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Balthazar's avatar
Balthazar
Iron Contributor
Jun 12, 2025

How to Unlock Android Phone If Forgot Android Password?

Our company has an old test Android phone (Samsung Galaxy S10) and the employee who is in charge of taking care of the phone left the position for two months. Now, nobody knows the password and PIN on that phone.

How can we unlock Android if forgot Android password? It could be best to keep the data untouched in order to recover or reset the passcode.

Thanks

7 Replies

  • I get it—forgetting Android password can be super stressful. From my side (well, based on what I know), trying to unlock your phone through unofficial or risky methods can be a bit dangerous. It might mess up your data, or in worst cases, even brick your device, making it unusable.

    Typically, the safest route is to use the official options like Google’s Find My Device if forgot Android password. If you log into your Google account linked to the phone, you can usually unlock or reset it remotely. But if that’s not working, and you’re tempted to try third-party unlocking tools or methods, proceed with caution. Some of these can contain malware or require rooting your device, which can void warranties and cause security issues.

    By the way, about the Google Account Lock (FRP). Modern Android devices have Factory Reset Protection (FRP). After reset, you'll need your Google account credentials to set the phone up again. If you forgot those too, you might get stuck in a loop, unable to access your device. All your custom settings, app data, and personalized configurations are erased. You’ll have to set things up from scratch. Sometimes, after reset, you might face issues with certain apps or updates, especially if your device had customizations or was rooted.

  • Valerian's avatar
    Valerian
    Iron Contributor

    If you can’t access Find My Mobile or Find My Device, perform a factory reset via recovery mode (this will erase all data):

    1. Turn off your Samsung phone.
    2. Press and hold Volume Up + Power + Bixby/Home button (depending on model) until the Samsung logo appears.
    3. Release the Power button but keep holding the other buttons until Recovery Mode appears.
    4. Use Volume buttons to navigate and Power button to select:
    5. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
    6. Confirm with Yes.
    7. Once done, select Reboot system now.

    Use Smart Lock (If Previously Enabled)

    If you had Smart Lock enabled (trusted places/devices), your phone might unlock automatically when:

    1. Connected to a trusted Bluetooth device.
    2. In a trusted location (like home).
    3. Detecting your face/voice (if set up).

    These are two effective way to reset and unlock Android phone without password. It is super helpful when you forgot Android passcode or PIN.

  • WilliamSmith's avatar
    WilliamSmith
    Iron Contributor

    I’ve been there—forgot Android passcode once or twice. So, from my own experience and what I’ve seen happen to others, there are a few common mistakes you definitely wanna dodge if you’re trying to unlock Android phone without messing things up more.

    Errors to avoid when trying to unlock Android phone:

    • Some people try sketchy apps promising to unlock Android phones. These can be malware or bricking tools. I’ve seen folks mess up their device worse trying to use unofficial software. Stick to official methods or reputable repair shops.
    • Not following the correct steps to get into recovery mode can lead to confusion or even hardware issues. Look up your specific device model’s guide for entering recovery mode properly.
    • Sometimes, manufacturers or carriers have legit ways to unlock your device, especially if you can show proof of purchase. I once helped a friend get their device unlocked through official support after a failed DIY attempt.

     

    In my personal experience, the biggest headache is rushing and not thinking through the steps. Take your time, do your homework, and try to avoid making things worse. If all else fails, a professional repair shop might be your safest bet.

  • Cassius's avatar
    Cassius
    Iron Contributor

    You can recover forgotten PIN and password on Android phone by trying the passwords you used frequently or the most common passcode used by Android user.

    Usually, people will store password at:

    • Sticky Notes​​: Placing passwords on sticky notes and attaching them to monitors, under keyboards, or inside drawers.
    • Spreadsheets​​: Using Excel or Google Sheets to organize usernames and passwords.
    • Web Browsers:​​ ​​Autofill and Password Managers built into a web browsers​​.
    • Dedicated password manager app.

     

    You can find the forgotten Android password, passcode or PIN from the following places.

    The most popular password for Android user:

    • ​​1234
    • 2580
    • ​​0000
    • 8888
    • ​​111111​​
    • 123123​​

    Give a try on above popular passwords and check if one of them used by you. When it fails, you need a dedicated tool to help you unlock Android phone if you forgot the password. However, this will delete all data off the phone. Please be warned!

     

  • DylanPrice's avatar
    DylanPrice
    Iron Contributor

    If you've forgotten Android password and are locked out, the easiest way (if you set one beforehand) is to try to unlock Android phone through your Google Account. After entering the wrong password a few times, your phone may prompt a "Forgot password" or "Forgot pattern" option. Tap that option and sign in with your Google credentials to reset your password. If this doesn't work, or you don't see these options, another way is to use Android's Find My Device (if you've enabled it previously). Just visit google.com/android/find, sign in with your Google Account, and select the "Erase device" option. Keep in mind that this will erase all your data, so only do this if you don't mind losing it or if you've backed it up.

    For a more hardcore approach if forgot Android password, you can also try booting into recovery mode and doing a factory reset. Usually, that’s pressing and holding the power button + volume down (or up, depending on your device) until you see the boot menu. From there, select “wipe data/factory reset.” Again, all data will be gone, but it’ll unlock your phone.

    In my experience, the easiest and safest method is to back up stuff regularly and set up a recovery email or phone number — that way if you forgot Android password, you can easily recover it. Also, some phones have fingerprint or face unlock options you can set up as backups.

  • Google Find My Device is a free service by Google that helps you locate, lock, or erase your Android phone remotely if it’s lost or stolen. It requires:

    1. Your phone is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
    2. Location services are enabled.
    3. You’re signed in to a Google account on the device.

     

    Can You Use Find My Device to Unlock a Forgotten Password?

    No, Find My Device cannot directly unlock your phone if you forgot the password. However, you can use it to remotely erase your phone (factory reset), which will remove the lock screen.

    Steps to Erase Phone via Find My Device 

    1. Go to Google Find My Device on a computer or another phone.

    2. Log in with the same Google account linked to your locked phone.

    3. Select your Samsung Galaxy phone from the list.

    4. Click Erase Device → Erase All Data (factory reset).

    5. Wait for the reset to complete (requires internet connection on the locked phone). This will unlock Android phone and the forgotten Android password will be removed.

    6. Set up the phone again (you’ll need your Google account to bypass FRP lock).

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