Finding yourself locked out of your Android phone or tablet can be a frustrating experience. If you forgot your PIN or pattern, it is impossible to access your device. However, there are methods for resetting an Android phone when locked. Of course, these methods are involved with some prerequisites. We identify the proven methods, list the prerequisites, and share the workflows. Then, you can regain access to your handset.

Part 1: When You Need to Reset an Android Phone

Resetting an Android phone is also known as hard resetting, factory resetting, or master resetting. The process erases all data and custom settings on your device and brings it to the factory status. The scenarios when you need to reset an Android phone include:

1. You forgot the password to your mobile device.

2. Software glitches occur on your Android device.

3. Your phone is stolen or lost.

4. You want to sell your device or give it to others.

Part 2: How to Reset an Android Phone in Recovery Mode When Locked

One way to hard reset an Android phone when locked is the Recovery Mode. That is the built-in feature to access the boot menu without entering the Android operating system. The process doesn't require extra hardware.

Requirements

1.The hardware buttons on your phone are working.

2.The associated Google account password if you have turned on FRP.

Here are the steps to hard reset your Android phone when locked:

Step 1. Long-press the Power button to trigger the power-off screen.

Step 2. Choose Power Off or a similar option.

Step 3. Next, hold down the Volume Up + Power buttons together until your phone enters Recovery Mode.

Step 4. Use the Volume buttons to highlight the Wipe data/factory reset option.

Step 5. Press the Power button to select it.

Step 6. If prompted, highlight Yes with the Volume buttons, and press the Power button to confirm it.

Step 7. When it is done, highlight Reboot system now, and hit the Power button.

Note: If FRP is enabled, you still need to provide the associated Google account password when setting it up.

Part 3: How to Hard Reset an Android Phone When Locked Remotely

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can hard reset an Android phone when locked remotely using Google Find My Device. That is a website released by Google for tracking Android devices. Plus, it provides a few options to handle your phone remotely. This method can also help you hard reset the phone when you forget your Android password.

Requirements

1. A Google account is associated with your Android device.

2. Find My Device is enabled.

3. Your device is online.

4. A web browser.

Here are the steps to hard reset your Android phone remotely when locked:

Step 1. Access https://android.com/find in a browser and sign in with the Google account associated with your phone.

Step 2. Choose the device you want to reset if you have more than one device linked.

Step 3. Tap or click the Erase Device button.

Step 4. Read the warning and hit Erase Device again.

Step 5. Enter your Google account password if prompted.

Step 6. When it finishes, your device will restart and get a factory reset.

Note: If your device is offline currently, the factory reset will initiate the next time it connects to the internet.

Part 4: How to Reset an Android Phone When Locked with Another Phone

In addition to the website, Google also released the Find My Device app for tracking Android devices. That is another way to master reset a locked Android phone, even if your device is not in your hand.

Requirements

1. A Google account is associated with your device.

2. Find My Device is activated.

3. Your phone is online.

4. An accessible Android device.

Here are the steps to master reset a locked Android phone using another device:

Step 1. Run the Find My Device app from the app drawer. You can download it from the Play Store for free.

Step 2. Sign in with your Google account and password.

Step 3. Select your phone or tablet from the list.

Step 4. Tap the Settings button with a gear icon.

Step 5. Choose Factory reset.

Step 6. If prompted, enter your Google account password again to begin resetting your device.

Part 5: How to Factory Reset a Locked Android Using a Computer

If the methods above are unavailable, Apeaksoft Android Unlocker is a good option. It is able to factory reset a locked Android device using a computer. More importantly, it works for any phone or tablet without prerequisites.

How to Factory Reset a Locked Android Phone Using a Computer

Step 1. Install Android Unlocker
Launch the best Android unlocking software after installing it on your computer. Then, choose Remove Screen Password to continue.

Step 2. Select your brand
Next, select your phone brand. Link your locked phone to your computer with a compatible cable. If prompted, tap Trust on your phone to trust this computer.

Step 3. Factory reset your phone

Note: If you have turned on FRP, choose Bypass Google FRP Lock and get rid of the lock on your device.

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