What to do when you're locked out of your phone
If you've forgotten your phone password, the path forward depends on what kind of phone you have and what information you still have access to. Most phones have a built-in recovery process that lets you reset the password without losing your data, but it requires you to prove you own the device — usually by answering security questions, entering a recovery code, or confirming your identity through email or a phone number you set up earlier.
The fastest route is usually the one you prepared for before getting locked out. If you set up a recovery email or phone number when you first created your account, you can use those to verify your identity and reset your password in minutes. If you didn't set those up, the process takes longer but is still possible — it just requires more steps to prove the phone is actually yours.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones locked with a forgotten passcode can be reset through iCloud or by connecting to a computer with iTunes, but both methods erase the phone unless you have a backup.
- Android phones can usually be unlocked by signing into your Google account on the lock screen, which bypasses the password without erasing anything.
- Recovery email addresses and phone numbers you set up during account creation are the fastest way to regain access, so check those first.
- If you cannot remember your recovery information, you will need to contact your phone's manufacturer or carrier with proof of purchase to verify ownership.
Unlocking an iPhone when you don't know the passcode
iPhones have two main recovery paths depending on whether you remember your Apple ID password. If you do remember it, go to the iPhone lock screen and tap "iPhone Unavailable" or "Emergency SOS," then look for "Emergency Contacts" or a similar option that may let you access settings. On newer iPhones, you may see a "Try Another Option" button that lets you enter your Apple ID instead of the passcode.
If you cannot find that option or it does not work, you will need to erase the phone and set it up again. Connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes or Finder (on Mac), put the phone into recovery mode by following Apple's instructions for your specific model, then choose "Restore." This erases everything on the phone, but you can restore your data from a backup if you have one. After the phone restarts, you can sign in with your Apple ID and restore your backup.
If you do not remember your Apple ID password either, you can reset it through Apple's account recovery page on any computer or another device. You will need access to the email address or phone number associated with your Apple ID. Once you reset that password, you can use the iTunes or Finder method above to regain access to your phone.
Unlocking an Android phone when you don't know the PIN or pattern
Android phones are generally easier to unlock because Google built in a recovery method directly on the lock screen. After you enter the wrong password several times, the phone will show a message saying the account is locked. Look for text that says "Forgot password?" or "Forgot PIN?" and tap it.
You will be asked to sign into your Google account — the one you used to set up the phone. If you remember that email and password, enter them and the phone will let you create a new PIN or password when ready. Your data stays on the phone; nothing is erased. If you do not remember your Google password, tap "Forgot password?" on that screen and follow Google's recovery process, which usually involves confirming your identity through a recovery email or phone number.
If you cannot access your Google account recovery information, some Android phones have a backup unlock method. Samsung phones, for example, let you unlock with your Samsung account if you set one up. Other manufacturers may have their own backup options. Check your phone's lock screen for any other sign-in options before moving to the manufacturer recovery process.
Using recovery email or phone number to reset your password
When you first set up your phone, you likely entered a recovery email address or phone number. These are your fastest path back in. On the lock screen, look for "Forgot password?" or "Can't access your account?" and tap it. The phone will ask you to enter the recovery email or phone number, then send you a code or link to that address.
Check the email inbox or text messages on the device where you set up recovery. If you set up recovery email, look for a message from Apple (for iPhone) or Google (for Android) with a link or code. Click the link or enter the code on your phone, and you will be able to create a new password. If you set up a recovery phone number, you will receive a text or voice call with a code to enter instead.
This process usually takes a few minutes and does not erase any data. It is the reason setting up recovery information when you first get a phone is so important — it saves you hours of trouble later.
What to do if you don't have recovery information set up
If you never set up a recovery email or phone number, and you do not remember your account password, you will need to prove to the phone manufacturer that you own the device. This process is slower but is designed to prevent someone else from stealing your phone and locking you out of it.
Contact Apple Support (for iPhone) or Google Support (for Android) and explain that you are locked out of your own device. They will ask you to verify ownership, usually by providing the phone number associated with your account, the email address you used to set it up, or proof of purchase like a receipt or order confirmation. Some carriers, like Verizon or AT&T, can also help verify ownership if you bought the phone through them.
Once you prove ownership, the manufacturer can send you a recovery link or code. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on how quickly you can provide proof and how busy the support team is. In the meantime, keep the phone powered on and connected to Wi-Fi so you receive the recovery message when it arrives.
Preventing this from happening again
The best protection against being locked out is to write down your passwords in a find place — a locked drawer, a password manager app, or a trusted family member who can help you remember. Password managers like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the built-in password managers in iOS and Android are specifically designed to store passwords securely so you do not have to remember them.
Set up recovery email and phone number on your account as soon as you create it. On iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security and make sure you have a recovery email and phone number listed. On Android, go to Settings > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Security and check that your recovery options are filled in. These take two minutes to set up and can save you hours of frustration.
If you use biometric unlock — fingerprint or face recognition — make sure you also remember your password or PIN. Biometric unlock is convenient, but if your fingerprint or face does not work for some reason, you will need the password to get back in.
When to contact your phone's manufacturer or carrier
Contact the manufacturer directly if you have tried the recovery methods above and none of them worked, or if you do not have access to any recovery information. Apple, Google, Samsung, and other manufacturers all have support teams trained to help with locked phones. Have your proof of purchase ready — a receipt, order confirmation email, or credit card statement showing you bought the phone.
If you bought the phone through a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, you can also call them. Carriers have access to account information and can sometimes speed up the verification process. They may ask for the phone number associated with your account, the last four digits of the credit card you used to pay your bill, or other identifying information.
Be prepared for this process to take several days. The manufacturer needs to verify that you are not someone trying to unlock a stolen phone, so they ask detailed questions and may require documentation. This is inconvenient when it is your own phone, but it is an important security measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my photos and messages if I reset my password?
On Android, no — signing in with your Google account keeps all your data. On iPhone, it depends on the method. If you use iCloud recovery and have a backup, your data is restored. If you erase the phone without a backup, you lose everything that was not backed up to iCloud.
What if I remember my password but my fingerprint stopped working?
Just enter your password on the lock screen instead. Fingerprint and face recognition are convenience features, not the only way to unlock. If fingerprint keeps failing, go to Settings and re-register your fingerprint or turn off biometric unlock temporarily.
Can I unlock someone else's phone if I know their recovery email?
No. Even with the recovery email, you would need to sign into that email account, which requires that account's password. The system is designed so that only someone with access to both the phone and the recovery account can unlock it.
How long does it take to get back into my phone?
If you remember your recovery email or phone number, minutes to an hour. If you need to contact the manufacturer, several days. If you have a backup and need to erase and restore, a few hours depending on backup size and internet speed.
Is there a way to unlock my phone without erasing it if I have no recovery information?
No. Without recovery information or proof of ownership, there is no way to bypass the password without erasing the phone. This is intentional — it prevents theft. Your only option is to contact the manufacturer with proof of purchase.