How To Reset An Android Phone When Locked [2024]

All Android phones can be easily reset to factory settings. This feature is crucial to make sure that nobody stays locked out of his phone forever. A hard reset will also wipe out all of the data from the phone that wasn’t backed up to the cloud; accordingly, it shouldn’t be performed unless considered necessary.

If you decide that you have no other option at your disposal, you can easily perform this procedure by yourself devoid of any programming expertise. When it’s completed, your phone will revert to factory settings, so you will have to install all apps all over again. 

Then, how to reset Android phone when locked? This comprehensive guide will take you through all of the options for unlocking your locked Android phone: 

Knowing Why Phone Locking Is Necessary

The security of our personal devices is more important than ever in this digital age. Particularly on smartphones, there is a vast amount of private information stored. Our devices are gatekeepers to our private life, protecting anything from our financial information through e-payment apps to our private images. It is therefore highly advised to use a screen lock, whether it be a PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication. 

The advantages of phone locking are evident, but they also provide a unique set of challenges. What happens, for instance, if we are unable to access our own devices? Forgetting a password is a common occurrence, particularly when the password is complex and secure. Furthermore, smartphones aren’t perfect—software bugs or technical issues can arise, especially with the Android operating system, which may prevent authorized users from accessing the device.

It’s often necessary to perform a factory reset when you’re locked out of your phone. By wiping all of the data off of your device, this method restores it to its factory settings and makes it feel like a brand-new device. Even if deleting personal data is a scary thought, there are situations when it’s the only way to go back into your device and start over. 

Can An Android Phone That Is Locked Be Reset?

Many owners of Android phones are curious as to whether they can reset their locked devices. The answer is yes. No matter the model or brand, all Android phones can perform a factory reset. This function is crucial because it prevents users from being locked out of their own devices permanently if they forget their password or their device breaks down.

A factory reset should only be used as a last option due to its significant impact. Users should exhaust all other options for unlocking their device before moving forward. A factory reset should only be carried only after all other options have been explored. This minimizes the loss of important personal data by ensuring that the reset is only used when absolutely necessary.

How To Reset Your Locked Android Phone?

Method 1: Utilizing Recovery Mode to Reset

Perhaps the easiest and quickest way to reset a locked Android phone and remove the screen lock is to put it into recovery mode. Here is a detailed guide to assist you with this process:

• Step 1: Press and hold your phone’s volume up and power buttons – at the same time.
• Step 2: Hold off until a menu shows up on the screen, then navigate to the recovery mode.
• Step 3: Locate and choose the option for wiping all data from the phone, then confirm the operation.

Method 2: Utilizing Specialized Software

Using specialized tools like DroidKit – Android Phone Toolkit is a more effective way to reset a locked Android phone. You can quickly and efficiently unlock and reset your Android cellphone with the help of these tools. This is how you do it:

• Step 1: Install the software on your computer after downloading it.
• Step 2: Select the “Unlock Screen” mode when you connect your locked Android phone to the computer.
• Step 3: To remove the lock screen and carry out a factory reset, adhere to the on-screen instructions.

Method 3: Using Android Device Manager

Using the Android Device Manager (ADM) is an additional method of unlocking a locked Android phone. This method, nevertheless, works only if the ADM service was started before the lock.

• Step 1: Find the locked device, log in to your account, and then launch ADM from a computer or another phone.
• Step 2: Enter a new, short password.
• Step 3: Return to the locked phone. A password box should show up on the screen.
• Step 4: You can use your phone normally after you reset the password.

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Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

There may be some challenges when you try to reset an Android phone that has been locked. Here’s how to deal with common issues, such as:

1. Phone Does Not Enter Recovery Mode 

Check to see whether you’re hitting the right button combination—which varies depending on the device—if your phone isn’t entering recovery mode. If it still doesn’t work, try entering recovery mode using a different technique or go to the instructions that came with your device.

2. Factory Reset Option Not Found

The factory reset option might not always be easily visible. Using the volume buttons, go through the various parts in recovery mode. In the event that you are still unable to locate it, your device may have an unusual layout or extra security mechanisms. For assistance, visit the support website for your phone.

3. Reset Process Does Not Start

The software on your phone may be the problem if the reset process does not begin. Ensure that the battery on your device is fully charged, then try restarting the process. If issues continue, you might want to try plugging in a charger for your phone and restarting the process.

4. Data Not Completely Erased After Reset

Users may occasionally discover that not all of their data was deleted following a reset. This typically indicates that the reset was stopped or not completed. Attempt a factory reset one more, making sure the phone is not disrupted during the procedure.

5. Device Stuck on the Boot Screen After Reset

Software corruption or malfunctioning hardware may be the cause of your device being stuck on the boot screen following a reset. Attempt the reset once more. Reinstalling the software or getting it fixed by a professional may be essential if the issue persists.

6. Access Denied to Google Account Following Reset

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is frequently the cause of this problem. If you recently changed your Google password and are locked out of your account, utilize the account recovery methods/ or wait a day.

7. Unable to Restore Data from a Backup

Make sure the Google account you are using to access your backup is the proper one. Verify the storage capacity on Google Drive and your internet connection. Make sure the third-party app is compatible with your Android version and device before using it to restore data.

Final Word

It’s important to use caution while configuring your passwords for screen locks. However, there’s no reason to panic if your Android phone is locked out. You now have more options to reset your phone when it’s locked thanks to this guide.

Keep in mind that every technique described has a unique set of instructions and safety measures. It is crucial that you attentively adhere to these instructions in order to prevent needless data loss or device damage. It can be easy and stress-free to retrieve your Android phone back with the right strategy and careful execution.