How do I unlock an Android phone after forgetting the PIN?
Answer
A forgotten Android PIN usually cannot be revealed—only reset by erasing the phone through Find Hub / Find My Device (if enabled) or recovery-mode factory reset, then signing back in with the Google account. Back up is not possible while locked, so expect local data loss.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Factory reset permanently deletes on-device data that was not already backed up to Google or another cloud service.
- Paid “PIN unlock” services that ask for verification codes are commonly scams.
Follow these steps
Try Find Hub remote erase
On another device, open Google’s official Find Hub / Find My Device, select the locked phone, and choose Erase if the phone is online. After erase, set it up again.
You should see: The phone wipes and boots to setup, or Find My Device reports the phone unavailable.
Enter recovery mode
If remote erase is unavailable, power off the phone and use your manufacturer’s button combination to open Android recovery mode.
You should see: A recovery menu appears with options such as Reboot, Wipe data, or Apply update.
Factory reset from recovery
Select Wipe data/factory reset, confirm Factory data reset, then choose Reboot system now. Do not select random volume or apply-update options you do not recognize.
You should see: The phone restarts to the initial welcome screen.
Sign in past Factory Reset Protection
During setup, enter the same Google account and password that was on the phone before the reset, then create a new PIN.
You should see: Setup completes and the phone is usable with a new screen lock.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether Find Hub / Find My Device shows the phone as online, and the manufacturer’s recovery-mode wipe wording such as Wipe data/factory reset.
Before you change anything: Try any remembered PIN/pattern variants carefully without exceeding excessive lockouts if possible. Confirm you know the Google account on the phone. Accept that a reset erases local photos and messages. Ignore paid unlock tools that ask for codes or remote access.
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