Forgetting the PIN, pattern, or password on an Android phone can leave you completely locked out of the device. If biometric unlock is no longer accepted and you cannot get past the lock screen, a factory reset may be the only practical way to use the phone again.
The important part is understanding what a reset actually does.
A factory reset can remove the screen lock because it erases the phone and returns Android to its initial setup state. It also deletes apps, settings, messages, downloads, and other data stored locally on the device. It does not normally remove Google’s device-protection requirements. After resetting a protected Android phone through Recovery Mode, you may still need to sign in with a Google Account that was previously used on that phone.
If you are trying to learn how to reset an Android phone when locked, the two main methods are:
- Reset the phone through Android Recovery Mode using its hardware buttons.
- Remotely erase the phone through Google Find Hub if the required Google services were already enabled.
The exact Recovery Mode buttons can differ between Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Infinix, and other Android phones, so I will show the common procedures and explain when you should check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Quick Answer: How to Reset an Android Phone When Locked
If you cannot unlock your own Android phone, try this general Recovery Mode process:
- Charge the phone sufficiently.
- Turn the phone off.
- Use the correct hardware-button combination for your phone to enter Recovery Mode or the bootloader.
- Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset or Factory data reset.
- Press the Power button to select it.
- Confirm the reset.
- Select Reboot system now when the wipe finishes.
- Set up the phone again.
- Sign in with the Google Account previously associated with the device if Android asks for it.
Google confirms that a locked Android phone can be erased with its power and volume buttons when Settings cannot be opened, but it recommends checking the phone manufacturer’s support information for the exact button sequence.
Do not start the reset until you understand the data-loss and Google-account requirements below.
What Happens When You Factory Reset a Locked Android Phone?
A factory reset removes user data stored in the phone’s internal storage and restores Android to a fresh setup state.
Data that can be erased includes:
- Installed apps
- App data
- Text messages stored locally
- Call history
- Downloaded files
- Local photos and videos
- Saved settings
- Accounts configured on the phone
- Screen-lock settings
- Wi-Fi configurations
- Locally stored documents
Data already synchronized to cloud services may be available again after you sign back in.
For example, photos previously backed up to Google Photos should remain in your Google account even though the local copies on the phone are erased.
The same applies to contacts synchronized with Google and other data that had already been backed up.
A factory reset is very different from resetting network settings or resetting individual Android preferences. If you only have a software problem and can still unlock the device, try less destructive fixes first. My How to Fix “System UI Has Stopped” on Android article is an example of a troubleshooting process where a full factory reset is reserved for the last stage rather than used immediately.
Before You Reset a Locked Android Phone
If the phone belongs to you, check these points before wiping it.
Make Sure You Know the Google Account
After a Recovery Mode reset, Android may ask for a Google Account that was previously used on the phone.
Before proceeding, make sure you know:
- The Gmail or Google Account address
- The Google Account password
- Any two-step verification method you may need
If you recently changed the Google Account password, some manufacturers warn that you may need to wait before the new password can be accepted during protected-device setup.
Understand That Local Data May Be Lost
You cannot normally create a new full backup after you are locked out because Android protects local data with the screen lock.
If your photos, contacts, files, WhatsApp data, or other information were not backed up before the lockout, assume they may be lost after the reset.
Remove the SD Card If Appropriate
A factory reset mainly targets internal storage, but behavior can vary depending on the device and reset method.
If the phone has a removable microSD card and you do not want to risk affecting it, power the phone off and remove the card before resetting when that is practical.
Charge the Battery
Do not start a factory reset with an almost-empty battery.
A reset that is interrupted by loss of power can create additional problems.
Motorola, for example, recommends having at least about 30 percent battery before performing an external reset.
Method 1: Reset a Locked Android Phone Using Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode is a separate startup environment that allows you to perform maintenance tasks without opening the normal Android interface.
This is why it can still be useful when you cannot pass the lock screen.
The general process is:
- Turn the phone off.
- Enter Recovery Mode using the correct buttons.
- Choose the wipe or factory-reset option.
- Confirm the reset.
- Reboot the phone.
The difficult part is getting into Recovery Mode because manufacturers use different button combinations.
Do not repeatedly try random combinations. Use the section for your phone brand or check the manufacturer’s support website for your exact model.
How to Reset a Locked Google Pixel or Similar Stock Android Phone
Google’s standard Android recovery process commonly starts from the bootloader.
On supported Pixel-style devices, the general process is:
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold Power + Volume Down.
- Release the buttons when the bootloader or Fastboot screen appears.
- Use the Volume buttons to highlight Recovery Mode.
- Press the Power button to select it.
- If you see the Android robot with No command, hold the Power button and press Volume Up once.
- Release the buttons when the Recovery menu appears.
- Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press Power.
- Confirm Factory data reset.
- Wait for the wipe to finish.
- Select Reboot system now.
Google’s Android documentation also notes that button-reset procedures can differ by manufacturer, so verify your specific model if the sequence above does not open Recovery Mode.
Do not choose options such as Reboot to bootloader, Apply update, or other maintenance commands unless you know what they do.
How to Reset a Locked Samsung Galaxy Phone
Samsung’s procedure differs from Google’s Pixel-style process.
On many recent Galaxy phones without a physical Home button, Samsung currently instructs users to connect the phone to a computer with a USB cable before entering Recovery Mode.
For many modern Galaxy models:
- Turn the Galaxy phone off.
- Connect it to a computer with a USB cable if required by your model.
- Press and hold Volume Up + Side/Power.
- Keep holding until the Samsung logo and Recovery Mode appear.
- Release the buttons.
- Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press the Power or Side button to select it.
- Highlight Factory data reset or the confirmation option.
- Press Power to confirm.
- Wait for Data wipe complete.
- Select Reboot system now.
Older Galaxy phones can use different combinations.
For example:
- Some Galaxy models with a dedicated Bixby button use Volume Up + Bixby + Power.
- Older models with a physical Home button can use Volume Up + Home + Power.
Because Samsung has used several hardware layouts over the years, confirm your exact model when the normal Volume Up and Side-button combination does not work.
Samsung also makes an important point about Google Device Protection: if you reset a Galaxy phone through the Recovery menu, you may be required to enter the Google Account and password previously associated with the phone.
If your Samsung phone is not locked and your problem is only related to connectivity, a full wipe is unnecessary. Use How to Reset Network Settings on Samsung instead when the issue is Wi-Fi, mobile data, or Bluetooth configuration.
How to Reset a Locked Motorola Phone
Motorola provides a clear external-reset procedure for many of its Android phones.
The typical steps are:
- Charge the phone to at least around 30 percent.
- Turn it off.
- Press and hold Volume Down + Power until the phone turns on.
- Press Volume Down until Recovery mode is highlighted.
- Press Power to select it.
- If you see an Android robot with a red exclamation mark or No command, hold Power and press Volume Up once.
- Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press Power.
- Select Factory data reset.
- Wait for the reset to complete.
- Select Reboot system now.
Motorola also warns that the phone may require the Google Account credentials that were previously associated with it when setup begins again.
How to Reset a Locked OnePlus Phone
OnePlus has used Power + Volume Down to enter Recovery Mode on a number of its phones.
On supported OnePlus models:
- Power the phone off.
- Press and hold Power + Volume Down.
- Release the buttons when Recovery Mode appears.
- Choose the language if prompted.
- Look for Wipe data, Format data, or the factory-reset option.
- Follow the confirmation prompts.
- Reboot the phone when the wipe is complete.
The exact wording can vary between OxygenOS versions.
Some devices may request additional confirmation before the wipe begins.
If your OnePlus phone does not enter Recovery Mode with this combination, check the support page or manual for the exact model rather than repeatedly forcing restarts.
How to Reset a Locked Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco Phone
Xiaomi documents Recovery Mode access using Volume Up + Power on many Xiaomi and Redmi devices.
The typical process is:
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold Volume Up + Power.
- Release the buttons when Recovery Mode appears.
- Use the Volume buttons to select Wipe Data.
- Press Power to confirm.
- Select Wipe All Data.
- Confirm the operation.
- Wait for the wipe to complete.
- Return to the main menu.
- Select the reboot option.
The exact recovery interface varies between MIUI and HyperOS devices.
Xiaomi also warns that choosing Wipe All Data removes apps, settings, and personal files.
How to Reset Oppo and Realme Phones When Locked
Oppo and Realme use ColorOS-based recovery systems on many devices, although their button combinations and menu wording can vary.
A commonly used process starts with:
- Turn the phone off.
- Hold Power + Volume Down.
- Enter Recovery Mode.
- Choose a language if requested.
- Select the data-wipe or factory-reset option.
- Follow the on-screen verification and confirmation steps.
- Restart the device.
Newer models may have additional verification requirements before allowing a wipe.
Because Oppo and Realme have changed recovery behavior between generations, I recommend checking the manufacturer’s support documentation for the exact model if these steps do not match what appears on your screen.
How to Reset Tecno and Infinix Phones When Locked
Tecno HiOS and Infinix XOS devices also provide recovery environments, but button behavior can differ between models.
Many models use some combination of the Power and Volume Up buttons to reach the startup or Recovery menu.
Once Recovery Mode opens, look for:
Wipe data/factory reset
or:
Factory data reset
Use the Volume buttons to navigate if the touchscreen is unavailable, then use the Power button to confirm.
Because model-specific differences are common, check the Tecno or Infinix support information for the exact device if the expected menu does not appear.
What Does “No Command” Mean in Android Recovery?
Seeing an Android robot with No command does not necessarily mean Recovery Mode failed.
On many Android devices, this screen appears immediately before the full Recovery menu.
On Google’s standard recovery interface:
- Hold the Power button.
- While holding Power, press Volume Up once.
- Release the buttons.
The Android Recovery menu should appear.
Do not keep holding every key indefinitely, because that can reboot the phone instead.
Method 2: Reset a Locked Android Phone Using Google Find Hub
If the phone is connected to your Google Account and Find Hub was enabled before you became locked out, you may be able to erase the phone remotely.
This method can be useful when:
- The phone is locked.
- You cannot operate the Recovery Mode buttons.
- The device is somewhere else.
- The touchscreen is damaged.
- The phone has been lost or stolen.
Google says a device must generally have power, be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, be signed in to a Google Account, have Find Hub enabled, and be visible to Google Play for remote security and erase actions to work.
To try it:
- On another phone or computer, open a browser.
- Go to Google Find Hub.
- Sign in with the Google Account connected to the locked phone.
- Select the correct Android device.
- Open the device’s settings or available security actions.
- Choose the Factory reset or erase option.
- Read the warning carefully.
- Confirm the erase.
If the phone is currently offline, the command may not execute until the device reconnects.
A remote reset permanently removes data from the phone. Do not use it simply because you temporarily forgot a PIN if you still have a realistic way to recover the screen lock without wiping the device.
Can Find Hub Unlock an Android Phone Without Erasing It?
Do not rely on Find Hub as a general forgotten-PIN bypass.
Google’s current device-finding tools are designed to locate, secure, and erase devices, not to reveal your existing PIN, pattern, or password.
If you have forgotten the screen lock and Android does not offer another authorized recovery method for your device, erasing the phone may be necessary.
This is intentional. If anyone could remotely remove a lock screen without authentication, a stolen Android phone would be far easier to access.
Can You Reset a Locked Android Without a Google Account?
You may be able to perform the physical factory reset without signing into Google first, but that does not mean you will be able to complete setup afterward.
If Google Device Protection or Factory Reset Protection is active, Android can require a Google Account that was previously synchronized with the device.
This is why knowing the original Google Account before resetting is so important.
If the phone was never associated with a Google Account, the setup behavior may be different.
What Is Factory Reset Protection?
Factory Reset Protection, commonly shortened to FRP, is an Android anti-theft mechanism.
It is designed to prevent someone from stealing a protected phone, using Recovery Mode to erase it, and then simply setting it up as a new device.
When device protection is active, a Recovery Mode reset can trigger an ownership-verification step during setup.
Google explains that after a button-based reset, Android may ask for the previous screen lock or offer verification using a Google Account that was on the device before it was reset.
Samsung describes the same protection on Galaxy devices. When a Galaxy device is reset through its Recovery menu, Google Device Protection can require the previously associated Google Account credentials.
A factory reset therefore removes the old lock-screen configuration, but it does not guarantee that the phone becomes freely usable by anyone.
Does Factory Reset Remove the PIN, Pattern, or Password?
Yes, the old screen-lock configuration is erased with the device data.
However, that is only part of the process.
After rebooting, Android may require ownership verification before setup can continue.
So the practical answer is:
- The old lock screen is removed.
- The phone may still require the previous Google Account or other security verification.
Do not confuse those two security layers.
What If You Forgot the Google Account After Resetting?
If you know the email address but forgot the password, use Google’s official account-recovery process.
Do not use websites, computer programs, videos, or paid services claiming they can “remove FRP instantly” by exploiting undocumented bypasses.
If you do not remember which Google Account was associated with the phone, check your own Google accounts on another device and review the devices linked to them.
For a Samsung Galaxy, Samsung recommends contacting an authorized service center with proof of purchase if you cannot recover the account information.
Other manufacturers may have similar ownership-verification procedures.
What If You Changed Your Google Password Just Before the Reset?
You may not always be able to use a newly changed Google password immediately on a protected reset device.
Samsung’s current guidance notes that Google may impose a waiting or cool-down period after the password is changed before the new credentials can unlock the device.
If your legitimate Google Account and password are rejected immediately after a password reset:
- Confirm that you are using the correct Google Account.
- Make sure the password works when signing into Google on another device.
- Wait for any security hold required by Google.
- Try the setup process again later.
- Contact the phone manufacturer if the account is correct but verification continues to fail.
Repeatedly resetting the phone again will not normally solve an account-verification delay.
What If Recovery Mode Does Not Open?
Several things can prevent you from reaching the Recovery menu.
The Button Combination Is Wrong
Different phones use different combinations.
Samsung, Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi do not all enter Recovery Mode the same way.
Verify the exact procedure for your model.
The Phone Is Rebooting Instead
You may be holding the buttons too long.
Release them when the bootloader, manufacturer logo, or Recovery screen appears according to your phone’s instructions.
Your Samsung Needs a USB Connection
Some newer Samsung Galaxy models require the phone to be connected by USB to a computer before the normal Recovery Mode button combination will work.
A Volume or Power Button Is Damaged
Recovery Mode depends on physical buttons.
If a required button does not work, a service center may be necessary unless remote erase through Find Hub is available.
The Battery Is Too Low
Charge the phone before trying again.
If your device is having charging problems as well, troubleshoot that separately before attempting a reset. Why Is My Phone Charging Slowly? 15 Proven Fixes covers common charging issues that can prevent a phone from getting enough power for troubleshooting.
Can You Reset a Locked Android Without Losing Data?
In most forgotten-screen-lock cases, do not expect a factory reset to preserve local data.
A factory reset is specifically designed to erase user data.
Modern Android encryption also means there is no simple, universal method for extracting all protected local data from a phone when you cannot authenticate with the correct screen lock.
Before resetting, consider whether important information may already exist in:
- Google Photos
- Google Contacts
- Google Drive
- Google One backup
- WhatsApp cloud backup
- Manufacturer cloud services
- A microSD card
- Another computer where files were previously copied
- Other devices synchronized to the same accounts
You can check those services from another phone or computer before wiping the locked device.
If you are preparing an Android phone for sale rather than recovering from a lockout, a proper factory reset is also much more appropriate than simply deleting files manually. I explain this distinction in How to Empty Trash on Android.
Will a Factory Reset Delete Photos?
Photos stored only in the phone’s internal storage are normally erased.
Photos already backed up to a cloud account should remain in that account.
Before wiping the phone, open Google Photos from another device and sign in with your Google Account. Check whether the important photos are already visible there.
Do not assume that seeing Google Photos installed on the locked phone means backup was enabled.
Will a Factory Reset Delete the SIM Card?
No. A normal factory reset does not physically erase the SIM card itself.
It removes Android settings and user data stored on the phone.
Your mobile number is normally tied to the SIM or eSIM service from your carrier rather than to Android’s internal storage.
However, eSIM behavior can vary by manufacturer and reset option. Some reset screens provide a separate choice to erase downloaded eSIMs.
If retaining an eSIM is important, check your manufacturer’s documentation before confirming a reset.
Will a Factory Reset Delete the SD Card?
Not necessarily, but you should not assume every phone handles external storage identically.
If the microSD card is removable and contains important files, remove it before the reset when possible.
Encrypted SD cards can present additional problems because the encryption keys may depend on the original device state.
What If the Phone Is Locked Because the Screen Is Broken?
A broken screen and a forgotten lock code are different problems.
If you still know the PIN or password but cannot use the touchscreen, you may have alternatives before erasing the device.
Depending on the phone, you might be able to use:
- A USB mouse through an OTG adapter
- An external monitor on phones that support display output
- Samsung DeX on compatible Galaxy models
- A repaired screen
- Previously configured remote tools
Samsung specifically notes that some Galaxy devices with a damaged touchscreen can be operated with a USB mouse and keyboard.
If you can regain input long enough to back up your files, that is preferable to immediately performing a destructive reset.
What If the Phone Keeps Restarting and Is Also Locked?
A boot loop or repeated restart can make Recovery Mode harder to enter, but the reset procedure may still be available.
Try to identify whether the problem is:
- A forgotten screen lock
- A boot loop
- A frozen interface
- A failed Android update
- A damaged Power button
- Low battery
- Storage corruption
If the phone occasionally reaches Android normally, do not rush into a factory reset until you have considered whether important data can still be backed up.
Is a Hard Reset the Same as a Factory Reset?
People often use hard reset to mean a factory reset performed with hardware buttons.
Technically, the terminology is inconsistent between manufacturers.
A forced restart, for example, may also be called a hard reset by some people even though it does not erase data.
For a locked Android phone, look specifically for terms such as:
- Wipe data/factory reset
- Factory data reset
- Erase all data
- Wipe All Data
Those are the options that actually remove user data.
A simple reboot or forced restart will not remove a forgotten PIN.
Can You Reset an Android Phone From a Computer?
There is no single universal Windows or Mac program that can factory reset every locked Android phone while bypassing its security.
The legitimate computer-based options depend on how the phone was configured.
Examples include:
- Google Find Hub through a web browser
- Samsung’s supported remote-device tools for configured Galaxy devices
- Manufacturer repair or recovery utilities
- Enterprise device-management systems for company-owned phones
Be cautious with third-party tools that promise to bypass Android locks or Factory Reset Protection.
If the phone belongs to you and standard recovery fails, the safest route is the manufacturer or an authorized service center with proof of ownership.
Can You Reset a Stolen or Second-Hand Locked Android Phone?
A factory reset is not a legitimate substitute for ownership verification.
If you bought a used phone and it still asks for the previous owner’s Google Account after a reset, contact the seller and ask them to resolve the account lock through the proper ownership process.
If the device was reported lost or stolen, return it to the rightful owner or follow the appropriate local process.
Do not attempt to defeat FRP or other anti-theft protections.
What to Do After the Factory Reset
Once Android finishes resetting:
- Select your language.
- Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Follow the setup prompts.
- Enter the previous screen-lock information if Android requests it.
- Sign in with the required Google Account.
- Restore your available cloud backup.
- Reinstall your apps.
- Create a new PIN, pattern, or password.
- Add fingerprint or face unlock if you want it.
- Check that Find Hub is enabled.
Choose a screen lock you can remember without making it easy for someone else to guess.
You should also make sure your Google recovery email, recovery phone number, and two-step verification backup options are current.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I factory reset my Android phone if I am locked out?
Turn the phone off, enter Recovery Mode with the correct hardware-button combination for your model, choose Wipe data/factory reset, confirm the wipe, and reboot. The exact buttons vary by manufacturer.
Can I factory reset an Android phone without unlocking it?
Yes. Android supports factory resetting many locked phones through Recovery Mode. Google also supports remote erasure through Find Hub when the device meets the required conditions.
Does factory reset remove the lock screen?
The factory reset removes the stored PIN, pattern, password, and other local device settings. However, Android may require the previous Google Account or other ownership verification during setup.
Can I reset a locked Samsung phone?
Yes. Samsung documents a Recovery Mode factory-reset procedure for locked Galaxy devices. Many modern Galaxy phones use Volume Up and the Side/Power button, and some models need to be connected to a computer by USB first.
What buttons reset an Android phone?
There is no universal combination. Google Pixel-style devices commonly use Power + Volume Down to reach the bootloader, Motorola commonly uses Power + Volume Down, Xiaomi commonly uses Power + Volume Up, and Samsung commonly uses Volume Up + Side/Power on newer models.
Will I lose everything if I reset a locked Android?
Local data stored on the phone is normally erased. Information that was already backed up to Google or another cloud service may be restored after setup.
Can I reset my phone if I forgot my Google Account?
You may be able to erase it, but Factory Reset Protection can prevent you from completing setup without the previously associated Google Account. Recover your Google Account first if possible.
Can Google unlock my screen PIN?
Google does not provide a general feature that reveals or removes a forgotten Android screen PIN while preserving local encrypted data. If no authorized unlock method is available, a factory reset may be required.
Can Find Hub factory reset a locked phone?
Yes, if the phone meets Google’s requirements for remote actions. Sign in to Find Hub using the Google Account connected to the device and select the factory-reset or erase option.
What if my phone says “No command”?
On many Android recovery systems, hold the Power button and press Volume Up once to display the full Recovery menu. The exact behavior can vary by model.
Can I recover photos after factory resetting a locked Android?
Photos that were already backed up to Google Photos or another cloud service can normally be downloaded again after you sign in. Locally stored photos that were not backed up are generally not recoverable through normal Android restore options after a factory reset.
Does a factory reset bypass FRP?
No. Factory Reset Protection is specifically designed to survive unauthorized reset attempts and verify ownership afterward.
Reset the Phone Only When You Are Ready to Lose Its Local Data
If you are locked out of your own Android phone and there is no supported way to recover the screen lock, Recovery Mode is usually the most direct reset method. Google Find Hub provides another option when the phone is online and already linked to your Google Account.
The reset itself is only half of the process. Before you wipe the device, make sure you know the Google Account that was previously used on it and understand that local files may be permanently erased.
Once the reset is complete, Android may ask you to verify the previous account or screen lock before the phone can be used again. That protection is intentional and helps stop a lost or stolen Android phone from becoming usable simply because someone erased it.
