Still Using Pattern Locks with Google Pixel Fold? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice

They have been along for a long, long time now – pattern locks – the easiest of all smartphone locks. You just swipe your finger across to create an easy pattern lock of your choosing and that’s it, it becomes your new screen lock. No more remembering tedious digits! So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them? Let’s take a dive and find out all about pattern locks.

Part I: Things To Know About Pattern Locks

The first cellphone locks were 4-digit number locks. Then came 6-digit codes, and even alphanumeric ones. Pattern locks were all the rage a while ago. Though pattern locks continue to be used, they are not considered safe to use any longer. What is all that about? Here’s what you need to know about pattern locks, whether you are a seasoned pattern lock user or not.

I.I: What Are Pattern Locks?

Believe it or not, technology has advanced at such a rapid pace in the last two decades that you’d be forgiven if you don’t know what a pattern lock is, especially if you have only ever used iPhones, or Android phones in just the last few years.

Pattern locks are patterns you create on your smartphone and designate as a smartphone lock/ screen lock. There is a 9-point keypad of sorts, and you start swiping your finger from any point to any point for any which way you feel like. Android 13 allows a minimum of 4 points registered. They are easy to create, and easy to use, hence called easy pattern locks.

Pattern locks have only ever been offered on Android devices and were commonplace a few years ago until they were deemed not secure enough for use by modern standards because they were easy to figure out by malicious actors.

I.II: Popularity and Usage

Pattern lock is a feature unique to Android and has been so since the start. Naturally, it is one of the preferred ways users have come to unlock their Android devices over the years. Even though modern Android smartphones come with fingerprint recognition and face recognition technologies, there exists a large subset of users still addicted to and acclimatized with the pattern lock feature, opting over fingerprint and face recognition.

There has been, however, research conducted into the safety and security offered by pattern lock in Android.

I.III: Advantages and Drawbacks

Modern smartphones very nearly contain the entirety of our lives; photo memories, video memories, important documents both financial and personal in nature, banking apps, ID and ATM/ credit cards in the “wallet” apps, and whatnot. A smartphone falling into the wrong hands could very nearly be used to devastate the rightful owner, both financially and otherwise. And this is not a claim out of thin air; spyware/ malware/ phishing attacks are on the rise around the world. Locking the smartphone, once considered optional and an unnecessary hassle, is now an absolute must.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There is no denying that using an easy pattern lock to lock their smartphone seems enough for most users. Swiping your finger across your smartphone to unlock it feels not only cool and futuristic but safer and more secure than remembering and punching in digits. And, for the most part, it is true, given that 4-digit PINs can only have 10,000 unique combinations!

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

While very easy to use, security researchers and experts have come to agree that the feature is not in the least safe to use, and that is because of how people use the pattern lock feature (discussed in detail below in part II). Some go so far as to say that most pattern locks can be breached in just 5 attempts or less. Imagine that!

What is more, research has found that humans have an uncanny ability to correctly guess a pattern lock simply by viewing the unlocking! The test comprised showing the test subjects videos of users unlocking their phones from different angles and varying distances, and it was found that around 64% of test subjects were able to correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock in one viewing only, and 80% could correctly guess the pattern after just two viewings. By contrast, only 11% were able to correctly deduce a 6-digit PIN after one viewing, and only 27% after viewing twice. This goes to show just how insecure pattern locks are!

Part II: How People Use Pattern Locks

We might wonder how anyone would be able to guess the correct pattern of our device, but believe it or not, it is possible, eerily easily at that! We are all the same humans, after all! You know how people usually set PINs that could be significant dates in their lives? How they get car registration numbers that mean something to them? The same ‘logic’ applies to their setting pattern locks.

At DEFCON 23, Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, presented something that stunned people around the world. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.” What followed was an expert presentation outlining and detailing user behaviors around pattern locks.

These are some commonly created pattern locks by people:

• - shapes of alphabets,
• - shapes of numerals,
• - any other easy-to-make, simple shape.

Marte Loge presented the image below, showing how people naturally gravitate towards creating simple shape patterns, in her research.

To further help you see how easy it might be for anyone to guess your pattern, Marte Loge also presented some statistics.

• - 77% of people started their patterns in one of the 4 corners.
• - 44% of Loge’s subjects started their pattern with the first dot, the top-left one. The next number was 15% for the top-right and 14% for the bottom-left.
• - These percentages did not vary much depending on left-handedness or right-handedness.
• - On average, irrespective of gender, people set 5-point patterns, with 4-point patterns being the most common. This means that the number of combinations on average was 7152 for 5-point patterns and a bogglingly low 1624 for 4-point patterns.

The above data makes it amply clear how using an easy pattern lock is actually worse than using a 4-digit PIN, simply because how people are usually using the pattern lock feature.

Part III: Tips For Using More Secure Pattern Locks

Now, we know how hard it is to break habits cemented over years of use, so in case you must at all costs use a pattern lock only, the least you can do is try and change your easy pattern lock to a better, more secure hard pattern lock.

III.I: How to Create More Secure Patterns

Here are some tips to help you create a better, more secure pattern lock for your smartphone.

• - Avoid using any of the corners to start the pattern.
• - Never use your first initial as a pattern.
• - Never use a digit shape as a pattern.
• - You can pass through the same pattern lines multiple times over. This makes it more difficult for someone to guess your pattern correctly.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid while setting the pattern lock! That simple act takes the possible pattern combinations to over 140,000, significantly more than 10,000 for 4-digit PINs, and vastly superior to paltry 1624 for a 4-point easy pattern lock!

III.II: Forgot Your Pattern? Unlock Your Google Pixel Fold Without Pattern Lock With Dr.Fone

Supercharged with the information above, you went ahead and changed your easy pattern lock to a hard-to-guess pattern lock. Only problem is, your brain is habituated to that old pattern, and you’ve suddenly forgotten what the new pattern was! Well, worry not; Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) will help you unlock your phone without pattern lock !

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Tool to Unlock Your Google Pixel Fold without Pattern Locks!

• 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.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

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

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock and click Android.

CalendarBudget - Monthly subscription membership to CalendarBudget via web browser or mobile app. Support included.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: You will see a list of supported manufacturers on the next screen. Select yours.

Step 4: Now, follow the onscreen guide to prepare your device for screen unlocking.

After completing the process, when the Next button becomes available, click it.

Your device will be successfully unlocked.

Note that this method wipes all data on the Google Pixel Fold device. There is no way around it. You may be able to unlock select older Samsung devices without data loss. Check this list for those devices.

Closing Words

Pattern locks are outdated and not safe to use an easy pattern lock – there are no two ways about it. As such, our recommendation is to start using a 6-digit PIN along with biometric or face recognition. However, we do understand that sometimes, you simply cannot use biometrics or face recognition. For those instances, we recommend that you use this guide and create a more secure pattern lock for your device. In case you forgot your pattern, there is always Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to save the day.

How To Remove or Bypass Knox Enrollment Service On Google Pixel Fold

In today’s digitally-driven work environment, many companies rely on Knox Enrollment Service to secure their employees’ phones and safeguard sensitive data. However, you might have a Knox-enrolled phone you wish to unlock for personal use.

This article will guide you through removing or bypassing the serviceon your phone. However, it’s important to note that this should ideally be done with your employer’s consent. For transitioning to personal use or other reasons, understanding how to remove or bypass Knox Enrollment Service can be crucial for some users.

Part 1: What Is the Knox Enrollment Service?

Knox Enrollment Service is an integral part of Samsung’s Knox, a toolbox of security features for enterprise-level management of mobile devices. This service is pivotal in how companies manage and secure their mobile devices, especially in a corporate environment.

What It Is

Knox Enrollment Service by Samsung is a tool businesses use to automatically enroll Samsung devices into their management systems when the Google Pixel Fold device is connected to the internet. It’s designed for IT administrators to easily deploy, manage, and enforce policies across devices in their network, ensuring consistency and security.

What It Does

The service allows IT administrators to pre-configure settings and apps and manage other aspects of the Google Pixel Fold device’s functionality. When a device is enrolled, it can be remotely controlled and monitored. The administrators can push updates, track device locations, remotely wipe data for security, and enforce specific compliance policies. This automation of device enrollment simplifies the setup process for both the IT department and the end-user.

PCDJ DEX 3 for Windows & MAC is the total entertainment DJ software solution, offering audio, video, and karaoke mixing ability. Automatic beat-sync, smart looping, 4 decks, DJ MIDI controller support, Karaoke Streaming and much more.
DEX 3 meets the demands of today’s versatile DJ, without compromise!
DEX 3 (Audio, Video and Karaoke Mixing Software for Windows/MAC | 3 Activations and Free Updates)

Advantages

Of course, Samsung Knox would not be popular without any advantages. Here are some of them:

• Enhanced security. Knox Enrollment Service ensures corporate devices have robust security features. This helps in safeguarding sensitive data against unauthorized access.
• **Streamlined management.**It simplifies the Google Pixel Fold device management, allowing administrators to configure devices without physical access.
• The service enables the customization of devices to fit specific business needs, including installing necessary applications and restrictions on unauthorized apps.
• Compliance Assurance. With the ability to have policies remotely, companies can ensure that all devices comply with corporate standards and regulations.

Disadvantages

However, it also has some disadvantages:

• **Restrictive for users.**For employees, this can mean reduced control over their devices. After all, certain functionalities might be restricted by the employer.
• Potential privacy concerns. The ability of IT administrators to monitor and control devices may raise privacy concerns among employees.
• Complexity in management. While it simplifies many aspects, managing many devices through Knox can become complex. This is particular in diverse environments with different user needs.

Knox Enrollment Service is a powerful tool for enterprise mobile management, offering enhanced security and simplified device management. However, it also introduces challenges, particularly regarding user autonomy and privacy. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages is crucial before removing or bypassing this service.

Epubor Audible Converter for Win： Download and convert Audible AAXC/AA/AAX to MP3 with 100% original quality preserved.

Part 2: How To Remove Knox Enrollment Service on Your Google Pixel Fold

In most cases, an administrator can only effectively remove the Knox Enrollment Service through the Samsung Knox Portal. This typically requires cooperation from your employer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing itfrom the Admin’s Portal:

• Step 1: Sign in to the Samsung Knox Portal using administrative credentials.
• Step 2: Navigate to Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment, then click Devices.
• Step 3: Select the Google Pixel Fold device in question and click Actions.
• Step 4: Choose the Clear Profile option to remove all profiles from the Google Pixel Fold device. This action will disassociate the Google Pixel Fold device from any existing Knox configurations.

After removing the Google Pixel Fold device from Knox Enrollment via the admin account, you may still need to uninstall the Knox app from the Android device. This can usually be done through the Google Pixel Fold device’s settings. Navigate to ‘Apps’ in the settings menu, locate the Knox app, and select ‘Uninstall’ or ‘Disable’. Be aware that this option might not be available on all devices, depending on how Knox was configured.

Rooting and Flashing a New ROM To Remove Knox Enrollment Service

For the more tech-savvy users, another method to bypass Knox Enrollment Service is by rooting the Google Pixel Fold device and flashing a new ROM. This process involves gaining root access to the Google Pixel Fold device’s operating system, which allows you to modify the software extensively. After rooting, you can flash a new ROM that doesn’t include the Knox software.

However, this method is risky and not recommended for the average user. It will void your warranty and potentially ‘brick’ your device, rendering it unusable. Furthermore, this action could notify your employer of your attempt to remove Knox, which could have professional repercussions. Proceed with this method only if you know the risks and consequences.

Removing Knox Enrollment Service from your phone is feasible but requires careful consideration, especially in a corporate context. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions and understand the risks of modifying your device’s software.

If You Can’t Use the Above Methods

If none of the above methods are feasible, and you find your phone locked or restricted due to Knox, read through the next section. It will provide additional insights on what to do next.

Part 3: How To Bypass a Locked Phone With a Professional Tool

When faced with a locked phone due to Knox security features, and if conventional methods don’t yield results, turning to a third-party tool can be a viable solution. One such tool known for its efficiency in bypassing phone locks is Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a versatile software suite that tackles various smartphone issues, including unlocking screens. Its Screen Unlock feature is useful for bypassing security barriers without requiring extensive technical knowledge. It hosts several features, such as those you need for data recovery, system repairs, and other smartphone services.

Dr.Fone’s Screen Unlock Feature

The Screen Unlock feature in Dr.Fone is specifically designed to bypass screen locks. Often, you can use it for issues such as forgotten passwords or the like. The great thing is that it can also bypass those locks enforced by Knox. You can do all these without causing data loss or significant changes to your device’s system.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best UnlockJunky Alternative to Bypass FRP and Solve Your Screen Locks

• 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.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

How To Use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

• Step 1: Open Dr.Fone and select the Screen Unlock module under Toolbox. Connect your locked phone to the computer using a USB cable.

• Step 2: On the next pages, select Android > Unlock Android Screen.

• Step 3: Find the brand of your device.

• Step 4: Select Remove without Data Loss.

• Step 5: Enter “000000” to start the process after confirming device details.

The BootIt Collection covers multi-booting, partitioning, and disk imaging on traditional PC’s using the standard BIOS and  newer PC’s using UEFI.   The collection includes BootIt Bare Metal (BIBM) for standard BIOS systems and BootIt UEFI (BIU) for UEFI system.

• Step 6: Follow the instructions to put your device into Download Mode.

• Step 7: After the process is completed, click Done. Don’t be afraid to retry the process if it doesn’t work.

If you find yourself locked out of your phone due to Knox and unable to use conventional methods to regain access, Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a reliable and user-friendly alternative. Its Screen Unlock feature is designed to bypass such security features effectively, ensuring you can regain phone access with minimal fuss.

You May Also Interested:

Tutorial to Change Android IMEI without Root

8 Safe and Effective Methods to Unlock Your iPhone Without a Passcode

How to Unlock OPPO Phone Without Password?

Conclusion

In this article, you’ve explored the intricacies of the Knox Enrollment Service and the steps to remove or bypass it. Key takeaways include understanding what Knox is and its removal or bypass methods. However, securing authorization from your organization or phone provider is important before proceeding. This precaution is crucial to avoid potential complications.

For those facing a locked phone due to Knox and unable to follow conventional methods, Wondershare Dr.Fone emerges as a reliable solution. Its Screen Unlock feature offers a safe and efficient way to regain access to your device, ensuring you stay connected without compromising security.

Lock Your Google Pixel Fold Phone in Style: The Top 5 Gesture Lock Screen Apps

Ever wondered, if there was an easier and more interesting way to unlock and open your devices and apps without boring PINs/Passwords that you tend to forget? Worry not, gestures are here! Imagine the joy when you can unlock your phone by just waving your hand over it, or instead of getting access through confusing patterns or lengthy PINs, you can just get in by drawing an alphabet! So let’s go through some gesture lock screen apps for Android phones.

Gestures in Android

Gestures have become an iconic piece of the entire mobile operating system and experience, giving all Android users the joy of using our gestures for functions in our mobile phones We will be discussing 5 gesture lock screen apps, but let us first talk about the existence of gestures in Android.

• • Two-finger swipe down
• • Press and hold on notifications
• • Triple-tap to zoom in
• • Tap and hold on menus
• • Double-tap to wake
• • Press and hold Power Off Button

These gestures gave Android developers an idea of creating apps, to make use of new gestures for not only in-phone functionality but also for the most basic smartphone function of locking and unlocking.

Why do we need these gesture apps? –Would you not want to control your phone’s notification bar by just waving your hand over the screen, when it’s not reachable? These apps are not only fun but also useful and efficient. So, now let us discuss 5 Android gesture lock screen apps.

ZoneAlarm Pro Antivirus + Firewall NextGen

1) Gesture Lock Screen

A top-rated app in the Google Play Store, for gestures, the Gesture Lock Screen is a wonderful gesture app that locks and unlocks Android lock screens. Rated 4/5 stars in the Google Play Store, this app was developed by Q Locker.

Gesture Lock Screen is an all-in-one gesture app that locks the screen as well as provides you with other good features. The app allows you to draw anything or gesture to unlock your phone; you can draw letter, signatures, various shapes, whatever you want to unlock your device! This app gives you the convenience to unlock your phone through fingerprints, gestures, and recover passwords as well.  

• Gesture – you can easily add/change gestures, it can be a single or a multiple stroke gesture as well. For maximum accuracy, this app features gesture sensitivity. If you want a unique lock screen, this app is ideal!

• Customization – This app is highly customizable, so let your creative tech ideas fly! App notifications are available for Android 4.3 and above. Unread notifications will appear on the lock screen, and you can easily hide any confidential notifications.

With over 40,000 5/5 ratings and 5,00,000-10,00,000 installs, this app proves to be the top gesture app for locking your phone.

Download this app from here - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=qlocker.gesture&hl=en

2) Magic Unlock

Magic Unlock app, developed by zonep.ro, is designed with the main aim of responding to hand movement. The future is here!The app detects the movements of your hand, preferably horizontal or vertical, through the phone’s proximity sensor and then opts to unlock the screen. Technology, I tell you!

Firstly, the lock screen security needs to be turned off. You can do this by going to Settings on your phone, then click on Security, then “Screen Lock” and change the lock type to swipe or slide. Now, fire up this app and turn on the magic unlock option. Tada! Now you are all set to unlock your device via air gesture.

The app was released early 2017, but Magic Unlock has already received 50,000-100,000 installs and has a 4.2/5 rating in the Play Store, giving you all the more reason to install it. The app requires Android 4.1 and above.

Download the app from here - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.binarybuilding.magicunlock&hl=en

3) Gesture Magic

Another app that uses gesture to lock/unlock the screen is the Gesture Magic app, developed by Apps2all. Compatible with most Android devices, this app is very easy for you to use.

The app already suggests you with predetermined gestures to unlock the screen and open the specific apps. How convenient!

Features – Don’t we all love apps that do not just stick to their main purpose but also come with extra features? This app allows you to launch apps, make calls, send text messages, and quickly access all applications with ease, everything with the help of gestures!  This app needs to use the Google Pixel Fold device Administrator permission in order to work.

Launched on 17th August 2017, the app has already fetched 100,000-500,000 installs and has maintained a 4/5-star rating, proving why it’s worth using despite being a new-comer.

Download this app from here - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gesture.action&hl=en

4) Gesture Lock Screen

Developed by Prank App, Gesture Lock Screen is a wonderful app that allows to securing your Android phone with letters, signatures or a pull-down gesture. This is an intelligent gesture screen-lock app that detects and adjusts to the letters that are created every time and stored as lock screen passwords. You can be creative with this app as well; hearts, circles, triangles, squares, make any shape, letter, number and save it as the gesture lock.

Gesture Lock Screen is designed to allow you to launch any personal application through your personalized gesture, so you do not have to worry about anyone meddling with the contents of your phone. The app comes with the following range of features:

• Create any kind of password – letters, shapes, numbers, signatures, etc.

• App notifications appear on the lock screen itself - unread texts, calls, app notifications, etc.

• Double tap the notification, draw the gesture to unlock and open the app – privacy, finally!

• Supports both single as well as multiple stroke gesture.

With a 4.4/5-star rating in the Play Store, and with 5,000-10,000 downloads in a span of 2 months of its launch. The app works on Android 4.1 and above.

Download it from - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vasu.gesturescreenlock&hl=en

5) Gestos – Gestures

Developed by Imaxinacion, Gestos-Gestures is an amazing gesture screen-lock app, designed with the main aim of providing you with fluency and speed as you perform actions on your device. This app aims to give you the facility of accessing various functions by drawing an easy gesture on the lock screen.

Gestos allows you to – call contacts, enable or disable settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc, run various system options, lock or unlock your device, and access websites as well.

Talking about configuration, Gestos is a well-designed app that can be activated by just a double-touch on your home screen. Its sensitivity can be adjusted according to what you prefer, a permanent notification toggle floating button is available as well!

Maintaining a 4.1/5-star rating in the Play Store, Gestos has had 100,000-500,000 installs.

Download it from here - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imaxinacion.gestos&hl=en

As Android reaches new heights every year, gestures are getting more and more enhanced, as their functionalities increase as well. Gestures have always been an exciting feature in Android phones and a convenient one as well. They are practical and fun to use, and the apps mentioned above are some of the best gesture-lock apps amongst the vast number of such apps in the Google Play Store. If you want to make your tasks easier by using gestures on your phone, feel free to try some of the mentioned apps here.