Unlock your tablet if you forgot your password: all methods for removing graphic and digital codes

29.12.2019

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Tablets have long been firmly established in the everyday life of any modern person and can compete with computers. They provide access to the Internet, watch movies and play games. In addition, they can store any important information - logins to online banking, important files, and the like. For greater security, users set passwords that restrict others from accessing all content on the device. However, many owners are faced with the fact that they simply forget the entered combination, and then the question arises of how to unlock the tablet if you forgot the password.

Why does an Android phone or tablet get blocked?

The main reason for blocking an Android tablet or phone is too many attempts to enter the pattern. Perhaps you gave the gadget to a friend and he, not knowing this feature, blocked your device, maybe a child got to it, or maybe you yourself forgot the pattern key, but the essence is the same - you need to unlock the device. So, what to do in this situation.

If you remember your login and password for your Google account, then consider that there is no problem. Enter them and you're done. But usually users don't take care of this in advance, and the need to enter a password takes them by surprise. If you have forgotten your password, then in this case you need to do a complete system reset or, as it is often called, a hard reset. In short, by holding down a certain key combination on your device, you will be taken to the emergency menu, where you can choose to restart the system. It all depends on the model, try using the site search and find recommendations specifically for your device. Let's try to give more general instructions.

Types of passwords on Android

Before you figure out how to unlock your tablet if you forgot your PIN code, you need to understand what type of code we are dealing with, because our further actions will depend on this.

You can block your device in the following ways:

• digital code - any combination of numbers or letters, although the latter are used less frequently. This is the most common option, as it is simple and standard;
• A graphic password is an unlocking of a device using a graphic pattern, that is, the owner specifies a certain figure that provides access to all information. Not everyone chooses this security method, since the figure can be recognized from the outside, so you have to enter it more carefully. However, this opinion is purely subjective and there are many users who prefer this blocking option.

What to do if you forgot your password: general instructions

1. With the device turned off, press and hold the top volume rocker (volume up button) + the Home button (usually a large central button or a button with a house drawn on it) + the power button. If there is no Home button, then only the volume and Power buttons.
2. After vibration or the logo appears on the screen, release all buttons.
3. Next, using the same volume rocker, select the line “Wipe data/factory reset” and confirm the choice with the “Home” button or the “Power” button (depending on the model).

4. After this, we find ourselves in the next menu, where in the long list of “No” items there is an item “Yes - delete all user data”, which we select. After performing the reset, the first menu will be displayed where we reboot the system by selecting “reboot system now”.

This instruction should apply to all devices from Samsung, LG, HTC.

Software from manufacturers can also help in this matter. For Sony devices this is SonyEricsson PC Suite, for Huawei it is HiSuite, for Samsung the program is called Kies. And, of course, start by reading the instructions for your device, perhaps this will allow you to quickly and effectively solve the problem of blocking your device.

p style=”text-align: left;”>Here you can see instructions for a full reset to popular models

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

A pattern key for a tablet is a protection that blocks other users from entering your device, in particular if it is stolen or lost. In simple words, a graphic key is a password that does not consist of numbers, but is a combination of nine circles, connecting which in a sequence specified by the owner of the gadget provides access to the device.

It is important to know: in some cases, trying to enter the security key may take forever. But, often, after several attempts, the program automatically blocks the gadget, believing that it is protecting it from an attacker who has attempted to steal the data stored in the device’s memory. In this case, trouble begins, especially if you need to use the tablet urgently. How to remove graphic keys will be discussed below.

There are two types of such locks:

If the user has a Google account, then he can easily access the device without losing personal data. You just need to enter the required username and password.

You can download Android Debug Bridge (adb) here

The password is specified in text, which consists of a random set of numbers (sometimes letters). The correct combination unlocks the tablet. This method is quite popular among users, as it does not present any particular difficulties; Graphic drawing. Many people prefer to block their personal tablet this way.

The disadvantage of this algorithm is the lack of backup copies, as a result of which all user data will be destroyed. But the iPad will work great.

Using a graphic key. Any tablet can be connected to a desktop PC via a USB cable. Below is the sequence of actions performed when using a graphic key:

For each device from a particular manufacturer’s product line, the unlocking sequence is standardized. In this situation, you can start unlocking only if you have additional storage of information about the gadget and provided that this iPad was previously synchronized with iTunes. Only in this case can resuscitation be carried out with normal recovery. This is done like this:

Reset the device to factory settings

If the password data has been lost and recovery through the account does not help, then resetting the settings through Recovery may help.

Recovery allows you to go to the developer menu and will be useful for those users whose device is not only locked, but also malfunctions from time to time (reboots, freezes, etc.). So, for this you need:

1. Disconnect the device and go to the Recovery menu.

For different manufacturers, you can get to this menu in different ways.

Navigation through the developer menu is carried out using the volume keys, and selection must be made with the power button.

1. After completing all the preparatory procedures, the user finds himself in a menu called Recovery, where he needs to launch the third item in the operating menu (wipe data factory reset or similar. Not always the third)
2. Next, all that remains is to confirm your choice and reboot the device using reboot.

Unlock tablet through recovery

Recovery is a special mode, you can get there in different ways, depending on the device itself. Ideally, there should be a box and a similar description for a specific tablet. If not, you can try the standard methods:

1. Press the power button while holding down the volume key to increase (+)
2. The same action, only the volume key is down (-)
3. Press and hold the Home button, additionally performing the steps of the first or second step

In the Recovery menu, you need to move from one item to another using the volume buttons (up or down). To select the desired section, press the power button. To reset all system settings, you must select the Wipe data or Wipe&Reset section and click “Yes” if necessary. Some models may ask you to confirm your actions, in which case you need to select Factory reset.

Using your Gmail account

If the Google system contains data about the user account, then it becomes possible to reset the graphic password through the account. Before unlocking the pattern key on Lenovo, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the simple procedure:

• First, you need to call the auxiliary panel to recover your Google account. To do this, you will have to enter the wrong pattern until the network login form appears on the screen;
• The first thing you will need when logging in is your account login and password;
• After this data has been correctly specified, the system will prompt the user to complete activation on behalf of the administrator;
• All you have to do is hold down the key responsible for the “Administrator” mode, and all sorts of passwords will be removed from the gadget.

This method is one of the simplest, but there is a small catch. Before you unlock the pattern on Lenovo, you need to remember whether your account information was entered during the initial setup of the gadget.

Third-party software and its capabilities

You can once again make sure that you need to register a Google account using unblocking utilities from the Internet.

Login to the network in any way possible for you and visit the Google Play page. Download the necessary applications, such as Screen Lock Bypass Pro. It will be especially relevant on versions from Android 2.2 to Android 4.0.

Attention! The screen unlocking program is paid. Check its compatibility with your version of the operating system to avoid unnecessary unnecessary expenses.

Indicate your device in the program and reboot. After clicking on the Activate button, enter a new password.

Using PC and ADB

In the case when unlocking the graphic password on Lenovo was unsuccessful, there remains one, the most difficult, method - using a PC and a special program. What exactly is required for this:

• Work computer;
• USB cable;
• Download special software - ADB;
• Find and download the script;
• Drivers for more convenient work with the Android system.

The procedure for resetting is as follows:

• If the program is in an archive, unpack it to hard drive “C”;
• You need to place the adbBLOCK GEST script into the already unpacked folder;
• After this, on the mobile device with which the unlocking process will be carried out, USB debugging should be activated;
• This is done in one of three ways, depending on the system:

1. To do this, in the “Settings” menu, select the “For Developers” item, and then select the defer function.
2. Through the settings, select “Development” and “Debugging”.
3. Using the settings, go to the “System” menu, then “About smartphone”. In the window that opens, click on the build number about 7–10 times;

• Now you can safely connect your mobile device to your PC via a USB cable. It is important that if the gadget cannot be manipulated and there is no way to get into “Settings” due to the pattern key, then you can only hope that debugging is already active;
• You need to run the finished script on your computer. He will offer to get rid of the GESTURE.KEY file. Use the “Enter” key to confirm the deletion;
• After all the actions, the script will ask you to reboot the device. We confirm again and during the reboot, immediately disconnect the smartphone or tablet from the PC;
• When the gadget turns on, it will prompt you to enter a graphic password to unlock it. You can enter whatever you want. The device should unlock.

Attention! If this method does not work, you can try repeating all the steps in Recovery mode.

Universal Android Debug Bridge (adb) tool

You can use this utility to manage or troubleshoot your device. And in an emergency, such as losing a key, for example, this tool is perfect. To use it, you need access to a computer or laptop running Windows, a USB cable, and the debug mode installed on the device itself. The program must be downloaded and installed on your computer. On a locked gadget, the main settings menu is, of course, inaccessible, but debugging mode can be connected directly via the USB port.

You can download Android Debug Bridge (adb) here

As soon as the device is connected via USB to the computer, you should go to the Windows command line console - “start” - “run” - type “cmd” and press enter. After this, a line will appear where you need to enter the path to the folder in which the ADB utility is located and start entering commands exactly. You can enter commands out of order; if one does not work, enter the next one. You should insert enter at the end of each command.

other methods

If none of this works, but the gadget still has some charge left, try to keep it turned on, because unlocking the device is much easier. Moreover, some devices from Lenovo and other popular brands support turning on by holding down “Home”, which greatly simplifies all work with a broken button. And the latest models from Lenovo and other flagships from other brands are equipped with the ability to launch by double clicking on the screen. And of course, you can simply call the tablet from your phone, the screen will automatically light up.

This one-time solution will allow you to go into the settings and configure the “power” replacement, so under no circumstances disconnect the battery from the Lenovo until you resolve the problem. An external power supply is sufficient to maintain the charge.

But if the solutions described above do not work and the device is discharged, all that remains is to close the contacts to start it. In this case, the best solution would be a service, because with one careless move you can simply burn the board.

Haven't found another way to turn it on and off? Then, using a small Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the outer casing and find two contacts on the top right, labeled accordingly. They are always located close to the blocking and can simply save you if the activation does not work. Close them with the same screwdriver with an insulated handle, and you will see the long-awaited startup screen.

Calling the Tablet from Another Device to Unlock – Method #4

Every smartphone user knows that in order to receive a call, your phone does not need to be unlocked. This trick can be used to gain access to the gadget’s system if you suddenly forget your pattern key or PIN code.

• Call your mobile from another number.
• Answer an incoming call on your device.
• After starting a conversation, the phone is unlocked. Open the top notification shade.
• Go to Settings.
• Disable the password.

IMPORTANT: This method is not suitable for gaining access to new generation phones. You can only try to use it if you have a very old Android.

How to quickly bypass this breakdown in the future

If you managed to start the tablet and bypass the lock screen without a button, then you do not want to repeat the entire procedure. Fortunately, there are several applications that allow you to turn on the gadget even in such situations, some of them do this by reassigning functions to other “triggers,” and some work using a camera and proximity sensors (as well as pressure in the latest snow leopard).

One of the best software of this kind will be Gravity Screen, which saves you from a critical situation and is useful even during normal use.

And a regular gyroscope is used to turn it on, so after a quick setup, the gadget will automatically learn to turn off in the case and on the table, and turn on in your hands.

There are also additional functions, thanks to which you only need to shake the device or perform other simple actions for the display to work if the power button does not work.

If you are not going to take electronics to a service center, but still want to use it in the future, disassemble it. Sometimes situations happen, such as when the problem is not in the lock button, but in the inability to turn on the device without a battery, broken or previously removed. Then none of the methods will help you, because powering the accessory without a battery is simply impossible.

And if you are worried about how to turn on a device without a power button that has fallen out or become deformed, then simply find a piece of plastic, and then replace the damaged part in the device. But it happens that the problem is not in the hardware, then to fix it it is enough to use an Ammeter and check whether the current flows when you press the trigger. If this is the case, but Lenovo does not respond, then there is no other choice but to launch Android using a PC and reflash it. We talked above about how to launch Android from a PC. If after this it does not turn on, then most likely it can no longer be repaired.

Let's sum it up

It is not always possible to unlock a phone if you have forgotten your password without losing personal information and saved settings. On older versions of Android, just enter your Google account login information. Samsung owners can use the Find my mobile online service. In other cases, the owner must prepare his device for such a scenario in advance by enabling USB debugging in developer mode or installing a specialized Recovery menu. Otherwise, you will have to reset your smartphone to factory settings and lose data.

Other problems

There are also other situations, for example:

1. The tablet turns on and off, this can also be related to “power” and is often found on Prestige and Asus. If the tablet turns off by itself, the “double click” is to blame, something that PC users often encounter when the system perceives one mouse click as two. When the tablet turns on and locks in an instant, the “power” is not broken, but the whole problem lies in the sensor, which should be replaced at the nearest service center.
2. What to do if the tablet reacts every time to presses? The root of the problem is the same as in the previous case, so either resolder the part if there is a similar one, or immediately ask for help from specialists.
3. What to do if the tablet sees “phantom” clicks? This often occurs when headphones and other devices are connected to it, and the problem can be either in shorted contacts or in a malfunction of the equipment itself, which simply sends incorrect signals. If we are talking about headphones, try connecting others and check the operation again.

I hope our tips helped you. Try the universal algorithm described above. See you on the pages of the site!

Via the Recovery menu

Recovery Mode

Recovery is a special recovery mode from which system settings are reset to the state as after purchase, device firmware is flashed, superuser rights are obtained, data is restored from a backup, etc.

Note! To get into it, you need to turn off the tablet and when you turn it on again, press the volume up or down rocker together with the Power button (each manufacturer has its own button combination).

This can also be done using the ADB Run program, which is installed on a computer running Windows or Linux. To enter the Recovery menu, the tablet must be connected via a USB cable to the PC, having previously enabled USB debugging in the “Options” -> “Developer Options” menu.

After that, run ADB Run, select “Reboot” from the menu and then “Reboot Recovery”.

Recovery mode is available on the vast majority of gadgets running Android, but not all. If yours doesn’t have it, install it separately - with it you will have another way to unlock your tablet if you forgot both the pattern key and your Google account. To install, you can use ADB Run in FastBoot mode or the Odin flashing utility (for Samsung gadgets).

Unblocking

To unlock the device, you need to delete the /data/system/gesture.key file. But there is no file manager in the Recovery menu. In order for it to appear there, you need to install it in advance. For example, the Aroma File Manager program is perfect, which opens access to system files directly from Recovery.

If USB debugging is enabled on your tablet, you can also use ADB Run to remove gesture.key by selecting Manual from the menu and running the command adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key.

Another way to delete this file involves installing a special update that only works if there is a Recovery partition. This update resets the pattern key.

Unlocking via ADB app

Suitable for those who remember and have their own Google account. Using it, you can get a new password and open access to the device without losing stored information.

You can block your device in the following ways:

This is only one of the first methods that work with outdated OSs. If the device does not have a SIM card, then you can try other flaws in the system, which are widely written about on the Internet.

This option will tell you how to unlock your tablet if you have forgotten the password for an Android device of any version. But even here there are limitations, that is, mandatory conditions for using the method. To remove a block using this method, the following factors must be present:

To work, you will need to connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. Instructions for working with this utility are as follows:

update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';

All more or less large and well-known electronics manufacturers have their own websites with working technical customer support. It often happens that technical support specialists can tell you how to reset or recover the password on your tablet without resorting to radical measures, such as resetting the settings.

Via data reset

Resetting data is one of the last resort measures when no other methods have helped. It is not recommended to start with it for the reason that after this you will lose saved SMS, phone book, installed applications and some other data not saved in your Google account. Pictures and melodies will remain in place.

To reset your data, you will also need to go to the Recovery menu and select the option wipe data|factory reset. Let's figure out how this is done on devices of some brands.

Samsung

• On tablets: turn off the device and press the volume up rocker and the Power button before turning it on.
• On new smartphone models: turn off the device and press the Power, Home and Volume Up buttons before turning it on again.
• On older smartphone models: turn off the device and press the Power and Home buttons before turning it on again.

HTC

• Turn off the device, remove the battery (if it is removable) and immediately insert it.
• When turning on, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons.
• The wipe data|factory reset option on some HTS models is called clear storage.

Huawei

• Turn off the device, remove the battery (if it is removable) and immediately insert it.
• When turning on, press and hold Power and the Volume Up rocker.

On some recent Huawei smartphone models, data reset is performed by unlocking the bootloader using the HiSuite and ADB Run utilities. After this, the smartphone will be as clean as it was after purchase.

Prestigio

How to unlock your Prestigio tablet and smartphone if you forgot your pattern key?

• Turn off your device. When turning on, press and hold the Power, Home (if available) and Volume Up buttons.
• After executing the wipe data|factory reset instruction, in the Recovery menu, select delete all user data and then reboot system now.

Can a tablet be permanently locked?

In some equipment, for example, in Prestigio brand devices, a reset occurs by pressing the power, volume and Home buttons. If one of these keys is missing, then you need to look in the instructions for other reset methods.

A good way to unlock is to “bring the tablet up to condition.” To do this, when loading it, you need to constantly and continuously dial the key. Sooner or later, the computer will get tired of this, and the display will prompt you to enter your Google account or Apple Store account information. Then, having gained access to the system, the user will be able to change the security method and code.

Many lovers of new products can find an Alcatel tablet. In general, the unlocking algorithm is similar to the recovery sequences of other models. For example, when starting to use Google, the user must create his own account. After entering the pattern key incorrectly several times, a message about logging into your account and resetting the key will appear on the screen.

Reference! There is no such thing as tablets being blocked forever. You can always find a way to unlock it. You just need to know how. As a last resort, you can reflash the gadget.

If these methods for unlocking the tablet did not help you, then you can still try to reflash it, which is highly not recommended, since after reflashing the tablet, the warranty on it will immediately be voided,

Flashing method

Reflashing the device is the most difficult and risky method. You can only resort to it if you have forgotten the pattern key, you do not have the Internet and you do not know how to unlock the tablet in other ways. It is assumed that you know how to flash Android devices and that you already have the appropriate firmware with all the necessary tools.

The official source of original firmware is the website of the manufacturer of your device. All other sources can aggravate the problem, turning the gadget into a “brick”.

The following software is used to flash specific models of Android mobile devices:

• For Samsung – the Odin utility, which we have already mentioned.
• For LG – KDZ Updater.
• For Sony – Flsahtool.
• For devices of different brands - FastBoot from the Android SDK.
• For devices on MediaTek chips (which are mainly used on Chinese gadgets) – SP Flash Tool.

There are no universal instructions for installing the firmware - you must first find it on the website of the developer of the flash utility and study it in detail. If everything goes without incident, you will receive a pristine tablet with a brand new Android OS. There will be no trace left of the graphic key on it.

Method 2: Contact technical support

Consider contacting Samsung technical support through their official website:

This method is universal and suitable for all devices running Android OS (and not only Android). However, you should resort to it only as a last resort and only as a last resort, since all user data will be deleted along with the password. Most deleted data cannot be recovered.

The average waiting time for a response from technical support can vary from several hours to a day. Usually, for large manufacturers, support works quite quickly and the answer comes in less than an hour.

1. Turn on your device so the lock screen appears.
2. Find on it the inscription or button “Forgot your password?”. It can usually be found at the bottom of the lock screen. Sometimes it may be called “Remember password”, “Recover password”, etc. Click on it.

Often, when setting up a tablet for the first time, users simply scroll through the suggested items, and this is a mistake, since among them there are useful utilities that will help unlock the tablet in the future.

If the owner has forgotten the graphic password, then there is a way out. The first thing that comes to mind is to roll back the device to factory settings, but this will delete all data, so this option should be used as a last resort. It is much easier to use a Google account if the device is controlled by the Android OS.