What to do if I forget my lock pattern? [Android 101]
Android has several options available for preventing others from accessing your device. One of the most popular options is the lock pattern, which is exclusive to Android. Instead of typing in a four digit number or password you can simply draw a pattern. It’s an extremely handy way to put a layer of security on your device. However, unlike a pin code or password it can be easy to forget. What do you do then?
First of all, before you set up any type of security you should make sure your device is set up to be recovered easily. This way if someone steals your device, or you have to wipe it because you forgot your password, it will be easy to get everything back. To do this go to Settings > Backup & reset and make sure everything is enabled. This is especially handy for devices like the HTC One M8 which will reset your phone after 10 failed unlock attempts.
What to do
Okay, now that we have that out-of-the-way it’s time to help you get back into your device. The good news is Android has a built-in feature to bypass the pattern lock if you can’t remember it. To make things even better, this method won’t work for a thief that has stolen you device. Here’s what to do:
- After 5 failed attempts you will be locked out for 30 seconds.
- A button will appear underneath the pattern grid that says Forgot Pattern. Tap it.
- You will be asked to sign into your Google account.
- That’s it!
The only way to get back into the phone if you don’t know your Google account credentials is to perform a factory reset. This will erase all of your data and settings, which is why you want to perform a back-up before setting up any security. We should also mention that this will work with the pin code and password lockscreen security.
To help remember your pattern you could draw it on a piece of paper and put it somewhere safe. As long as you know your Google account credentials it’s not really a big deal if your forget. The important part is a thief won’t be able to get in. Do you use a pattern lock on your Android device? Have you ever forgotten it?