How do you unlock an Android phone after forgetting the password?
Answer
Use the on-screen Forgot PIN/password option with your Google account when shown. If that is unavailable, a factory reset from recovery unlocks the phone but erases local data, and Factory Reset Protection still needs the previous Google account.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset erases photos, messages, and apps not backed up.
- Paid remote-unlock services are often scams.
Follow these steps
Enter carefully or use Forgot
Remove any case overlapping the keys, clean the screen, and enter the PIN slowly. If shown, tap Forgot PIN/password/pattern and verify with the Google account.
You should see: The phone unlocks or account verification begins.
Try Find My Device options
From a computer, open Google Find My Device, select the phone if online, and use any secure lock options available for your account.
You should see: Remote options appear, or the phone is offline.
Factory reset from recovery
Power off, boot to recovery with your model’s key combination, choose Wipe data/factory reset, confirm, then reboot.
You should see: The phone shows initial setup after erase.
Complete Factory Reset Protection
Sign in with the same Google account that was on the phone before the reset.
You should see: Setup continues past the account lock screen.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The Android lock screen rejects the password or pattern and you cannot open the phone.
Before you change anything: Confirm the Google account that was on the phone. Back up anything accessible elsewhere before a reset. Remove cases that overlap the keypad.