In 2024, A Complete Guide To OEM Unlocking on Vivo S18 Pro

A Complete Guide To OEM Unlocking on Vivo S18 Pro

Android, known worldwide as a major player in phone operating systems, stands out for its flexibility and open-source nature. This allows users to customize their devices extensively. However, despite this openness, certain features and capabilities can still be locked or restricted, either by Google or the Vivo S18 Pro device manufacturer.

For those looking to truly unleash the full potential of their Android device, an OEM unlock is an essential step. This article will delve into the process of OEM unlocking on Android, guiding you through its benefits and how to safely perform it.

OEM lock might sound like technical jargon to many. However, it’s a key concept for those who wish to dive deeper into Android customization. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Unlocking in this context refers to removing restrictions made by the manufacturer on the Vivo S18 Pro device.

This process allows you to gain deeper access to the Vivo S18 Pro device’s software. Thus, OEM unlocking is often required for customizing or modifying the system at a more advanced level.

Why Enable OEM Unlock?

The primary reason to enable OEM unlocking is to gain the ability to root your device or install custom firmware, also known as ROMs. Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking. It allows users to access and modify the Vivo S18 Pro device’s software at the deepest level.

This can enable the installation of apps and software that require more permissions than what is typically available. On the other hand, custom ROMs can change your device’s interface. They can also add features not available in the stock version of Android.

Pros and Cons of OEM Unlocking

Here are some great things you can get when you allow OEM unlock.

The most significant advantage is the ability to customize your device far beyond what’s possible with standard settings.
Root access. It allows for rooting the phone enabling advanced features and apps.
Custom ROMs. Users can install different versions of Android or entirely new operating systems.

On the other hand, here are some cons that you must consider before performing the process on your phone:

Security risks. Root access can make your device more vulnerable to malware and hacking.
Void warranty. OEM unlocking often voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
Potential for bricking. Incorrect procedures can render the Vivo S18 Pro device unusable, known as ‘bricking’.

Understanding the Risks

It’s crucial to understand that OEM unlocking is not without its risks. It does open the door to several customizations and tweaks. However, it can also compromise the security of your device. There’s always a chance of bricking your phone, especially if the unlocking process isn’t followed correctly or an unstable custom ROM is installed.

Additionally, most manufacturers will void your warranty once you unlock the bootloader. This leaves you without support in case something goes wrong. So, in the next sections, you’ll be guided through the steps of OEM unlocking. You’ll also learn how to do it safely, ensuring you make the most out of your Android device.

Part 2: How To Enable OEM Unlock on Your Android Phone

Enabling OEM unlock can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Still, it’s relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps. Before you start, it’s important to remember that the exact process can vary slightly depending on your device’s brand and model. However, the general steps are usually similar across most Android devices.

Step 1: Before proceeding, ensure you back up all important data. Enabling OEM unlock may require a factory reset, which erases all data on the Vivo S18 Pro device.
Step 2: Go to your phone’s Settings > About Phone. Then, tap on the Build number seven times. You should see a message that says you’re now a developer.
Step 3: Find and select Developer options on Settings. Then, tap OEM unlocking. You might need to enter a PIN or password.

Here are some common links where you might find the needed PIN or password:

After these steps, your device’s bootloader is now unlocked, and you can proceed with rooting or installing custom ROMs. Remember that this is a significant change to your device’s system, and it should be done cautiously and ideally only if you’re comfortable with potential risks.

Part 3: What Can You Do After OEM Unlock?

Unlocking your phone’s OEM opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to customize your device beyond what’s available in its factory settings. This newfound freedom, however, comes with its own set of responsibilities and risks. Here’s what you can do after having your phone OEM unlocked.

Root Your Device

Rooting is akin to having the master key to your device’s software. It allows you to gain superuser access, enabling modifications and access to system files that were previously restricted. With rooting, you can:

Remove pre-installed apps or bloatware.
Customize system settings and UI elements.
Enhance performance or battery life through underclocking or overclocking the CPU.

Flash a Custom ROM

A custom ROM is a new operating system you can install on your device. This is one of the most popular reasons for OEM unlocking. Custom ROMs offer:

The latest Android updates, even for older devices, are no longer supported by manufacturers.
New features and customization options that aren’t available in the stock ROM.
Potential performance improvements and unique user interfaces.

Enjoy High Customization

With an OEM unlocked device, the sky’s the limit regarding customization. You can:

Install custom kernels for better performance and battery life.
Use powerful apps that require root access for advanced device management.
Customize everything from the boot animation to the layout of your UI.

However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Rooting and installing custom ROMs can void your warranty and, if not done correctly, can turn your device into an expensive paperweight (a state often referred to as “bricking”). Always use reliable sources for your custom ROMs and root-access apps.

Bonus: How To Unlock Your Android Screen When You Forgot Password

Forgetting the password to your Android phone can be a stressful experience. It locks you out of your device. It cuts your access to personal data, contacts, and essential apps. However, aside from OEM unlocking, learning the skill of screen unlocking is incredibly useful in such situations. It’s not just about regaining access. It’s about harnessing control over your device during forgetfulness or emergency.

Wondershare Dr. Fone’s Screen Unlock (Android) will save you in these situations. It’s designed to unlock your phone without requiring a factory reset. It saves your data from being erased. This feature supports unlocking patterns, PINs, passwords, and fingerprints, offering a comprehensive solution for regaining access to your device.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

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Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
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How To Perform Screen Unlock With Dr.Fone

The process is straightforward. It involves connecting your device to a computer and running the Dr.Fone software. Then, you’ll follow simple on-screen instructions. Learn how to do those below:

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock. Connect your Android device with your PC.

Step 2: Select Android on this page.

Step 3: Select Unlock Android Screen.

Step 4: Select your device brand.

Step 5: Click Remove without Data Loss.

Step 6: After confirming device details, type “000000” to execute the operation.

Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions for putting your device into download mode. Then, wait for the process to finish.

Step 8: Once complete, click Done. If your device still isn’t accessible, click Try again.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, you’ve explored the ins and outs of “what is OEM unlock” in the Android world. It’s a key to opening up a trove of customizability on your Android device. It lets you tweak and tailor your phone to your heart’s content. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

Diving into OEM

How to Reset your Vivo S18 Pro Lock Screen Password

Android phones have the option of locking the screen using a PIN, pattern, or password. This is meant to keep the phone secure and prevent any unwanted intrusion. PINs and patterns are somewhat easy to remember, but it is common to forget the Android lock screen password. The phone gets locked if someone consecutively enters the wrong password multiple times. Then it is a common question to ask, “How to reset your Android password?”

The device becomes inaccessible and requires an Android password reset. But there is no easy way to do that. Either one needs their Gmail account or has to forget about getting back the Android data. Today we will deliver how to reset Android passwords and teach 6 useful ways. They can be used to reset the Android password and use the phone again. But if someone has to perform a factory restore, they need to depend on backups to get back the data. Now let’s begin with the first way and learn how to reset your Android phone password.

safe & secure

Solution 1: Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android): A Direct Way to Unlock the Phone

Using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is a direct way to Android reset the password and unlock the phone. There is no tension of data loss, and this phone unlocking software works for different lock systems. It can reset the Android password, pattern, PIN, and fingerprint lock in under 5 minutes. It is straightforward to operate and does not require any technical knowledge.

Wondershare offers you 100% security as it only authorizes you access. It is simple and user-friendly and keeps all the data on the Android device ( Samsung and LG only) intact.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Get into Locked Android Phones Within Minutes

4 screen lock types are available: pattern, PIN, password & fingerprints.
Easily remove the lock screen; No need to root your device.
Unlock 20,000+ models of Android phones & tablets.
Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate

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How to reset an Android phone password with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Step 1: Select “Screen Unlock”

Open the program. After that, select and click on “Screen Unlock” on the right side of the window. With this option, you can Android reset your password and remove the lock screen of PIN, password, pattern, and fingerprints.

Now get the Android phone connected to the PC and select the Vivo S18 Pro device model in the list to proceed.

Step 2: Activate download mode

You have to put your device into download mode. For that, follow the instructions given by Wondershare:

1. Switch off the Android device
2. Tap and keep holding the volume decrease button along with the power and home button simultaneously
3. Now tap the volume increase button to initiate download mode

Step 3: Download the recovery package

After the download mode has been entered, the program will begin to download the recovery package automatically. You have to hold your horses until it is complete.

Step 4: Remove the Android password without data loss

Soon the recovery package finishes downloading. Then the program begins to remove the lock screen. After the process is over, you can access all your data on your Android device and reset your Android password.

These simple steps will ensure that you can secure your Android lock screen easily, without any worries. You do not have to worry about data loss, and you will reset your Android phone. Even if you have forgotten your Android password and are thinking about starting your Android phone again, these simple tips will help.

Solution 2: How to reset Android Phone Password with Smart Lock?

Setting up Smart Lock on your Android device adds a convenient and straightforward method for unlocking your screen. Smart Lock provides different alternatives to bypass the lock screen based on specific situations.

These alternatives encompass trusted locations, connected devices, or facial recognition. For devices operating on Android 14, it’s now referred to as Extend Unlock. Here’s a guide on utilizing Smart Lock to unlock your Android device:

Step 1. Set a pattern, PIN, or password for your screen lock if you haven’t already. Open the Settings on your Android device and tap on “Security & Privacy.” Here, tap “More Security & Privacy” and select “Trust agents.”

Step 2. Within “Trust agents,” toggle on “Extend Unlock” and then return to the previous screen. Select “Extend Unlock” and input your pattern, PIN, or password to confirm. Next, pick your desired Smart Lock type and follow the on-screen prompts to activate.

Solution 3: How to Unlock Samsung Phone with SmartThings?

Unlocking an Android phone using SmartThings is an option available for Samsung devices. SmartThings offers remote control and management of Samsung devices. It also includes the ability to unlock your phone under specific conditions. Here’s a general guide on how to use SmartThings to unlock your Samsung phone:

Step 1. Access the SmartThings website, where you should click on the “Sign In” button. Now log in using your Samsung Account, and you’ll be directed to a new screen displaying a map pinpointing your phone’s location.

Step 2. Select the “Unlock” button located in the top right corner of the menu. Then, proceed by clicking “Unlock,” and entering your Samsung password. Finally, confirm by clicking Unlock once more. This action will reset all your lock settings, comprising biometric security, PIN, password, and swipe pattern.

Solution 4: How to Reset Android Password using Google？

To reset the Android password using Google, it is necessary to remember the Google password and ID. Google account must also be activated on the phone. Also, this method only works on devices running Android 4.4 or below. Follow the steps below for the Android password reset.

Step 1: Access Google login

Enter the wrong password 5 times till the Android device gives you a “Forgot password?” prompt. Click on the tab and choose “Enter Google Account details.”

Step 2: Enter credentials and do an Android reset password

Now enter the Google ID and password and log in. You will be able to Android reset your password and get access to your phone.

Solution 5: How to Reset Android Password using Android Device Manager？

Familiar with Android Device Manager? Well, it has been renamed now as Find My Device. This service provided by Google helps you find, lock, or wipe your Android device. Plus, if you have enabled Find My Device, it might prove very helpful to assist you in unlocking your device. Check out these easy-to-follow steps for unlocking your Android device. For this, you need to use Find My Device, the upgraded Android Device Manager:

Instructions. On a computer or another device, go to the “Google Find My Device ” website. Here, sign in using your Google account linked to the locked Android device. Once you’ve logged in, the website will present a map revealing the most recent location of your device. Next, navigate to the left side and select “Erase Device.” Follow the prompts on the screen to finalize the process.

Solution 6: How to reset Android Phone Password using Factory Reset?

This method can be used when no other means of Android password reset works. This will erase all your data, so it is better to have backups created before. Now perform the steps to Android reset the password.

Step 1: Initiate factory restore.

Turn your Android device off. Press and hold the power button + home button + volume up button. This will bring up the recovery mode to initiate factory restoration.

Step 2: Factory restore

Now use the volume +/- button to navigate to the “Wipe Data / Factory Reset” option and press the power button to select it. Wait till the process complete.

Step 3: Reboot and reset the password.

From the available options, choose “Reboot System Now.” After the Android device powers on, you will be able to do the Android password reset.

Bonus Part: Useful Tips to Prevent Future Lockouts on Android

Here are some helpful tips to prevent future lockouts on your Android device and ensure better password management.

1. Use Password Managers: Consider using reputable password manager apps that securely store and manage your passwords. These apps often have features to generate strong, unique passwords for different accounts and help you remember them.
2. Set up Biometric Authentication: In case your device supports it, use biometric authentication methods for a better experience. These can be fingerprints or facial recognition. These methods can be more convenient than remembering passwords and offer added security.
3. Create Memorable Passwords: If you opt against using a password manager, craft robust yet easily remembered passwords. To improve your security, try to use a sequence of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Plus, avoid easily guessable details like birthdays or common phrases to make your password strong.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible for your accounts. Likewise, this provides an added layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method. It could be a text message code or authentication app in addition to your password.
5. Regularly Back Up Your Data: Make it a habit to consistently back up your device data . To prevent potential data loss from forgotten passwords or unexpected issues, take precautions. Safeguard your crucial data by creating backups, whether in the cloud or on an external storage device.

Conclusion

This article guided all the possible ways available in 2024 to reset your Android lock screen password, such as using the Smart Lock, Google Find My, Samsung SmartThings, and Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android). The most recommended method out of these methods is Dr.Fone because it can handle all Android brands without restrictions.

On the other hand, other methods have their limitations. For example, SmartThings can only work for Samsung smartphones. Moreover, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is compatible with Android 14 and can unlock the screen within 2 minutes.

Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Vivo S18 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 Vivo S18 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.
Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

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 Vivo S18 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.