Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your ZTE Axon 40 Lite 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 ZTE Axon 40 Lite 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 ZTE Axon 40 Lite 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.

Top 10 Fingerprint Lock Apps to Lock Your ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phone

In the last few years, we have seen the launch of numerous Android phones with an inbuilt fingerprint scanner. This provides added security to the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device and should definitely be utilized by the user. To make the most of this amazing feature, you can find many fingerprint lock app options listed on Google Play Store. Since there are so many options for a fingerprint app, it might become tedious to pick the best finger lock app for your device. Don’t worry – we are here to help you. This guide will make you familiar with the ten best fingerprint screen lock app options out there.

Let’s start our listicle by exploring some of the best fingerprint scanner lock app options available on the Google Play Store.

1. Fingerprint Pattern App Lock

The Fingerprint Pattern App Lock app will be an ideal solution to safeguard your privacy. Besides locking your mobile screen with fingerprint, pattern, and pin code, it can also lock Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, Whatapps, Chrome, or any other apps!

• Full customization
• It doesn’t require the rooting of the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device
• Can lock settings, calls, browser, play store, and more
• Freely available with no ads
• Supports Android 4.1 and up

Rating: 4.2

Download Link: Fingerprint Pattern App Lock

2. AppLock: Fingerprint & PIN

From social media apps to your gallery, this finger lock app can protect almost everything on your device. It comes with tons of features like app time-out, fake crash screen, the inclusion of PIN, and more. All of this can be customized from its settings as well.

• It can capture the picture of the intruder
• Provides a fake crash screen to hide that the app that has been locked
• Different themes for the lock screen
• It has an improved lock screen engine
• Contains in-app ads
• Supports Android 4.0.3 and later versions

Rating: 4.0

Download Link: AppLock: Fingerprint & PIN

3. FingerSecurity

As the name suggests, this fingerprint screen lock app can help you attain complete security on your device with your fingerprint. Besides all the popular apps, you can even lock widgets and settings with it. It can also capture the picture of the intruder, letting you know if your device has been tampered with.

• You can set a fake crash screen for the protected apps
• It can protect notifications from the selective apps as well
• Users can unlock multiple apps at once
• Can set alternative PINs if the fingerprint is not recognized
• Supports Android 4.3 and up

Rating: 4.2

Download Link: FingerSecurity

4. App Lock - Real Fingerprint Protection

If you are looking for a lightweight and secure fingerprint lock app, you can give this option by Kohinoor Apps a try. It can lock any app of your choice and protect your settings as well.  In this way, you can keep intruders away and level up the security on your device.

• It can include PIN and password protection with your fingerprint
• The app sends immediate alerts with an intruder selfie support
• It can also lock system apps, settings, browser, gallery, and more
• Contains in-app purchases and ads
• Supports Android 4.1 and later versions

Rating: 4.2

Download Link: App Lock - Real Fingerprint Protection

5. SpSoft Fingerprint AppLocker

Halt your quest for a complete fingerprint app right here. One of the best finger lock app options out there, it comes with tons of features that will fulfill your security needs. Besides locking all the major apps, settings, and more with your fingerprint, it also has a notification lock and a fake screen feature.

• Lightweight and easy to use
• Supports multiple languages
• It can also be used to reset a lost password
• Contains in-app ads and purchases
• Supports Android 2.3 and later versions

Rating: 4.4

Download Link: SpSoft Fingerprint AppLocker

6. AppLock by DoMobile Lab

One of the best fingerprint app lockers, it is already used by more than 100 million users worldwide. Even though it locks apps via passwords and PINs, it also provides dedicated support for the fingerprint scanner and locking mechanism. It provides full customization support with the availability of various themes.

• Random keyboard with an invisible pattern lock
• It has an inbuilt power-saving mode
• Users can customize profiles for each app
• The app supports all the major languages
• Compatible with all the leading Android versions (including Android 8.0)
• Contains in-app purchases

Rating: 4.4

Download Link: AppLock by DoMobile Lab

7. LOCKit

LOCKit is a complete security app that can help you protect your photos, apps, notifications, and more. It also comes with a photo and video vault to protect your media files. You can fool any intruder with a fake crash screen and capture their photo as well.

• Full customization of fingerprint lock with PIN and password
• Multiple language support
• Can lock incoming calls and customize the notification bar
• Photo and video vault
• Requires Android 2.2 and later versions

Rating: 4.6

Download Link: LOCKit

8. Fingerprint Locker

The fingerprint lock app is compatible with all the ZTE Axon 40 Lite devices running on Android Marshmallow and later versions. It is a lightweight app that utilizes a minimum battery. It might not have all the advanced features, but it certainly provides a basic solution to lock apps with your fingerprint.

• Can lock all the popular apps with your fingerprint
• Lightweight and fast
• Freely available with no ads
• Runs on Android 4.2 and later versions

Rating: 3.6

Download Link: Fingerprint Locker

Pro Tips: Unlock Your Android Phones When You Forgot the Fingerprint

Setting a fingerprint lock or PIN, password, pattern, or even FRP lock on an Android phone is a common way to prevent our important data or private info from being prying eyes. However, if you forgot the fingerprint, or get your Android phone broken with a screen cracked, and enter the wrong password several times, you will be stuck on the problem and won’t be able to access your phone and all the apps on the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device. Don’t be too worried. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) provides you with an Android phone unlocking feature to unlock any phone fingerprint and any screen locks, including numeric password, pattern, 4-digit/6-digit/custom PIN, fingerprint ID, face recognition, etc.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Get into Fingerprint 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.
• Everybody can handle it without any technical background.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate

4,008,670 people have downloaded it

Conclusion

When you know about all the popular options for the fingerprint screen lock app, you can simply choose an ideal choice. Go ahead and download the fingerprint lock app of your choice and provide an added layer of security to your device. Out of all the listed options for the fingerprint app, which one is your favorite? Let us know about it in the comments.

Unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phone Password Without Factory Reset: Full Guide Here

In today’s fast-paced digital age, our smartphones are more than just communication devices; they are repositories of our personal and professional lives. However, there comes a time when we find ourselves locked out of our ZTE Axon 40 Lite phones , desperately trying to remember a password or PIN that seems to have slipped our minds. The thought of a factory reset, which wipes our valuable data clean, can be daunting.

But fear not! This comprehensive guide is here to rescue you from the perils of forgotten passwords without factory reset. So, if you’re in a bind and need to regain access to your device, read on for a full guide to know how to unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone password without factory reset!

Method 1: Unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phones Running Older Android OS (4.4 Or Below) With Google Security Questions

Up until Android version 4.4, you could lock your phone screen with a pattern. Google allowed you to unlock the phone by answering security questions in case you forgot the pattern. Since these may also be easily guessed by people who are in possession of your device illegally, Google deprecated this method after Android 4.4. However, the phones running Android 4.4 or lower are still allowed to be unlocked using this method. So, if you have an old ZTE Axon 40 Lite with Android 4.4 or earlier, here is how to unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone password without factory reset:

Step 1: You may already have entered the incorrect pattern a few times. If so, simply tap the Forgot Pattern to start the process of unlocking your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone screen. Else, deliberately enter incorrect pattern a few times till you see the Forgot Pattern option:

Step 2: Next, choose the option to reset the pattern by answering your Google credentials.

Step 3: Sign into the Google account that matches with the Google account on the phone.

Step 4: Lastly, create a new pattern to unlock your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone.

Side Tip

Now that you have unlocked your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone with Google security questions, we have a tip for you. For the safety and security of your data on your phone, it might be time to trade in the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device for a newer phone with the latest Android OS. Between Android 4.4 and the Android 12 prevalent today, there have been massive security updates and code improvements that you can benefit from. It makes sense given that our phones hold a substantially large part of our personal and professional lives these days. And we are not even talking about features that you may or may not need - we are talking only from a data security point of view. Of course, you will also benefit from the massive performance improvements that have taken place thanks to hardware and software improvements over the years.

Method 2: Unlock Your ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phone Using Wondershare Dr.Fone ( Easy & Fast)

Now, since the previous method of unlocking your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone was deprecated after Android 4.4, what about the phones running newer versions? How to unlock a ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone with a newer Android version? There are still a few methods that are available to you, but the best way to unlock a ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone is to use this nifty little app called Wondershare Dr.Fone. And you will discover that there is nothing little about this app!

Dr.Fone is a collection of several modules unified in a single interface. Each of these modules is designed meticulously to serve a purpose for your device, such as unlocking your phone, repairing your phone, erasing data from your phone or wiping the phone securely, etc. With this approach, users are never encumbered with options. Instead, they can focus on every task in the simplest, easiest manner without worrying about doing something untoward because they could not understand the software. Dr.Fone is fast, intuitive and easy to use.

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone on your computer. Select the Screen Unlock module.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: Select the first option – 100% Remove Screen Lock as ZTE Axon 40 Lite devices cannot be unlocked without data loss.

Step 4: Choose your phone brand carefully – ZTE Axon 40 Lite in this case.

Step 5: Complete the instructions to download the software to your phone.

Step 6: The software will start downloading, and if everything went smoothly you will see a screen to click Remove Now.

Step 7: When all is done, you will see the following:

Your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone screen is now unlocked. Click the button below to unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone password without factory reset now!

Method 3: Factory Reset ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phones (Wipes User Data)

There is a standard factory reset built into every ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone to allow users to erase the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device and start over fully. This option wipes all user data and resets the phone to how you received it in the box. Naturally, this is not a preferred way, as it requires the phone to be set up all over again and that takes time. Also, all data will need to be backed up beforehand in order to restore it again. Overall, this method consumes a lot of time.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Backup & Reset.

Step 2: Tap Factory Reset > Reset Phone.

Step 3: Tap Erase Everything.

Method 4: Use Google Find My Device To Unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phones (Wipes User Data)

Google Find My Device is an online service by Google that is used to locate and track your Android devices. It works like how Apple’s Find My works for its range of hardware. Using Find My Device, you can play a sound on the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device to locate it in the house if you have misplaced it, lock the phone in case it is lost, and wipe the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device remotely.

Step 1: Go to https://accounts.google.com .

Step 2: Log in and go to Security > Your Devices:

Step 3: Click Find A Lost Device.

Step 4: Select the Android device you want to wipe carefully if you have a few:

Step 5: Click Erase Device and confirm.

Step 6: After the erasure, your device will need to be set up all over again.

Method 5: Request Service Provider To Unlock Your ZTE Axon 40 Lite Phone

If your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone is tied to a service contract and you want to unlock your device to use it with other service providers, this method is for you. You can request your service provider to unlock your ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone provided their conditions are met. Usually, they will be happy to oblige if there are no dues and the service period is over.

Bonus Tip: If You Want To Disable Screen Lock

Sometimes, you may not need to secure your device at all. For example, if you have an old device that you want to use as a media player in your car or to give to children to play games, you may not want to password-protect the ZTE Axon 40 Lite device. This is how to disable screen lock on Android:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Security > Screen Lock.

Step 2: Enter the PIN or pattern.

Step 3: Choose None and confirm.

Conclusion

There are a handful of methods you can use to unlock a ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone in case you forget the password or PIN or pattern. Especially for the old pattern-based screen locks, it is easy to unlock the phone if you know the answers to the security questions in your Google account. However, to unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone screen without password on newer Android versions, you need technical knowledge, or you can use third-party software such as Wondershare Dr.Fone. Using Dr.Fone Screen Unlock, you can unlock your phone quickly with no technical mumbo jumbo to confuse you. All you will get is a software that guides you every step of the way so you can unlock ZTE Axon 40 Lite phone easily.