How to Lock Apps on Google to Protect Your Individual Information

How to Lock Apps on Google Pixel 8 Pro to Protect Your Individual Information

If you are not a fan of having to go through the process of getting through a pattern or password every time you want to use your phone, the good news is that you don’t have to. There are really just a few Apps on your Android device that have sensitive information you don’t want others getting access to. It would really be great if you could lock those apps individually as opposed to locking the Google Pixel 8 Pro device as a whole.

Well, in light of helping you out, this article will address just how you can lock Apps on your device and not have to type in a code every time you want to use the Google Pixel 8 Pro device.

Part 1. Why you need to Lock Apps on Android?

Before we get down to the business of locking some of your Apps, let’s look at some of the reasons why you would want to lock certain apps.

You may simply want better access on your device. Locking certain apps will allow you to easily access the Google Pixel 8 Pro device and use it without having to remember passwords and patterns.
If you are a person who is not good at remembering passwords or patterns, simply locking certain apps will help you not get locked out of your entire device which can cause a lot of problems.
If your device is used by more than one person, locking certain apps will keep the other users out of information you would rather they didn’t access.
If you have children, you can eliminate the many accidental in-app purchases by locking the apps your children shouldn’t be on.
Locking apps is also a good way to keep children from content they shouldn’t be accessing.

Part 2. How to Lock Apps in Android

There is always a good reason to Lock Apps on your device and we have two easy and effective methods you can use to do this. Choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

Method One: Using Smart App Protector

Smart App Protector is a freeware that allows you to lock specified applications.

Step 1: Download and Install Smart App Protector from the Google Play Store and Launch it. You may be required to install a helper application for Smart App Protector. This helper will ensure that the many App services running on your device will not be killed by third party apps.

Step 2: The default password 7777 but you can change this in the Password & Pattern Settings.

Step 3: The next step is to add apps to the Smart App Protector. Open the Running Tab on Smart Protector and tap on the “Add” button.

Step 3: Next, select the apps you would like to protect from the pop up list. Tap on the “Add” button once you have chosen your Apps.

Step 4: Now close the app and the Apps chosen will now be password protected.

Method 2: Using Hexlock

Step 1: Download Hexlock from the Google Play Store. Once it is installed, open it. You will be required to enter a pattern or PIN. This is the lock code that you will use every time you open the app.

Step 2: Once the PIN or Password is set, you are now ready to lock apps. You can create multiple lists of Apps to be locked ba_x_sed on your different needs. As an example, we have chosen the Work panel. Tap on “Start Locking Apps” to start.

Step 3: You will see a list of Apps to choose from. Choose the Apps you wish to lock and then Tap the down arrow in the upper left when you are done.

You can then Swipe to the left to move to other lists such as “Home” and proceed to lock apps in this group as well.

Part 3. 6 Private Apps that you should lock on your Android

There are certain apps that may require to be locked more than others. Of course the choice of which apps you should lock will depend on your own uses and preferences. The following are some of the apps you would like to lock for one reason or another.

1. The Messaging App

This is the application that allows you to send and receive messages. You may want to lock this app if you use your device to send messages of a sensitive nature that you would rather keep private. You may also want to lock this app if your device is used by more than one person and you don’t want other users reading your messages.

2. Email App

Most people use individual email applications such as Yahoo Mail App or Gmail. This is another critical one if you are going to protect your work emails. You may want to lock the email app if your work emails are sensitive in nature and contain information that is not for all individuals.

3. Google Play Services

This is the application that allows you to download and install applications to your device. You may want to lock this one if you are trying to prevent other users from downloading and installing further apps to your device. This is especially valuable if your device is utilized by children.

4. Gallery App

The Gallery app displays all the images on your device. The main reason you may want to lock the Gallery app may be because you have sensitive images that are not suitable for all viewers. Again this is ideal if children make use of your device and you have images that you would rather they didn’t see.

5. Music Pla_x_yer App

This is the Application that you use to play the music on your device. You may want to lock it if you don’t want anyone else making changes to your saved audio files and playlists or don’t want someone listening to your audio files.

6. File Manager App

This is the App that displays all of the files that are saved on your device. It is the ultimate app to lock if you have sensitive information on your device that you would rather not share. Locking this app will ensure that all of the files on your device will remain safe from prying eyes.

Having the ability to lock your Apps is an easy way to keep information out of the limelight. It also allows you to take full control of your device. Try it, it might just be freeing as opposed to locking your entire device.

Top 15 Apps To Hack WiFi Password On Google Pixel 8 Pro

In today’s fast-paced world, having a stable internet connection has become a necessity. With the growing number of public WiFi networks, it’s easy to find a connection wherever you go. However, many of these networks are password-protected, making it difficult to access them without the right tools. To help you stay connected, we have compiled a list of top Android apps that can hack WiFi passwords on Android. These apps are perfect for those who want to unlock unlimited internet access without spending a dime. Read on to discover the top apps for hacking WiFi passwords on Android devices.

Part 1: Wi-Fi Password Hacker Prank

The Wi-Fi Password Hacker Prank app is a fun tool for pranking friends and family. It does not hack Wi-Fi password but displays a fake password that cannot be used. This app is free of charge and easy to use, making it a great tool for pranking purposes. However, it is important to remember that this app is only for entertainment and should not be used for malicious purposes.

Steps to usage:

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Step 1. Download the app using the link given below from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Open the app and click on the “Start” button.
Step 3. Choose the target Wi-Fi network.
Step 4. Wait for the app to display a fake password.

Pros:

Easy to use.
Good for pranking friends.
Free of charge.

Cons:

Does not hack Wi-Fi passwords.
It can only be used for pranking purposes.
The password displayed is fake and cannot be used.

Key User Review: This app is a great way to prank your friends by making them believe you can hack into their Wi-Fi network. However, it’s important to note that it’s just for fun and doesn’t hack into any network.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.droid.developer.wifipassword&hl=en_US&gl=US

Part 2: Wi-Fi Password (ROOT)

Wi-Fi Password (ROOT) is a Wi-Fi hacker app that can retrieve the password of a network. It can be used to access networks without prior authorization and is free of charge. However, there are some limitations to its use.

The app may not work with all networks and not with all types of networks (such as WPA or WEP). Additionally, the app requires root access, so users who do not have rooted devices will not be able to use it.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Root your device.
Step 2. Download the app using the link given below from the Google Play Store.
Step 3. Open the app and click on the “Scan” button.
Step 4. Choose the target Wi-Fi network.
Step 5. Click on the “Show password” button to display the password.

Pros:

Can retrieve the password of a network.
It can be used to access networks without prior authorization.
Free of charge.

Cons:

It may not work with all types of networks (such as WPA or WEP).
Requires root access to use.

Key User Review: This app requires the Google Pixel 8 Pro device to be rooted, which might be a hindrance. However, the app is very easy to use and effectively shows the password for the target Wi-Fi network.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ro.lau.app.wifipasswords&hl=en&gl=US

Part 3: WPA WPS Tester

WPA WPS Tester is a useful app for testing the security of a Wi-Fi network. The app is free of charge and easy to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Only routers connected via a WPS router with few features are susceptible to hacking by the Wi-Fi WPS TESTER app. The outstanding feature of this app is that you can use it without having to root your Android device. This app also works with some additional features on a rooted Android device.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download the app using the link given below from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Open the app and click on the “Scan” button.
Step 3. Choose the target Wi-Fi network.
Step 4. You can manually enter its key.
Step 5. The program analyzes the Wi-Fi security and attempts various word and number combinations to guess the Wi-Fi password. The software quickly locates the network code and instantly connects your phone.

Pros:

Easy to use.
Can test the security of a Wi-Fi network.
Free of charge.

Cons:

May not work with all Wi-Fi networks.
It can only test the security of a network and does not provide a password.

Key User Review: This app is a great tool for testing the security of Wi-Fi networks. It’s user-friendly and offers a simple way to test the strength of your network’s password.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tester.wpswpatester&hl=en

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Part 4: AirCrack-ng

This application called Aircrack-ng can decipher 802.11 WEP and WPA-PSK keys. The typical FMS attack is implemented along with some optimizations, such as KoreK attacks and the PTW attack, making the attack much faster than previous WEP cracking programs.

One such program that has been Android-ported is the well-known Aircrack-ng security tool. It is not difficult to run Aircrack-ng on Android. The most challenging aspect is finding a Wi-Fi chipset that supports monitoring mode.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Utilize the link provided below to download the app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Launch the app, then select “Scan.”
Step 3. Pick the Wi-Fi network you want to use.
Step 4. Hold off until the app has finished the test and shown the results.

Pros:

Can test the security of a Wi-Fi network.
Provides detailed information about the network.
Free of charge.

Cons:

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
It may not work with all Wi-Fi networks.

Key User Review: Users have reported that this app is a great tool for network administrators and security experts. It offers advanced features and is considered one of the best Wi-Fi hacker tools.

Download link: https://www.aircrack-ng.org/

Part 5: Wi-Fi WPS Connect

Wi-Fi WPS Connect is a simple app for testing the security of a Wi-Fi network. The app is free of charge and easy to use, making it accessible to many users.

You may instantly connect to any Wi-Fi connection on your Android device that has WPS security without entering a password. The WPS Connect app circumvents WPS Wi-Fi security and establishes a connection without requiring a password.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download the app using the link given below from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Open the app and click on the “Scan” button.
Step 3. The details of all neighboring Wi-Fi networks are displayed after a brief period of time.
Step 4. Choose the target Wi-Fi network.
Step 5. Tap on the Wi-Fi network you want to hack and then choose it. A list of keys that have already been defined pops up on the screen (PIN).
Step 6. Start your hacking operation by tapping the key.
Step 7. Wait for the app to run the test and display the results.

Pros:

Can test the security of a Wi-Fi network.
Easy to use.
Free of charge.

Cons:

It may not work with all Wi-Fi networks.
It can only test the security of a network and does not provide a password.

Key User Review: This app is highly rated by users for its ease of use and ability to connect and hack Wi-Fi networks quickly. It’s a great tool for those who are tired of typing in long passwords.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=teampro.wifi.wpsconnect&hl=en&gl=US

Part 6: Kali Linux Nethunter

Kali Linux Nethunter is a powerful app for testing the security of a Wi-Fi network. The app provides detailed information about the network and is a great tool for security professionals.

You must launch Kali’s Wifite program in order to utilize this application for Wi-Fi hacking. The editing of configuration files is made much easier by the Nethunter configuration interface, which is fairly user-friendly. The Wi-Fi hacking tool for Android, Kali Nethunter, employs a modified kernel that allows Wi-Fi 802.11 injections.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Utilize the link provided below to download the app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Launch the application and select the desired Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. Hold off until the app has finished the test and shown the results.

Pros:

Can test the security of a Wi-Fi network.
Provides detailed information about the network.
Free of charge.

Cons:

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
It may not work with all Wi-Fi networks.

Key User Review: This app is a great tool for hackers and security experts. It offers various healthy features and is considered one of the best hacking tools.

Download link: https://www.kali.org/docs/nethunter/

Part 7: AndroDumpper

Another app that uses WPS PINs to hack WiFi passwords, AndroDumpper is straightforward to use and has a user-friendly interface, making it a favorite amongst beginners.

It is easy to use and does not require any technical knowledge or skills. With AndroDumpper, you can easily gain access to any WiFi network that is protected by a password, regardless of the encryption type. This app is perfect for people who need to connect to WiFi networks without having the password or for anyone who wants to test the security of their own network.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download and install AndroDumpper from the Google Play Store or a trusted third-party app store.
Step 2. Enable Wi-Fi on your device and open AndroDumpper.
Step 3. Grant necessary permissions, such as location access.
Step 4. The app scans and displays available WPS-enabled Wi-Fi networks.
Step 5. Select a network, choose “No Custom PIN” for the app to attempt connection, or “Custom PIN” if you know the WPS PIN.
Step 6. Wait for the connection process; if successful, the app displays the Wi-Fi password, and your device connects to the network.

Pros:

Easy-to-use interface.
Compatible with rooted and non-rooted devices.
Helps save mobile data.
Educational for understanding network security.

Cons:

Illegal and unethical without permission.
Limited success rate on certain networks.
Potential security risks for your device.
Incompatibility issues with some devices and routers.

Key User Review: AndroaDumpper WPS connect application is very very useful and important application for every one… I’m really impressed with your work.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wifi.androdumpperapp

Part 8: Router Keygen

![router keygen](https://images.wondershare.com/drfone/article/2023/05/router-keygen-logo.jpg)

Router Keygen is a simple app showing a Wi-Fi network’s password. The app is easy to use and is free of charge, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

It can only display the password and does not evaluate the security of a network, like many other comparable apps, and it may not function with all Wi-Fi networks. Despite this, Router Keygen is a fantastic tool for everyone who needs to know the Wi-Fi network password and wants a quick fix.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Utilize the following link to the Google Play Store to download the app.
Step 2. Open the app, then select the desired Wi-Fi network.
Step 3. Watch for the application to do the test and provide the results.

Pros:

It can show the password for a Wi-Fi network.
Easy to use.
Free of charge.

Cons:

It may not work with all Wi-Fi networks.
It can only show the password and does not test the security of a network.

Key User Review: This app is a highly-rated tool for finding Wi-Fi passwords. It’s easy to use and offers quick results.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.github.routerkeygen&hl=en&gl=US

Part 9: Arcai.com’s Netcut

With the help of the program Netcut , you may disable a particular device’s Internet access. You may remove unused users from your network by using a straightforward interface.

Other functions include showing device traffic, and network names, and recording website traffic from visits made by other devices.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Use the following link to the Google Play Store to download the app.
Step 2. Select the target network by opening the application.
Step 3. Watch for the test to run and the results to be displayed by the app.

Pros:

Can test the security of a network.
Provides detailed information about the network.
Free of charge.

Cons:

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
It may not work with all networks.

Key User Review: This app is a highly rated tool for network administrators. It allows for cutting network connections and is considered one of the best tools for network management.

Download link: https://arcai.com/netcut-for-android/

Part 10: Nmap

The Nmap app for Android is helpful for accessing accessible hosts, services, packages, firewalls, etc. through Wi-Fi.

Nmap for Android is beneficial for both rooted and non-rooted Android smartphones. The sophisticated functions of the program, such as scanning SYN and getting operating system signatures, cannot be used by users without root access.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Employ the following link below to download the app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Launch the application and select the desired network.
Step 3. continue To hold off until the app has finished the test and revealed the results.

Pros:

Can test the security of a network.
Provides detailed information about the network.
Free of charge.

Cons:

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
It may not work with all networks.

Key User Review: This app is a highly rated tool. It offers advanced features and is considered one of the best network mapping tools.

Download link: https://nmap.org/

Part 11: dSploit

dSploit is an effective tool for evaluating the security of a network. It offers insightful information regarding the network and is a great resource for security experts.

The tool’s creators claim that this application offers the most comprehensive and cutting-edge toolkit for performing tasks like Wi-Fi scanning and router key cracking, Multiprotocol login cracker, Packet Forging with wake on LAN support, HTTPS redirection, Man in the Middle attacks, Session Hijacking, and many others.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download the app using the link given below from the Google Play Store.
Step 2. Open the app and choose the target network.
Step 3. Wait for the app to run the test and display the results.

Pros:

Can test the security of a network.
Provides detailed information about the network.
Free of charge.

Cons:

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively.
It may not work with all networks.

Key User Review: This app is a great tool for hackers and security experts. It offers extra features and is highly rated by users for its ability to penetrate Wi-Fi networks.

Download link: https://dsploit.en.softonic.com/

Part 12: WiFi Kill

WiFi Kill is an Android app that allows a user to hack into a WiFi network by disconnecting other users from the same network. This app can be used to obtain the password of the network, as it forces all the connected devices to reconnect, and then captures the data packets exchanged between those devices and the network.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download and install WiFi Kill on your Android device.
Step 2. Enable your device’s WiFi and connect to the target network.
Step 3. Launch WiFi Kill and grant root access if prompted.
Step 4. Click on the network you want to target and press the “grab” button.
Step 5. Once devices connected to the target network appear, select the ones you want to disconnect and press the “kill” button.
Step 6. The targeted devices will now lose their internet connection, allowing you to capture packets and potentially crack the WiFi password.

Pros:

Easy to use.
Can quickly disconnect unwanted users from the network.
Can save bandwidth by removing unnecessary devices.

Cons:

Illegal to use without permission.
Can cause legal consequences if caught.
May damage the target network.

Key User Review: This app help me for control the Wifi access of my childrens.This is very efficient.

Download link: https://wifikill.en.softonic.com/

Part 13: WiFi Inspect

WiFi Inspect is a powerful Android app that allows users to hack WiFi passwords and gain access to networks that they’re not authorized to use. With its easy-to-use interface and advanced hacking features, it has become a popular tool among hackers and security researchers. By using WiFi Inspect, users can not only crack passwords, but also monitor network traffic, detect vulnerabilities, and troubleshoot network issues. However, it’s important to note that using this app for illegal purposes is strictly prohibited and can result in serious legal consequences.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download and install WiFi Inspect app on your Android device.
Step 2. Open the app and grant it root access.
Step 3. Scan for available WiFi networks.
Step 4. Select the network you want to hack.
Step 5. Click on “Crack Password” and wait for the process to complete.
Step 6. The password will be displayed in the app.

Pros:

WiFi Inspect is a powerful tool for network monitoring and troubleshooting.
It can help you identify vulnerabilities in your own network and improve your security.
It can be used to test the security of other networks, such as public WiFi hotspots.

Cons:

Using WiFi Inspect to hack into someone else’s WiFi network without their permission is illegal and unethical.
It requires root access on your Android device, which can potentially void your warranty and make your device more vulnerable to security threats.
It may not work on all types of WiFi networks, especially those with advanced security measures in place.

Key User Review: Great tool for finding out what’s on your WiFi. If only I could get rid of those rotten ads!

Download link: https://m.apkpure.com/wifinspect-root/uk.co.opticiancms.wifiprobe

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## Part 14: WiFi Analyzer

This WiFi Analyzer app helps you find the best WiFi channels for your network, improving your signal strength and allowing you to hack passwords easily. This process involves using a WiFi analyzer app to scan for nearby wireless networks, analyze their signal strength, and identify potential vulnerabilities. The app then attempts to exploit these weaknesses and gain access to the network’s password. While this approach may seem like an easy way to access a password-protected WiFi network, it is important to note that hacking into someone else’s network without their permission is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download and install WiFi Analyzer app from Google Play Store.
Step 2. Open the app and scan for available WiFi networks.
Step 3. Select the target network and note down its channel and signal strength.
Step 4. Open a terminal emulator app on your Android device and enter the command “airodump-ng wlan0” to start capturing packets.
Step 5. Once enough packets are captured, enter the command “aircrack-ng -w [path to wordlist] -b [target BSSID] [path to capture file]“ to crack the password.
Step 6. The password will be displayed on the screen once it is successfully cracked.li>

Pros:

Easy to use and user-friendly interface.
Can help identify weak spots in your own WiFi network.
Can reveal other WiFi networks in the area and their strength.

Cons:

Illegal and unethical to use to hack into someone else’s WiFi network without their permission.
Can be unreliable and not always effective in cracking passwords.
Can potentially harm your own device’s security.

Key User Review: Great tool for finding out what’s on your WiFi. If only I could get rid of those rotten ads!

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.webprovider.wifianalyzer

Part 15: WiFi Warden

WiFi Warden is an all-in-one app that not only helps you hack WiFi passwords but also offers additional features, such as network analysis and channel optimization. The app comes with a built-in database of default router passwords, making it easier to gain access to password-protected WiFi networks. WiFi Warden is compatible with Android devices running version 4.0 and above.

Steps to usage:

Step 1. Download WiFi Warden from Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2. Open the app and grant it necessary permissions.
Step 3. Scan for available WiFi networks.
Step 4. Select the network you want to hack.
Step 5. Click on the “Connect Automatic Pin” option.
Step 6. Wait for the app to find the password and connect to the network.

Pros:

WiFi Warden offers a user-friendly interface.
Gain access to WiFi networks without paying.
Get detailed information about connected networks.

Cons:

Hacking WiFi passwords is illegal and unethical.
May expose your device to malware or hackers.
Doesn’t work on networks with strong encryption.
Invading others’ networks may compromise their privacy.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xti.wifiwarden&hl=en&gl=US

Conclusion

These top Android apps for hacking WiFi passwords can help you access unlimited internet without spending a dime. Whether you’re a casual user looking to connect to a public network or a seasoned hacker seeking advanced tools, these apps have you covered. Download one or more of these apps today and unlock the power of unlimited internet access on your Android device. Remember to use these tools responsibly and always respect the privacy and security of others.

If you want to manage your iOS passwords and want to retrieve your Wifi Password on you iPhone or iPad , we recommend using Dr.Fone - Password Manager (iOS) . By following ethical practices, you can enjoy seamless internet connectivity without any unwanted trouble.

Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Google Pixel 8 Pro Phone Now with These Tips

Pattern locks have been available for about as long as people can remember, and they have been hugely popular with people thanks to how easy it is to simply swipe your screen and unlock your smartphone, as against, say, keying in the 4-digit PIN/ 6-digit PIN. However, pattern locks are easy to crack, and today, we bring you all you want to know about pattern locks and how to create a hard pattern lock. Further to this, we also tell you how to move beyond pattern locks and what to do in case you forgot the hard pattern lock you just set and are unable to unlock your smartphone.

Part 1: What You Need to Know About Pattern Locks

Pattern lock is an Android-only feature that makes it easy for users to have a modicum of security on their smartphones. Most users do not prefer using and remembering a PIN to unlock the smartphone. Creating a pattern makes it easier, somehow.

There is a 9-point grid on which you swipe your finger from point to point, in any direction, and when you take your finger off, that pattern you swiped becomes the key to unlock your smartphone.

Pattern locks were exceedingly common only a few years ago, and they are not recommended for use any longer due to concerns (mentioned later in the article).

1.1: Popularity and Usage

Old habits die hard, or so they say, right? That’s because it is true. We are creatures of habit, and pattern locks have been around for a long, long time. We are accustomed to pattern locks. So, even with even easier technologies such as fingerprint recognition and face recognition, we tend to gravitate towards the familiar old pattern lock.

The only thing is, there is a reason why pattern locks are no longer the preferred option to use for unlocking your smartphones. As it happens, that reason is security, and it can be very easy for humans to take a swipe (pardon the pun) at your pattern lock. And guess what? The research conducted suggests that they would get it right with an unsettling accuracy.

1.2: Advantages and Drawbacks

With on-the-go lifestyles, our smartphones have become indispensable and contain some of the most sensitive aspects of our lives – IDs, credit and debit cards in digital wallets, photo and video memories, business documents – you name it, the smartphones have it, on the go. This has opened our lives up to the public at large, and if someone steals our smartphone or, best case, finds it, the only barrier preventing them from being privy to all that wealth of our sensitive information is that screen lock – the pattern lock that we set on our smartphones. That’s it – the single pattern lock stands between malicious actors and our data. You might be beginning to realize just how crazy this is.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There are two advantages to using pattern locks. One, they are better than nothing. Two, they are easy to use. And that’s about it. There is no third advantage to pattern locks. We might think we set a hard pattern lock that nobody could guess, but, as research proves, we might be thinking too low of human prowess.

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

Security, or rather, the lack of it, is the lone disadvantage of using a pattern lock. What good is a pattern lock that can be easily deciphered? Sure, they are easy to use, and they are better than not having anything, but would you really want to protect your life’s data with something that could be, as researchers found out, breached in under 5 attempts? We don’t think you do!

The research found that 64% of test subjects who were shown videos of people unlocking their phones could correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock, that too after viewing the video only once! That number shot up to 80% if they were allowed to see the video again. That is simply astounding and a nightmare for security. When it comes to PINs, only 11% could guess a 6-digit PIN after viewing the unlocking video once, and that number shot up to 27% when they could see the video two times.

Part 2: How To Create a Hard Pattern Lock (Including Remembering Complex Patterns)

Now, if you must continue using a pattern lock, let’s help you know how to create a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy to decipher as easy pattern locks. For that, you should know how people use pattern locks, the kind of pattern locks they create, and the ones that are the most commonly used pattern locks. That way, you can avoid those fallacies and create a hard pattern lock for your smartphone.

2.1: The Pattern Locks People Use Most Commonly

Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, gave a presentation on pattern locks at DEFCON 23 and made a bold claim. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.”

She presented the following statistics to support her claim:

- In her research, she found that 77% of people started with one of the 4 corners when creating a pattern lock.
- 44% of people started with the top-left dot and 15% with the top-right, while the bottom-left was preferred by 14% of her test subjects.
- People set 5-point pattern locks on average, and most users were content with a 4-point pattern.

These are some of the most common pattern locks people create:

- patterns in the shapes of alphabets,
- patterns in the shapes of numerals,
- patterns in any other simple shape, such as square, triangle, star, etc.

To understand how this is a security nightmare, the possible combinations for a 4-point pattern are a measly 1624, whereas by adding just 1 more point to the pattern and creating a 5-point pattern, the number of possible combinations becomes 7152, an increase of 5528 combinations. In stark contrast, creating a 9-point pattern would give you over 140,000 possible combinations!

2.2: How to Create a Hard Pattern Lock

Knowing what most people do when creating a pattern lock, it becomes easy to avoid those mistakes and instead create a hard pattern lock for oneself.

- Do not start creating a pattern lock from any of the 4 corners of the grid.
- Never use your first initial as your pattern lock.
- Never use the shape of a numeral as your pattern lock.
- Use all 9 points on the grid to create your pattern lock, and contrary to popular belief, you can go over the connecting lines several times, creating a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy for people to decipher!

Part 3: Going Beyond Pattern Locks

You might think that now that you have set a hard pattern lock, you are good to go. Hardly. Technology has evolved, so have methods to break into your device.

Step 1: Set a 6-digit PIN

The minimum you should do today is set a 6-digit PIN to unlock your phone. Consider this a necessary investment into the safety of your data residing on your smartphone.

Step 2: Use Fingerprint Recognition (or Face Recognition on Apple Devices)

All modern smartphones released over the last decade have come with fingerprint recognition. Using fingerprint recognition requires you to set a 6-digit PIN and then set a fingerprint to unlock your device. You can set additional fingerprints, too.

This way, your device is the most secure it can be today. In case your fingerprint is not recognized for any reason, the phone falls back on the 6-digit PIN that you can enter and unlock your phone.

While face recognition is available on both Android and Apple devices, it is truly secure only on Apple devices. This is why Apple iPhones released after the iPhone X in 2017 have come only with Face ID. They fall back on a minimum 6-digit PIN (called Passcode in Apple world) to unlock in case the face does not get recognized in the first attempt.

Part 4: How To Unlock Phone If Hard Pattern Lock Forgotten

Just in case you set a hard pattern lock and promptly forgot that abstruse pattern you just set, we have a tool for you to quickly unlock your phone in case of a forgotten hard pattern lock: Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove the Hard Pattern Lock on Your Google Pixel 8 Pro If You Forgot!

Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
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4,008,671 people have downloaded it

Download the latest version of Dr.Fone from the Wondershare website and launch the app.

Step 1: Click Android under Toolbox > Screen Unlock.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: Select your device manufacturer.

Step 4: Prepare your device to unlock the screen.

When the greyed Next button becomes available, click it and wait for your device to be unlocked.

All data on the Google Pixel 8 Pro device is wiped under this method. Select Samsung phones may be unlocked without data loss. Check this list for devices that may be unlocked without data loss.

Closing Words

Whether it is an easy pattern lock or a hard pattern lock, the fact is that pattern locks are antiquated and a security nightmare. A minimum 6-digit PIN must be used, and using fingerprint recognition is the preferred way to go for Android devices. Using fingerprint recognition will require that users create a 6-digit PIN. On Apple devices launched after 2017, there is Face ID, Apple’s marketing term for face recognition. If you did indeed still set a hard pattern lock, only to promptly forget it, use Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to seamlessly unlock your phone right now.