To protect your mobile device from hacking and limit unauthorized access to it, almost all of us use a screen lock. Previously, it was possible to lock the screen only using several primitive methods: password, PIN code or pattern.
Over time, more reliable and technologically advanced protection methods have appeared: fingerprint locking, facial recognition and a retinal scanner. And besides, the new methods do not require remembering any passwords - just put your finger on the scanner or look at the camera's peephole, and in a matter of seconds the phone will be unlocked.
But when using more primitive methods, it often happens that we simply forget the given password, PIN code or pattern. And if in earlier versions of Android there were simple loopholes to bypass the lock and remove it, then on new builds this is not so easy.
Factory reset
First, let's look at the simplest reset option - return to factory state. This is a fairly simple procedure that can be activated in the settings, but given that the screen is locked, we will go in a slightly different way.
Note! This method completely clears the internal storage. All installed applications, downloaded photos, videos and other content will be deleted. If you store information that is valuable to you on your device, skip this method.
A factory reset essentially returns the system to the way it was after the first startup, when you just pulled the device brand new out of the box. Naturally, in this case, user settings will be reset and all applications and data will be deleted.
Step 1. Press the power button and turn off the smartphone.
Step 2. Press “Volume +” and the Power key, holding them until the logo appears. An important point: press the volume rocker key first, and release it last.
That is:
Step 2.1. Press and hold “Volume +” (volume up key).
Step 2.2. Press and hold the power button.
Step 2.3. We are waiting for vibration and the appearance of the logo.
Step 2.4. We wait another 1-2 seconds, release the power and volume keys.
Step 3. The service menu will launch, where you need to find the line “Wipe data/factory reset”. Use the volume rocker to select it and confirm your intention with the “Power” button.
“Fastboot” menu may launch the “Recovery” we need . If you do not find the line described above, then look in the list for something like “Recovery” (or “Boot Recovery”), as shown in the photo below and return to point 3.
Step 4. Next, we confirm our choice, again using the volume rocker and power keys, selecting the line “Yes - delete all user data”.
Step 5. Once the process is complete, a menu will appear again with a list of actions that we can choose from. This time, select the line “Reboot system now” and reboot.
In step 2, some users may have problems launching the service menu (recovery). Depending on the manufacturer and the model itself, it can be launched by a combination of the volume “-” and power keys. We repeat the instructions, but replace “Volume +” with “Volume -” .
Use special programs
If you do not remember your PIN code or secret pattern, you can reset it using one of the special programs. For example, Tenorshare 4uKey is free and easy to use. It will also help you delete your Google account if you don’t remember your password.
You need to download and install the program on your PC, connect your locked smartphone to the computer. The program will offer to remove the lock.
Please note that the data on your smartphone will be erased during recovery. 4uKey will warn you about this at one of the recovery stages.
Some actions will need to be performed on the smartphone itself. This is described quite clearly in the program interface, and there are screenshots.
As soon as you follow all the recommendations, the smartphone software will be returned to factory settings, the old passwords will no longer be valid - you can set new ones.
We use the Google service
Perhaps this would be the best way to unlock the screen of an Android device, if not for a couple of nuances.
- All user data from the internal storage is erased.
- The smartphone must have access to the Internet.
The service itself is called “Find My Phone” and helps to find a lost device, as well as prevent access to it or data leakage. So, if it is possible to connect to the network (you can turn on mobile data and Wi-Fi even in a locked state), then repeat the following steps:
Step 1. Go to this page and enter your Google account information.
Step 2. Select the device we need from the list (if there are several of them) and click on the “Erase Device” section.
Step 3. A small menu will open with warnings that all data will be deleted and so on. We already know about this and just click on the green “Erase Device” button.
Step 4. Next, we confirm the action again and wait for the process to complete.
At this point, Google may ask you to sign in to your account again to verify your identity.
How to unlock an Android smartphone?
It is possible to unlock a smartphone based on the Android operating system if you have forgotten the password using third-party applications, functions and simple methods.
Use the Smart Lock feature
The popular Smart Lock feature is effective if your smartphone is in your home and connected to any device using Bluetooth technology. Requires setup in advance: you need to specify the smartphone in the allowed access list for the connected device wirelessly. When these two devices are further connected, the phone will automatically unlock. If you have not done this setting in advance, then, unfortunately, you will not be able to use this method.
Remove protection using your Google account
Another equally convenient way is to log into your Google account, but it only works if you have an Internet connection. After entering the wrong password multiple times, you need to click on the “Forgot your password?” button, after which you need to go to the Google page and log in. As a result of gaining access to all functions of the smartphone, you will be able to change the password.
We use the Samsung service
This is almost identical to the lock reset method that we just discussed above. The fact is that Samsung also has a service that allows you to find devices linked to your account and do some manipulations with them. Even the name of this service has remained virtually unchanged - “Find My Mobile” .
But the service of the South Korean company has one undeniable advantage - we can unlock the device (remove installed screen protection methods) without deleting user data.
Step 1. Follow this link to the official website and click the “Login” button.
Step 2. Log in to your Samsung Account by entering your email and password.
Step 3. Accept the privacy policy and other agreements necessary for using the service by clicking the “Accept” button.
Step 4. Similar to the steps in the previous instructions, select the desired device, click the “Unlock” button and confirm the actions.
Image: https://ichip.ru/sovety/
More complex methods
Users for whom the above methods are too simple, or who have a strong desire to understand the inner workings of the mobile operating system, will need more complex hacking methods.
With their help, a person can quickly access a personal password or phone pattern in the most effective way. Such methods differ from conventional ones in that their application requires special software or some tricks.
Manufacturer service
In the case where a locked smartphone is under official warranty, the most effective method of obtaining an internal security password is to contact the manufacturer’s technical service. Thus, the user can restore access to the device without losing personal data.
At the same time, you should always remember that no client is insured against an unscrupulous service center employee who can perform a classic reset to factory settings and take money as for a regular repair with no warranty.
Despite the fact that service centers sign a document on non-disclosure of user data, in most cases it cannot be said with certainty that personal information is completely confidential and is not distributed to a third party.
Unreliable Wi-Fi
This method, which allows you to obtain a password from your phone, is based on the characteristics of Wi-Fi. So, when entering a graphic key or a protected code, various interference occurs in the network, which can be detected using special software.
First, the program identifies incoming signals from the device, while the application itself does not need to be installed on the victim’s phone. The system then checks finger movements, including input speed and direction. The final stage is the analysis of the data and its display in the main window of the program.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a password using Wi-FI network security holes:
- Set up an open access point in the location that the intended victim visits most frequently.
- Run the software immediately after a person connects to the public network. In this case, tracking of incoming traffic begins. The person committing the hack is an intermediate link between the server and the owner himself.
- The program determines the exact time at which the victim enters the password. Data is sent to the attacker's phone at a rate of 800 packets every second.
- The gadget sends so-called echo responses, recorded by software.
After completing a session lasting several seconds, the program automatically analyzes the information received and issues a PIN code obtained during the attack. Based on the complexity of the combination, the user sees several options, each of which is selected manually.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that using this method it is impossible to track the pattern. Using such software, the user can only find out a numeric password.
Fitness trackers
An equally original method of obtaining a lock code is to use a sports watch or fitness tracker. Using a special scanner, such devices are able to record human hand movements.
The device is installed at home, at the workplace or in any other convenient location where the victim is observed. After this, the watch begins the process of tracking hand movements. The data is then transmitted using Bluetooth technology to the attacker's device. The information is fed into a specially created application that detects up to 5 thousand movements.
When you enter the code for the first time, the scanner automatically recognizes a combination that is 80% correct. Retyping the password increases the effectiveness of the sent password by 10%.
Thermal radiation
Quite an interesting method for hacking a password on a locked screen. The only device required for this method is a thermal imager. Through numerous studies, it has been proven that such equipment is capable of recognizing a 4-character code 15 seconds after it is entered. More complex combinations are revealed after 30 seconds.
The code is more than 90% correct. In order to scan the password of another device, it is enough to hide the thermal imager under the sleeve of outerwear or disguise the equipment as a children's toy.
Flashing
Typically, firmware is used to reset the phone's settings, solve critical problems, or update the operating system version. If you really want, you can use it to bypass the graphic or digital key. The process of flashing the device is as follows:
- Uploading a file to your computer.
- Reset your phone using the Recovery system menu.
- Install the file on the device using a USB cable.
In addition to the classic method, there are also specialized utilities. In this case, the file is immediately downloaded to the device. The program automatically makes a backup copy, resets settings and flashes the smartphone.
This method of bypassing the combination is not very popular due to the high risk of harming the device and personal data. Before flashing the firmware, you should always make backup copies, with which you can restore your phone.
Sources
- https://geekmaps.ru/kak-razblokirovat-telefon-esli-zabyl-parol/
- https://proantab.ru/kak-razblokirovat-telefon-esli-zabil-parol/
- https://droidov.com/razblokirovat-telephone-android-bez-parolya
- https://AndroidInsider.ru/polezno-znat/chto-delat-esli-zabyl-pin-kod-telefona.html
- https://fishki.net/3394450-3-prostyh-sposoba-razblokirovaty-telefon-esli-zabyl-paroly-pin-kod-ili-graficheskij-kljuch.html
- https://ichip.ru/sovety/kak-razblokirovat-android-esli-zabyl-parol-204762
- https://AlfaMan.org/hi-tech/telefony/137-chto-delat-esli-zabyl-parol-ot-telefona.html
- https://GuruDroid.net/kak-razblokirovat-telefon-android-esli-zabyl-parol.html
- https://AlexZsoft.ru/sposoby-razblokirovki-telefona-esli-zabyl-parol.html
- https://mobile-on.ru/chto-delat-esli-zabyl-parol-ot-telefona-varianty-i-sposoby-resheniya-problemy/
- https://KakOperator.ru/lifehacks/kak-razblokirovat-lyuboj-telefon
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Unblocking using ADB
This method is unique in that it allows you to reset your password without affecting any personal data stored on your device. All applications, photos, documents and other content will remain intact; we will only affect a few files in the system, which are responsible for the installed screen lock method.
It should be noted that this method will only work if the following conditions are met:
- The “For Developers” mode is activated in the settings.
- USB Debugging is enabled.
- There is root access.
Also, most likely, all the following steps will only work for smartphones/tablets running Android OS 5.1 and lower. You can try on more recent releases (6.0+), but 100% performance is not guaranteed, since, most likely, Google has “covered up” this feature.
First, install the ADB package itself.
Step 1. Go to the official website using this link and download the necessary tools by clicking on “Download SDK Platform-Tools for Windows” (there are also versions for Mac and Linux).
Step 2. Accept the agreements and click on the download button.
Step 3. In the downloaded archive there will be a single folder “platform-tools”, which we simply move to the system drive “C”.
Step 4. Open this folder, hold down the “Shift” key and right-click on an empty area, calling up the context menu. Select the line “Open command window”.
Step 5. Connect the device to the computer via USB and check the functionality of the ADB package. This is done using the following command: “adb devices”. If a line appears with the device number and the words “device,” it means that everything is working—the computer sees the connected smartphone. If this does not happen, you can try installing universal ADB and Fastboot drivers for your device using this link.
Now let's look at 2 ways to unlock via ADB. Each of them involves sequentially entering queries on the computer command line.
Option 1:
- "adb shell";
- "su";
- "rm /data/system/locksettings.db";
- "rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal";
- "rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm";
- "reboot".
If, while entering the commands above, some errors appear like “No such file or directory” and others, this doesn’t mean much, so we just continue. Despite the appearance of an error when entering one of the commands, everything went well on the ASUS FoneFad 7 after rebooting - the pattern disappeared.
Option 2 (for those who have a graphic key installed):
- "adb shell";
- "rm /data/system/gesture.key".
For those who try the second option, after entering the commands the key will not be reset, but you can enter any combination, and the device will accept it as correct. And after unlocking, you can go to settings and remove the key.
Easy ways
Let's start with easy options on how to unlock your phone if you forgot your pattern password. Execution does not require special skills and is accessible even to a child, however, these methods are not effective in all cases.
Password reset
If you have 2 authorization methods set - by digital and graphic code, removing the Android screen lock is easy. Enter the graphic key, going through options for the sequence of connecting the dots until the number of attempts is exhausted. The message “Unblock using another method” will appear, click on it and enter the digital pin code.
Call to device
If the device has an old version of Android (younger than 2.3), bypassing the password is very easy. Dial his number from the second phone, while answering the call the display is activated - go to the menu and change the PIN code.
Low battery
The method is suitable for any version of the OS, but requires care and patience. How to unlock the pattern: leave the battery to discharge, wait for the low battery message. Click on the button with information about the battery status, go to general settings and turn off the password. Be careful - the required system window appears for 15 seconds.
Service center
If all else fails, the manufacturer’s service center will know how to reset the password. If you forgot your pattern key, you will have to pay for out-of-warranty repairs, even for a recently purchased device. But there are also warranty cases - when you remember the access code, but the display sensor does not correctly recognize touches and does not allow you to open the phone. This is a hardware malfunction; the service will also help restore access.
Reset using custom recovery (CWM/TWRP)
The last method in our instructions concerns devices that have custom recovery installed. If this is the first time you hear the words “CWM Recovery” or “TWRP Recovery” , then most likely this block of the article will not help you. And slightly more experienced users who have already encountered the process of installing custom recovery will probably know what to do even without the following instructions.
And yet, counting on the fact that not everyone knows about this method, we will consider it in detail. In short, thanks to custom recovery, we will launch the file manager, manually navigate to the path and find several files containing information about the screen lock method.
For those who have TWRP Recovery :
Step 1. Boot into recovery and go to the “Advanced” tab.
Step 2. Select “File Manager” and launch Explorer.
Step 3. Go along the path “/data/system” and find 5 files: “gatekeeper.password.key” (or simply “password.key”), “locksettings.db-shm”, “locksettings.db”, “gatekeeper .pattern.key" (or "gesture.key") and "locksettings.db-wal".
Step 4. Delete the files (click on any of them and press the “Delete” button, then repeat the action using the swipe and go back with the “Back” key) and reboot into the system.
For those who have CWM Recovery :
Step 1. Follow the link and download the archive, which we place on the memory card of our device.
Step 2. Boot into recovery and select the item called “install.zip”.
Step 3. Select the line “Choose zip from /sdcard” and follow the path on the memory card in which the downloaded archive is located.
Step 4. Click on the line with the name of the archive and wait for it to launch.
Step 5. We repeat the steps described in steps 3 and 4 from the instructions above (we also find the files and delete them, but in the Aroma ).
Even screenshots will reveal your password
Your computer can technically take a screenshot at any time, including when you enter your password. The opportunity back in November 2021 by the founder of Fastlane Tools, Felix Krause.
The screenshot is taken by the CGWindowListCreateImage function. It does not require permission from the user.
A virus that takes screenshots may be running in the background. He will still have access to literally every pixel.
Unlocking the phone, depending on the manufacturer's brand
Many modern phone models support the function of protecting the phone using special passwords that the user sets independently. But there is always a risk of forgetting the code you set, which will make further operation of the mobile device impossible. In this case, you can use the firmware reset function to unlock the phone. In other words, this is resetting all phone settings to factory settings. Of course, you will then have to make all the previously installed settings again, but there is no other choice. This type of phone unlocking is different for different manufacturers.
How to unlock a Nokia phone?
For this procedure we will need:
- a computer (or any equivalent: laptop, netbook, tablet) with Internet access;
- USB cable suitable for the phone;
- Nokia PC Suite program, which must be pre-installed on your computer and (preferably) updated to the latest version. You can download it from the official website of Nokia (nokia.ua);
- Nokia Unlocker Tool program, which should also be on your computer.
Next, launch the program, insert the cable into the computer and connect it to the phone. Once your phone is recognized by Nokia PC Suite, you can launch NokiaUnlockerTool. After this, the phone will be recognized by this program. Request the code and the program should unlock the phone. If this method does not help, then contact phone repair or the nearest service center of the manufacturer of your mobile device.
How to unlock a Sony Ericsson phone?
In the case of phones from this manufacturer, two unlocking methods are possible: using the cable that was included with the phone and using a special service cable. For the second option, you will also need additional software (SEMCtool_v8.4 or TMS 2.45 program). If you plan to use the cable from the kit, you will need the WotanClient program, which, unfortunately, is not free. There are also some smartphone models that can be used with the DaVinci client.
How to unlock a Samsung phone?
Phones from this manufacturer are also equipped with an access blocking function using a special security code, which can easily be forgotten... If this is exactly the case (or someone else blocked your phone, anything can happen) and you don’t know how to unlock your phone, then install On your computer a program called Samsung @ home 9.41. With its help you can easily cope with this problem. The functionality of this utility is quite simple, and you can easily understand its settings.
How to unlock your LG phone
With phones from this manufacturer, everything is not as simple as with others. If your phone is locked, you can restore its functionality only with the help of special codes. The difficulty is that each model has its own code, so there is simply no general solution. The only solution is to take your phone either to the store where you bought it (if the phone is still under warranty) or to a specialized service center. Only there they can help you.
Unlocking your phone's SIM card
A small plastic card with a chip in the middle is an irreplaceable device without which a mobile phone is simply useless as such. We are talking, naturally, about a SIM card. The chip it uses, although small in size, allows you to store a certain amount of information, which is often confidential. To ensure the safety of this data, protection technology is also used using the so-called PIN code, which is requested when you turn on the phone. If you enter your PIN code three times unsuccessfully, your mobile device will ask you for another code, the so-called PUK code. It usually consists of eight digits and is provided to you along with the SIM card. If you cannot use your phone because you do not know the PIN code, then simply use the PUK code. If you don’t know it either and it’s not written down anywhere (and the documents from the SIM card are lost, for example), then the first thing you need to do is call the support number of your mobile operator. There they will tell you how to find out your PUK code (you may even be able to find it out over the phone). If there is no way to call, then contact the nearest customer service center, taking with you the SIM card and the phone in which it was used (you may also be asked for a passport). You can look at the numbers of mobile operators in Ukraine, as well as how to quickly contact them ]]>]]>.
By calling the device
If the user can wait for an incoming call on his phone, he can bypass the blocking. However, it is immediately worth noting that this method does not work on all devices.
The essence of the presented method of bypassing the blocking is extremely simple - the owner of the phone can even independently call it from another device. This call must be accepted and then the conversation screen minimized, which in some cases may give the user access to files and other information. But, only for the duration of the call. And in order to remove the lock, you simply need to go to the system security settings without dropping the call and remove the password.
At the attached link below you can watch a video that talks about how to hack a mobile device:
Unlocking your phone memory
Some phone models allow you to separately block access to various files that are located in the memory (either the phone or, most often, an additional memory card). In this case, again, a situation is possible when you do not know (or remember) the set password and the functionality of the device will be partially inaccessible to you. It is very unpleasant when the information you need seems to be at hand, but at the same time is not available to you. To solve this problem, you will have to worry about unlocking the memory card. There is such an option as formatting, which will allow you to quickly resolve the issue of ignorance of the code. But it will not solve the issue of information recovery, since all of it will be destroyed as a result of formatting. Therefore, this option is not suitable for everyone. All other methods that allow you to unlock your phone's memory are based on the use of additional software. To do this, you will need the cable that came with the phone (or was purchased additionally) to connect it to the computer, or a card reader (a small device that allows you to read information from a memory card by connecting it to the computer separately from the phone). One of the programs that can be used to unlock is JetFlash Recovery Tool. You can download it from the official website of the developers. It can also be used to format a memory card.
The main thing is that you are aware of all your actions and understand perfectly what you are doing. Otherwise, you can simply disrupt the functionality of the phone, which cannot always be restored. So if you don’t know how to unlock your phone or perform any other action with it, then it’s better to turn to professionals for help. But I still hope that you will not encounter such problems and will handle your telephone wisely.
