Setting Up a New Android Phone: Overcoming Unlock Issues
Recently, I set up a new Android phone for review purposes. Initially, the setup process went as smoothly as expected. I configured the phone with the usual unlock PIN I use for such reviews. However, after an update, the phone required the PIN to unlock. Despite numerous attempts, the PIN wouldn't work, leaving me locked out of the phone. This unexpected issue posed a challenge, especially when I needed access to review the device.
Fortunately, I had experienced similar problems in the past and knew the steps to take. Although the solution meant performing a factory reset, which essentially wipes all data from the device, it wasn't a significant obstacle since the phone was still relatively new. Had it been in use for several months, the situation could have been more problematic.
Factory Reset: A Clean Slate
Factory resetting an Android device, while not a pleasant task, isn't particularly difficult. If you're using a password manager, the process becomes even simpler as it handles all your login credentials, saving you the hassle of remembering them.
So, how exactly did I perform the factory reset, and what can you do to avoid needing it? Unfortunately, there's not much one can do if they forget their PIN/pattern/password. While Android previously allowed you to enter the wrong PIN multiple times and then sent a recovery email, this feature has been removed by Google. Now, your only option in such cases is a factory reset.
Performing a Factory Reset Without Unlocking Your Phone
If biometrics fail after a reboot due to an update or another issue, and your PIN/pattern/password isn't working, here are the steps to follow. Note that while the process may vary slightly between different phone manufacturers, the general procedure remains similar.
Step-by-Step Guide to Factory Reset
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Shut Down the Phone | Hold your power button until options like Restart, Shutdown, and Emergency appear. Select Shutdown. |
| 2. Start the Phone | Press and hold the Power button along with either the Volume Up or Volume Down button. (For instance, Pixel devices use Power and Volume Down, while Samsung Galaxy phones use Power and Volume Up.) |
| 3. Select Recovery Mode | Use the Volume Up/Down buttons to navigate to Recovery Mode and press the Power button to select it. |
| 4. Wipe the Phone | In the following menu, select Wipe Data/Factory Reset using the Volume buttons and confirm with the Power button. Confirm the wipe by selecting Yes. |
After these steps, your phone will reboot and undertake the factory reset process. Once completed, you can set up the device again using your Google account. The good news is that your phone might perform better post-reset due to cleared system and app caches.
Understanding the Impact of a Factory Reset
A factory reset restores your phone to its original settings, the state it was in when first purchased. This action deletes all data, making it a good solution for severe performance issues. However, it should be your last resort as it removes all user data.
Unlocking Your Phone Without a PIN
If you've forgotten your Android PIN, there's still hope if you've set up Smart Unlock—this feature unlocks your phone when it's near a configured device (such as a WearOS watch). Samsung's SmartThings Find offers similar functionality. Unfortunately, Google’s Find My Device service no longer supports changing the PIN/password on your device, so a factory reset is necessary for other non-Samsung devices.
The Irreversibility of a Factory Reset
Once you perform a factory reset, it's irrevocable—all data is permanently gone, and you must start from scratch. However, you can recover lost data through the Android backup system during the reset. Ensure you tap Restore during the reset process and follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.
Relevant Google Updates
- The end of ChromeOS marks a new beginning for affordable Android laptops.
- Google's AI podcast tool can transform your text into lifelike audio, for free.
- Steps to convert Android into a desktop OS effectively.
- A simple trick to disable AI in your Google Search results.
