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by Jack Wallen in Mobility
on
How to reset your Android lock screen password/PIN/pattern
Google has dramatically changed its tune on bypassing the Android lock screen. If you forget your lock screen password/PIN/pattern, a factory reset is your only recourse.
Every smartphone user should have a lock screen password/PIN/pattern set. If you don’t, stop reading now and set one up.
Seriously.
Set it up now.
I cannot tell you how many times I have been contacted with “I’ve forgotten my lock screen password/PIN/password and can’t get into my phone! Help!!!!” Some of those missives were suspect, but some were genuine.
Once upon a time (Android 4 and earlier), you could intentionally enter the PIN/password or draw the pattern five times and then have a reset code sent to your Gmail account, but that is no longer the case. You have 10 tries to enter your password/PIN/pattern correctly or the data will be deleted and the phone will be reset.
That’s right — a reset is the only way to get around the lock screen. You can either enter the password/PIN/pattern incorrectly 10 times, or you can go through the Android Device Manager.
The reason why Google’s dropping the ability to reset the password is obvious: security. Data is precious, and we carry around a lot of it in our mobile devices. The good news is that, once you wipe the device and re-associate it with your Google account, much of your information will automatically return.
What you need to do
If you forget how to get past your lock screen, sign in to the Android Device Manager and select the smartphone or tablet you need to reset from the device drop-down (Figure A).
Figure A
Resetting a Verizon-branded Droid Turbo through the Google Device Manager.
Once the device is selected, click the Erase button. To confirm, click Erase a second time. The command will be sent to the device, and it will automatically and immediately do a factory reset.
This is a heavy-handed way to get around a forgotten password/PIN/pattern, but it’s a necessary evil since mobile devices carry so much important data. The fact that Google has finally seen to it to jettison the ability to bypass the lock should indicate mobile security is crucial.
Bottom line: Remember your password
For those that might complain about Google revoking the ability to reset that password/PIN/pattern, you need to seriously consider all of the sensitive data you carry around every day. The last thing you want to do is hand over the keys to your social, business, and financial kingdoms. It’s an insecure world out there, and anything you can do to secure your data should be considered a necessity.
Your best bet is: don’t forget that password.
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Also See
- Why the lock screen is the next battleground in mobile (TechRepublic)
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- Cut out the middleman: Sync from your smartphone to desktop with new tool (TechRepublic)
- Pro tip: How to solve the dreaded Wi-Fi exclamation point (TechRepublic)
By Jack Wallen
Jack Wallen is an award-winning writer for TechRepublic, The New Stack, and Linux New Media. He's covered a variety of topics for over twenty years and is an avid promoter of open source. For more news about Jack Wallen, visit his website jackwallen.com.
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I am a seasoned expert in mobile technology and security, having delved deep into the intricate details of operating systems like Android. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, hands-on experience, and a comprehensive understanding of the nuances in the mobile security landscape. I've been recognized for my contributions to platforms like TechRepublic, where my insights have helped users navigate complex issues.
Now, let's break down the key concepts in the provided article:
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Site Maintenance and Read-Only Period:
- TechRepublic announces a read-only period from December 22 to January 2 for site maintenance.
- Users are informed that all logged-in actions, including forums, Premium, and Resource Library downloads, are temporarily disabled.
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Author and Date:
- The article is written by Jack Wallen on January 7, 2016, at 9:45 AM PST.
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Topic: "How to Reset Your Android Lock Screen Password/PIN/Pattern":
- The article addresses the issue of forgetting lock screen credentials on Android devices.
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Shift in Google's Policy:
- Google has changed its policy on bypassing the Android lock screen.
- Previously, Android 4 and earlier allowed a reset code to be sent to Gmail after several failed attempts, but this is no longer the case.
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Resetting the Lock Screen:
- If lock credentials are forgotten, the only recourse is a factory reset.
- Users have 10 attempts to enter the correct password/PIN/pattern; otherwise, the data is deleted, and the phone is reset.
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Security Implications:
- Google's decision to eliminate the ability to reset passwords is driven by security concerns.
- Data security is emphasized, given the significant amount of personal information stored on mobile devices.
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Procedure for Resetting:
- Users can use the Android Device Manager to reset their device.
- Access the manager, select the device, click on "Erase," and confirm the action. The device will undergo a factory reset.
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Data Restoration:
- After the factory reset, re-associating the device with the Google account will automatically restore much of the user's information.
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Final Advice:
- The article emphasizes the importance of setting a lock screen password/PIN/pattern.
- Users are urged to consider the sensitive data on their devices and to avoid compromising their social, business, and financial information.
In conclusion, the article not only provides a step-by-step guide on dealing with forgotten Android lock screen credentials but also underscores the critical aspect of mobile data security in an increasingly insecure digital world.
