How to Hack a Phone Password

Forgetting your phone password can be frustrating, especially when you need urgent access to your device. Some of the easiest ways to bypass or reset a phone password are discussed in this guide. Most people use various types of patterns, passwords, PINs, or biometric authentication to protect the data on their mobile phones. However, it becomes difficult to access this information if you forget your secret codes or passwords.

To unlock your phone in this situation, you must know a few methods that can be used for bypassing the password on your Android smartphone or iPhone. The information provided here can be helpful if you’ve forgotten your credentials or need to access a device you’re authorized to unlock. These methods also work for parents monitoring their children’s phones or employers managing company devices.

The Easiest Ways to Bypass Phone Password on Android

You can easily bypass the password of your Android phone by using one of the various methods discussed below. These methods range from using Google’s built-in features to third-party applications designed for device access and monitoring.

Using Hoverwatch App

Hoverwatch is one of the most comprehensive smartphone tracking applications that can help you monitor device activity including calls, photos and videos, text messages, social media activity, and browser history. This application works discreetly in the background, providing detailed reports on device usage.

Hoverwatch can be used easily by visiting its official website at hoverwatch.com and using your email ID to sign up. After creating an account, you can download and install the application on the target device. The app works with Android 4.4+ and provides comprehensive monitoring features including location tracking, call recording, and instant messenger monitoring for WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, and Snapchat.

Once installed, Hoverwatch operates invisibly, collecting data and uploading it to your secure online account. You can access this information from any web browser by logging into your Hoverwatch dashboard. The application captures screenshots, logs keystrokes, and records all device activity, making it one of the most powerful monitoring solutions available in 2026.

Using Google’s Find My Device Feature

You can use Google’s Find My Device service to reset passwords on Android phones by accessing your Google account from another device. This feature is built into all Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and later versions, including the latest Android 14 and Android 15 devices released in 2024-2026.

To use this method, visit the Find My Device website at android.com/find from any computer or smartphone. Sign in with the Google account associated with the locked device. After locating your device on the map, you’ll see several options including Ring, Lock, and Erase. Select the Lock option to set a new temporary password that will replace the previous one. You’ll need to enter the new password twice to confirm, then click the Lock button. Within a few minutes, your device will be locked with the new password, allowing you to regain access.

This method is particularly effective because it works remotely, meaning you don’t need physical access to the locked device. As long as the phone is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data, you can change the password from anywhere in the world.

Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile Service

Samsung devices offer an additional advantage through their proprietary Find My Mobile service. This feature is available on all Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 4.4 and later, including the latest Galaxy S25 and Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series released in 2026.

To use Find My Mobile, visit findmymobile.samsung.com and log in with your Samsung account credentials. After signing in, you’ll see a list of all Samsung devices registered to your account. Click on the locked device, and you’ll see various remote control options. Select the Unlock option from the menu, and Samsung’s servers will send a command to your device to remove the lock screen. This process typically takes just a few seconds to complete.

Find My Mobile offers several advantages over other methods because it can unlock your device without erasing any data. The service also provides additional features like remote backup, retrieving call logs and messages, and extending battery life remotely.

Using the Toolbox of Dr.Fone App

Dr.Fone (formerly iSkysoft Toolbox) is another powerful solution for bypassing phone passwords. This comprehensive application can unlock passwords of all types including numeric PINs, alphabetic passwords, pattern locks, and even biometric authentication on some devices.

To use Dr.Fone, download and install the software on your Windows PC or Mac from the official website. The application supports both Android and iOS devices. Launch the program and select the Screen Unlock feature from the main menu. Connect your locked phone to the computer using a USB data cable. The software will automatically detect your device and display its model and specifications.

Follow the on-screen instructions to put your device into download mode or recovery mode, depending on your phone model. Dr.Fone will then download the appropriate unlocking package for your specific device. Once the download completes, click Start to begin the unlocking process. Within 5-10 minutes, your device password will be removed, and you can access your phone again.

Dr.Fone supports a wide range of devices including Samsung, LG, Motorola, Huawei, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, and most other Android manufacturers. For iOS devices, it can unlock iPhone 6 through iPhone 15 models running iOS 12 through iOS 18.

Using Factory Reset to Bypass Phone Password

The factory reset method is effective but comes with a significant drawback – it erases all data on the device. This option should be used only when other methods fail or when preserving data isn’t a concern. The advantage is that it works on virtually all Android devices, even older models running Android 4.4 KitKat.

To perform a factory reset, first turn off your Android device completely. Once powered down, press and hold specific button combinations to enter recovery mode. The exact combination varies by manufacturer:

• Samsung devices: Volume Up + Home + Power buttons simultaneously
• Google Pixel phones: Volume Down + Power button
• Motorola phones: Volume Down + Power button
• LG devices: Volume Down + Power, then release and immediately press again
• OnePlus phones: Volume Down + Power button
• Xiaomi/Redmi devices: Volume Up + Power button

Once in recovery mode, use the volume buttons to navigate the menu and the power button to select options. Navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm your selection. The process takes 5-15 minutes depending on the amount of data stored. After completion, select Reboot System Now to restart your device. Your phone will boot up as if brand new, with no password protection.

Keep in mind that factory reset protection (FRP) may require you to enter the Google account credentials previously associated with the device. This security feature, introduced in Android 5.1, prevents unauthorized users from factory resetting and using stolen phones.

Using ADB to Delete Password Files

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a powerful command-line tool that allows direct communication with Android devices. This method requires some technical knowledge but is highly effective for removing password protection without losing data.

First, you need to have USB debugging enabled on your device, which must be done before the phone gets locked. If USB debugging was previously enabled, you can proceed. Install ADB on your Windows PC, Mac, or Linux computer by downloading the Android SDK Platform Tools from developer.android.com.

Connect your locked device to the computer using a USB cable. Open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the platform-tools directory. Type the following commands:

adb shell
cd /data/system
rm *.key
reboot

These commands delete the password key files stored in the system directory. When your device reboots, it won’t have any password protection, allowing you to access it immediately. You can then set a new password through the device settings.

This method works particularly well on devices running Android 4.4 through Android 10. Newer versions with enhanced security may require additional steps or may not support this method due to improved encryption.

Using Safe Mode to Bypass Third-Party Lock Screens

If your device is locked by a third-party lock screen app rather than the system password, booting into safe mode can temporarily disable the app, allowing access to your device. This method doesn’t work for built-in Android lock screens but is effective against downloaded security apps.

To boot into safe mode, press and hold the power button until the power menu appears. Tap and hold the Power Off option for a few seconds until you see a prompt asking if you want to reboot into safe mode. Tap OK to confirm. Your device will restart with only system apps active, temporarily disabling all third-party applications including lock screen apps.

Once in safe mode, go to Settings > Apps, find the third-party lock screen app, and uninstall it. Restart your device normally, and the lock screen will no longer be active. This method is particularly useful if you’ve forgotten the password to apps like AppLock, Norton App Lock, or similar security applications.

Using Forgot Pattern Feature on Older Android Devices

Android devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and earlier included a built-in Forgot Pattern feature that made password recovery simple. While this feature has been removed from newer versions, it remains available on older devices still in use.

When you enter an incorrect pattern or password five times consecutively, you’ll see a message saying “Try again in 30 seconds” along with a Forgot Pattern button. Tap this button, and you’ll be prompted to enter your Google account credentials. After successfully signing in, you can set a new pattern or password.

This method demonstrates why keeping your Google account secure is crucial – it serves as a backup access method for your Android device. However, because this feature was removed in Android 5.0 Lollipop (released in 2014), it’s only relevant for very old devices.

Using Crash Lock Screen Method

A clever workaround involves crashing the lock screen on some Android devices. This method exploits a bug in how Android handles the emergency call feature and works on select devices running Android 5.0 through Android 6.0.

From the lock screen, tap Emergency Call. In the dialer, enter a string of special characters like asterisks (*) repeatedly – type about 10-12 asterisks, then copy and paste this string multiple times until you have an extremely long string of characters. Try to return to the lock screen, and the system may crash, bypassing the lock screen temporarily.

This method is inconsistent and doesn’t work on most modern devices due to security patches. However, it remains available on some older, unpatched devices.

Monitoring Apps for Phone Access

Several monitoring applications provide comprehensive device access and tracking capabilities beyond simple password bypass. These applications are designed for legitimate monitoring purposes such as parental control or employee device management.

Popular Monitoring Solutions in 2026

Hoverwatch remains the top choice for comprehensive device monitoring. The application tracks calls, SMS messages, GPS location, photos, videos, internet browser history, and social media activity across multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and Signal.

Other notable monitoring applications include mSpy, which offers similar features with an emphasis on social media monitoring; FlexiSPY, which provides advanced call interception and ambient recording; and Spyzie, which focuses on location tracking and geofencing alerts.

These applications typically require one-time physical access to install on Android devices. For iOS devices, some offer iCloud-based monitoring that doesn’t require app installation, though functionality is more limited. Once installed, they operate invisibly, collecting data and uploading to secure web-based dashboards accessible from any device.

Modern monitoring apps support the latest Android 14 and Android 15 versions, as well as iOS 17 and iOS 18 on iPhones. They continue to evolve with new features like TikTok monitoring, Discord server tracking, and Signal message logging – addressing the latest communication platforms popular in 2026.

Using Smart Lock Features on Android

Android’s Smart Lock feature provides several convenient ways to keep your device unlocked in trusted situations. If you’ve previously configured Smart Lock before forgetting your password, these features may allow access:

• Trusted Places: Device remains unlocked at designated locations like home or work
• Trusted Devices: Stays unlocked when connected to specific Bluetooth devices like smartwatches, car systems, or wireless headphones
• Trusted Face: Facial recognition (less secure than modern Face Unlock)
• On-body Detection: Keeps device unlocked while you’re carrying it
• Trusted Voice: Unlock using Google Assistant voice match

If any of these were enabled before you forgot your password, you might be able to access your device by meeting the trusted condition – for example, connecting to a trusted Bluetooth device or going to a trusted location.

Professional Unlocking Services

When other methods fail, professional unlocking services offer assistance for a fee. These services employ various techniques including proprietary software, exploit databases, and sometimes direct chip programming to bypass device security.

Reputable services typically charge $30-150 for Android unlocking, depending on the device model and security level. More complex devices like recent Samsung flagships with Knox security or Google Pixel phones with Titan M security chips may cost more. Always research service reputation before sending your device or providing remote access.

Be cautious of extremely cheap services offering unrealistic guarantees. Legitimate unlocking takes time and expertise, reflected in reasonable pricing. Some services are scams that will take payment without providing results.

Unlocking iPhone Passwords

For iPhone users, options differ from Android devices due to iOS’s different architecture and security model.

Using iCloud Find My iPhone

Visit icloud.com/find from any web browser and sign in with your Apple ID. Select your locked iPhone from the device list, click Erase iPhone, and confirm. This remotely wipes your device, removing the passcode. You can then restore from an iCloud backup during setup.

Using Recovery Mode

Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes (Windows/older Macs) or Finder (newer Macs). Force restart your device using the method specific to your model. When prompted, choose Restore. This erases the device and installs the latest iOS version.

Using Third-Party Tools

Applications like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare 4uKey, and iMyFone LockWiper can unlock iPhones running iOS 12 through iOS 18. These tools require connecting your iPhone to a computer and following on-screen instructions. They work by exploiting certain iOS vulnerabilities or using brute force methods, depending on the iOS version.

Preventing Future Lockouts

To avoid getting locked out of your device in the future, consider these precautions:

Conclusion

Multiple methods exist to bypass or reset phone passwords on both Android and iOS devices. The best method depends on your specific situation – whether you need to preserve data, how much technical knowledge you have, and which type of device you’re trying to unlock.

For Android devices, Google’s Find My Device and Samsung’s Find My Mobile offer the easiest official methods for password reset. Factory reset works on all devices but erases data. More advanced methods like ADB and safe mode require technical knowledge but can preserve data.

Monitoring applications like Hoverwatch provide comprehensive device access and tracking capabilities, useful for parental control and employee monitoring. These apps support modern platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Telegram, and Signal.

For iPhones, iCloud’s Find My iPhone service or recovery mode through iTunes/Finder are the primary official methods. Third-party unlocking tools offer alternatives but may not work on the latest iOS versions.

Whatever method you choose, take steps to prevent future lockouts by maintaining accessible records of your passwords and enabling backup access methods like biometric authentication and Smart Lock features.