App locks or application locks allow you to password protect individual apps on your smartphone. This gives you an extra layer of security and privacy for sensitive apps like social media, banking, photos etc. An app lock ensures that unauthorized users cannot access private data if they get hold of your unlocked phone.
However, there may be situations when you need to bypass the app lock and open a locked app without knowing the password. For instance, if you forgot the app lock password or want to access the locked app on a new phone.
Thankfully, there are a few straightforward techniques using which you can easily unlock app lock and open locked apps without password. Let’s go through these step-by-step.
Restart Your Phone in Safe Mode
The first method to unlock app lock without password is by restarting your Android phone in safe mode. When the device boots in safe mode, third party apps including app lock are disabled. This allows you to access and open locked apps as app lock will not be functioning in safe mode.
Here are the steps to boot your Android phone in safe mode and bypass app lock:
For phones with hardware buttons:
1. Press and hold the Power button to see the power off options.
2. Long press the ‘Power off’ option. This will open a confirmation prompt.
3. Press and hold the ‘OK’ option in the prompt. Your phone will now restart in safe mode.
4. Once the phone boots up, open the app that was previously locked by app lock. You will be able to access the app without entering password.
5. To exit safe mode, restart your phone normally.
For phones with on-screen buttons:
1. Long press the power button until the power off options appear.
2. Long press the ‘Power off’ option. This will bring up a confirmation prompt.
3. Press and hold the ‘OK’ button in the prompt. Your phone will now reboot in safe mode.
4. When the phone switches on, open the locked app. You will be able to use it without app lock password.
5. To return to normal mode, restart your device.
This method lets you temporarily bypass app lock and access locked apps when you don’t remember the password. However, once you restart your phone normally, app lock will be re-enabled.
Disable App Lock from Settings
If you want to permanently disable the app lock on your Android device, you can do so easily from the Settings app. This will remove app lock protection and allow you to open previously locked apps without password.
Follow these instructions to remove app lock on Android by disabling it:
1. Open ‘Settings’ on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Security’.
3. Tap on ‘Screen lock’ or ‘Advanced security’ depending on your Android version.
4. You will see the list of screen locks and security options. Tap on ‘None’ or ‘Swipe’ to remove the existing screen lock.
5. Now look for the app lock option. It may be named differently on some devices e.g. App lock, Apps lock, Lock apps etc.
6. Tap on the app lock option and select ‘Disable’ or ‘Turn off’.
7. Confirm disabling app lock when prompted.
This will permanently disable the app locking feature from your device. As a result, you will be able to open and use previously locked apps without entering any password.
However, your private apps will no longer be protected from unauthorized access. So only disable app lock if you don’t need that additional security.
Unlock Via App Lock Recovery Options
Most app lock apps provide recovery options in case you forget your password. You can use these built-in account recovery options to reset your app lock password.
Here are the steps to reset app lock password using account recovery:
1. Open the locked app. You will see the password prompt screen.
2. Tap on ‘Forgot Password’ or ‘Forgot PIN’ option below the password field.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and reset the password.
4. Methods like OTP, security questions, linked accounts etc. may be used for verification.
5. Once identity is confirmed, you will be able to set a new password for app lock.
However, the exact recovery steps vary across different app lock apps. So consult the app’s help guide to know the specific recovery process.
Using the built-in recovery flow allows you to unlock app lock without losing protection. You simply reset the password instead of disabling app lock.
Unlock Via App Lock Master Password
Some app lock apps give you a master password or PIN during set up. This master credential can unlock app lock in case you forget the custom password.
Follow these steps to use master password and unlock app lock:
1. Open the locked app. You will see the password entry screen.
2. Tap on ‘Forgot password’ and select ‘Use master password’ option.
3. Enter the master password or PIN that was provided by the app lock app.
4. The app lock will now be unlocked and you can access the previously locked app.
However, this method only works if the app lock service provides a master password feature and you had noted it down during set up.
Factory Reset Your Phone
Performing a factory reset on your Android device will wipe all data including app lock password. This will essentially remove the app lock and allow you to freely access previously secured apps after the reset.
Here is how to factory reset an Android phone to remove app lock:
1. Back up important data from the phone to avoid permanent data loss. The reset will erase all content.
2. Open device Settings and navigate to System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Tap on Reset phone/Erase all data option. Confirm when prompted.
4. The phone will reboot into recovery mode to erase all user data. This removes app lock password.
5. Once the reset completes, set up your device again. Previously locked apps can now be accessed without password.
Do note that factory reset is an irreversible process. Avoid using it unless you have no other option to unlock app lock.
Unlock Via App Lock’s Developer Options
Some app lock apps allow bypassing password protection using hidden developer options. You can access these options by tapping on the app icon multiple times.
Here are the general steps:
1. Go to your Android home screen and locate the app lock app icon.
2. Tap on the app lock icon 5-10 times continuously.
3. After a few taps, developer options menu will appear for the app.
4. Tap on the ‘Disable Password’ or ‘Unlock App Lock’ option.
5. Confirm action when prompted. App lock will now be unlocked.
Please note that these developer settings are hidden options not officially supported by app developers. The steps can vary across app lock apps.
Conclusion
Forgotten app lock passwords can be frustrating but there are several convenient ways to unlock app lock without password. You can boot your device in safe mode, disable app lock from settings, use recovery options and master password, factory reset the phone or exploit developer options.
Using the built-in password reset and recovery options provided by the app lock app is the recommended approach. This allows you to regain access while still keeping app lock enabled for security.
Disabling app lock permanently makes your private apps vulnerable. Factory reset also causes permanent data loss. So weigh the options carefully and pick the method that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to unlock app lock without password?
Yes, there are several methods using which you can bypass app lock and open locked apps without entering password. This includes restarting phone in safe mode, disabling app lock from settings, using master password or reset options, factory resetting device and accessing hidden developer options in some app locks.
What happens if I uninstall the app lock app?
Uninstalling the app lock application from your Android phone will remove the app lock protection. This will allow you to open the previously secured apps without password. However, you will also lose the security benefits offered by app lock.
Can I reset app lock password without email verification?
Most app locks require email or SMS verification for resetting forgotten password. This is to ensure security.
However, some app locks offer alternative options like master password and security questions to recover password without email. The exact options depend on the specific app lock application.
Is there any way to know the app lock password if I don’t remember it?
Unfortunately, there is no way to recover the forgotten app lock password itself. But you can reset the password by using the ‘Forgot Password’ option in the app lock app. This will allow you to set a new password after identity verification via OTP, security questions etc.
Some app locks also provide a master password that can unlock the app lock when you forget the custom password.
Can I unlock app lock without losing data?
Yes, options like safe mode, master password, built-in recovery, developer settings allow bypassing app lock without data loss. Disabling app lock from settings also keeps data intact.
However, factory reset erases all data while removing app lock. Make sure to backup data before using factory reset.
Summary
– App locks provide extra security for sensitive apps but forgotten passwords can be inconvenient.
– Methods like safe mode, disabling from settings, using master password/recovery options, factory reset and developer options can help unlock app lock without password.
– Built-in recovery options and master password provided by app lock apps allow regaining access without losing protection.
– Factory reset erases all data so avoid it unless necessary. Weigh all options carefully before choosing the right one for your needs.