How do I unlock a phone when the screen PIN and Google password are forgotten?
Answer
Recover the Google account first on a computer at Google’s official account recovery page, then use that account after an official factory reset if the phone PIN cannot be recalled. There is no safe way to bypass a forgotten PIN without erasing the device on most phones.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset permanently deletes local photos, messages, and apps that were not backed up.
- Anyone asking for your Google password or SMS codes to unlock a phone remotely is using a common scam.
Follow these steps
Recover the Google password on another device
On a computer or another phone, open Google’s official account recovery flow, enter the Gmail address, and use a recovery phone, email, or trusted device. Create a new password only on Google’s own pages.
You should see: You regain the Google account password or confirm which recovery methods still work.
Check lock-screen recovery options
On the locked phone, enter incorrect PINs until any official Forgot / Erase options appear (varies by brand). Follow only on-screen manufacturer instructions.
You should see: An official erase or account recovery path appears, or you confirm none is available without a computer.
Factory-reset through recovery if required
If the PIN cannot be recovered, use the phone maker’s official recovery-mode factory reset steps for that model. This erases the device.
You should see: The phone boots to initial setup after erase.
Sign in with the recovered Google account
During setup, sign in with the recovered Google account when Factory Reset Protection asks for it. Skip unknown accounts and use only the account that was on the phone.
You should see: Setup completes and the phone is usable again with a new screen lock.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Google recovery options such as a recovery phone, recovery email, or a prompt on a trusted device, and whether the lock screen shows Forgot PIN / factory reset guidance after failed attempts.
Before you change anything: Try Google account recovery on a different device before wiping the phone. Note any backup of photos you already have elsewhere. Expect a factory reset to erase local phone data. Never share passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers claiming they can unlock the phone.
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