Still Using Pattern Locks with Xiaomi Redmi A2+? 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 So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them?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 Xiaomi Redmi A2+ 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 Xiaomi Redmi A2+ 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.

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 Xiaomi Redmi A2+ 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 Unlock Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Bootloader Easily

Do you want to unleash the true power of your smart phone? Do you wish to have complete control over your smart phone? If yes, well, here is the answer; unlock bootloader. For people who are already into the tricks of hacking and rooting smart phones, might be aware of this. But still, there are exciting new developments. Bootloader is a code existing in all operating systems which usually comes pre-locked. So, it is important, if you wish to have a custom ROM installed on the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device, or if you wish to have other controls like installing applications which are incompatible, to have the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device bootloader unlocked. But going through with the process of unlocking bootloader and rooting the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device will not help and rather might break the warranty of the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device. This definitely calls for a diligent watch on how to unlock HTC bootloader. So, it is imperative as a user to know the process of HTC bootloader unlock. This article serves you with some ways you could follow to unleash the true power of your HTC device. Here’s how you can do it.

Part 1: Why We Want to Unlock HTC Bootloader

For people with HTC device, unlocking bootloader would mean complete authority over the smart phone and you have all the power to control the HTC device by all means. Since, bootloader usually comes pre-locked, unlocking the bootloader is the initial step if you would like to have a custom ROM installed in your device. There are various advantages of HTC unlock starting from gaining rights of control to installing latest custom ROMs in the phone and installing incompatible applications. Moreover, HTC unlock bootloader could boost the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device speed and battery life and also help in making complete backups of the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device. You could also have controls to remove bloatware from the HTC device. So, all in all, while there could be certain side effects, if not done properly, there are various advantages of unlocking HTC bootloader. If the process is carried out properly, the Android device could be the perfect smart phone you would like to have.

Part 2: How to Unlock Xiaomi Redmi A2+ Bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is the flagship device of HTC by all means. With a world of features and offerings, Xiaomi Redmi A2+ truly is a beast. While the phone is very powerful without any modifications, the true potential is yet to be seen and that can only be done if the bootloader is unlocked. So, to have a complete control over the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device, it is important to unlock the bootloader and the process has to be carried out diligently. One of the initial things that needs to be ensured is that the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device is fully charged or atleast 80% mark. Make sure you have the fastboot drivers for the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device configured on the windows machine and the Android SDK. Here are some of the steps which can be followed to unlock bootloader.

Step 1: It is always very important to keep the phone data backed up and more so when you are planning to unlock the bootloader.

As one of the initial measures, backup the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device completely as bootloader unlocking process will wipe all the data off. So, backup all the data like photos, contacts, multimedia files, documents, etc.

Step 2: Go to htcdev.com/bootloader. Ensure that you are registered with HTC and once the sign up is done, log in to HTC dev.

Now, ensure that HTC Sync Manager is installed on the PC.

Step 3: From the bootloader page, select your device using the drop down option as shown in the picture below.

After selecting the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device, click on “Begin Unlock Bootloader”, and then confirm all the dialogue boxes which come your way on screen.

Step 4: Now, you will be presented with four steps to put the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device in bootloader mode. Disconnect the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device from the PC and turn the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device off completely. Press the volume down button along with the power button to switch the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device on in bootloader mode.

Step 5: Use the volume keys of the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device to select Fastboot option along with pressing power button to confirm, after the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device is in bootloader mode. Now, connect the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 6: Go to Fastboot folder on the PC and holding down the shift key, click on any empty space followed by a click on “Open command window here”.

Step 7: In the command prompt window, type “fastboot devices” and press enter. Xiaomi Redmi A2+ will show up in the command prompt.

Note: The drivers have to be installed correctly to see the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device in the command prompt. So, if the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device does not show up, reinstall HTC Sync Manager and try again after restarting the computer.

Step 8: On HTC Dev’s website third page, click on “proceed to Step 9”. Follow the steps listed and then click on submit. The unlock token code for the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device will be mailed by HTC. Download the token and name it “Unlock_code.bin” and place the token in the fastboot folder.

Step 9: Now, in the command prompt window, type the following:

fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin

Step 10: On the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ , one message will appear asking if you want to unlock the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device bootloader.

Use volume keys to select and power button to confirm. Once this is done, the Xiaomi Redmi A2+ device will restart once and it’s done. The device is now bootloader unlocked.

How to Reset your Xiaomi Redmi A2+ 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

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

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 Xiaomi Redmi A2+ 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.