do factory reset when i forgot my pattern lock, and this need email to privacy verification, but i dont know becasue this phone second hand, any solution?
Hi There,
None of the above methods helped? =-)
The screen lock bypass pro is outdated for devices running higher than Jelly Bean. is there any other apps equivalent?
Wow, awesome weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
you make running a blog look easy. The whole glance of your site is excellent, as well as the content!
Hi There,
Thank you for your kind words and it is good to see that you also like the information. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Hi my son had taken one of my phones and changed the Google account and locked the screen on me. I have a lot of information on this phone so I don’t want to reset it to get into it. The last way you have posted to get into your android says that you have to have USB ext. Unlocked on your phone for it to work. Is this something that would already be unlocked? And if you have any other suggestions for me to unlock my phone please let me know. Thank you
Hi Kristy,
Did your son change it to his account or another one you have? Were you referring to USB Debugging? If so, that is something that is usually off unless the user turns it on. Did the second method work out for you? =-)
For the third solution does it have to be a pc or can I use my tablet?
Hi Kristy,
Did you mean for the screen lock bypass method? =-)
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come
across a blog that’s both equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
The issue is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
Hi There,
I am also glad you were able to find us as well. Don´t forget to keep coming back for more useful tips and tricks and to also tell others about us in your social media accounts. =-)
Hi, there, plz tell me if i use method 2(screen bypass pro) will it work for android v.5.0 lollipop or not.
Hi Ali,
I´m afraid that it will not work for Lollipop. Have you tried the other methods? =-)
I have a pattern lockout as well, and am attempting the Android ADB method, but seems I am too much of a novice, because my command prompts using the lines that you posted are not being accepted. I’m on a MS Surface 3, the phone is connected via a mini-USB, and I’ve downloaded and installed the needed Motorola drivers, the latest Java updates, and the full Android Studio program with the latest SDK updates.
I’m about ready to shoot my phone.
Hi Timothy,
When you say not accepted, do you get some kind of error? =-)
Hi,
I posted earlier in the day today, but no longer see my post. Was it deleted?
I have no option for “Forgot PIN” ?????????????
Hi Aidan,
Do you mean that you don´t get the google option? If so, have you tried the other options to unlock? =-)
I have a galaxy S3 that is encrypted because I used to have access to my work email on it. I now have a new phone and it has been a while since I sedan the old one, but still have a lot of pictures on it. I need to unlock the phone for use now, but can’t remember the encrypted password. Will the ADB method work for this so I can get into the phone and still keep the data that is on it?
Hi Prach,
I don´t see why the ADB method shouldn´t work. Thanks for commenting. =-)
I have an android samsung smartphone that I recently found after a few weeks. I forgot the password and tried several to get in, it failed. I found this link and thought I might try the android ADB. I downloaded all the necessary things from Java (JDK version 7) and others (all for windows 10 x64 which would be compatible with my pc). When I finally got the Android Studio setup working and got the whole thing downloaded and ready, I did what it said above and typed everything word for word (and letter for letter) into command prompt. When I got the second line down (cd android-sdk\platform-tools\), it said that “The system cannot find the path specified.” I tried typing it in several times and they all failed. Did I download something for x86 or make an error somewhere in the process?
ps. When I enter the wrong password 5 times in a row it says “wait 30 seconds to try again”, but there is never an option like “forgot password?” where I can use another method to get into phone. It just says “emergency call”.
Hi Michael,
Did you have USB debugging on? If not you can try the following:
1. On a computer or other mobile phone, visit: google.com/android/devicemanager
2. Sign in using your Google login details that you also used on your locked phone.
3. In the ADM interface, select the device you need to unlock (if it isn’t already selected).
4. Select ‘Lock’
5. In the appearing window, enter a temporary password. You don’t have to enter a recovery message. Now click ‘Lock’ again.
6. If it was successful, you should see a confirmation below the box with the buttons Ring, Lock and Erase.
7. On your phone, you should now see a password field in which you should enter the temporary password. This should unlock your phone.
Now, before you go on with your life, go to your phone’s lock screen settings and disable the temporary password. Hope this helps. =-)
Judy, excuse me, but you’re not understanding & therefore not replying to the problem people are having with the “directory not found” issue, while trying to use Android ADB commands. Michael, above, stated it very clearly, as did several others. “Michael on January 30, 2016” said:
“…. I downloaded all the necessary things from Java (JDK version 7) and others (all for windows 10 x64 which would be compatible with my pc). When I finally got the Android Studio setup working and got the whole thing downloaded and ready, I did what it said above and typed everything word for word (and letter for letter) into command prompt. When I got the second line down (cd android-sdk\platform-tools\), it said that “The system cannot find the path specified.” I tried typing it in several times and they all failed. Did I download something for x86 or make an error somewhere in the process?”
Judy, you are not responding to this problem! I think the updated versions of the downloads have changed the directory names & placements such that the command window instructions are incorrect. The issue is that your instructions direct that in the Command Prompt window, the OS should change directories to the root of C: (CD\) then, change directories to “android-sdk\platform-tools” (off the root of C:\). I’m an old DOS user…. trust me, after installing both the Android Studio Bundle AND the required JDK version 7 (which your article doesn’t mention), there IS NO directory under the root of C:\ (or anywhere else it seems) called android-sdk… nor is there, of course, one below it called “platform-tools.”
I opened Android Studio, and at the top there was a msg about an update … I clicked… it took me to “Updates are available for the Android SDK and TOOLS.” Clicking “update now” button brought me to an option to “Exit Studio and Launch SDK Manager.” I opened the Android SDK Manager program which provides a whole list of “packages” (over 50 different individual files), ONE of which, under “Tools” says “Android – SDK Platform-tools.”
After selecting that “package” and several others that looked promising, downloading & installing them from Android SDK Manager, there was STILL NO “android-sdk” directory ANYWHERE on C:\. There is a C:\Program Files\Android\Android Studio but I failed to find the correct directory with which to launch your commands.
I will continue to search, utilizing Android Studio, but I am disappointed that your article was not more specific.
Hi Sandy,
Apologies for the article not being more specific and providing the details that are necessary to unlock an Android device. I truly appreciate the details you have provided on your experience with Android Studio and I am sure many will find it useful. We will look into updating the article with the necessary information. Thanks for commenting. =-)
what if the phone talks chinise
Hi There,
If the phone is set to that language, I would try and find a friend, neighbor who can translate for you. Hope can find someone. =-)
Hello,
I forgot the password on my Android HTC, and since it is an old model, there is no “Forgot Password” option when I enter the password incorrectly. Because I have some great photos on the phone, I am checking hard restart off my list…
Is there any way to get my files before I hard restart? Please? I tried downloading them onto my computer, but it didn’t find my phone even though it was plugged in…
At this point I’m pretty much desperate 🙁
Thank you!
Hi Lora,
Did you try any of the methods mentioned in the post? =-)
When I type adb devices the output is like this:
List of devices attached
Emulator-5554 device
0123456789ABCDEF device
After this I type adb shell then the output is like this
More than one devices/emu .
Pls help.
I locked my galaxy s3 & forgot password i dont want to do a reset, i downloaded adb but my phone usb debugging is not on. I have tried the other options but, the app doesn’t work for my phone, neither does the google or samsung since i did not register it. Is there another app or a way to turn on usb debugging via pc or something. Please help me!
Hi Cynthia,
Is your device rooted? =-)
guys..i have a htc wildfire s ..i tried to hard reset and tht too didnt work in my mob…and also i forgot the gmail id and password…..also how to start usb debugging when the phone is locked???dont be silly
Hi Kevin,
You can still try method 2. Let me know how that works out for you. Thanks for commenting. =-)
Hi i have a lg h345 that i found and its locked with google verification and i cant get that so i factory reset . same problem . i downloaded flash that should fix the phone but my computer running windows 7 fails to connect with my phone. It says fail to install mtp usb drivers or somthing like that. I dowloaded new drivers deleted them reinstalled them tried different cables different ports i have had windows trouble shoot it and it says nothing. I dont know if after a factory reset usb debuggig would b on or off. Please help ive been trying for two days and dont know what else to try . i dont think its the phone cuz it is almost brand new . help me and if u ever come to maui ill show u a good time .
Hi Alex,
Are you sure that the drivers you are installing are the most recent ones? Maybe they are not working because you need the most recent ones. Please check. =-)
Hi I have an LG Optimus G Pro. The lock screen is set with the password option, not the pattern option. After 5 attempts of failure, it just makes me wait 30 seconds, instead of showing me the forgot password option. I do have the gmail account set up, and do have access to the internet. What would be my best option to reset the password using my google account?
Thanks
Hi Jason,
You could try Android Device Manger. Type those words into Google Search and the site you need is going to be the first one on the list. Hope this helps. =-)
Thanks for the suggestion. It didn’t work for me since the phone number on the google account was now associated with the new phone number I have now.. I wanted to switch it to the locked phone number but it requires a code verification sent via a text msg, which couldn’t be checked cuz the phone is locked..
Do you have any other suggestions?
Hi my name is omar
I’m using a galaxy note 4 and my phone randomly removed the fingerprint screen lock and now it only shows the backup password and i don’t remember my back up password. what do i do please help!!!
Hi Omar,
Have you tried accessing your phone through Google Account Recovery?
Hope this helps. =-)
https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/?ard=AHwGkRlUEbx_bIO62iJXu0rCQLH7XnJFY-NldM1nRBQM-VD53JmuwiZHtXf-FkmjEuLP65XoYeGRvFEQffKOLj39rI-kCwo23TUSZleqTQ-WND-ByP3Besdm5DXtieRc0M4QHB9Ah_vUiicHmpgZ4VlNvjEyxmFQcQ&service=mail
hi
my child locked my screen pattern and I dnt know how to unlock it I forgot my security question and I dont know my Google username and password please help me because it only give me those 2 options it’s a Sony Xperia V
I am stuck, no option to use Google to unlock (doesn’t give me the option on the PIN screen, and Android Device Manager has been used but I get the “since google has verified a screen lock has already been set, the password you entered wont be needed”. Which I have no idea what that means… I have seen videos where my phone is in exactly the same predicament as the video, has a PIN lock and ADM is used to change the PIN code. And from the looks of it, the ADB option doesn’t work for anyone… If you can explain why Google doesn’t come up as an option, and why Android Device Manager isn’t working, I would love it. Thanks.
Which device and version of the Android OS are you trying to unlock?
Hi Guys,
I have tried all of the advice on your list, I still have one go with my password but as I am certain I have put the correct password in I didn’t want to use it until I was certain I had the correct advice. You mention that you can use a micro USB and download the photos of my device. I don’t get anything in the folder to transfer, I am using my phone charger USB is that correct?
I have a samsung S6 active. It has an option to set a pattern passcode to protect a separate category of files labeled ‘private’. This passcode doesn’t have the same recovery options as the main passcode – for example, the option for “forgot passcode?” never shows up. Alfter entering the wrong passcode a number of times, it does put a 30 second lock on it, but that is all.
Any advice for my predicament?
Thanks,
Joy Pollak
My brother has forgotten his password of Galaxy Tab A. I tried finding the password using Method 1 but I don’t see the Forgot Password option and the other option that I have is Method 9 but I can’t afford losing all my data. What do I do in this case?
Hi Jafe,
None of the above methods worked for you? =-)
hi!my phone is htc i was forgot pattern and button of volume has been broken please help me in it
Hi There,
Have you tried all of the methods in the article? =-)
Hello pls my phone is Samsung s5 demo it has the fingerscanner Which is not working can’t remember the alt password hard reset is not working pls help
You can use Androidphonesoft Android Recovery if the above method didn’t work for you.
Hi Xavi,
Thanks for your suggestion. Have you used it recently? =-)
Hello Festus, By default, your alternate password should be the password associated with your Google account, Try with your google password. If not, you’ll likely need to reset your device to factory default settings. But If you set up a Samsung account then find My Mobile service should be the first thing you try. Start by heading to this link https://findmymobile.samsung.com/ from any web browser, then log into your Samsung account and once you’ve logged into your Samsung account, click the “Lock my screen” button in the left-hand pane. From here, enter a new PIN in the first field, then click the “Lock” button near the bottom of the screen. Within a minute or two, your lock screen password should be changed to the PIN you just entered. Let me know if that solves your problem!
Sir,I forget my pattern lock.Now I want to see my pattern map by a phone.please helps me…
Hi There,
Did you try all of the methods above? =-)
Hi, I am using Lenovo and it only appear
1. Recovery mode
2. Fastboot mode
3. Normal mode
I dont see any factory reset pls help me. How to get the factory reset?
Hi Yani,
What model Lenovo phone do you have? =-)
Hello Yani, The following steps will help you to factory reset your device. Hold down the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power simultaneously for a couple of seconds -> Then release the held keys when you see a Lenovo Logo-> Now from the options select the Recovery Mode by pressing the Power button-> Once you see the android logo -> Press and hold Power button and Volume up bottom simultaneously for few seconds-> from the menu choose one of the options “wipe data/factory reset”, and then push the Power button to confirm. Follow the instructions to factory reset your device. Let me know if that solves your problem!
I have installed a microSD card on my Samsung J3. My videos automatically store onto the card – fine. I can access them via the ‘Video’ menu item. However, I tried to transfer them to my laptop, but while the laptop will recognise the phone, it cannot see the card.
Any ideas ?
To transfer the files on your SD card, you´re going to need an adapter and after sliding your card in there, insert it into your computer´s slot, and you’re ready to go.
i forgot my account and the password and i’m stuck in account unlock i cant hard reset my phone because when im doing it its just keep rebooting. yes i tried everything the article was said what should i do ?
Which phone and which security method are you using?
it is better on the eyes and can be more relaxing or less distracting than the internet/technology.
pls help me i have promblem with my phone pls tell me how to replace imel on my lenovo a708t phone pls
what are you asking for help replacing?
Subject: Bypass the PIN check of Samsung Galaxy S3 without root
December 24, 2016
Hi,
First impossible to register at your site. I try two time and nothing happen when finish to enter the information (name, email, etc.)
I have an old Samsung S3 smartphone and I don’t remember the PIN. The charging micro USB port no longer works.
I won’t use this smartphone because I have a brand new and I do not wish to have it repaired.
The battery is charged to 100%.
I would like to access one last time to recover my data and see all the applications that I used.
My smartphone is not “Root” and I don’t want “Root” it.
Can I use one of the methods that you presented here without that I lose my data and my applications?
I have no more access to my Google account or my Samsung account. In fact, I keep my passwords on a USB key and I lost the key.
Method 7 looks nice, but does it have a “Root” smartphone to use it?
Thank you and Happy Christmas!
Not likely. If it’s not rooted, the usb port is not functional and you can’t access your accounts which could help you unlock it, and don’t know the PIN, I think you don’t have many options left.
Hello I have a Samsung J3. It’s prepaid. My phone service isn’t active, because I have a different carrier and new phone. I’m trying to get data off of this previous phone. I don’t have a Samsung Account. Because the service isn’t active, I can only lock and erase from my Google account, which does me no good because I need the data. I tried method 3, but when I type adb devices into the command prompt, no devices are listed. However, the Samsung KIES driver can sense the J3 phone. So I’m trying Method 8 and it has me so confused! I downloaded aroma on my pc. How do I flash it? I don’t know what this even means. I now how to boot into recovery mode. Please help!
you can still hook the phone up to Wi-Fi to transfer information. Have you tried that? You can download apps and whatever else you might need over Wi-Fi.
The phone is currently hooked up to our home wifi. How do I download apps when I cannot get past the lock screen.
You didn’t say where you were stuck.
If you need to flash it to your phone, you will need to add it to your micro-SD card. From there you boot into recovery and can install the file from there. However, depending on the functionality you have on the screen, you might have issues seeing what you are doing. You can look at this article, it may help explain some things. You can also look up articles about rooting your phone as it may explain some of the terminologies you need.
Whenever you are rooting, flashing things via recovery, or otherwise messing with the backend files of your phone, you need to be sure about what you are doing. If you aren’t, you can mess things up with no option for repair. Take your time and learn about what you are doing so you are sure about it.
I have a Stock S7 flat (SM 930P) I have no custom recovery, Debugging Mode is not enabled, it is not Rooted. I changed my pattern and forgot. I am familiar with ADB but ‘Shell’ says closed. ‘Mount’ is not recognized as an internal command. I am using ADB version 1.0.32. Please if I can just delete the “gesture.key” I would be sooo happy. Please help how I can flash maybe a custom recovery without Debugging Mode.
to my knowledge, the pattern lock is not a thing you can bypass. for my nexus 5x I begrudgingly had to master reset it.
Hello,
I have a samsung s6 edge that I am locked out of. I looked online and it said that I could get into my phone using my google account or android device manager. I never got the prompt to input my google account information and adm let me create a password but it doesn’t unlock the phone. Will any of these methods work for my phone? Info you may need: I have a macbook air, I would at the very least like to transfer the info from my phone to my laptop if a hard reset is the only option. I can only try a new password every 60 min. How many attempts do I have? Please advise. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
what was your original security lock, was it a pin, password, or pattern?
Patterns are not something you can remotely unlock.
If if you didn’t turn on debugging prior losing the password, it’s hard to unlock. While the ADM and other things “can” work, the process can be trial and error. For my Nexus 5x, I had to reset the phone.
What information do you need to get off the phone? A lot of things sync with your Google Account, see if the info you need synced.
FYI: I put in a pin number not a password.
Hi James,
Thanks for the tips on how to unlock the screen pattern.
The system reboot should be the last method that works.
Hello,
I have a problem, my keyboard is not showing on my Samsung Galaxy j7.
The phone works fine and there is nothing wrong, but when i try to enter my password, the keyboard is not showing. I’m looking for an option that doesn’t involve factory reset.
I have many important files on my phone so i can’t reset it. Is there a way i can somehow delete my lock screen without losing any data?
when i tried the google account option it didnt because it shows nothing like forgot password.my android is android 4.4.2 kitkat
I pay a visit everyday some websites and information sites to read posts, however this web site presents quality
based posts.
So glad you love Joy of Android! Any favorite posts?
have tried the reboot method but it have failed. huawei
Several of these methods involve rebooting your phone. If you wouldn’t mind specifying which one didn’t work for you then I can provide some assistance.
I forgot the Google Acoount user name and password now what can I do??
That’s frustrating, saru. Do you remember the email associated with the account?
Hello. I am Zura. Can i try it on my SAMSUNG GALAXY J7 2015. I also have problem i forgot my password. Does it work. Thank You.
Hi, Zura. You shouldn’t have any problem using these methods on your device. If you do, just reply to this comment and I’ll help you figure it out.
I have SamsungSamsung Galaxy Note4. Password protected. I have forgotten my password and i dont have google account for. A lot of my msgs and missed calls are on screen. I dont want to lost my phone data. Please help me to recover.
Your co-operation ll highly appreciated.
Hi Maqbool. Did you try using ADB commands, as in Method 3?
Hi
ive got a Hisense U989 phone and the pin code is locked. How can I fix this. I tried the volume/power buttons but this does not work.
Hey, Dennis. Are you saying that the phone was locked when you purchased it?
Hi! I have a Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime. I am trying Method 3, but I don’t understand how to do Step 3:
“USB debugging needs to be enabled for this method to work as intended, but there is a way to circumvent this.
If you boot into recovery mode, you can do these steps as normal without the need for USB debugging. However, your partition may need to be mounted, to do this:
Go to Mounts and Storage in your recovery.
Now mount /data.
After you’ve done this, you can proceed as if you have USB debugging enabled.”
My questions are:
How do I access “boot into recovery mode” through my computer (my device is attached via USB)?
What is “partition”?
Do I access the ‘Mounts and Storage’ from my computer? If so, how do I locate this?
**Also, I tried to see if I could skip Step 3 and proceed to Step 4. When I type: “.\adb shell” (without the closed quotation marks), it produces this following output on another line: root@on7xelte:/ #
So, on the same line, just after the ‘#’, I proceed to type: cd/data/data.com.android.providers.settings/databases. However, it returns an output stating ‘not found’.
My question is:
Should I be getting the “root@on7xelte:/#” as an output? If so, why is it that the following command I type, doesn’t work?
**The system is prompting me to type .\adb instead of just adb
Thanks in advance for the help!
Hello! You need to do Step 3 before continuing on to Step 4.
You should be booting into recovery mode from your mobile device, not from your computer. “Mounts and Storage” is access from your mobile device once you’ve booted into recovery mode.
“Partition” simply refers to how the various data stored in your phone is separated by Android OS.
Hi .my phone moto g4 plus and I am unable to access it.. I tried method 3..Even after selecting mount storage in recovery mode, ADB command shows no device attached.please help
Hi! Have you tried any of the other methods listed?
I don’t get the unlock phone option on the samsung account, is there something missing Galaxy S5 active
Hi, Amando. Have you previously registered your device with Samsung? You can also circumvent the issue altogether by using one of the other methods.
Hello, and thank you for this info. I’ve locked myself out of a password protected Galaxy S7, by mistyping my password twice. And I’m one of those people you mentioned who failed to register it with Samsung. I tried to unlock it from my computer using my Google account, but it says that, because I had a password set on it already, it won’t allow me to reset it from the computer. I’ll probably have to try one of your other methods above, but I just wanted to check to see if I was missing any step with Google. Thank you!
Hi, Ken. I’m afraid I don’t quite understand your issue with Google. Did you mean that because there is a password on your device Google won’t let you unlock it from your computer?
Yes, that’s the problem.
Got it. Did you try unlocking it via your Google account as described in Method 1?
Hello. My 15 year old son died from suicide on Thanksgiving 2017. His Moto G 4g phone has a pin code, and it says after that it uses a fingerprint. Does that mean, even if I can unlock the pin code, I would need his fingerprint to unlock it? I’m a very confused, grieving Momma, and just can’t figure out how to get in this thing. I know there are answers in here. I need to find them. Any input or suggestions is greatly appreciated.
Hi, Carrie. I’m so sorry for your loss. The pin code unlock serves as an alternative to unlocking with a fingerprint, since fingerprint scanners can be prone to misread prints, so all you need is the pin code.
thank you for such a fast response! ok, I already tried the Google Device Manager option. It doesn’t work, since I assume we never activated that feature on his phone.
method 1 – His device won’t let me use
method 2 – not my issue
3 – I have no idea what rooted or unrooted means… is there a way to tell?
4 – see #3
5 – Not a Samsung, it’s a Moto G 4g
6 – not an option
7 – lock screen bypass app – wondering if this is my only viable option?
8 – I have no idea how to do this…
9 – not an option
I’m willing to try 3, 4, or 8, however I no nothing about tech and wouldn’t know how to do any of these. Are there detailed instructions somewhere? And again, I don’t know if the phone is rooted or not, or what that even means.
Thank you so much for helping me!
Hi, Carrie. The device is most likely not rooted, especially if it appears to be perfectly normal. Rooting is simply a way of working around some of the limitations placed on a device by the operating system to give the user more freedom to decide how they want the device to run and what operating system they want to use, but it voids the warranty. Very few 15 year olds would bother rooting their device. That said, it won’t hurt to run the wrong series of ADB commands, so you can try each set just in case.
A lock screen bypass app will only work if it’s an older device. These apps won’t work on Android versions 4.1 and newer. Android 4.1, which you may be more familiar with as Android Jellybean, came out in 2012, so unless it’s a used device this probably isn’t the right choice for you.
I would recommend try options 3 and 4 before 8, because 8 is a much more involved process, but if 3 and 4 don’t work out, I’d be happy to help you through option number 8.
One more possible solution would be to use Android Device Manager to unlock the device, but this isn’t always an option depending on the device and settings. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 of option 9, but instead of clicking “erase,” click “unlock” if the option is there.
Last, for a bit more info on rooting and ADB, you may want to check out our guides on the subjects:
What Is ADB and How to Use It
Secrets To Android Rooting
Android device manager won’t work on his phone.
I went and downloaded Android Studio from the link shared, however, your instructions did not line up with what I was seeing.
I went back and looked on the down load page, it did not give me the two options like on your screen is showing.
But I scrolled down and found a link to SDK tools. However, when I downloaded THAT, it was a zip file with no instructions.
Now I have a folder full of folders and three applications. I don’t know what I’m supposed to click on or do.
Is there another link you can give me to download the SDK Tools?
If not, can you tell me which application I should click on in this zip folder?
– emulator
– emulator-check
– mksdcard
thank you
Hi, Carrie. I’m afraid I’m not understanding at what point the problem occurred. Once you downloaded Android Studio, were you able to install it?
In step 4, there is a missing slash. This is what worked for me:
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
However, I’m unable to proceed further because sqlite3 is not installed. Nothing else worked either.
Method 4 worked for me since I had long ago rooted an old phone running 4.1.2 that I just got a replacement battery for. I did not have a custom recovery installed on this device. ADB responded to adb devices command so I was easily able to adb shell and superuser.
Hi,
I’m sorry it’s not a comment i want to make but to talk about my problem. i have a samsung galaxy s6 edge on which i have forgotten the pin code to unlock it so right now i can’t unlock it because i never got to enable usb debugging even though i have tried to circumvent it to no avail, command prompt keep saying this ” ‘adb shell’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.” so i don’t know what to do now, i feel like i may have to lose my data in the phone now. Pls can you help me?
Thank you, I’ve recently been looking for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the best I have came upon till now.
But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain about the source?
I changed my password 10 days ago, today, my phone(Galaxy 6) did not recognize my fingerprint. After I tried my password many times and It said it is wrong, I saw the option of unlocking with google account, I used it and changed my password again, but again, after locking the screen, the new password does not work !! and I do not see the option of “Forgot Password?” again!! even I get the “incorrect password” many times . I have important files and I can not use factory reset. How I can see this option again?
Hi!
I have a huge problem and I really need help. I got my new Samsung Galaxy A50 just 4 days ago. Everything was working fine and I was unlocking my phone through face recognition. While setting up my phone I remembered I entered a password for the lock screen. Then today all of a sudden, the face recognition doesn’t come up to unlock my phone and on top of that I have forgotten my password for the screen. All of a sudden I am freaking out and I really don’t know what to do. I have tried the methods you mentioned above but none of them seem to be working and I am devastated. Please help me out, what should I do?
Thank you!
Kat
Hi Katerina, if you have registered your Samsung Galaxy A50 with Samsung’s consumer account, you can unlock the phone by logging on your samsung account using your PC. Otherwise, the only way to unlock your phone is to factory reset it using Samsung’s hard reset button combination which is by Press and hold the power button and release it when you see the Samsung on screen.
After releasing the Power key, immediately press and hold the Volume down key.
My phone is locked up and its vivo y55s i forgot my password, pls help me
We’re sorry for this unfortunate situation and we know how you feel, trust us. But if you really can’t remember your password, the only thing you can do now is to do a factory reset. Learn more how to factory reset a device here https://joyofandroid.com/how-to-factory-reset-your-android-phone-tablet/
Thank you for every other great article. Where else
may anybody get that kind of information in such a perfect method of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look
for such info.
Hi my phone is locked. How can I open please
its an alcatel
Hi, have you tried a hard factory reset of the phone?
I can’t get my google info to work and I don’t have a computer how can i bypass this
Thanks a billion for this article. I was left panicked when my phone suddenly started behaving weirdly. My phone’s memory was full because of which many functions had stopped and it was hanged a couple of times in a day for 15 20 mins. I tried to make some space but still it insufficient. Anyway, my phone auto restarted and was not accepting my fingerprint and was asking for 4 digit pin. though my pin was correct it was not accepting it was indicating as an incorrect pin. I panicked and I had no idea what to I went to a local mobile repair shop he said I can unlock it but you will lose all your data, which I obviously did not want to do. I next day googled about this situation and came across this article but since I did not have another phone to insert my sim I had to another day to follow as per given instruction. I use a Samsung phone logged in today to the Samsung website and was able to unlock my phone. Thank you again for this article. I can’t explain what it would have been to lose all the data I have on my phone. Thanks from INDIA
We’re so happy to hear that you finally unlocked your phone, Sarathi. 🙂
Hi, when I plug my locked Note 9, it doesn’t register on the cmd prompt. When I go into Mounts/storage in recovery mode it doesn’t give a data option. Do I have to have a Samsung driver on the computer or am I out of luck because I apparently don’t have adb enabled on my phone?
Hi, I tried Method 3, but stucked at Step 3. I couldn’t found anything like mount in my recovery mode. Any idea? or my phone doesn’t fit for this method? (My phone is Huawei Nova 3i; Problem is forgotten pattern password).
Note: I’ve tried few methods also, but most of it failed due to lost memory end and USB debug problem. For example, the dr-android apps, it was only applicable for Samsung and LG devices. Other than that, we couldn’t recover our data.
i can’t unlock my phone because i forgot my pattern unlock. i can’t use find my phone or google account or crashing ui.
and i have to pay a large amount of money for dr.fone
In this case, your best option is to do a factory reset