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Locked Out of Your Smartphone? Here's How to Get Back In

Many of us like to secure our smartphones these days with a passcode. While that's a good idea, what if you forget it? It’s a scenario many face - staring at the screen of a phone, unable to access it because the passcode has slipped from memory.

It’s easy to panic when you realize you’re locked out, but don’t worry—there are several ways to regain access without losing your data. For both Android and iPhone users, there are steps that can be taken to regain access to their devices, even without the passcode. This guide will walk you through the steps to unlock your smartphone, to make sure you can get back to using your device as quickly as possible.

Related: 5 Things to Never Store on Your Smartphone

How to unlock an iPhone if you forgot the passcode

forgot passcode

Your iPhone won’t let you in until you enter the correct passcode. If you repeatedly type in the wrong code, your device will display messages like "iPhone Unavailable, Try Again in 15 Minutes" or "iPhone is Disabled, Try Again in 15 Minutes," depending on your iOS version. This waiting period gets longer each time you try and fail.

If you forgot your iPhone passcode, follow the steps below to unlock it.

Step 1: Power off your iPhone

To get started, you'll need a Mac or a PC. If you're using a PC, make sure it’s running Windows 10 or later with the Apple Devices app or iTunes installed. You’ll also require the cable that came with your iPhone or another compatible one to connect it to your computer.

If a computer isn’t available and you can’t borrow one, your next step should be to visit an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further help.

Next, follow these steps to proceed:

* Unplug your iPhone from the computer, if it’s already connected.

Power off your iPhone based on your model:

  • iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, and later (including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation): Press and hold both the side button and the volume down button until the power off slider appears.
  • iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 6s, and 6: Press and hold the side button until the power off slider appears.
  • iPhone SE 1st generation, iPhone 5s, and earlier: Press and hold the top button until the power off slider appears.
  • Drag the slider to power off your iPhone, then wait for about a minute to ensure it’s fully turned off.

Step 2: Put it in recovery mode

To put your iPhone in recovery mode, first, locate the button you’ll need to hold down in the next step:

  • iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, and later models (including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation): Use the side button.
  • iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Use the volume down button.
  • iPhone SE 1st generation, 6s, and earlier models: Use the Home button.
  • Once you’ve identified the correct button for your device, press and hold it while connecting your iPhone to the computer. Keep holding the button even when the Apple logo appears, and don’t release it until you see an image of a computer and cable on your screen.
  • If the passcode screen appears instead, you’ll need to turn off your iPhone and start the process again.

​​Related: Protect Your Phone from Being Hacked with This Guide

Step 3: Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC

After connecting your iPhone to your computer, find it in Finder on a Mac or in iTunes or the Apple Devices app on a PC.

  • When prompted with the option to Restore or Update, select Restore. Your computer will start downloading your iPhone's software and begin the restore process. If the download takes longer than 15 minutes and your iPhone exits recovery mode, allow the download to complete, then turn off your iPhone and restart the process.
  • After the restore is complete, your device will restart and display the setup screen.
  • After the restart, disconnect your iPhone from the computer. You can now proceed to set up your iPhone for use.

Contact Apple Support if you still can’t access your phone after following these steps.

How to unlock an Android phone if you forgot the passcode

android

Don't panic if you've forgotten your Android phone's passcode. There are several things you can do to unlock it. Let's explore your options.

Step 1: Use Smart Lock

Smart Lock (also known as Extend Unlock on Samsung devices) is a handy Android feature that keeps your phone unlocked when you're in a trusted location or connected to a trusted Bluetooth device, such as your fitness tracker or car.

To use Smart Lock, it must have been set up on your device beforehand. On most Android phones, you can find it by going to Settings > Security > Smart Lock. For Samsung devices, it’s under Settings > Lock Screen and AOD > Extend Lock.

Smart Lock offers the following options to unlock your phone without a password:

  • On-body detection: The phone detects when you're carrying it and stays unlocked while it's in your hand or pocket.
  • Trusted places: The phone uses your location to stay unlocked when you’re near a pre-selected address.
  • Trusted devices: The phone remains unlocked when connected to a trusted Bluetooth device, like your fitness tracker or car.

If you’ve already set up one or more of these Smart Lock options before forgetting your password, you can use them to regain access to your phone and back up any crucial data. Remember, you can’t change Smart Lock settings without entering your current PIN, and the feature won’t unlock your device after a restart.

Step 2: Try the Forgot Password Prompt

Some phone manufacturers, like Realme, offer a straightforward way to regain access to your device if you forget your PIN. After entering an incorrect password several times, some phones may display a "Forgot Password" or "Forgot PIN" option on the lock screen. This option will guide you through a series of steps to verify your identity and reset your lock screen password.

Verifying your device requires you to enter your email address or answer security questions that you previously configured. Once your identity is confirmed, you’ll receive on-screen instructions to set a new passcode for your device.

Related: Got a Call from an Unknown Number? Here's What to Do

Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset

If you're still unable to access your Android phone, your final option is to perform a factory reset. This process will erase all data on your phone, restoring it to its original condition.

Because you’re locked out, you won’t be able to reset the phone using the Settings app. Instead, you’ll need to visit Google's Find My Device website and sign in to your account. Once logged in, select your phone and choose the Factory reset device option from the left sidebar.

If the first method doesn't work, you can try a factory reset via Recovery Mode. Follow these steps:

  • Turn off your device completely.
  • Once the screen goes black, press and hold the volume down and power buttons at the same time to enter Recovery Mode.
  • After your device restarts, you’ll need to go through the setup process again. During this setup, you’ll be prompted to log back into your Google account, allowing you to restore any data that was backed up.

​​Step 4: For Samsung phones, use SmartThings Find

If you own a Samsung phone, there's an easy way to reset your screen lock code. Samsung has a feature called SmartThings Find that lets you control your phone from another device. To use this feature, you need to be signed in to your Samsung account on your device and have either a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

Here's what you need to do next:

  1. Go to Samsung's SmartThings Find website on your computer.
  2. Log in with your Samsung account.
  3. Select your phone and choose the Unlock option.
  4. Click Unlock again and enter your account password to confirm your identity.

After a few seconds, your current PIN or password will be removed, allowing you to set up a new lock screen security method.

Be wary of third-party apps

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Many third-party apps available online claim they can bypass iPhone and Android security without erasing data. However, these apps are often unreliable, and using them could void your phone’s warranty. Success with these tools is far from guaranteed.

Related: 7 Apps You Don’t Need on Your Phone!

Law enforcement agencies and intelligence services might unlock iPhones or Androids using specialized equipment, but these methods are usually illegal or too expensive for the average person. If the methods we've provided don’t work, your best option is to contact Apple or Android support or visit a licensed dealer for professional assistance.

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