In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if you forget your Android password, pin or pattern. Our smartphones and tablets are very secure these days, especially with the rise of fingerprint scanners. As a result, passwords or pin codes are not used very often. If you forgot yours, we can help.
At the same time, fingerprint scanners mean we use our password or pin less than before. And as a result, some may forget about it. Don’t worry, your phone is useless if you forget your password or password. We can reset it, skip the code, or wipe the device and enter it again.
Over the years, Google has continued to improve the security of our Android devices. Resetting a password or PIN in 2017 isn’t as easy as it used to be. However, tools are available. Especially for owners who are proactive and take a few important steps ahead of time. We’ll cover this and more below.
First of all, use tools such as: Android Device Manager by Google or Find My Mobile from Samsung. These are essential for recovering a lost, stolen, or forgotten password smartphone. Both have multiple features that can be lifesaving.
How to Reset Your Android Password or Pin?
As long as you remember your Google account username and password, you have options. Almost every Android device uses a Google account for the best experience; this means that almost all users should have an account linked to their device. This is the most important step.
If you forget your Android password, PIN, or pattern, the easiest way to fix problems is for those using Android 4.4 KitKat or older. However, most devices are running a more modern version of KitKat, so this only applies to a select few users.
If your device is running Android 4.4 KitKat or earlier, the system has a built-in tool to reset a password. Unfortunately, Google removed this feature in Android 5.0 Lollipop and newer.
To find this built-in feature, simply enter the wrong password or PIN five times on the lock screen. The device will tell you that you entered it wrong multiple times and suggest a reset. Users can look for a button that says “Forgot my pattern”, “Forgot PIN” or “forgot password” below the login area. As seen in our photo above.
From here, enter your Google account information and password, follow the instructions and change your device’s password, pin or model.
Android 5.0 Lollipop and Newer
Not everyone using Android 5.0 Lollipop or newer, most of which should have the same luxury as above. Almost all new devices these days run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or 7.0 Nougat. Don’t worry, we still have some potential solutions for you.
In the first place are Samsung Galaxy or Note and tablet owners. Millions of people own their own devices, as Samsung is the most popular manufacturer. As long as you have a Samsung account, go to their assistants. Find My Mobile website and login. This works similarly to Apple’s Find My iPhone.
Use Samsung Find My Mobile to reset PIN
When you log into your Samsung account and select the device you are looking for, the options will be displayed on the right side of the screen. Now, use the “Unlock my screen” option to remotely remove your device lock screen password.
Alternatively, Samsung has options to steal if lost, lock (or relock and choose a security measure) to prevent theft. And finally there is the option to remotely wipe everything.
Press the middle option highlighted above to lock your Samsung device. Owners will have the option to choose a new password, pattern or pin method. Other popular manufacturers may have similar specs and tracking sites for their devices.
Google offers a similar feature for all Android users as an alternative for those who do not have a Samsung account or use another device. It’s called Android Device Manager. just visit Android Device Manager website, log in to your gmail account and follow the steps similar to the Samsung method above.
Add a new lock screen password using ADM
Google’s system will replace the current lock screen with a passcode lock. Additionally, device owners can add a recovery message or number in case the device is lost. However, if you have a valid lock screen PIN, Android Device Manager doesn’t seem to replace it with a password.
However, to completely wipe a device, you can go to Android Device Manager and hit the “Erase” button. This will delete everything on your phone, including a password or pin. You will be able to set up the phone like new by following the “wipe” which is not the best case scenario. Also, most of your device is backed up by Google and can be restored quickly and easily.
If none of the above options worked for you, there is one more step. This is similar to wiping it in Android Device Manager or wiping your device in Samsung Find My Mobile. Owners can put their smartphone or tablet in recovery mode and perform a factory data reset. This will delete everything including any password or pin lock.
As we said above, most modern devices sync with the cloud and back up most of your important information. Like apps, text messages or photos. So resetting the device and starting from scratch isn’t as bad as it sounds. Just a little time consuming.
The easiest way to factory reset is Android Device Manager. If this is not installed, boot into recovery or safe mode and select it from the menu.
To reboot into recovery, you need to turn off the phone and then restart it while simultaneously holding down a series of buttons. It differs by device and the best way to learn how is to do a quick Google search to boot into recovery mode.
For example, Samsung Galaxy phones need to be turned off. Then press and hold the volume up, power up and home button at the same time. Press and hold until you see the blue text “restarting recovery…” at the top. From here, use the volume keys to navigate to the “Factory Reset” option and reset your device. Most devices have a similar method to start recovery and Google’s their big list is here.
As we said earlier, each manufacturer may have other methods for their owners. Check to find out more. At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to have this information upfront and install ADM on any device you have.
Users can also work around this issue temporarily by using the “Smart Lock” feature released in Android 5.0 Lollipop. By using trusted places, devices or connections, the operating system bypasses any lock screen methods. If set up, you won’t need a password or password in a trusted place like home or office, or when connected to accessories.
It’s a last resort, but one more way for owners to potentially gain access to their device if they forget their password. At least long enough to back up their phone before doing a factory reset.
Finally, everyone needs to know that our devices are more secure than ever before. Privacy and security are top priorities at Google, so forgetting a password or pin can be overwhelming. Try any of the above steps and good luck.
