Forgetting your smartphone password is a common problem, but it doesn’t mean losing access to your device. IT expert and CEO of “Digital Markets” Ilya Nazarov explained how to regain access to Android and iPhone using built-in features or a reset. Here are proven ways to unlock your phone and precautions to protect your data.

Unlocking Android Devices

There are several ways to regain access to an Android smartphone if the password is forgotten. Ilya Nazarov highlights two main methods:

1. “Find My Device” (Google Find My Device)

  • How it works: If the smartphone is connected to the internet and linked to a Google account, you can use the “Find My Device” service to remotely reset the password.
  • Steps:
    1. Go to android.com/find from a computer or another device.
    2. Sign in to the Google account linked to the locked smartphone.
    3. Select “Erase Device” (this removes the password and all data).
    4. After the reset, set up the smartphone again and restore data from your Google backup (if available).
  • Requirements: Active internet connection and access to the linked Google account.
  • Details: After the reset, you will need to sign in with the same Google account to prevent unauthorized access (Factory Reset Protection).

2. Factory Reset via Recovery

  • How it works: If there is no internet access or Google account login, you can perform a full reset through Recovery Mode.
  • Steps:
    1. Turn off the smartphone.
    2. Enter Recovery Mode (usually by pressing the power and volume buttons together; the combination depends on the model).
    3. Select “Wipe data/factory reset” (use volume and power buttons to navigate).
    4. Confirm the reset and wait for the device to reboot.
  • Important: After the reset, you must log into the Google account previously linked to the device. Without it, the smartphone will remain locked.
  • Drawback: All unsaved data will be lost.

Unlocking iPhone

Apple devices also have recovery mechanisms, but they require an Apple ID:

1. Via iCloud

  • How it works: If “Find My iPhone” is enabled, you can remotely erase the device via iCloud.
  • Steps:
    1. Go to icloud.com/find from another device.
    2. Sign in with the Apple ID linked to the locked iPhone.
    3. Select the device and click “Erase iPhone.”
    4. After the reset, set up the iPhone again and restore data from iCloud (if you have a backup).
  • Requirements: Internet connection and Apple ID access.

2. Via iTunes

  • How it works: Connecting to a computer allows you to reset the iPhone through iTunes.
  • Steps:
    1. Connect the iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
    2. Put the device into Recovery Mode (the button combination depends on the model, for example, for iPhone 14 — hold the side button and volume button).
    3. In iTunes, select “Restore iPhone.”
    4. After the reset, set up the device using your Apple ID.
  • Drawback: Without the Apple ID, the device will remain locked (Activation Lock).

If Account Data Is Lost

Modern Android and iOS security systems (Google Factory Reset Protection and Apple Activation Lock) prevent bypassing authorization without the account. If you forgot your Google or Apple ID details:

  • Account recovery: Use recovery procedures on google.com or appleid.apple.com (via backup email, phone number, or security questions).
  • Service center: If you cannot restore access, contact an authorized service center. You will need documents proving ownership (receipt, box, purchase agreement).
  • Limitation: Without proof of ownership, the service center cannot unlock the device due to strict security policies.

Tips for Preventing Lockouts

Ilya Nazarov recommends:

  • Create backups: Regularly save your data to Google Drive or iCloud to minimize losses after a reset.
  • Record passwords: Use password managers or store account details securely.
  • Set up biometrics: Fingerprint or Face ID simplifies access and reduces reliance on passwords.
  • Check account recovery options: Make sure you have access to your backup email and phone number for Google or Apple ID recovery.

In Short…

Forgetting your smartphone password is not the end. For Android, you can use Google’s “Find My Device” or reset through Recovery Mode. For iPhone, you can use iCloud or iTunes. However, without access to your Google or Apple ID, the device will remain locked, and recovery is only possible through a service center with proof of ownership. Ilya Nazarov emphasizes the importance of backups and secure storage of account information. Following these recommendations will help you quickly regain access to your smartphone and avoid losing important data.