Android phones allow you to set a pattern as an added security measure. This pattern is entered to unlock the device. However, if you forget the pattern you're using, you won't be able to unlock your phone. If you don't remember the pattern you used and need to unlock your phone, read step 1. By following this guide, you can unlock your phone without having to reset your phone.
Step
Step 1. Turn on the phone
You will see an "enter pattern to unlock phone" screen.
Step 2. Enter the wrong pattern
Since you don't remember the pattern to unlock the phone, enter a different pattern. A red circle indicating a pattern error will appear. Repeat entering the wrong pattern until you get a notification that you have entered 5 incorrect patterns and have to wait 30 seconds. Click "OK."
Step 3. Click "Forgot Pattern
After clicking “OK”, you will see the “Forget Pattern” option. Tap that option.
Step 4. Enter the account information
When you click "Forgot Pattern", you will be asked to enter your Gmail account, so that Google can confirm that you really are the owner of the device. If you entered the account information correctly, you can bypass the pattern screen and unlock the phone.
If you don't know your Gmail account, use a computer or other device to sign in to www.gmail.com. In Gmail, click "Can't access your account?" then "I don't know my username." If you are unable to access your account information by these methods, you will need to reset your device
Step 5. Choose a locking method
Once you have entered the correct account information, you will be guided to choose a new locking method. Choose a method, and you can now use your phone again!
Tips
- If you forget a pattern, you may want to choose a pattern that is easier to remember. However, to keep your device safe with pattern locking, you should choose a pattern that's hard to crack, not an easy-to-guess pattern like a line -- something like "password" for a password or "1234" for a PIN.
- Keep in mind that fingerprints on your phone screen can make it easier for others to guess your pattern.
