How can a forgotten password be reset on an Android tablet?
Answer
The fix depends on which password is forgotten: a Google account password can be reset online at the official Google account recovery page, while a forgotten screen-lock PIN or password on most modern Android tablets can only be removed with a factory reset.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset permanently erases all apps, photos, and files stored on the tablet; anything not backed up to a cloud account is lost.
- Only reset the Google password at accounts.google.com; never give the password or a verification code to anyone who calls or messages offering to unlock the tablet.
Follow these steps
Identify which password is forgotten
Look at the screen asking for credentials. A prompt right after powering on that asks for a PIN, pattern, or password is the screen lock; a prompt showing an email address and asking for a password is the Google account.
You should see: It is clear whether the screen lock or the Google account password is the problem.
Reset a forgotten Google password online
On any other device, go to accounts.google.com and choose Forgot password. Follow the recovery prompts using the linked recovery email or phone number, then set a new password and use it on the tablet.
You should see: Google accepts the new password and the tablet signs in.
Try any Forgot PIN option on the lock screen
For a forgotten screen lock, enter the wrong code a few times and watch for a Forgot PIN or Forgot pattern link. It appears mainly on older Android versions and, if present, lets the Google account unlock the tablet.
You should see: Either a Forgot PIN option appears and unlocks the device, or no such option exists.
Factory reset from Recovery Mode as a last resort
With the tablet powered off, hold Power and Volume Up (the combination varies by model) until the recovery menu appears, then choose Wipe data / factory reset using the volume keys and confirm with the power button.
You should see: The tablet erases itself and restarts at the initial setup screen.
Sign back in after the reset
During setup, connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with the Google account previously used on the tablet, since Android's factory reset protection requires it.
You should see: Setup completes and the tablet is usable with a new screen lock.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The tablet shows a lock screen requesting a PIN, pattern, or password, or an on-screen prompt asks for the Google account password and rejects every attempt.
Before you change anything: Work out whether the forgotten credential is the screen lock or the Google account password. Check whether the tablet's data is backed up, since a factory reset erases everything on it. Have access to the recovery email or phone number linked to the Google account.