Forgot My Android Security Lock – The importance of screen locks on smartphones cannot be overlooked, it’s basically the only way to keep your device safe, secure, and have its contents remain exclusive to you.
If someone was to gain access to my device, they could practically ruin my life in seconds. That also applies to more than half the people living on this planet. We’ve gotten to that age in human evolution where almost everyone got vital information about themselves on their mobile device hence the importance of locking screens.
What do you do if you “forgot my android security lock”. This does not mean enabling the security settings on your android device was a bad idea, it just means you’ve got to be more careful next time.
Can’t Remember My Security Lock Android – What to Do?
I am guessing you are reading this article because you are not ready to Factory reset your device which would have been the best and easiest option. The Down or Up volume button + the power button should do the trick thus taking you to a recovery mode menu.
Most Android devices by default have the Factory Reset Protection setting turned on hence even after a successful Factory reset, you would still need to sign in to your device via the Google account linked to that device. Let’s consider other options, shall we;
Using Find My Device
This process was very effective until Google stopped making it possible for users to make changes to their device’s security lock from this site. Now you’ve only got the “Erase My Device” option which just functions like factory resetting your device, everything will be wiped out unless you backed up your device.
- Visit Google’s Find my device website on another device and sign in to the default Google account of your locked Android device.
- Select the current device you are trying to unlock and tap on “Erase Device” next.
- Enter your Google account details again and complete the process hence clearing your device of all its former files.
Samsung
Samsung has an option that lets you manage your device in case you lose it. For this to work, you would have to be signed in to your Samsung account and would have activated “Find My Mobile” during the account set-up process.
- Connect your device to the internet through Wi-Fi or Mobile data.
- Visit the findmymobile.samsung.com website from another device and log in with your Samsung account.
- Locate and tap on “Unlock My Device” then follow the site’s prompt from there.
Samsung isn’t the only one with this feature. Most android phone companies also got a feature that works just like this. You’ve just got to find it, set up an account with your android device company, and find out how it works.
Using Smart Lock
Smart Gestures are one of the first things any android user should set up after getting a new android device. The same applies to smart lock which could be found in “Settings”>” Security & Location”>” Smart Lock”.
In the Smart lock menu, just choose a condition in which your android device can get automatically unlocked. If you’ve set this up before forgetting your security lock, all you need to do is create one of the conditions defined in the smart lock menu.
Doing this helps you break-in into your device but doesn’t change your security lock in any way. Guess you are still going to consider a factory reset option. Just this time, you would have the chance to back-up your device first.
Using Back-Up Pin
Older Android versions usually have this option, Samsung devices in particular. When setting a security lock, you will be asked to also set up an alternative back up security pin.
After getting your security lock wrong severally, locate the “Backup PIN” at the bottom of the screen and click on it. If you remember it, type it in and hit on “Done”. Then proceed to change your security setting.