Being locked out of your Android phone can be frustrating, especially if you need access to important messages, photos, apps or work files. If you cannot recover your PIN, password or pattern, a factory reset can return the phone to its original state.

However, a factory reset erases the data stored on the phone, so it should be treated as a last resort. Before resetting, check your Google Account, backups and the phone's battery and internet connection.

However, a factory reset erases the data stored on the phone, so it should be treated as a last resort. Before resetting, check your Google Account, backups and the phone's battery and internet connection. If you're locked out of a phone you were already planning to sell rather than keep, it's worth running it through Cashmycell's phone depreciation calculator first, so you know roughly what it's worth before you decide whether to reset and sell it or keep troubleshooting.

Before you reset your locked android phone

Before performing a factory reset, make sure you know the Google Account and password previously used on the device. If you recently changed your Google password, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before resetting the phone.

Check whether your photos, contacts and other important files are already backed up. If you cannot unlock the phone to create a new backup, only data that was previously synced or backed up may be recoverable.

It is also worth charging the phone to at least 70% and connecting it to Wi-Fi or mobile data where possible. You may need an internet connection during setup after the reset.

What is factory reset protection (FRP)?

Android's device-protection features, commonly referred to as Factory Reset Protection or FRP, are designed to prevent someone from simply factory-resetting a protected phone and using it as their own. 

This becomes extremely important when using the Recovery mode or resetting the used phone. In case you own the phone but do not remember your Google Account password, it is imperative that you recover your account first. Alternatively, in case you are buying or selling a second hand Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone, our Sell Samsung Phone and Sell Google Pixel pages list out what needs to be checked before the completion of the transaction in order to avoid lockout due to FRP.

How to factory reset a locked android phone

The best method depends on whether you can still access Settings and whether the phone is connected to the internet.

Method 1: Reset android from settings

If you can access Settings using an alternative unlock method, this is generally the simplest option.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System or General Management.
3. Select Reset options.
4. Choose Erase all data or Factory data reset.
5. Review the warning.
6. Enter your PIN, pattern or password if prompted.
7. Confirm the reset and allow the phone to restart.

The exact menu names can vary between Android devices.

Method 2: Factory reset android using recovery mode

If you cannot open Settings, you can usually perform a factory reset through Recovery Mode. The button combination varies by manufacturer and model, so check the manufacturer's instructions if the standard method does not work.

In general:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Use the appropriate Power and Volume button combination to enter Bootloader or Recovery Mode.
3. Use the volume buttons to navigate the menu.
4. Select Recovery Mode if necessary.
5. If a No Command screen appears, follow the device-specific instructions to enter Recovery Mode.
6. Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm.
7. Choose Reboot System Now when the reset is complete.

Samsung and other Android manufacturers may use different button combinations.

Method 3: Erase a locked android phone remotely

If you cannot access the phone's screen but it is connected to the internet, you may be able to erase it remotely using Google Find Hub.

The phone generally needs to be powered on, connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, signed into a Google Account, have Find Hub enabled and be listed in Google Play.

To remotely erase the phone:

1. Open Find Hub on another phone, tablet or computer.
2. Sign in with the Google Account linked to the locked device.
3. Select the device.
4. Choose the option to erase it.
5. Confirm that you want to delete the phone's data.

The erase command may take some time if the phone is not currently connected to the internet.

What happens after an android factory reset?

A factory reset removes personal data, applications, app data, downloaded files, settings and unsynced media stored on the device. Data that was already backed up to your Google Account or another supported backup service may be restored after you sign in again.

After the reset, connect the phone to the internet, sign in with the appropriate Google Account and complete any FRP verification. If Android offers a backup to restore, follow the setup instructions.

If you use two-factor authentication, make sure you have backup codes or another way to verify your accounts before resetting the phone.

How to avoid getting locked out again

Once your phone is working again, turn on Android backup and make sure your photos are being backed up. Keep your Google recovery email and phone number up to date, and store important account recovery codes somewhere other than your phone.

Resetting your android before selling or trading it in

When you are resetting the phone as part of a process of selling, trading in, or handing over the device to someone else, there are a number of other actions that may be worth taking in addition to the reset itself.

• First, make a backup of your data. Before erasing anything, make sure your data is backed up somewhere safe, such as on Google Drive, an online cloud service, or via manually transferring it to your computer. Once you perform a factory reset, the data will not be recoverable.
• Delete any personal account data. Log out of your Google account, unlink any connected emails or social media accounts, and clear any passwords or financial information you have saved. This is even more vital than resetting the device; leftover accounts are the main reason why an old device will still have access to a person’s personal information.
• Ensure that you have disabled the Find My Device feature and done an FRP reset. The above explanation explains that Factory Reset Protection is connected to your Google Account. If you do not remove your account before resetting the device, it becomes impossible for the new user to go through the setup process since the device requires your Google login details.
• Factory reset your device correctly. Make sure you have backed up your data and removed your accounts. You can use the Settings menu, Recovery Mode, or the Google Find Hub if your device is locked to do this, as explained above in this guide.
• It would be nice to make sure that the phone is ready for the new user. After resetting, reboot the phone one time to make sure that the first “Welcome” page opens and not the previous account request page. This ensures that the phone is truly clean and can be resold or exchanged.
• Evaluate its true worth. After it has been wiped clean, assess its possible selling price prior to making a decision on where to sell it.

In case you want to reset your Android phone in preparation for a sale, you can check its value and buyback offers at Cashmycell.

Final takeaway

If you are locked out of your Android phone, a factory reset can remove the local screen lock, but it will also erase data stored on the device. Check your backups and Google Account credentials first, then choose between Settings, Recovery Mode or Google Find Hub based on what access you still have.

Remember that Factory Reset Protection may require the Google Account previously associated with the phone after the reset, so make sure you can access that account before proceeding.

FAQs

1. Does a factory reset to remove the lock screen password on Android?

Yes. A factory reset removes the local screen lock, but it does not reveal or recover your previous PIN, password or pattern. You may still need to verify the Google Account associated with the device.

2. Can I recover photos and contacts after resetting a locked Android phone?

You may be able to restore photos, contacts and some app data if they were previously backed up or synchronized. Data stored only on the phone and never backed up may be lost.

3. What if my Android phone asks for the previous owner's Google Account?

If it is a secondhand phone, contact the previous owner or seller. A factory reset does not bypass Factory Reset Protection.

4. Is Recovery Mode better than Google Find Hub?

It depends on the situation. Recovery Mode is useful when you have the phone but cannot access Settings. Find Hub is more useful when the phone is lost, has a damaged screen or cannot be physically accessed.

5. Why should I wait 24 hours after changing my Google password?

Google recommends waiting 24 hours because the device may otherwise request the previous Google Account password during setup.

6. How much battery should my Android phone have before a factory reset?

Google recommends charging your Android phone to at least 70% before performing a factory reset, which can take up to an hour. 

7. Does an Android factory reset require an internet connection?

An internet connection may be required during setup so you can sign into and verify the Google Account associated with the device.

8. What data is erased during a factory reset?

Personal data, apps, app data, downloaded files, settings and unsynchronized media stored on the phone are erased. Previously backed-up data may be restored after signing in again.

9. What if my power or volume buttons do not work?

Do not force damaged buttons. Depending on the device, remote erasing through Find Hub may be an alternative.

10. What are the requirements to remotely erase a locked Android phone?

The phone generally needs to be powered on, connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, linked to a Google Account, have Find Hub enabled and be registered with Google Play.

11. Can You Reset a Locked Android Phone Without Losing Data?

Usually not if you've forgotten the screen lock and can't regain access. A factory reset erases data stored locally on the device. However, photos, contacts and other information that were previously backed up or synced to your Google Account may be restored after you set up the phone again.