In 2024, Still Using Pattern Locks with Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice

Still Using Pattern Locks with Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G? 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 So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them?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 Note 12 4G 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 Note 12 4G 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 Note 12 4G 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.

Top 10 Fingerprint Lock Apps to Lock Your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G 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 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G 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 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G 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 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G 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 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G 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.

How to Use Google Assistant on Your Lock Screen Of Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G Phone

Android has undergone numerous changes to enhance user experience and security. One notable feature that was once present was the ability to unlock phones with voice Google Assistant. However, Google Assistant has removed this feature across all versions since 2021.

While this voice-unlocking feature is no longer available, there are still many things you can do with Google Assistant, even when the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 4G device is locked. This tool brings an added layer of convenience to your smartphone experience.

Let’s dig deeper into how you can use Google Assistant on the lock screen and make the most out of this tool in the following article.

Part 1. What You Can Do With Voice Google Assistant

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI) developed by tech giant Google. This application is readily available on most recent mobile phone models, especially those operating on Android 6.0 and newer versions.

Although you can no longer use the Google Assistant unlock feature, you can still perform a myriad of tasks using Google Assistant. These include:

Getting the weather
Setting alarms
Playing music
Sending texts
Making a call
Asking Google for information, etc.

Enable Google Assistant on Lock Screen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’re eager to try the potential of Google Assistant on your lock screen, let’s walk through the simple steps on how to enable this tool.

Step 1: Open Google Assistant:

Look for “Google Assistant” and open the app.

Step 2: Ask Google Assistant to open the settings.

You can ask, “Hey Google, open the Google Assistant settings,” and it will show you the Google Assistant settings.

Step 3: Allow Google Assistant on the lock screen.

Locate the “Lock Screen” settings and make sure to switch on “Assistant responses on lock screen.”

Part 2. How To Use Google Assistant on Lock Screen

After you’ve successfully enabled Google Assistant on your lock screen, let’s see how to use Google Assistant to do certain tasks more efficiently and hands-free.

Step 1: Wake Up Google Assistant

Start by waking up Google Assistant. You can do this by saying the wake word “Hey Google” or “OK Google.” If it doesn’t work, you can long-press the home button or use any dedicated gesture to activate Google Assistant.

Step 2: Issue a Voice Command

Once Google Assistant is active, issue a voice command related to the task you want to perform. For example:

“Hey Google, what’s the weather today?”

“OK Google, set an alarm for 5 PM.”

“Hey Google, play my Spotify playlist.”

When you can still unlock with Google Assistant, you can ask it to “unlock my phone” or use any similar command.

Step 3: Interact with Responses

Google Assistant will then provide spoken responses and display relevant information on the lock screen. For instance, if you ask for the weather, it might verbally provide the current conditions and display a brief summary on your lock screen.

Part 3. Common Problems When Using Google Assistant

Unable to use Google Assistant to unlock phone is not the only drawback that users may have encountered in recent changes. Although Google Assistant on the lock screen presents a revolutionary way to interact with your phone, like any technology, it also comes with its share of challenges. Some of the common problems when using Google Assistant are:

Misunderstandings and misinterpretations

One prevalent issue users encounter is Google Assistant misunderstanding or misinterpreting voice commands. This can be influenced by factors such as background noise, accent variations, or pronunciation differences.

Limited context understanding

While Google Assistant is adept at understanding individual commands, it may struggle with complex, multi-step requests that rely heavily on context. Break down your tasks into simpler commands to enhance comprehension and execute it more accurately.

Inability to execute certain tasks

Google Assistant’s capabilities are extensive, but there are instances where it may struggle to execute specific tasks. For example, it can’t execute tasks that involve interacting with certain third-party applications or services. You can’t also unlock phone with voice Google Assistant.

Tips to Make Voice Google Assistant Recognize Your Commands

One of the most infuriating problems with voice Google Assistant is that users often encounter difficulties in having their commands accurately recognized. To enhance the accuracy of voice recognition with Google Assistant, you can consider implementing the following tips:

Speak Clearly and Naturally

Make sure that you speak in a clear and natural manner. Avoid mumbling or speaking too quickly. Enunciate your words, giving Google Assistant a better chance to interpret your commands accurately.

Use Simple and Direct Phrases

Keep your commands simple and direct. Avoid unnecessary elaboration or complex sentence structures. Google Assistant is more likely to understand straightforward commands.

Check Your Microphone

Ensure that your device’s microphone is in good working condition. Dirt or debris on your phone’s microphone can affect its performance. Clean the microphone area and try again.

Quiet Environment

Background noise can interfere with voice recognition. Try to issue commands in a quiet environment to minimize any potential confusion caused by external sounds.

Part 4. How to Unlock Android Phone Screen Without Passcode

Now, you know that you can’t unlock phone via Google Assistant anymore. But what if you accidentally forget your phone’s passcode? Is there a reliable method to regain access to your Android device without the passcode?

Fortunately, Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a straightforward solution for precisely such scenarios. It provides a simple and effective way to unlock your Android phone screen through Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock when the screen lock is forgotten or becomes inaccessible.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best UnlockJunky Alternative to Solve Your Screen Locks

Completely unlinked from the previous Google account, it won’t be traced or blocked by it anymore.
Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
Compatiable with various Android models.
Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,670 people have downloaded it

If you are wondering how to unlock your Android phone screen without a passcode with Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the Screen Unlock Tool

Open the latest version of Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and connect your phone device using a USB cable. Once connected, navigate to the Toolbox > Screen Unlock to access Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock tool.

Step 2: Select Android for your device type.

As the Dr.Fone Screen Unlock tool supports both Android and iOS, you will need to indicate the specific device you are using. Opt for the Android option if you are unlocking an Android device. Then, continue to choose “Unlock Android Screen” on the next screen.

Step 3: Remove Screen Lock Without Data Loss
In this step, you will be directed to select your device brand. Choose the Android device brand you are using and opt for “Remove without Data Loss” if you don’t want to lose your data.

Step 4: Define Device Details

Next, make sure to check and confirm the Brand, Device Name, and Device Model to unlock your Android screen. Tick the checkmark that says you agree with the warning and are ready to proceed. Click “Next” to unlock your screen.

Step 5: Confirm to Unlock Screen

Type “000000” continue by clicking Confirm.

Step 6: Put Android in Download Mode

Dr.Fone will then guide you to put your Android device into Download Mode according to the model you have identified. After you have followed the instructions, Dr.Fone will automatically lead to the next screen to proceed the unlocking process.

After that, you can monitor the progress and wait for a few minutes until it shows “Unlocked successfully.”

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Conclusion

Google Assistant is a versatile virtual assistant that is designed to help you with a wide range of tasks and make your daily life more convenient. Accessible on most modern Android devices, it enables users to perform several tasks through voice commands.

However, if you are looking for ways to unlock phone with Google Assistant, this function is no longer available. Google Assistant unlock feature has been discontinued since 2021. But in case you’ve forgotten the screen lock passcode, you can use Wondershare Dr.Fone Screen Unlock tool to regain access to your Android phone. This tool facilitates the unlocking process without data loss, featuring a user-friendly learning curve.