7 Expert-Approved Ways to Unlock Your Android Phone Password Without Factory Reset

I know the problem you are facing. You want to unlock your Android phone, but you don’t want to reset the phone because you don’t want to lose any data in the phone, right? But do you know that there are many ways to unlock Android screen lock without factory reset, some methods will not lose phone data, and some methods will still erase your Android phone.

Below we will introduce 7 ways to unlock the Android screen without factory reset and without losing data, so that you can make the right choice.

Method ranking dimensions：

We selected 7 methods for testing. We evaluated the methods from 4 dimensions:

• Scope of application: Does this method apply to most Android brands, or only to some brands such as Samsung
• Conditions required: How many conditions need to be met simultaneously to use this method, and are these conditions harsh?
• Data security: Will data be lost or will there be data security issues using this method?
• Ease of use: Is this method easy to use, does it require technical knowledge, and does it take less time?

We will give a comprehensive ranking for each method based on the above four dimensions.

Way 1: Unlock via Google Find My Device

When to Use:

• Android phone is linked to a Google account, and has internet connectivity.
• Find My Device feature and phone’s location services are enabled.
• Know the google account and password.
• Android 4.0 and above.

It’s especially useful when you’ve misplaced your phone, forgotten your screen lock password, or want to secure your device remotely.

Steps to Unlock Android without Factory Reset:

1. Go to the Google Find My Device website using any browser.



2. Sign in with the Google account linked to your lost device.
3. From the list of devices, select the one you want to unlock.



4. Click the Lock option, then set a new temporary password. Confirm the password.



5. Use the newly set password to unlock your phone.

Pros:

• An official and straightforward solution provided by Google.
• Completely free to use.
• Allows remote locking, tracking, and data protection.
• No data loss.

Cons:

• Requires the device to be connected to the internet.
• Need to be set up in advance, otherwise it can‘t’ be used

Recommendation Index:

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)

Verdict:

Google Find My Device is a practical and secure option for unlocking your phone without factory reset when all prerequisites are met. It’s highly effective for lost devices but might fall short if internet or account access is unavailable.

Pro Tip:

To avoid future issues, always ensure “Find My Device” is enabled on your Android phone, and consider setting up alternative unlocking methods like a PIN or fingerprint.

Way 2: Using Passixer Android Unlocker

When to Use:

• When you forget your Google account password and can’t use way 1, or when Google FRP lock can’t be opened.

Passixer Android Unlocker is a professional Android unlocking software designed for users who find conventional methods ineffective. It can directly unlock various screen locks, including bypassing Google FRP lock, without a password or so many conditions. It is simple to use and efficient.

How to Unlock an Android Without Password:

Step 1: Download and install the Passixer tool on your computer. Once it’s ready, launch the software and select “Remove Screen Password” to begin.

Step 2: Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable. Locate your phone’s brand from the provided list. If the device isn’t detected, choose “Try Other Unlock Methods” for alternative options.

Click “remove Now”

Step 3: Boot your phone into Recovery Mode by carefully following the on-screen instructions provided by the software. Once in Recovery Mode, hit “Next” on the Passixer interface.

Step 4: To erase the password, follow the prompts to clear your phone’s cache and settings. This will ensure the lock screen data is removed.

Step 5: Confirm the changes and wait for the process to complete.

When you see the “Removed Successfully” message, your phone is unlocked and ready to be set up afresh.

Pros:

• Removes all types of Android screen locks (password, PIN, pattern, fingerprint, face lock).
• Effortlessly bypasses FRP lock without needing a Google account or password.
• Unlocks earlier Samsung devices like Galaxy S5 and Note 3 without data loss.
• High success rate for unlocking Android phones across multiple scenarios.
• Compatible with the latest Android OS, including Android 15.
• Straightforward and user-friendly process with a 3-step unlocking method.

Cons:

• Data loss may occur on devices other than older Samsung models.
• Requires access to a computer for installation and operation.
• Limited to Android devices, excluding other operating systems.

Recommendation Index:

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)

Verdict:

Passixer Android Unlocker is an excellent tool for users facing screen lock or FRP lock issues on Android devices. With its easy-to-use interface, comprehensive features, and high compatibility, it’s a reliable choice for both tech-savvy and non-technical users.

Pro Tip:

For older Samsung devices, use Passixer Android Unlocker to bypass the screen lock without a factory reset, ensuring no data is lost in the process. Always back up your data regularly to minimize potential risks.

Way 3: Using Find My Mobile (Samsung Device)

When to Use:

• When you’re locked out of your Samsung device but have previously enabled the "Find My Mobile" feature.
• Your device is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
• You know your Samsung account credentials.
• Android 4.4 and above.

Steps to Unlock Samsung without Factory Reset:

1. Go to Find My Mobile on a computer or another device.



2. Sign in using your Samsung account credentials.



3. Click on Unlock.
4. Confirm by entering your Samsung account password.
5. Your device will notify you that the unlock method has been reset, allowing you to swipe the screen to unlock it.

Pros:

• Quick and convenient if the feature is already set up.
• No data loss during the unlock process.
• Can be done remotely from any device with internet access.

Cons:

• Requires prior setup of "Find My Mobile" on the locked device.
• The device must be connected to a network.
• Limited to Samsung devices only.

Recommendation Index:

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)

Verdict:

Using "Find My Mobile" is a simple and effective solution for unlocking your Samsung device remotely. However, it requires preparation beforehand, such as enabling the feature and linking it to your Samsung account. It’s ideal for users who prioritize convenience but can’t be relied upon if the setup was skipped.

Pro Tip:

 Always enable "Find My Mobile" and remote unlock settings when setting up a new Samsung device. This ensures you’re prepared for potential lockout scenarios.

Way 4: Clear Cache Partition (Fix Post-Update Bugs)

When to Use:

• When your phone encounters glitches or performance issues after a system update.
• Your phone encounters issues after a system update.

Steps to Unlock Android by Clearing Cache without Factory:

1. Turn off your phone.



2. Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously (on some models, you may need to press the Volume Down button instead).



3. Release the buttons when the recovery mode screen appears.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe cache partition and select it with the Power button.



5. Confirm the action if prompted, then wait for the process to complete.
6. Select Reboot system now to restart your device.

Pros:

• Keep your personal data, apps, and settings intact.
• Effectively resolves performance issues or glitches caused by system updates.

Cons:

• Requires basic knowledge of recovery mode navigation.
• Button combinations may vary by device, potentially causing confusion.

Recommendation Index:

 ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 Stars)

Verdict:

Clearing the cache partition is a safe and effective troubleshooting step for resolving post-update issues on Android devices. While it requires familiarity with recovery mode, it’s a non-invasive solution that doesn’t risk your data.

Pro Tip:

If the recovery mode doesn’t appear, try connecting your phone to a charger and repeat the process. Always back up your data before attempting advanced troubleshooting steps.

Way 5: Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB)

When to Use:

• Android 5.x (Lollipop) and earlier.
• Has USB debugging enabled and the device is not encrypted
• Doesn’t have the latest security patch installed
• Android devices use the native Android system or a less customized device, such as the Google Pixel series, OnePlus, Nokia.

Steps to Unlock Android Using ADB without Factory Reset

1. Connect Your Device

Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your computer.

2. Verify Device Detection

Open your terminal (macOS/Linux) or command prompt (Windows) and enter:
adb devices

This will display a list of connected devices. If your phone doesn’t appear, check the connection and ensure USB Debugging is properly enabled.

3. Send Unlock Commands

Run the following command:
adb shell input text XXXX && adb shell input keyevent 66

Replace XXXX with your device passcode. The adb shell input keyevent 66 simulates pressing the “Enter” button to unlock.

Alternative Solutions

If ADB doesn’t work, try these methods:

• Screen Mirroring with Scrcpy
   Use a tool like Scrcpy to mirror your phone’s display on your computer and control it remotely. A functional screen is required for this option.
• Connect a USB Mouse
   With an OTG cable, you can plug in a USB mouse to navigate your phone’s interface directly.

Verdict:

On Android 5.x (Lollipop) and earlier versions, the phone has USB debugging mode enabled. Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to unlock pattern locks and password locks is a very simple and easy-to-use method without Factory Reset and data loss. However, this method is not applicable to new devices.

Recommendation Index:

⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Pro Tip:

If your phone is customized on Android, such as Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc., it is recommended that you don’t waste time trying this method, as it is almost impossible to succeed.

Way 6: Safe Mode for Third-Party App Conflicts

When to Use Safe Mode

• When third-party lock screen apps or other external apps are causing problems.
• To identify and fix conflicts caused by newly installed applications.

Steps to Unlock Android Using Safe Mode without Factory Reset

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode

Method 1: Enter Safe Mode from the Power Menu

1. Press and hold your device’s power button until the power options menu appears.



2. Tap and hold the “Power Off” option until you see the Reboot to Safe Mode prompt.



3. Confirm by tapping the prompt. Your device will automatically reboot into Safe Mode.

Method 2: Use Hardware Buttons to Enter Safe Mode

If your screen is unresponsive or you’re unable to access the power menu:

1. Power down your device completely.
2. Press and hold the power button until the device starts to turn on and displays the animated logo.
3. As soon as the animated logo appears, immediately press and hold the volume down button.
4. Keep holding the volume down button until the device boots into Safe Mode.

Step 2. Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

1. Check if the issue persists while in Safe Mode.
2. If the issue stops, uninstall any recently added third-party apps.
3. Restart your device to exit Safe Mode and test functionality.

Step 3. Exiting Safe Mode

Once you’ve finished troubleshooting, simply restart your device. It will boot back into normal mode.

Pros:

• Helps pinpoint issues caused by third-party software.
• Does not delete any personal data or settings.

Cons:

• Limited functionality; only pre-installed apps will be accessible.
• Won’t resolve hardware-related issues.

Recommendation Index

⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Verdict:

Safe Mode is an effective and easy way to troubleshoot software-related issues on Android devices without affecting your data.

Pro Tip:

If you experience frequent app-related issues, periodically check for updates or consider clearing the app cache and data.

Way 7: Unlock Your Android Device Using the Emergency Call Trick (For Android 5.0 – 5.1.1)

If your device runs Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or Android 5.1.1, you may be able to bypass the lock screen using the Emergency Call exploit. This method worked due to a security flaw in older Android versions but has been patched in later updates.

When to Use

• Your device is running Android 5.0 or 5.1.1 (This method does NOT work on Android 6.0 and above).
• You don’t have access to tools like ADB or Google account recovery.

Steps to Use the Emergency Call Trick

1. Tap “Emergency Call” on the lock screen.



2. Enter a long string of special characters like *#*#7780#*#* or 10+ asterisks (*) in the dialer field.



3. Copy and paste the string repeatedly until the input field can no longer accept more characters.



4. Go back to the lock screen, open the camera (if accessible)



5. pull down the notification bar and tap on the settings icon.



6. When the device prompts you for a password, continue pasting the asterisks until the lock screen interface becomes unresponsive or crashes.
7. If the exploit works, the system may glitch, briefly displaying the home screen, allowing you to regain access to your device.

⚠️ Note: This method is unreliable and only works on older Android versions (5.0 – 5.1.1). For a secure and effective unlocking solution, consider using a professional tool like Passixer Android Unlocker instead for a guaranteed solution. For newer Android versions (6.0 and above), this trick won’t work due to enhanced security updates.

Pros:

• A quick and easy solution that doesn’t require external tools or accounts.
• No need for advanced technical knowledge.

Cons:

• Limited to outdated Android versions where the flaw still exists.
• Entering a wrong code may change the phone’s hardware settings and cause the phone to be permanently locked.

Recommendation Index

⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Verdict:

This method is very simple to unlock Android without factory reset, but it is actually a security vulnerability, and different brands have different codes. Entering a wrong code may also lead to disastrous results.

Pro Tip:

For added security, always keep your Android device updated to the latest version to protect against such vulnerabilities.

Way 8: Restart Your Phone to Fix Minor Glitches

Restarting your phone is one of the simplest and most effective ways to address minor software issues. This method can help refresh your device’s operating system and resolve temporary glitches without any additional tools or settings changes.

Way 9: Use Biometrics Backup (If Set Up Previously)

Biometric security, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, offers a convenient and secure way to unlock your Android device without relying solely on passcodes. If you’ve set up biometrics previously, this can be a seamless way to regain access to your phone.

Quick Comparison of Methods

FAQs

Q1: What is the secret code to unlock an Android phone?

here isn’t a universal "secret code" to unlock all Android phones. However, older Android versions may have vulnerabilities, like the Emergency Call trick, that allow bypassing the lock screen using special character strings. Keep in mind that these are specific to outdated software and no longer work on modern devices.

Q2: Can I unlock my Android phone without losing data?

Yes, several methods allow you to unlock your Android phone without losing data. Examples include Google Find My Device (if "Find My Device" is enabled), using biometrics backup (if set up beforehand), or clearing the cache partition for post-update bugs.

Q3: Does clearing the cache delete my files?

No, clearing the cache partition does not delete your files, apps, or personal data. It only removes temporary system files that might be causing glitches.