Why do you need to change your password?
A change may be required after the theft or accidental loss of a smartphone or tablet. Often people forget information entered a long time ago, since it was entered, for example, several years ago. Modern methods of data protection:
- graphic passwords;
- secret combination of numbers;
- fingerprint;
- face scanning.
They often become an object of interest for children. Operating system and device developers have created different ways to quickly recover or change your password. The user can also change the screen lock type if desired.
Methods for increasing the security of a graphic password
- when creating a graphical password, use at least 7 dots , thereby increasing the number of possible combinations for brute force;
- when entering any password (PIN code, graphic, code combination), cover it with your hand or do it somewhat distantly to exclude the possibility of spying on the sequence;
- the graphic key should have a large number of intersections (if possible), so the combination will be more difficult to select and determine during shoulder surfing;
- disable the “show lines” function in the pattern settings. This will somewhat complicate the authentication process for you personally, while significantly increasing the level of security and protection from an attacker;
- after you unlock your phone or tablet, wipe the fingerprints on the screen;
- In addition to locking the screen with a graphic password, there are other forms of device protection: PIN code, password, biometric parameters - use them as two-factor authentication by installing them on applications, notes and other tools that are important to you.
Let's sum it up
It is not always possible to unlock a phone if you have forgotten your password without losing personal information and saved settings. On older versions of Android, just enter your Google account login information. Samsung owners can use the Find my mobile online service. In other cases, the owner must prepare his device for such a scenario in advance by enabling USB debugging in developer mode or installing a specialized Recovery menu. Otherwise, you will have to reset your smartphone to factory settings and lose data.
Google's Find My Device tool
For most mobile gadgets, Google's built-in Find My Device service is a convenient tool that allows you to reset your phone's graphic lock. The service does not work on Android 8.0 or higher, but for version 7.1.1 Nougat or lower versions of the OS it may work.
The instructions are quite simple:
- Go to the Google website and click on “Lock” on the left.
- The device will then ask you for a new password, which will replace the picture password you forgot.
- Enter the new combination twice, and then press “Lock” again.
About 5 minutes will pass, after which you will be able to enter a new password on your device to gain access to the latter.
This is interesting: How to save photos to an Android memory card.
How to change screen lock type
In order to save information in the device, use:
- password lock;
- drawing (graphic image);
- pin.
Modern smartphones additionally use:
- face recognition system;
- fingerprint scanner.
If passwords are used, they must be complex (more than 4 characters). To change the screen lock type you will need:
- go to the “settings” menu;
- hereinafter referred to as “security”;
- then select the “screen lock” section;
- After this, you will need to enter a valid password to confirm the security of further actions.
When the smartphone is unlocked, you need to select the type of interest, then enter it 2 times.
Correctly setting the pattern key
Installing such a key is quite simple, and on all models of gadgets. To do this you need:
- Enter settings.
- Open the “Security” section.
- Find the “Screen lock” item and select “Pattern”. On some devices it may immediately be called “Graphic key”.
- All that remains is to come up with and display the drawing with your finger on the screen, then press the continue button and confirm your choice. Here you can always change the graphic password on Android.
In order for the function to be as useful as possible, you must correctly configure the key's graphic profile in the screen lock settings.
To prevent accidental operation when the device is in your pocket, you need to check the box next to “Prevent clicks.” And so that you don’t have to enter the key while using the gadget, it is important to immediately set the optimal auto-lock time.
Method 1. How to reset Android lock password via factory settings
One of the simplest ways to remove an Android screen lock is to reset your device to factory settings, which completely erases all phone data, including any passwords you have set. Please note that all your personal files will also be erased. To protect phones from theft after 2021, Android phones now have the “Factory Reset Protection” feature, which prompts the user for the Google account information installed on the phone during the reset operation.
Step 1. Put your locked phone into recovery mode using button combinations that are appropriate for your device model.
Step 2: In recovery mode, use the Volume Up/Down buttons to select options and the Power button to confirm the selection. From the list of options, select “Wipe data / factory reset”. When notified that all data must be deleted, click Yes.
- How to unlock Android if you forgot your password? 10 Ways to Unlock Android Pattern
Step 3: Wait for the reset process to complete and select “Reboot system now”. Once your phone boots normally, the screen lock will be disabled.
Method 2: Reset screen lock using Google Account
On Android smartphones version 4.4 and below, you can unlock the screen using your Google account information. However, a prerequisite is that the locked smartphone has a Wi-Fi connection.
Step 1: Intentionally enter the wrong password/PIN/lock pattern 5 times. A notification will appear indicating that attempts can be resumed in half a minute.
Step 2: At the bottom of the screen, select the “Forgot Pattern” option.
Step 3. To unlock, you will be asked to enter your login (email) and password for the Google account registered on your phone. You can also use the backup PIN code to unlock if you have previously set it.
How to unlock a forgotten pattern key?
Despite the fact that a graphic password is easier to set and remember, situations often arise when the graphic key is forgotten and cannot be unlocked. In this regard, the question arises: “ what to do if you forgot the graphic key? "
Unfortunately, in this case there are no universal methods, methods and advice, because... everything will depend on your device, installed operating system and applications. To unlock a pattern without losing data, try one of the following options:
- if you have a modern Android phone (it doesn’t matter which one: Samsung, Lenovo, Honor, Huawei, Xiaomi, ZTE, Sony, HTC, Prestigio, Fly, etc.) and you need to unlock the lock with a pattern key - use Google account . After you make several unsuccessful attempts to enter your password, you will be asked to provide your account login and password - “To unlock, sign in using your Google account.” Having filled out all the necessary information, you can log into the device and change the graphic key, or disable it and replace it with another form of protection, for example, a password;
- It is possible to bypass the pattern using a PIN code or password . The method is similar to the previous one. After the incorrect graphic combination has been reproduced several times, the system will offer to unlock the device using a different method. Not available on all devices and requires you to first set a code combination as an alternative unlocking method;
- It is possible to remove a forgotten graphic key by making a phone call to the device, where after the answer you will be able to go to the graphic key settings menu and disable it. The same opportunity will be available after receiving an SMS message and Push notification about low battery. This method is relevant for Android version 2.2 and earlier. Actions must be performed very quickly, because... the period of time for this will be limited;
- In order to unlock a mobile device (phone or tablet), you need to send an SMS with the text “1234 reset” to it from any phone. After receiving the message, the phone will automatically reboot, and to remove it you will only need to enter any key. You can use this method only if the “SMS Bypass” application is pre-installed on your phone;
- Use specialized applications . This method requires preliminary actions, i.e. until the phone is locked with a graphic key. The most popular programs for removing a lock with a graphic password: SMS Bypass, Delete Lock, Pattern Unlock. Using their functionality, you can gain remote access to the device and make changes to certain parameters;
- one of the most accessible options for solving the problem is to contact the service center of the manufacturer of your smartphone, phone or tablet, where employees will help you bypass the pattern and remove it;
- Unlock the pattern by resetting parameters and data to factory settings (use the hard reset or factory rest function). This method should be tried last, because... If you cannot complete it without losing data, all operating system information will be deleted from your mobile device: SMS messages, contacts and installed programs. At the same time, the data located on the memory card, as well as the SIM card, will remain safe. To find out how to reset to factory settings on your mobile device, use the instructions, or search in any search engine: “hard reset” your phone model.”
For the “small and lazy” ones, a video is available on the YouTube channel “Serg77oS”, where you can learn how to unlock a pattern on a mobile device using the factory reset function:
The above methods are the most accessible - they do not require special skills and knowledge. If none of them work, don't be discouraged. You can find even more options and ways to unlock your phone if you forgot your pattern key in the article: “Many ways to unlock Android pattern key.” It looks like native advertising, but in fact it is not. The author of the site spent a lot of time and effort in order to find the maximum possible solution to the problem of blocking the screen with a forgotten pattern key and it would be great if at least one of the listed ones helps you in solving the difficulties that have arisen.
If you forgot your password
If a person has forgotten the password, you can use the method associated with the account (for Android) or go to the security settings of Apple devices. The actions will be similar to the restoration:
- How to reset your password and pattern on Android
- you need to follow the instructions that the program offers;
- use 5 attempts to enter the wrong password - you will be prompted to replace it or recover it by logging into your account or cloud storage;
- If the password is forgotten and there is no way to recover it (there are no records), then if you have a Google account, you can go through a special procedure on the page with recovery instructions.
It must be remembered that for modern devices that use graphic protection, this method does not work.
Factory reset
If the above methods for unblocking are not suitable, you will have to use the most radical method - a complete reset:
- Turn off the phone and start it in Recovery mode. Possible combinations (you need to press and hold the keys until a special menu appears): “Power” button + increase (or decrease) volume;
- power key + increase and decrease sound level at the same time;
- “Power” button + “Home” button + increase (or decrease) volume;
- "Home" key + volume controls.
Select the option “Factory reset”, “Wipe data” or “Clear data” from the menu (the names differ on different phones). It is important to note that along with the digital lock key, all personal data of the owner is also deleted from the device.
Note: find out how to apply protective glass to your smartphone yourself to protect your gadget’s screen from damage.
Simple ways to unlock popular models
Let’s say right away that there are no absolutely simple ways to unlock a pattern password on Android while saving the data. If everything was easy, then no one would use a graphic key.
There is a cardinal method for solving unlocking - resetting to factory settings through the Recovery Mode menu, after which the operating system returns to its original state.
As you know, a graphic key is not entered on a device out of the box by definition; this procedure already depends on the gadget manufacturer.
HTC
To do a Data Reset on HTC models, you need to:
- Turn off the device (if possible, remove it for a few seconds and reinsert the battery).
- Press the Volume Down and Power buttons until the Recovery menu appears.
- In the menu that opens, select Clear Storage.
All settings will be reset, including locking. All user data will also be deleted, and the gadget will have to be configured again.
Samsung
If unlocking does not work, the pattern key on Android Samsung Galaxy, just like on other models of the Korean manufacturer, can be reset in the following way:
- Turn off the gadget and remove its battery for 4 seconds, if possible.
- Press the Home, Volume Up, Power keys and hold until vibration appears, and then the Android logo. Some models have variations in how the keys are used. For example, on the Galaxy S2 you need to press the volume button down, but you don’t need to press the power button at all. And on the Galaxy Mini you only need to press the power and center buttons.
- Once in the system menu, you need to select wipe data/factory reset, and then Yes – delete all user data.
After this, the gadget will reset all settings to factory settings.
Huawei
To do the same on a Chinese Huawei, proceed similarly:
- Turn off the device (if possible, then reinstall the battery).
- Press the volume up and power keys until the gadget vibrates and a logo with a green man appears on the screen.
- After entering Recovery, you must select wipe data/factory reset, and then confirm deleting user data.
Lenovo
You can just as easily cancel the pattern lock in Lenovo. To this end, you should:
- Turn off the gadget.
- Simultaneously press and hold the following buttons: power, volume up and volume down.
- The Recovery menu will appear on the screen, in which you need to find and click on wipe/factory reset.
As you can see, the methods are approximately the same for a variety of models and manufacturers. By the way, on Prestigio you can reset the pattern key in the same way.
There is a difference in the choice of keys, but finding the right ones for a specific device is not difficult. You can always use the manufacturer’s official website, where the necessary information is usually provided. And some “Chinese” even roll back to factory settings themselves after unsuccessfully entering the key nine times in a row.
How to change the digital password on your phone
This type of protection, as mentioned earlier, is used on absolutely all smartphones. But the password replacement method will differ depending on the operating system. In this regard, it is necessary to provide separate instructions for Android devices and iPhones.
On Android
For smartphones running this operating system, a password is set when you turn it on for the first time. Next, the person needs to constantly enter a digital code to remove the lock. To change the specified parameters, do the following:
- Open settings.
- Go to the "Security" section.
- Click on "Lock Screen".
- Validate existing code.
- Select the desired protection method (in our case, a password).
- Enter the new code, and then click the “Continue” button.
Now the next time you unlock your device, the system will require a new password.
- How to change the password in “Contact” or what to do if you can’t log into “VK”
To avoid losing the access code to your smartphone, it is recommended to write it down on a piece of paper or in notes on your computer.
On iPhone
Apple devices can also be password protected. But the company itself guarantees security only when using Touch ID and Face ID. However, this probably will not identify the person who wants to change the old password to a new one.
To change parameters you need:
- Open iPhone settings.
- Go to the “Touch ID and Passcode” section.
- Enter your existing passcode.
- Click the “Change Password Code” button.
- Verify the old code again and create a new one.
If you make a mistake while entering a new password, you can click the “Cancel” button to try again to set a different passcode. And if problems arise while changing the code, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the video instructions.
Samsung's Find My Device tool
If you own a Samsung smartphone, then the “Find My Moble” service should be one of the first ones you use.
To disable, do the following:
- Go to findmymobile.samsung.com from any browser.
- Then log into your Samsung account. If you have never had an account, this method will not work.
- Once you are logged into your account, click on the “Lock my screen” button on the left.
Click on "Lock my screen" on the left - All you have to do is enter a new PIN in the first field, and then click on “Lock” at the bottom of the screen. Within one to two minutes, your password will be changed to the PIN you entered.
Smartphone protection
Knowing the need of customers for data protection, smartphone manufacturers are improving the security of their mobile device from unauthorized people from year to year. As a rule, this is done by locking the smartphone. That is, you can access the main screen by performing the actions specified by the owner.
The device is protected in several ways:
- password;
- graphic key;
- fingerprint;
- face unlock.
These are the most popular security tools available on almost every modern device. However, on older models there are only 2 ways to lock your smartphone: password and pattern. They are the simplest, but at the same time provide good user security if a fraudster does not steal the device.
The most secure means of security is a fingerprint. All other technologies have many disadvantages.
Deleting the "system.db" file
This file contains all the information about the system, including protection against unlocking the gadget. If you delete it, everything will disappear, including the blocking. This is a radical method. Before using it, back up your important files in any convenient way.
To use this method, obtain superuser rights. Please note that after following these steps, the user will no longer be able to have the device repaired under warranty. Root rights can be obtained in the following ways:
- use third-party software;
- reflash the device.
Since it is impossible to find out the password, if you have access to the internal code of the operating system, you will have to delete the system file:
- Connect your phone to your computer, gaining access to system folders.
- Find the "system.db" file.
- Remove it.
To reset the pattern key, delete “gesture.key”.
Theory
Well, just a little bit of theory. So that everyone understands what we will do. I would like to say here that you need to understand that the Wi-Fi password is stored not on the phone itself, but on the router. Therefore, to change it, you need to go to the router and change it there. Here is our action plan:
- We connect via Wi-Fi to the router.
- Let's go to the customizer.
- We change the password.
There are only 3 steps, but a beginner may have problems here too. So everything is consistent and with my explanations. Begin.
In fact, there is no difference between changing the password on a computer or on a phone - the procedure is the same for both a wired connection and Wi-Fi.
What to do if you forgot your Windows Phone password
If your smartphone is locked, you first need to use the above methods, and if this does not help, reset the settings.
This should be done in this order:
- Turn off the gadget and connect it to the charger, holding the button to decrease the sound.
- When a question mark appears on the screen, press the volume key first up and then down.
- After that, hold the power button for a few seconds, and then press volume down again.
In a few minutes, the gadget's factory settings will be restored.
Key purpose
This is a type of password that does not use letters or numbers, but a geometric figure specified by the user. Installing a graphic code on Android is very simple - you need to sequentially select the options “Settings”, “Security” and “Lock Screen”. When selecting a key, the user must draw a shape containing a minimum of four points. After this, the code must be repeated, and the system will accept it. If you need to hide your password from strangers, you can disable the “Show key” option.
As a result, finger movement will not appear on the display when the device is unlocked. Most often, the default blocking type is “Slider”. To access the device, you only need to pull your finger over a specific area of the display.
In the latest firmware there are several types of passwords:
Password type | Description |
Voice | The smartphone is unlocked using a voice command |
Face control | Login is possible using a photo taken by the front camera |
PIN code | The phone is protected with a digital password |
Password | It is allowed to enter not only numbers, but also letters |
Graphic key | Unique graphic design |
Fingerprint | Individual password. |
To disable the pattern, in the settings you need to go to the corresponding menu, and then select the “Security” option. After this, you need to click on “Screen Lock” and enter the existing code. You can then choose a new display lock method or not use this feature.
Advantages and disadvantages of a graphic password
- ease of remembering - users have some difficulty remembering complex and random passwords. A secure code combination must be at least 8 characters long and contain numbers, upper and lower case letters, and symbols. Often these recommendations are ignored - short and simple passwords are used, which can easily be hacked. Graphic passwords (even if they contain many elements) are much easier for the user to reproduce and remember;
- resistance to hacking methods - a graphic key is more difficult to crack and guess, while a password or PIN code can be bypassed by using automated attacks and special software for selecting a code combination;
- Shoulder surfing is a type of social engineering attack. In this context, it is used due to the fact that a graphic password is perceived better not only by the user, but also by an attacker who accidentally or deliberately spies on the device while entering the key. It has been repeatedly confirmed that it is more difficult to see and remember a short text password than a sequence of graphic elements. There is a study on the anti-malware portal that describes a way to bypass a picture password on devices running Android, where the trajectory of the user’s finger when unlocking the device is taken as a basis;
- memory - storing a graphic password requires more memory than a text combination;
- traces - a pattern can be selected after unlocking the phone by the presence of fingerprints on the smartphone screen, which, in general, is also available with a regular text password.
Pros and cons of password locking
A digital password can be called the most common way to protect a smartphone. This is its main advantage, but along with it the user has a large number of disadvantages.
Pros and cons Password locking is available on all smartphones It is possible to transfer the code to another person so that he can remove the lock The password must be kept in mind at all times An experienced attacker, using a special digital code generator, will be able to unlock devices You can enter the password only with your fingers, which makes it impossible to unlock with gloves
Other means of protection also have their disadvantages, but they are much fewer. Be that as it may, digital passwords continue to be popular. And from time to time, smartphone owners need to change them. This happens for several reasons:
- increasing the level of protection;
- the need to specify simpler code;
- desire to change the password to a different locking method.
Therefore, even in a situation where a person does not want to use this method of protection, he definitely needs to know how to change the password on his phone. This will be discussed further below.
How to reset your password
Resetting the passcode is an operation that is performed as a last resort. For example, when a person cannot remember the code or remove the block using Google account settings, and the support service cannot solve the problem.
There are two ways to reset your password. The first is using a computer. Connect your smartphone to your PC using a USB cable. Then open the command line and enter the commands in the suggested sequence:
- 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.
To confirm each action, you need to press the “Enter” button on the keyboard. If you need to reset not the password, but the graphic key, enter another command - rm /data/system/gesture.key or adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key.
The final way to get rid of a password, pattern, fingerprint or any other security option is to reset to factory settings. In this case, all files stored in the device’s memory will be lost.
If you decide to reset, follow the instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press and hold the power button and the top (bottom) volume rocker.
- In the menu that appears, select “wipe data/factory reset”.
- Confirm the action.
To avoid losing files, a backup copy is created before resetting. But in this case this is impossible, since a person does not have access without knowing the password.
How to reset your password without internet
When there is no Wi-Fi network nearby, you can connect via a Lan adapter. This is a special device whose ends are inserted into your phone and router. With this connection option, you don’t need to reboot or activate anything, just wait and the Internet will work on its own.
Flashing
To access a locked phone, you can also reflash it. This method should reset the protection of your phone, leaving the main files untouched. Unfortunately, in this article we cannot provide instructions on how to do this, since it will be unique for each phone model.
Sources used:
- https://tarifkin.ru/mobilnye-sovety/kak-smenit-parol-na-telefone
- https://flackgames.ru/instrukcii/zavodskaya-razblokirovka.html
- https://www.tenorshare.ru/android-tips/reset-password-android.html
- https://wifigid.ru/sovety-po-nastrojke-routerov/kak-pomenyat-parol-na-wi-fi-s-telefona
- https://kakoperator.ru/os/kak-smenit-parol-na-telefone
- https://androidsfaq.com/kak-otklyuchit-ili-izmenit-graficheskiy-klyuch-na-android/