Forgetting your lock screen password can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your phone for important tasks. However, there are several options you can try to regain access to your device. This guide will walk you through the steps to take if you forgot your lock screen password on an iPhone or Android phone.

Try Entering Common Passwords

The first thing to try is entering any passwords you commonly use for other accounts. Many people reuse the same password across multiple apps and services. Go through and attempt your email password, Facebook password, or any other passwords you typically use. You may get lucky with a password your brain remembers easily.

Check Your Password Hints

Both iPhones and Android phones give you the option to create a password hint when you first set your lock screen code. If you took advantage of this, check to see if the hint jogs your memory. The hint will display after a few failed password attempts.

Hints are especially useful if your password is based on a memorable date, favorite food, or other personal fact about yourself. Re-check the hint and try password variations based on the details.

Use Password Recovery Options

If you use an Android phone, the device manufacturer may have a password recovery option. For example, Samsung phones allow you to log into a Samsung account to view a backup password. This works if you previously sync your Samsung account with your device.

iPhones running iOS 15 or later also have a recovery feature. You can tap the “Forgot Password” option during login attempts to access password recovery. It will prompt you to enter your Apple ID so you can reset the password remotely.

Try a Fingerprint or Facial Recognition

If your phone has biometric login enabled, you may be able to bypass the password entirely. On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe up after a failed password attempt and it will prompt for facial recognition. The same goes for using a fingerprint login on Android devices with fingerprint scanners.

This allows you to get into your phone and potentially disable the password or set a new one. However, biometric logins will not work if your phone has been restarted, as it requires a password entry first.

Master Code to Unlock Any Phone

Some Android phones can be unlocked using a little-known master code to unlock any phone. This exploits a hidden menu intended for factory testing. To access it, enter *#06# on your lock screen.

This will display an IMEI number specific to your device. Enter the IMEI number as your password, and your phone should unlock. Do note that this trick does not work on all Android devices, but it’s worth a shot if you can’t remember your password and other options have failed.

Reset Your Phone from Recovery Mode

As a last resort, you may need to factory reset your device to gain access. This will wipe all data and restore your phone to default settings.

On an iPhone, enter recovery mode by connecting to a computer while holding the power and home buttons. This will prompt for a restore in iTunes or Finder.

For Android devices, access recovery mode by powering off your device and then pressing and holding volume up, home, and power. Use the volume keys to scroll to “wipe data/factory reset” and select it with the power button.

Once the reset completes, you will be able to set a new password and use your phone again. Just make sure to backup your data regularly moving forward to avoid losing everything.

Conclusion

Forgotten lock screen passwords are pesky but solvable issues. Run through your common passwords, check for hints, and use account recovery options. Biometric sign-in can act as a workaround, while Android users can try the master unlock code. Just remember that factory resets should only be used as a last choice given the data loss risk.

Be sure to write down or securely save any new complex password you create. Password manager apps are extremely helpful for this. And set up a password hint or backup contact details in case your memory fails you again down the road!

FAQ

What if my password hint doesn’t help me remember my password?

If the password hint doesn’t trigger your memory, try variations of passwords you use for other accounts. Also go through important dates, numbers, and words that relate to you personally. The hint is intended to jog your memory based on something meaningful only to you.

Can someone else reset my password for me?

On iPhones, someone with access to your trusted devices can reset your Apple ID password after a waiting period. On Android devices, only someone with your Google account details can reset through Find My Device. Otherwise, passwords cannot be remotely reset without account access.

What if I don’t have biometric sign-in enabled?

If you don’t have fingerprints or facial recognition enabled, your options are more limited. Try all password variations you can think of. Check for a password recovery option from the device manufacturer. Otherwise, a factory reset may be required to regain access and set a new password.

Can I take my phone to a store for help?

Cell phone retailers and carrier stores are unlikely to be able to reset your password for you. However, they may be able to take your phone into recovery mode and perform a factory reset to wipe the password. Just know this will erase all of your data in the process.

Is the master unlock code harmful for my Android device?

No, using the universal Android master code will not harm or damage your device. It simply unlocks the phone by entering the IMEI number as a password. The code exploits a testing interface so you can bypass a forgotten password. However, it does not always work depending on your specific Android model.