How to Unlock Screen on Android Phones and Tablets

Penny Warren Published on October 18, 2024Unlock Android3-min reading

It is suggested that you should create a memorable password for your smartphone, but you could still forget it. Perhaps it is an old handset that has been in your drawer for years. Or you just get a second-hand device that is locked. Whatever the reason, it is still possible to regain access to your phone without the password. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to unlock a phone effectively and quickly in various scenarios.

Part 1: What Does Unlocking Phone Mean?

Unlocking a phone refers two meanings: unlocking a phone from a certain carrier to use any compatible network or bypassing the screen lock on a phone. In this article, we mainly focus on the second meaning and provide practical methods to help Android users get into a locked phone.

Part 2: How to Unlock Any Android Phone Without Password

It sounds complicated to unlock your phone when you forgot the password. However, a few powerful unlock applications can simplify the workflow. iToolab UnlockGo (Android), for example, is a such tool. It allows you to remove the screen lock from your device without any restriction.

Main Features of Android Phone Unlock Software

1. Unlock any screen lock on an Android device without the password.

2. Support all screen lock types including PINs and face IDs.

3. Easy to use and don't need technical skills.

4. Compatible with Samsung, Motorola, Google, LG, Huawei, etc.

5. Include a bonus feature: Google FRP bypassing.

6. Here is the procedure to unlock a cell phone without the password:

Start the Android phone lock software once you install it on your PC. Choose Remove Screen Lock from the home interface.

Connect your phone to your PC with a compatible USB cable. Click the Start button, and choose your device brand.

If you are using a Samsung phone with Android 12, press One-click remove the screen lock from Samsung, and hit the Unlock button.

To unlock an old Samsung phone, choose Unlock Samsung without Data Loss and follow the instructions.

Next, put your phone into the Recovery Mode following the on-screen instructions. Then the software will begin removing your screen lock immediately. When it is done, you will see the success screen. Disconnect your phone, restart it, and set up a new password.

Part 3: How to Unlock a Phone through a Google Account

When you get an Android phone, you have to activate it with a Google account. It not only backs up your data to the cloud but also enables you to bypass the Android lock screen if you forgot your PIN or pattern.

Prerequisites:

1. Your phone is associated with a Google account.

2. Your phone is running Android 4.4 or lower.

3. You still remember the Google account credentials.

Here are the steps to unlock an Android phone password without losing data:

Part 4: How to Unlock a Phone by Find My Device

Google's Find My Device is developed to track and control lost Android phones remotely. Although it does not come with an unlock feature, you can perform a factory reset and unlock your phone with a Google account for free online or on another Android phone.

Prerequisites:

1. You have set up Find My Device on your phone.

2. Your phone runs Android 5.0 or above.

3. You have added a Google account on your device.

4. Your phone is connecting to an internet connection.

5. You need a PC or an accessible Android phone.

Bear in mind that this way will erase all data, apps, and personal settings on your phone. Here is the workflow to bypass the Android lock screen without a password:

Unlock a Phone by Find My Device Website

Unlock a Phone by Find My Device App

Part 5: How to Unlock Android Phone in Recovery Mode

The Recovery Mode is a unique system feature built into almost all Android devices. It delivers a set of tools for diagnosing and resolving software issues on Android. In brief, it enables you to unlock your phone for free with a factory reset. Since it erases all content and settings on your phone, you'd better back up your device before the process. The advantage is this way does not require extra software or hardware.

Tip: If your power-off screen offers a Recovery Mode option, tap it directly.

On Samsung phones, hold down the Volume Up + Power buttons at the same time. Keep pressing the button combination when you see the Samsung logo. Release the buttons once you see the Recovery Mode screen.

On Motorola and most Android devices, hold down the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until Recovery Mode appears.

Part 6: How to Unlock a Phone Using ADB

ADB stands for Android Debug Bridge. It is a command-line tool to access your system and perform a variety of tasks. Of course, it allows you to unlock an Android phone if you forgot the PIN or password.

Prerequisites:

1. This way requires a PC and a compatible USB cable.

2. You must have enabled USB Debugging mode on your phone.

Besides, this way works with command lines, so it is not a good choice for non-tech-savvy.

adb shell

cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases

sqlite3 settings.db

update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';

update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';

.quit

Part 7: How to Unlock a Phone via Smart Lock

Google Smart Lock or Extend Lock is a native feature on Android phones. It allows you to bypass the lock screen without losing data by detecting specific actions or when the locked Android phone is close to trusted locations and devices.

Prerequisites:

1. You have set up Smart Lock on your phone.

2. Put your phone as closely as the trusted places and devices.

3. You have accessed your phone within 4 hours.

Here are the steps to set up Smart Lock on an Android phone:

On-body detection: keep your phone unlocked when it is on you.

Trusted places: your phone stays unlocked at trusted locations.

Trusted devices: your device remains unlocked when it is nearby or connected to the trusted device.

Select and set the Smart Lock types according to your preference. Then Android will skip the lock screen automatically as long as the conditions are

Part 8: How to Unlock a Specific Phone Brand

In addition to general ways to unlock a phone without a password, some manufacturers release device management tools for their products, such as Samsung's Find My Mobile and Google's Pixel Repair Tool.

How to Unlock a Samsung Phone on Find My Mobile

How to Unlock a Pixel Phone via Pixel Repair Tool

Conclusion

Now, you should learn at least nine ways to unlock your phone when you forgot the password. Some of them just let you bypass the lock screen when you meet the conditions. Others may perform a factory reset and remove the screen lock. You can pick an appropriate way based on your situation.” /]