Download Article
Download Article
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA. Darlene has been writing and editing tech content at wikiHow since 2019. She previously worked for AppleCare, served as a writing tutor, volunteered in IT at an animal rescue, and taught as an adjunct professor for EN101 and EN102. Darlene has completed Coursera courses on technology, writing, and language. She holds both a BA (2011) and an MA (2012) from Rowan University in Writing, with a focus on workplace communication. With her extensive experience, academic background, and ongoing learning, Darlene has become the go-to grammar expert for her friends and family, as well as a skilled wordsmith for anyone in need.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 37,674 times.
Learn more...
Have you set a pattern lock that you don't remember? It can be frustrating if you want to unlock your phone but forget the pattern or PIN you set up. However, if you have a Google account logged into your Android phone, you can set a new PIN or password to get into your phone. This wikiHow article will teach you how to unlock an Android phone with a Google account if you have Android 4.4 or lower.
Unlock Android Pattern with a Google Account
If you can't unlock your Android because you don't know the pattern, you can reset the pattern by logging in with your Google account, but only if you're using Android 4.4 or lower. On newer Androids, you'll need to factory reset your phone.
Steps
-
Go to https://android.com/find and sign into your Google account. If you're using Android 5 (Lollipop) or later, there is no way to unlock your pattern-locked phone with your Google/Gmail account without factory resetting your Android. You'll lose all personal data that isn't backed up, including pictures, videos, and documents.- To reset your Android, these conditions must be true:[1]
- The phone is turned on and has power
- It's connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data
- It's visible on Google Play
- Find My Device is turned on
-
Click Factory reset device. For security reasons, this is the only way to get into a phone when you've forgotten the PIN, password, or pattern.- You'll be able to recover any backed-up information like photos and apps once you sign into your Google account.[2]
-
Try to unlock the phone at least 5 times. After the fifth attempt, you'll get a pop-up window that gives you the option to continue with "Forgot Pattern."- You can't do this with updated versions of the OS. Your phone must have Android software 4.4 or lower in Settings > About Phone.[3]
-
Tap Forgot Pattern and Next. Forgot pattern is at the bottom of the screen and Next will appear in the pop-up. -
Tap Enter Google account details and Next. When you select "Enter Google account details," a checkmark will appear next to it. -
Enter your Google account information. You'll need to use the Google email and password you are logged in with.- Tap Sign in when you're done.[4]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
Tips from our Readers 
- This can only work with Android systems that are 4.4 or lower
References
- ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/3265955
- ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/6160491#zippy=%2Cerase-reset-or-remove-your-device%2Cuse-the-find-my-device-app
- ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/7663172?hl=en#zippy=%2Creset-your-pattern-android-or-lower-only
- ↑ https://www.androiddata-recovery.com/blog/unlock-android-password-without-factory-reset-2#part1
About This Article
1. Try to unlock the phone at least 5 times.
2. Tap Forgot Pattern and Next.
3. Tap Enter Google account details and Next.
4. Enter your Google account information.
Is this article up to date?
