How to Unlock a Locked Screen Android Phone?

You're in a rush, and just as you’re about to send that crucial message or check an important update, your Android phone is locked tighter than a drum, and you can't remember the password or pattern. A locked Android screen can leave you stranded from your contacts, photos, and apps. While common fixes like factory resets or Google’s Find My Device are widely known, they often require preconfigured settings or result in data loss. This guide offers detailed, step-by-step solutions—including a proprietary tool from iDatapp—to bypass Android lock screens without sacrificing your data. Each method is paired with visual aids to simplify the process, ensuring even novice users can regain access confidently.

Method 1: iDatapp Android Unlocker – Effortless One-Click Solution

iDatapp Android Unlocker is a proprietary tool that removes screen locks without data loss, even on Android 15. Unlike competitors, it requires no technical expertise, USB debugging, or root access. The software supports Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, and more.

Android Unlocker

Professional Android Unlocker, unlock android device locked screen.

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Now, let's follow the next steps details:

Step 1: Download and Install the Software.

• Visit iDatapp Android Unlocker on a PC.
• Click Download and follow the installation prompts.

Step 2: Select “Remove Screen Password”.

Launch the software and choose the Screen Unlock mode.

Step 3: Select the brand of your locked android phone.

Step 4: Connect Your Locked android phone

• Use a USB cable to link your Android phone to the computer.
• Ensure USB debugging is disabled (the tool works without it).

Suggestion: If the connected device isn't recognized, tap "Try Other Unlock Methods" and follow the instructions on the screen to put your phone into Recovery Mode.

Step 5: Click the "Remove now" button to erase your forgotten PIN. If you have an older Samsung Android device, your data will remain intact throughout the removal process.

Step 6: Allow a few minutes for the Android Unlocker to eliminate the PIN lock. Once you see the following interface, it confirms that the PIN lock on your Android device has been successfully removed.

Method 2: Safe Mode – Disable Problematic Third-Party Apps

Safe Mode is Android’s diagnostic environment that temporarily disables all third-party apps. If a recently installed app (e.g., a locker tool or launcher) triggered the lock screen, Safe Mode lets you uninstall it without needing your PIN or pattern. This method works on most Android versions, but button combinations to activate Safe Mode vary by brand.

Next are the steps details:

Step 1: Force Restart Your android Device

Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the screen turns off and vibrates (about 10–15 seconds).

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

• When the manufacturer logo appears, release the Power button but keep holding Volume Down.
• Hold until the home screen loads with a "Safe Mode" watermark (usually at the bottom-left corner).

Video guide to enter safe mode on Samsung.

Step 3: Uninstall the Problematic App

• Go to Settings > Apps > See All Apps.
• Locate the suspicious app (e.g., "Smart Locker Pro") and tap Uninstall.

Step 4: Reboot Normally

• Press and hold the Power button, then tap Restart.
• Your device will exit Safe Mode, and the lock screen should now accept your credentials.

Method 3: Emergency Call Glitch (Pre-Android 10 Devices)

Older Android devices (pre-2019) often have unpatched vulnerabilities. For example, some Sony and LG models allow users to crash the lock screen via the emergency dialer, bypassing authentication. This method is device-specific and works best on Android 8.0–9.0.

Follow the next steps:

Step 1: Access the Emergency Dialer

• On the lock screen, tap Emergency Call (usually at the bottom-left corner).

Step 2: Enter the Service Code

• Type *#*#7378423#*#* (for Sony) or 2945#*[model]# (for LG, e.g., 2945#*710# for LG G6).

Step 3: Navigate to Service Tests

• In the hidden menu, select Service Tests > Touchscreen Test.

Step 4: Crash the Lock Screen

• Rapidly tap the screen for 20–30 seconds until the system freezes or reboots.
• Upon restart, the lock screen may be disabled.

Method 4: Google Assistant Voice Commands (Android 9 and Below)

For devices with "Hey Google" voice match enabled, Google Assistant can navigate to security settings and disable the lock screen. This method requires prior setup of voice recognition and works only on older Android versions.

Step 1: Activate Google Assistant

• Say, “Hey Google” or long-press the Home button (if visible).

Step 2: Issue a Voice Command

• Say, “Open Security Settings.”
• If successful, the Settings app will open directly to the security menu.

Step 3: Disable Screen Lock

• Tap Screen Lock > None > confirm with your current PIN, pattern, or password.

Step 4: Reboot Your Device

Restart the phone to ensure changes take effect.

Method 5: Manufacturer-Specific Backdoor Codes

Some brands embed hidden codes to reset security settings. For example, Samsung’s *#8736364# opens a diagnostic menu. These codes vary by model and may not work on post-2020 devices.

Step 1: Open the Emergency Dialer

• From the lock screen, tap Emergency Call.

Step 2: Enter the Backdoor Code

• Type the code for your device (e.g., *#8736364# for Samsung).

Step 3: Reset Security Settings

• Navigate to Security Reset or Factory Reset (avoid the latter to prevent data loss)

Step 4: Confirm with Default Password

Enter 0000 or 1234 if prompted.

Method 6: Use Google’s Find My Device to unlock your android phone.

If you've set up your Android phone with a Google account, you might find Google's Find My Device to be a lifesaver. This service primarily helps you locate your device and even lock it if it gets lost, but it also serves as a helpful tool for resetting your password.

Step 1: On a computer or another phone, open a web browser and go to the Google Find My Device website. Log in using the same Google account linked to your locked phone.

Step 2: Once signed in, you’ll see a list of devices associated with your account. Select the locked phone.

Step 3: After selecting your phone, you’ll see three options: Play Sound, Secure Device, and Erase Device. Click on “Secure Device” to initiate the process of setting a new password.

Step 4: You’ll be prompted to set a new password or PIN. Enter a new code you’ll remember.

Step 5: With your newly set password, head back to your locked phone and enter the freshly created password or PIN. Voila! Your phone should now be accessible.

Method 7: Perform a Factory Reset via Recovery Mode

As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset. This method will erase all data on your phone, so it should only be used when absolutely necessary.

Step 1: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, and then select “Power off.”

Step 2: Once the phone is off, simultaneously press the power and volume up buttons until the phone’s logo appears, at which point you release the power but hold the volume up until you enter recovery mode. (Note: The specific button combination might vary between phone models, so check your manufacturer’s website if this combination doesn’t work.)

Step 3: Using the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select, find and select the “Wipe data/factory reset” option.

Step 4: You’ll be asked to confirm. Choose “Yes” to begin the reset process. Once it's completed, use the “Reboot system now” option.

Step 5: After the reboot, go through the setup process as if it's a new device. Be sure to restore your data if you have a backup.

Method 8: Unlock android with Smart Lock (Prevention)

The Smart Lock feature relies on security settings you’ve set up beforehand. It can automatically unlock your phone under specific conditions, such as when connected to a trusted device or in a trusted location. While this method requires advance setup, it’s a handy preventative measure.

Step 1: This only works if you've set up Smart Lock before getting locked out. To set up, go to your phone’s settings, tap on “Security” or “Lock Screen and Security,” and look for “Smart Lock.”

Step 2: Set up your phone to automatically unlock when connected to a reliable Bluetooth device (like headphones or a car) or when at a trusted location (like home).

Step 3: If you’ve prepared this in advance and find yourself locked out, move within range of a trusted Bluetooth device or location.

Step 4: If everything was set up correctly, your phone should automatically unlock without needing your password or pattern.

How to Prevent Future Lockouts on your android phone?

1. Enable Smart Lock: Add trusted places (e.g., home) or devices (e.g., smartwatch).
2. Biometric Backup: Pair fingerprints with a memorable PIN.
3. Regular Backups: Use Google Drive or iDatapp Cloud Sync for critical data.

Conclusion: 

From Safe Mode troubleshooting to iDatapp’s intuitive software, these methods ensure you’re never permanently locked out of your Android device. For a seamless, data-safe experience, iDatapp Android Unlocker stands out as the most reliable solution. Bookmark this guide and turn lock screen stress into a solved problem!

Android Unlocker

Professional Android Unlocker, unlock android device locked screen.

Free Download Learn more