If you somehow forgot the pattern, PIN, or password that locks your Android device, you might think you're out of luck and are destined to be locked out forever. These security methods are hard to crack by design, but in many cases, it's not entirely impossible to break into a locked device.
There are several different ways to hack a locked Android smartphone or tablet, but unfortunately, there's not a one-size-fits-all method. So below, I'll go over 7 of the most effective methods, and hopefully one will help you get back into your device.
Method 1: Use Android Device Manager
For newer Android phones and tablets, a service called Android Device Manager is probably your best bet. As long as you're logged into your Google account, you can use any device or computer to access the service, which is available at this link.
As counterintuitive as it may sound, start by clicking the "Lock" button once Android Device Manager gets a fix on your device. If the service is having trouble finding your device, click your browser's refresh button a few times, and it should make the connection within 5 attempts if your phone is compatible.
After clicking the "Lock" button, you'll be prompted to enter a new password, which will replace the pattern, PIN, or password that you forgot. Type the new password twice to confirm your choice, then click the "Lock" button.
From here, it can take up to 5 minutes for the password to change over, but when it does, you should be able to enter the new password to unlock your device.
Method 2 Use Samsung's 'Find My Mobile' Service
If you have a Samsung device, a similar service called Find My Mobile should be the first thing you try. Start by heading to this link from any web browser, then log into your Samsung account. If you never set up a Samsung account, this method will not work, unfortunately. Also, some carriers, like Sprint, lock out this service, which is something to keep in find.
Once you've logged into your Samsung account, click the "Lock my screen" button in the left-hand pane. From here, enter a new PIN in the first field, then click the "Lock" button near the bottom of the screen. Within a minute or two, your lock screen password should be changed to the PIN you just entered, which you can use to unlock your device.
Method 3： Use the 'Forgot Pattern' Feature
If your device is running Android 4.4 or lower, try using the "Forgot Pattern" feature. After 5 failed unlock attempts, you'll see a message that says "Try again in 30 seconds." While this message is showing, tap the button at the bottom of the screen that says "Forgot Pattern."
From here, choose "Enter Google account details" (depending on your device, you may go directly to this option), then enter your primary Gmail account and password. Google will either send you an email with your unlock pattern, or you can change it right then and there.
