How do I unlock an Android phone after a restart when the password is required?
Answer
After a restart, many Android phones—including Pixel—require the full screen-lock password or PIN before fingerprint or face unlock works. Try only the lock you normally used. If that fails, use Google’s official Find My Device or account recovery path; a factory reset may erase local data.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset usually erases photos, messages, and apps that were not backed up.
Follow these steps
Enter the normal screen lock
On the lock screen, enter only the PIN, pattern, or password you normally used to unlock the phone before the restart. Avoid random guesses that could trigger temporary lockouts.
You should see: The phone unlocks, or it shows a clear wrong-password message and remaining attempts.
Wait out a temporary lockout if shown
If Android shows a wait timer after failed attempts, leave the phone powered on and wait for the timer to finish before trying again carefully.
You should see: The entry field becomes available again after the wait period.
Use official Google device find or recovery options
From another device, open Google’s official Find My Device or account help pages for your Google account and phone model. Follow only Google’s published unlock or remote options that match your situation.
You should see: Google shows whether the device is signed in to your account and which recovery options are available.
Consider a factory reset only as a last step
If the screen lock cannot be recovered and Google’s official path allows a reset for your model, follow those recovery-mode steps exactly. Expect local data without a backup to be erased.
You should see: The phone resets to the initial setup screens, or the reset option is unavailable until official recovery conditions are met.
Sign in and restore after unlock or reset
Once the phone is accessible, sign in with your Google account and restore from backup if offered. Then set a new screen lock you can remember and store securely.
You should see: The phone finishes setup and a new lock method is active.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The exact lock screen message, such as "Password is required after device restarts," and whether fingerprint or face unlock is temporarily disabled until a PIN or password is entered.
Before you change anything: Confirm this is your own phone and Google account. Write down any backup codes or recovery email you already have. Know that a factory reset usually erases photos, apps, and files not backed up. Never share your PIN, password, or one-time codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.