How to get into a locked phone — even without password, PIN, or pattern
There are ways to get into a locked phone on Android or iPhone using proven methods like recovery mode, remote reset, and unlocking tools to regain access after lockout.
Jasmin Woods Updated on Jan 20, 2026 7:05 PM
Whether the device is screen-locked or FRP-locked, Appgeeker Android Unlocker can efficiently remove all passwords, PINs, patterns, and Google account verifications, helping Android users get into their locked phone quickly and easily.
It's possible to access a locked phone again even if you've forgotten the unlock password, PIN, or pattern.
Getting into a locked phone is straightforward if you still remember the screen lock or can use biometric authentication such as fingerprint or Face ID. However, when these options are unavailable, performing a factory reset is often the only way to get back into a locked phone.
Whether you are using an iPhone or an Android device, this guide covers all proven solutions to help you get into your locked phone after forgetting a password, PIN, or pattern. From remote reset options to button-based Recovery Mode methods, you will find multiple practical ways to unlock a locked phone and regain full access.
Table of contents
How to get into a locked phone
When you're locked out due to a forgotten password, PIN, or pattern, start by unlocking the phone with your fingerprint or Face ID.
If "Smart Lock" or "Extend Unlock" was enabled on your device before the lockout, you are still able to get into your phone under trusted conditions you previously set, such as being at a trusted location, connected to a trusted device, or carrying the device on your body.
If these options are unavailable or the device has been restarted, a factory reset is usually the only way to regain access. While the process permanently erases all data and resets the device to its original factory state, it allows you to access the phone again and set it up as new. After getting back to the locked phone, you can restore your data from a recent backup if available.
How to get it into a locked Android phone without password, PIN, or pattern
To get into a locked Android phone when you forgot the password, PIN, or pattern, the most recommended way is to perform a factory reset. Here are some reliable solutions:
Google Find Hub
Google provides a convenient service — Find Hub (formerly Find My Device) that allows you to remotely reset a locked phone and get back in with full access.
To use this unlocking method, the device should be linked to your Google account, have Find Hub enabled, and remain connected to the internet. Here's how to get into a locked phone without password using Google Find Hub:
1. On any accessible device, visit Google Find Hub and sign in with your Google Account.
2. When the map appears, select Devices from the left-hand menu.
3. From the list of connected devices, select the locked phone you want to get into.
4. Choose Factory reset device in the opening options.
5. If prompted, verify your Google account password to go Next.
6. Confirm the Reset option to reset that locked Android phone remotely.
After the reset process is complete, your phone will be unlocked, allowing you to get in and set it up again from the scratch.
Samsung SmartThings Find
Samsung users have another option to get into their locked phone by using Samsung SmartThings Find (previously known as Find My Mobile). Developed by Samsung, this official service allows you to remotely erase a linked Samsung device and regain full access through a factory reset.
1. From another device or computer, access Samsung SmartThings Find website.
2. Sign in with your Samsung Account. Ensure it's the one associated with your locked phone.
3. Check all connected devices and select the Samsung phone you prefer to unlock.
4. In the expanded menu, select Erase data.
5. When requested, verify your identity via a verification code sent to your Samsung phone or tablet.
6. Confirm the Erase option to begin the data erasure.
The process will reset your locked Samsung phone to factory settings, so you can follow the initial prompts to complete setups and get full access back for a new start.
Appgeeker Android Unlocker
Whether your phone is locked due to a forgotten password, PIN, or pattern, or restricted by a previously-synced Google account after a factory reset, Appgeeker Android Unlocker provides an all-in-one solution that can help you quickly get into your locked phone and regain full access.
Equipped with powerful screen lock removal and FRP bypass capabilities, this Android unlocking tool can remove all types of screen locks across a wide range of devices, including passwords, 4- or 6-digit PINs, patterns, fingerprints, Face ID, and even Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
It's compatible with Samsung, Motorola, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, LG, Vivo, OPPO, Realme, OnePlus, Huawei, and many other Android phones and tablets. Not requiring technical expertise, simply follow the steps below to get into a locked Android phone without a password, PIN, or pattern:
Step 1. Open Appgeeker Android Unlocker on PC and start with Remove Screen Password.
TIP: If you're trying to get into a Google-locked phone after a factory reset, select Bypass Google FRP lock instead.
Step 2. Pick the Android brand of your locked phone.
Step 3. Connect your locked phone with a USB cable. The software will automatically recognize the connected device. If not, follow the onscreen link or click Try Other Unlock Methods to continue.
Step 4. Click Remove Now to get your phone unlocked for full access. Keep the device connected until the screen lock removal is finished.
This process removes all screen locks from your Android device, allowing you to get into your phone without any restrictions. It also helps if you're trying to regain access to a Google-locked phone after a factory reset when the original Google account credentials are unavailable.
Android Recovery Mode
If a remote reset is not available, Android Recovery Mode can also help you get into a locked phone without a password. Every Android device supports a specific combination of physical buttons that allows you to enter Recovery Mode even when the phone is locked.
This method performs a manual factory reset, which erases all data on the device, including the screen lock. After reset, you'll be able to access the phone again and set it up for a new start. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.
1. Turn off your locked phone completely.
2. Press and hold a specific combination of buttons to enter Android Recovery Mode. TIP: If you have a Samsung phone, connect it to a computer first.
- Keep holding Volume Up + Power buttons on Samsung (newer models), Huawei, VIVO, Xiaomi, Redmi, and Sony.
- Press and hold Volume Down + Power buttons on Motorola, Google Pixel, OnePlus, LG, TCL, OPPO, Realme, Lenovo, etc.
- Long-press Volume Up + Power + Home/Bixby buttons on Samsung older models that have a physical Home/Bixby button.
3. Do not release the buttons until the device vibrates and Android Recovery menu opens.
4. Scroll down to Wipe data/factory reset option using Volume Down button, then press Power button to select it.
5. Highlight Factory data reset, Yes, or Yes - delete all user data, and confirm it via Power key.
6. Wait for your Android to complete the reset, then select Reboot system now.
7. Upon restarting, set up the device again from the welcome screen, then you'll get full access to your phone and use it as new.
Note: If you are prompted to sign in with a Google account during the setup process, enter the Google account credentials that was previously synced with the device. If you forget those credentials, try recovering your Google account or using an FRP bypass tool to regain access.
How to get into a locked iPhone without passcode
Similar to Android devices, iPhone users can get into their locked phone by performing a remote reset or entering Recovery Mode. In addition, the "Forgot Passcode" option on newer iOS allows you to factory reset an iPhone without passcode directly from the lock screen.
If none of these options work, Appgeeker iPhone Unlocker can be used as an efficient tool for unlocking a locked iPhone without a passcode or Apple ID, enabling you to regain full control of the device with ease.
Forgot Passcode in iOS 17 or later
On iPhones running iOS 17 or later, the "Forgot Passcode" option appears on the lock screen after multiple wrong passcode attempts, letting users reset their phone directly and regain access even with a forgotten passcode. Ensure the device is still online and you have your Apple ID password.
1. Enter a wrong passcode on iPhone lock screen over 5 times until the iPhone Unavailable, try again screen appears.
2. Tap Forgot Passcode? in the bottom corner. If you're using iOS 15.2 to iOS 16, you'll see an Erase iPhone option instead; tap it to continue.
TIP: You won't get this option if Find My feature is not enabled on your iPhone before a lockout.
3. On Security Lockout screen, tap Start iPhone Reset to go on.
4. Verify your Apple ID password as required to sign out and erase this iPhone.
5. Choose Keep / Delete eSIM and Erase Data to start iPhone resetting process.
6. Wait until your phone restarts, then complete the setup prompts to regain full access.
This way, you'll be able to get into your locked iPhone even without a passcode or computer.
iCloud Find My iPhone
If Find My was enabled in iCloud settings before your iPhone was locked, you can perform a remote factory reset to unlock your iPhone without passcode and regain instant access. This process requires an internet connection and your Apple ID credentials.
1. On a spare device or computer, go to iCloud.com.
2. Sign in to your iCloud Account with the same Apple ID and password used on your iPhone.
3. Once in, select Find My icon from the main menu.
4. Check All Devices at the top and select the locked phone you want to get back in.
5. Select Erase This Device and follow the on-screen to verify your identity.
The reset process starts on your iPhone immediately. Afterwards, you'll get full access back. If you have a recent backup, restore your data from it.
Recovery Mode Unlock
Entering iOS Recovery Mode also enables you to get into a locked iPhone if you have completely forgotten the passcode. This method requires using iTunes/Finder and pressing the correct button combination on your phone:
1. Open iTunes on your Windows PC or an older Mac with macOS 10.14 or earlier. If you have a newer Mac with macOS 10.15 or later, open the native Finder.
2. Turn off your iPhone and connect it to your computer via a USB cable.
3. Press and hold correct button combinations on your iPhone. Don't release the button(s) until a cable-to-computer screen appears.
- On iPhone 8 or later, quickly press and release the Volume Up button, press and release the Volume Down button, then keep holding the Side button.
- On iPhone 7/7 Plus, press and hold Volume Down button.
- On iPhone 6s or earlier, including 1st generation, keep holding the Home button and Side button at the same time.
4. On iTunes/Finder, a message box will pop up with Restore-or-Update options.
5. Select Restore and confirm Restore and Update option.
6. Keep your phone connected until the restoration is fully complete.
Once unlocked, you can then set up your iPhone again from the Hello screen, regaining full access with no passcode required.
Bonus: How to get into a locked phone after a factory reset
If your phone is associated with a Google account, performing a factory reset may trigger Google's Factory Reset Protection (FRP). This security feature can prevent you from accessing the phone even after the screen lock has been removed. To proceed with setup, you need to verify the Google account that was previously synced with the phone.
Get in with your Google credentials
If you remember the last-used Google account credentials, enter the information correctly to get past the Google account verification and unlock full access.
Recover Google Account online
In case you forgot your Google password, recover your Google account online, then sign in with the updated credentials to complete the verification process.
Use FRP bypass tools
If you no longer have access to the original credentials or the phone is still linked to the previous owner's account, an FRP bypass tool such as Appgeeker Android Unlocker can be a helpful solution to bypass Google account verification and regain access to the Android phone after reset.
FAQs
Q1 - How can I get into my locked phone if I forgot my password?
You can try biometric unlock using a fingerprint or facial ID. If Smart Lock/Extended Unlock is previously configured, your phone will be automatically unlocked and let you get in under trusted conditions. If all failed, a factory reset is usually required to regain phone access.
Q2 - Can you get access to a locked phone without a factory reset?
It's possible to access a locked phone in limited cases, such as using biometrics, Smart Lock, or system-based unlock options. Otherwise, a factory reset is typically necessary. For example:
On Android 4.4 or earlier, the Forgot Pattern/PIN feature allows you to temporarily unlock the phone by verifying the associated Google account, after which you can set a new pattern or PIN without performing a factory reset.
On iOS 17 or newer, the Forgot Passcode feature lets you access your iPhone with an old passcode that you've changed in the last 72 hours. Then, you can reset a new passcode to unlock your iPhone, no reset needed.
Q3 - Is it possible to unlock a locked phone without password, PIN, or pattern?
Yes, but the process usually involves a factory reset or specialized unlocking tools like Appgeeker Android Unlocker that completely remove the screen lock from your phone.
Q4 - How can I get into my locked iPhone without using a computer?
If Find My is enabled, you may erase and unlock your iPhone remotely from iCloud, or use the Forgot Passcode option on the lock screen by verifying your Apple ID password.
