Android: Forgot PIN - what you can do

You have forgotten the PIN for your Android smartphone and don't want to reset the device right away, because this way all data stored only on the phone will be lost? Then there are only a few options left with which you can unlock your phone.

How does unlocking without a PIN work?

If you own a Samsung or LG device, you have the option of using your Google account to identify yourself as the owner of the smartphone. However, this only works if you are using the Android 4.4 operating system or earlier. Even with Android smartphone models, you are left with only a few options to avoid resetting the device. Since this is now only possible in rare cases, the only option left is to unlock the device via the "Find my Mobile" function.

1. If you want to unlock your device without a PIN and have activated the "Find My Mobile" or "Find my phone" function, then you can do this via your PC.
2. Go to the website of your smartphone manufacturer and log in there accordingly with your data.
3. Then select the device in the overview and click "Unlock".
4. If you have not previously activated this function, then this option also offers no way to unlock your device.
5. Therefore, you must reset the smartphone to unlock it. However, keep in mind that all personal data will be lost during this process.