Introduction
Forgetting the PIN lock on an Android tablet can be frustrating, especially when immediate access is needed. Fortunately, several methods and tools can help regain control of the device. This article will cover various techniques, including third-party software, factory reset methods, and Google account recovery.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Software
Third-party software can effectively unlock an Android tablet. Two popular tools are Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) and DroidKit.
Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android)
Dr.Fone is a versatile tool that can unlock an Android tablet without data loss. Here’s how to use it:
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Download and Install Dr.Fone:
- Download and install Dr.Fone on a computer. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
- Launch the application and connect the Android tablet to the computer using a USB cable.
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Choose the Unlock Method:
- In the Dr.Fone interface, select the "Screen Unlock" tab and choose "Android > Unlock Android Screen."
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify the device model.
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Unlock the Tablet:
- After device verification, follow the on-screen instructions provided by Dr.Fone to unlock the tablet.
- The software will guide through the process, which may involve bypassing the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature if enabled.
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Bypass FRP:
- Dr.Fone helps bypass the FRP feature, a security measure preventing unauthorized access after a factory reset.
- This ensures unlocking the device without losing original data.
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Additional Features:
- Dr.Fone offers tools for backing up data, changing the GPS location, permanently erasing data, and more.
- It supports unlocking various types of locks including PINs, passwords, fingerprints, and patterns.
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Compatibility:
- Dr.Fone is compatible with most Android devices from brands like Samsung, OPPO, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, etc.
- It’s beginner-friendly and offers a fast password unlock process.
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Video Tutorial:
- A video on the Dr.Fone website demonstrates how to unlock an Android tablet using this method. Over 4 million people have downloaded this guide.
DroidKit
DroidKit is another powerful tool designed to unlock Android devices without passwords or Google accounts. Here’s how to use it:
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Download and Install DroidKit:
- Download and install DroidKit on a computer.
- Launch the application and connect the Android tablet to the computer using a USB cable.
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Choose the Screen Unlocker Mode:
- In the DroidKit interface, go to the “Screen Unlocker” mode.
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Unlock the Tablet:
- Follow the on-screen instructions provided by DroidKit to unlock the tablet.
- The software will guide through the process of removing various types of locks including PINs, patterns, fingerprints, and face IDs.
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Remove Google Account:
- If the device is locked out of factory reset protection due to a Google account, DroidKit can help remove the Google account altogether.
- This feature is particularly useful for Samsung devices.
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Additional Features:
- DroidKit offers features such as recovering lost data like WhatsApp messages, photos, contacts, etc., fixing system bugs like black screens, extracting files from Google accounts or broken Samsung devices, and more.
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Compatibility:
- DroidKit supports unlocking all Android phones and tablets from brands like Samsung, LG, Huawei, Motorola, etc.
- It’s safe and reliable with a 100% clean and safe download guarantee.
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Video Tutorial:
- A video on the DroidKit website demonstrates how to unlock an Android tablet using this method.
Method 2: Factory Reset
If third-party software isn't an option or a more straightforward method is preferred, performing a factory reset on the Android tablet can help. This method will erase all data, so backing up data before proceeding is essential.
Steps for Factory Reset:
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Power Off the Tablet:
- Press and hold the Power button until the tablet turns off.
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Boot into Recovery Mode:
- Press and hold the Volume Down button along with the Power button simultaneously until the tablet boots into recovery mode.
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Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset:
- Use the Volume Down button to navigate to the "Wipe data/factory reset" option and press the Power button to select it.
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Confirm Reset:
- In the confirmation screen, use the Volume Down button to highlight "Yes — delete all user data" and press the Power button to confirm.
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Reboot System:
- After confirming the reset, select "Reboot system now" to restart the tablet.
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Initial Setup:
- Once the tablet restarts, perform the initial out-of-the-box setup process.
Method 3: Using Google Account
If signed in to a Google account on the Android tablet, Google's Find My Device feature can erase all data and unlock it.
Steps for Using Google Account:
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Sign In to Google Find My Device:
- Go to the Google Find My Device website and sign in with Google account credentials.
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Erase Device:
- Click on the "Erase device" option to erase all data on the tablet.
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Unlock Device:
- After erasing the data, the tablet will be unlocked and ready for use.
Method 4: External Data Reset
If none of the above methods work, performing an External Data Reset might be necessary. This method is usually recommended for Sony devices but can be applied to other Android tablets as well.
Steps for External Data Reset:
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Power Off the Tablet:
- Press and hold the Power button until the tablet turns off.
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Boot into Recovery Mode:
- Press and hold the Volume Up button along with the Power button simultaneously until the tablet boots into recovery mode.
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Select Reset to Factory Settings:
- Use the Volume Down button to navigate to the "Reset to factory settings" option and press the Power button to select it.
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Confirm Reset:
- In the confirmation screen, use the Volume Down button to highlight "Yes — delete all user data" and press the Power button to confirm.
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Reboot System:
- After confirming the reset, select "Reboot system now" to restart the tablet.
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Initial Setup:
- Once the tablet restarts, perform the initial out-of-the-box setup process.
Additional Tips
- Backup Data: Before attempting any of these methods, back up data to prevent loss.
- Choose the Right Tool: Select a tool compatible with the device model and offering needed features.
- Follow Instructions Carefully: Always follow the instructions provided by the chosen tool or method to avoid complications.
- Consider Professional Help: If none of these methods work, seek professional help from a tech expert.
By following these steps and using the right tools, unlocking an Android tablet even if the PIN lock is forgotten is achievable.