This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
Forgetting Your Android Passcode: A Common Problem ¶
Published on August 24, 2021
Forgetting your Android passcode can be a frustrating experience, especially when you have important information stored on your device. However, there are several methods to regain access to your phone, and we will explore five of them in this article.
Method 1: Using Smart Lock ¶
Smart Lock is an Android feature that allows you to specify conditions under which you can bypass your lock screen security. To use Smart Lock, you must have set it up before forgetting your PIN. You can find Smart Lock under Settings > Security & location > Smart lock on most phones, or under Settings > Lock Screen > Smart Lock Type on Samsung devices.
Once you have accessed Smart Lock, you can choose from five options to unlock your smartphone without a password: On-body detection, Trusted locations, When connected to a trusted Bluetooth device, Trusted face, Voice match, and Fingerprints.
Method 2: Using a Backup PIN (Older Android Versions Only) ¶
If you have an older Samsung phone running Android 4.4 KitKat or earlier, you may have set a backup PIN. To use this method, you must enter your password or pattern incorrectly, and then select Backup PIN. Enter your PIN-code and tap Done, and then navigate to the Screen Unlock settings to reset the lock screen pattern.
Method 3: Using Find My Mobile (All Android Versions) ¶
Samsung provides a feature called Find My Mobile that allows you to remotely manage your device if it is lost. To use this method, you must have a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection and be signed in to your Samsung Account on your phone. Navigate to findmymobile.samsung.com, sign in with your Samsung account, and follow the on-screen instructions to reset your phone's passcode.
Method 4: Attempting Some Workaround Hacks ¶
If the above methods do not work for you, you may need to attempt some workaround hacks. These methods require you to hack into your phone and may damage your device if you are not careful. Therefore, you should only use them if you have no other options.
Method 5: Performing an Android Factory Reset ¶
As a last resort, you can perform an Android factory reset. This will erase all data on your phone, but you can sign back in to your Google account and restore a lot of your data. To perform a factory reset, you can use Google's Find My Device website or perform a manual factory reset by turning off your device and pressing and holding the volume down and power buttons.
