Can't unlock your Android device

If you’ve made too many pattern attempts or forgotten your PIN or password, you can try other methods to unlock your Android device.

Sign in to your Google Account

For pattern passcodes only

If you set up a pattern passcode and made multiple attempts to unlock your device, you can touch Forgot Pattern and be prompted to enter your Google Account username and password. This will take you to the Security options in the main Settings menu, where you can reset your device’s password.

If you can’t sign in to your Google Account, try these troubleshooting steps to enter your username or password.

Reset your device to factory settings

If you can’t unlock your device using your pattern, PIN, or password, you can reset your phone or tablet to factory settings.

Important: Performing a factory data reset permanently erases all data on the device.

Factory reset using the bootloader menu

To reset a Nexus device to factory settings using the bootloader menu, select your device below for the factory data reset instructions:

• Nexus 4
• Nexus 7
• Nexus 10

If you have a different Android device and don't know how to perform a factory reset, visit your manufacturer's support site.

Factory reset using Android Device Manager

If you connected your device to Android Device Manager, you can remotely erase your device’s data.

1. Sign in to android.com/devicemanager.
2. Choose the device you want to erase from the menu.
3. Select Erase.

If you haven’t set up Android Device Manager, follow these steps to add your device.