How to unlock an Android phone

Getting locked out of your Android™ phone can be frustrating—especially if you’ve forgotten your PIN, password, or pattern. Whether you’re trying to access your device or figure out what “unlocked” means when buying a phone, we’re here to help. At Asurion, we help millions of people take care of their tech every day, and our experts at uBreakiFix® by Asurion are trusted by top brands to diagnose and fix phone issues fast.

What does it mean to unlock an Android phone?

Before you try to unlock your phone, it's important to understand what kind of lock you're dealing with.

• Screen lock: This is the PIN, password, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint or face) lock that keeps others from accessing your phone.
• Carrier lock: Some phones only work with the network from the company you bought it from. Unlocked Android phones can be used with any carrier that supports the phone.

How to unlock your Android phone

If you're locked out of your screen, try these steps:

• If you know your PIN or password: Enter it on the lock screen to unlock your phone.
• Using biometrics: If you've set up fingerprint or face unlock, you can use that instead.

How to unlock an Android phone if you forgot the PIN

If you can't remember your PIN, here are a few ways to get back into your phone:

• Use Find My Device:
  1. Visit Find My Device from another device.
  2. Sign in with the Google account linked to your phone.
  3. Select your phone, then choose Erase Device. This will reset your phone and remove the PIN, but it will also delete your data.
• Factory reset your phone:
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until the recovery screen appears.
  3. Use the volume buttons to choose "Wipe data/factory reset" and press the Power button to select it.
• This method also deletes your data, so use it only if you have no other option.
• Contact your phone's manufacturer: They may have tools or advice to help you unlock your device without erasing your data.

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What to do if nothing works

If you've tried everything and still can't unlock your phone, a repair expert can help. At uBreakiFix® by Asurion, our trusted techs can take a look at your device and help you get back in. They also offer data recovery options in some cases.

How to avoid getting locked out again

Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t get locked out in the future:

• Write down your PIN and keep it in a safe place.
• Set up a backup unlocking method, like a fingerprint or pattern.
• Use a password manager to store important login information.
• Regularly back up your Android phone so you don’t lose data if you need to reset it.

FAQs

What is the difference between a locked and unlocked Android phone? A locked phone is tied to a specific carrier, while an unlocked phone can be used with any compatible carrier.

How do I unlock my Android phone without losing data? You may be able to use biometric unlock or contact the manufacturer. Most other methods, like a factory reset, will erase your data.

Can I unlock my Android phone without a Google account? To unlock the phone remotely, you usually need the Google account linked to the phone. Without it, you may need a factory reset.

Is it safe to use third-party apps to unlock my phone? It's best to avoid third-party unlocking apps. They can be risky and might not work.

How much does it cost to unlock a phone at uBreakiFix® by Asurion? Costs vary depending on the phone and issue. Visit a store for a free diagnostic.