How to reset Android phone when locked (2023)

Is your Android phone locked and leaving you trapped without access to your valuable data? It's a painful experience when you can't unlock your Android phone, potentially losing access to your important contacts, files and memories.

But don't be afraid! In this blog post, we'll show you how to hard reset a locked Android phone to regain control and your valuable data.

Imagine seamlessly bypassing the lock screen and getting your phone back up and running with just a few simple steps. By following our best practices, you'll overcome the frustration of a locked Android phone and unlock a world of possibilities.

So if you want to regain access to your locked Android phone and get your digital life back, read on as we guide you through the process step by step. Don't let your locked phone hold you back anymore!

Introduction to resetting Android phone when locked

For a locked Android phone, hard reset can be an effective solution to regain access and restore functionality. However, you should approach this process with caution as resetting your phone will erase all your data and settings and return it to its factory state. This blog post will walk you through the various methods to hard reset a locked Android phone and provide valuable information on the precautions and considerations involved in the process.

Method 1: Use the hardware buttons to reset

One of the most common methods to hard reset a locked Android phone is to use the hardware buttons. Although the specific button combination varies between phone models, the basic idea remains consistent. By simultaneously pressing a certain combination of buttons, you can access recovery mode, which allows you to initiate a factory reset. Note that this method may not work on all devices, especially those with non-standard interfaces or hardware configurations.

Method 2: Using Google's Find My Device feature

Another convenient method to reset a locked Android phone is to use Google's Find My Device feature. This method allows you to remotely erase data from a blocked device using a computer or other mobile device with Internet access. To use this feature, you must enable Find My Device on your Android phone and link it to your Google Account beforehand.

When your phone is locked and inaccessible, you can visit the Find My Device website or use the Find My Device app on another device. After signing in with your Google account information, you can find a locked phone on a map, play a sound to help you physically locate it, or remotely lock your device to prevent unauthorized access. To start the reset, select "Erase device" and confirm your decision when prompted. Please note that this action will permanently erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up all important files beforehand.

Step 1: Go to the Find My Device website or app on your computer or other device.
Step 2: Sign in to your Google account (associated with the locked phone).
Step 3: Select the locked phone from the list of devices.
Step 4: Click "Erase Device" and confirm your decision. This will erase all data on your phone remotely.

Method 3: Factory Reset in Recovery Mode

If the previous methods are not viable options or if you prefer a more comprehensive reset, you can perform a factory reset in recovery mode. Recovery Mode is a dedicated boot partition on Android devices that provides various maintenance and troubleshooting options, including the ability to initiate a factory reset.

To access recovery mode, you usually need to turn off your device and then press and hold a combination of buttons, such as the power button and volume up button, until the recovery screen appears. From there, navigate through the menu using the volume buttons and select the factory reset option. Confirm your choice and your device will start the reset process and erase all your data and settings.

Be careful when using recovery mode as the options in it can affect the normal operation of your device. Be sure to follow the on-screen instructions carefully, as the interface and navigation may vary depending on your phone model and Android version.

As with the hardware button method, factory reset in recovery mode will also erase all data and settings from your device. Therefore, it is important to backup your important files before using this method.

Step 1: Turn off your phone completely.
Step 2: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button until the recovery mode screen appears.
Step 3: Use the Volume buttons to navigate and select “Factory Reset” or “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”.
Step 4: Confirm your choice and wait for your phone to reset. This will erase all your phone data and settings.

Precautions and considerations for resetting a locked Android phone

There are a few precautions to keep in mind before you begin to reset a locked Android phone:

Precautions to prevent backup and data loss: A factory reset will erase all data on your device. To avoid losing important files, contacts and other data, make a backup beforehand. You can use cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox or transfer files to your computer.
Device Security and Privacy Implications: There are potential security and privacy implications to consider when resetting a locked Android phone. Be sure to remove any sensitive or personal information from your device, such as saved passwords or financial information. A factory reset will help erase your data, but it's always worth taking extra precautions to protect your privacy.
Additional tips to protect your phone and avoid getting locked out in the future: Getting your Android phone locked can be frustrating. To prevent this from happening in the future, you should consider taking preventative measures such as setting a secure screen lock method (such as PIN, pattern or biometric authentication), enabling remote monitoring and locking, and regularly updating your phone software and security fixes.

By following these precautions and considerations, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure a smoother process of recovering your locked Android phone.

Remember that resetting a locked Android phone should be your last resort when all other options fail, and it's important to understand the implications and take the necessary precautions before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions

How to reset Android phone without data loss?

Restoring an Android phone without data loss is a challenge as the purpose of a reset is to restore the device to its factory state and erase all data and settings. However, if you want to keep your data intact while you troubleshoot or fix some issues, there are a few options to consider:

Backup and Restore: Backup your data before restoring. Use built-in backup options in Android settings or third-party apps to save contacts, photos, videos, documents and other important files. Once the reset is complete, you can recover the data on your device.
Cloud storage and synchronization: Use cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive to store your important files. Make sure your files are synced to the cloud before performing a restore. Then you can access the files and download them back to your device.
Reset specific settings: If you encounter a specific problem or error, you can try resetting only specific settings instead of a full factory reset. For example, you can reset network settings, application preferences, or system settings without deleting personal information.
Contact Customer Support: If you are unsure about this process or are concerned about data loss, it is best to contact your device manufacturer's customer support. They can provide detailed instructions or solutions without requiring a complete reset.

Do I need to reinstall apps after restoring my Android phone?

Yes, you usually need to reinstall apps after resetting your Android phone. Factory reset erases all device data and settings, including installed apps. However, if your apps were downloaded from the Google Play Store or another official app store, you can easily reinstall them.

How to reinstall apps after resetting your Android phone:

Open the Google Play Store app on your device.
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner of the screen.
Select "My apps and games" from the menu.
Go to the "Library" tab. Here you will find a list of all the apps you have previously downloaded or purchased.
Tap the app you want to reinstall.
On the application page, click the "Install" button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Alternatively, you can also search for the apps you need directly in the Google Play Store and install them from there.

Note that some apps may ask you to sign in again or reconfigure settings after reinstallation. If you have app data or settings, they may be lost unless backed up first.

How to factory reset a locked Samsung phone?

To factory reset a locked Samsung phone, you can follow these steps:

Turn off your Samsung phone completely.
Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time.
Hold the buttons until the Samsung logo appears on the screen, then release both buttons.
You will see the Android system recovery menu.
Use the Volume Down button to navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
Press the power button to select an option.
On the next screen, navigate to “Yes” using the Volume Down button and press the Power button to confirm.
The factory reset process will begin and your Samsung phone will be restored to its original factory settings.
Once the process is complete, the “Reboot system now” option will be highlighted.
Press the power button to restart your Samsung phone.

Do I have to pay for the AirBeamTV screen mirroring app again after resetting my Android phone?

No, you don't have to pay for itAirBeamTVScreen mirroring app again after restoring android phone. Once you have purchased the application, you can reinstall it on your device at no additional cost. Just download the AirBeamTV app again onGoogle Play Store.