Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Google Pixel 8 Pro Phone Now with These Tips

Pattern locks have been available for about as long as people can remember, and they have been hugely popular with people thanks to how easy it is to simply swipe your screen and unlock your smartphone, as against, say, keying in the 4-digit PIN/ 6-digit PIN. However, pattern locks are easy to crack, and today, we bring you all you want to know about pattern locks and how to create a hard pattern lock. Further to this, we also tell you how to move beyond pattern locks and what to do in case you forgot the hard pattern lock you just set and are unable to unlock your smartphone.

Part 1: What You Need to Know About Pattern Locks

Pattern lock is an Android-only feature that makes it easy for users to have a modicum of security on their smartphones. Most users do not prefer using and remembering a PIN to unlock the smartphone. Creating a pattern makes it easier, somehow.

There is a 9-point grid on which you swipe your finger from point to point, in any direction, and when you take your finger off, that pattern you swiped becomes the key to unlock your smartphone.

Pattern locks were exceedingly common only a few years ago, and they are not recommended for use any longer due to concerns (mentioned later in the article).

1.1: Popularity and Usage

Old habits die hard, or so they say, right? That’s because it is true. We are creatures of habit, and pattern locks have been around for a long, long time. We are accustomed to pattern locks. So, even with even easier technologies such as fingerprint recognition and face recognition, we tend to gravitate towards the familiar old pattern lock.

The only thing is, there is a reason why pattern locks are no longer the preferred option to use for unlocking your smartphones. As it happens, that reason is security, and it can be very easy for humans to take a swipe (pardon the pun) at your pattern lock. And guess what? The research conducted suggests that they would get it right with an unsettling accuracy.

1.2: Advantages and Drawbacks

With on-the-go lifestyles, our smartphones have become indispensable and contain some of the most sensitive aspects of our lives – IDs, credit and debit cards in digital wallets, photo and video memories, business documents – you name it, the smartphones have it, on the go. This has opened our lives up to the public at large, and if someone steals our smartphone or, best case, finds it, the only barrier preventing them from being privy to all that wealth of our sensitive information is that screen lock – the pattern lock that we set on our smartphones. That’s it – the single pattern lock stands between malicious actors and our data. You might be beginning to realize just how crazy this is.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There are two advantages to using pattern locks. One, they are better than nothing. Two, they are easy to use. And that’s about it. There is no third advantage to pattern locks. We might think we set a hard pattern lock that nobody could guess, but, as research proves, we might be thinking too low of human prowess.

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

Security, or rather, the lack of it, is the lone disadvantage of using a pattern lock. What good is a pattern lock that can be easily deciphered? Sure, they are easy to use, and they are better than not having anything, but would you really want to protect your life’s data with something that could be, as researchers found out, breached in under 5 attempts? We don’t think you do!

The research found that 64% of test subjects who were shown videos of people unlocking their phones could correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock, that too after viewing the video only once! That number shot up to 80% if they were allowed to see the video again. That is simply astounding and a nightmare for security. When it comes to PINs, only 11% could guess a 6-digit PIN after viewing the unlocking video once, and that number shot up to 27% when they could see the video two times.

Part 2: How To Create a Hard Pattern Lock (Including Remembering Complex Patterns)

Now, if you must continue using a pattern lock, let’s help you know how to create a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy to decipher as easy pattern locks. For that, you should know how people use pattern locks, the kind of pattern locks they create, and the ones that are the most commonly used pattern locks. That way, you can avoid those fallacies and create a hard pattern lock for your smartphone.

2.1: The Pattern Locks People Use Most Commonly

Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, gave a presentation on pattern locks at DEFCON 23 and made a bold claim. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.”

She presented the following statistics to support her claim:

• - In her research, she found that 77% of people started with one of the 4 corners when creating a pattern lock.
• - 44% of people started with the top-left dot and 15% with the top-right, while the bottom-left was preferred by 14% of her test subjects.
• - People set 5-point pattern locks on average, and most users were content with a 4-point pattern.

These are some of the most common pattern locks people create:

• - patterns in the shapes of alphabets,
• - patterns in the shapes of numerals,
• - patterns in any other simple shape, such as square, triangle, star, etc.

To understand how this is a security nightmare, the possible combinations for a 4-point pattern are a measly 1624, whereas by adding just 1 more point to the pattern and creating a 5-point pattern, the number of possible combinations becomes 7152, an increase of 5528 combinations. In stark contrast, creating a 9-point pattern would give you over 140,000 possible combinations!

2.2: How to Create a Hard Pattern Lock

Knowing what most people do when creating a pattern lock, it becomes easy to avoid those mistakes and instead create a hard pattern lock for oneself.

• - Do not start creating a pattern lock from any of the 4 corners of the grid.
• - Never use your first initial as your pattern lock.
• - Never use the shape of a numeral as your pattern lock.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid to create your pattern lock, and contrary to popular belief, you can go over the connecting lines several times, creating a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy for people to decipher!

Part 3: Going Beyond Pattern Locks

You might think that now that you have set a hard pattern lock, you are good to go. Hardly. Technology has evolved, so have methods to break into your device.

Step 1: Set a 6-digit PIN

The minimum you should do today is set a 6-digit PIN to unlock your phone. Consider this a necessary investment into the safety of your data residing on your smartphone.

Step 2: Use Fingerprint Recognition (or Face Recognition on Apple Devices)

All modern smartphones released over the last decade have come with fingerprint recognition. Using fingerprint recognition requires you to set a 6-digit PIN and then set a fingerprint to unlock your device. You can set additional fingerprints, too.

This way, your device is the most secure it can be today. In case your fingerprint is not recognized for any reason, the phone falls back on the 6-digit PIN that you can enter and unlock your phone.

While face recognition is available on both Android and Apple devices, it is truly secure only on Apple devices. This is why Apple iPhones released after the iPhone X in 2017 have come only with Face ID. They fall back on a minimum 6-digit PIN (called Passcode in Apple world) to unlock in case the face does not get recognized in the first attempt.

Part 4: How To Unlock Phone If Hard Pattern Lock Forgotten

Just in case you set a hard pattern lock and promptly forgot that abstruse pattern you just set, we have a tool for you to quickly unlock your phone in case of a forgotten hard pattern lock: Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove the Hard Pattern Lock on Your Google Pixel 8 Pro If You Forgot!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

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

Step 1: Click Android under Toolbox > Screen Unlock.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: Select your device manufacturer.

Step 4: Prepare your device to unlock the screen.

When the greyed Next button becomes available, click it and wait for your device to be unlocked.

All data on the Google Pixel 8 Pro device is wiped under this method. Select Samsung phones may be unlocked without data loss. Check this list for devices that may be unlocked without data loss.

Closing Words

Whether it is an easy pattern lock or a hard pattern lock, the fact is that pattern locks are antiquated and a security nightmare. A minimum 6-digit PIN must be used, and using fingerprint recognition is the preferred way to go for Android devices. Using fingerprint recognition will require that users create a 6-digit PIN. On Apple devices launched after 2017, there is Face ID, Apple’s marketing term for face recognition. If you did indeed still set a hard pattern lock, only to promptly forget it, use Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to seamlessly unlock your phone right now.

Click here

Unlock Your Google Pixel 8 Pro’s Potential: The Top 20 Lock Screen Apps You Need to Try

The stock lock screen for Android may sometime feel boring. The OS does not let us do many changes to it and we have to remain satisfied with whatever is provided. But what if someone tells you there is a way to make things more exciting?

There are unique lock screen apps for android that can change the complete feel of the lock screen. You can get control over various tasks and perform actions directly from the screen. Today we will talk about the top 20 lock screen apps for android that will totally change the unlocking experience.

1. AcDisplay

It is a simple design android lock screen app which handles notifications in a minimalistic approach. You can access application directly from the lock screen. It has an active mode to wake your device using sensors.

Compatibility – Android 4.1+

Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.achep.acdisplay

2. Hi Locker

Classic, Lollipo and iOS – you get three styles of unlocking with this lock screen android app. It even features fingerprint unlocking on chosen Samsung and Marshmallow devices. You can highly customize the android lock screen and even add events or weather predictions.

Compatibility – Android 4.1+

3. CM Locker

It is one of the most popular lock screen apps for android. It sets new level in phone security by taking selfie of anyone who tries to enter wrong password to access the phone.

Compatibility – Device dependent

4. LokLok

This beta app to lock Android screen is more for fun with friends. You can draw on your app screen and share with friends. Friends can also modify them and share.

Compatibility – Android 4.0+

6. ZUI Locker-Elegant Lock Screen

With this lock screen app for Android, you can set HD wallpaper and chose different layouts and themes on an impressive and simple UI. The android lock screen wallpapers can be rendered movement by phone’s gravity sensor.

Compatibility – Android 4.1+

7. Next News Lock Screen

For people interested in events of the world, this lock screen android app features news stories. Breaking news from your chosen categories will be presented directly on the lock screen.

Compatibility – Android 4.0+

8. C-Locker

Anyone looking for easy and simple unlocking experience will find C-Locker useful. It has many unlocking options to change lock screen wallpaper.

Compatibility – Android 2.3.3+

9. Echo Notification Lockscreen

One of the cool and minimalist lock screen apps for android is Echo. It provides instant detailed notifications in sorted in categories. You can snooze alerts and control music from the screen. It is also customizable with wallpapers.

Compatibility – Android 4.3+

10. GO Locker

It is one of the most popular and highly downloaded lock screen apps for android. Fully protection is guaranteed with lock home button feature. It presents a wide range of themes and unlocking styles and shortcuts too.

Compatibility – Device dependent

11. SlideLock Locker

For iOS fanatics this app delivers the Apple way of swiping to right to unlock. Doing it the other way gives direct access to camera. You can set custom alerts for each app.

Compatibility – Android 4.1+

12. Cover Lock Screen

Ever heard about an app that predicts your need? Cover uses real time data to place useful apps on android lock screen when you are at work, travelling or at home.

Compatibility – Android 4.1+

13. SnapLock Smart Lock Screen

You get a smooth unlocking experience featured in an elegant design in SnapLock. The app sends editor picked wallpapers daily to make things exciting. The date and time can also be arranged in many ways.

Compatibility – Android 4.1+

14. L Locker

Presenting the stylish design of Lollipop and Marshmallow, this applock for android also includes fun pattern lock animations. You can quick launch apps and control music.

Compatibility – Android 4.0+

16. DashClock Widget

DashClock lock screen android app lets you access weather reports, missed calls, calendar events, emails and alarms directly. It can also be used with other supported apps.

Compatibility – Android 4.2+

18. Locker Master

You can use Lock Master’s DIY editor to customize the android lock screen. Many clock designs, graphics etc can make your lock screen amazing. It delivers over 2,000 live wallpapers and themes.

Compatibility – Android 4.0.3+

20. Dodol Locker

It features best designs and themes among lock screen apps for android. You can decorate the lock screen in many ways and use powerful security features. The themes can be downloaded from Theme Shop in the app.

Compatibility – Android 2.3.3+

Click here

These are some of the best lock screen apps for Android that you can find. You can get more security and do more with your Android apps, in an easy manner. Plus, do not forget that every phone should have an app lock for Android – it might be really risky not to.

How to Unlock Google Pixel 8 Pro Phone Password Without Factory Reset?

You always set up some sort of lock to secure your smartphone to stop others from checking your phone data, messages, or pictures. More importantly, it is needed to deny admission to your valuable phone data in case it gets stolen. However, many times you come across this situation where your Android phones are stuck as you cannot unlock the password. Either your children have been playing with the lock patterns, and the screen gets locked due to entering the wrong password many times, or you have unexpectedly forgotten your password. Or somebody else has reset your password, or you have broken your mobile screen, and you cannot enter your password. Many similar situations may arise.

You are in the middle of some things, and you want to make some urgent calls. How to unlock Android phone passwords without a factory reset? What do you do then? There are very easy solutions to this that would help unlock your Android phone in no time without going for the factory reset and losing your valuable data.

Part 1: How to unlock Android password without factory reset using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock?

Whether you have a pattern or PIN or fingerprint as a password, you can remove any type of password by using the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock. The only defect is that your data will be wiped out after unlocking the phone successfully. It helps in removing the lock screen on Android phones. Now, if you are thinking about how safe it is, let me assure you that the process is very safe and simple, with no risk of data leakage. This process is supported by most Samsung and LG smartphones without data loss, and you just need to connect your handset to let the Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock start the procedure.

safe & secure

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Get into Locked Android Phones without Factory Reset

• 4 screen lock types are available: pattern, PIN, password, fingerprints, face ID, etc.
• Support 20,000+ mainstream models of Android phones & tablets.
• Save you from ending up with a locked phone after too many wrong attempts.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Follow the following steps to unlock your Android password without factory reset using Dr.Fone.

Step 1: Firstly, install and run Download Dr.Fone –Screen Unlock on your computer. And connect your Android phone to your computer with a USB cable > download.

Step 2: After that, select the phone model from the list or choose “I can’t find my device model from the list above” on the next screen.

Step 3: Now, there will be three steps mentioned that you must follow to get your phone into the Download mode. The first is to power off the phone. The second is to press and hold the Volume button along with the Home button and Power button. The third step is to press the volume up the option to get into the download mode.

Step 4: Once your phone is in download mode, the program will start downloading the recovery package and then unlock your Android password without factory reset or data loss.

Step 5: You will see that the icon showing “Remove Password Completed” will pop up. This whole process takes only a few minutes to get your work done without any loss of any data.

Part 2: How to unlock Android password without factory reset using Android Device Manager?

With very simple steps and a few minutes at hand, you can get rid of your password using Android Device Manager (ADM). This tool will unlock your password without going for a factory reset and losing data. The main feature of the Android device manager will run through the Google account. The installation of a Google account is very important to run out the Android device manager. The Android device will respond immediately once if the phone is switched on. The connectivity of the internet is a must to find the map on the Google Pixel 8 Pro device. How to unlock Android phone passwords without factory reset? May it be quite interesting to use device manager visuals? The steps are mentioned below:

Step 1. Your Android phone is always linked to your Google account. So first and foremost, on your computer or on another mobile phone, open the site <www.google.com/Android/devicemanager> .

• Now sign in with your Google credentials. Google will start searching for your device. Here you need to choose the Android phone you want to unlock in case it is already not selected.

Step 2. Here you will see three options: “Ring,” “Lock,” and “Erase.” Select the “Lock” option

Step 3. A window will appear where you need to type any temporary password. Do not enter your Google password, and you need not enter the recovery message. Click on “Lock ” again.

Once successful, you will get a confirmation message below the three buttons: Ring, Lock, and the Erase option.

Step 4. On your locked phone, you will see a field asking for your password. Here you can enter your temporary password. Doing so will unlock your device.

Step 5. Now in your unlocked phone, go to Settings and then to Security. Now click on disable to remove the temporary password, and later you change it with a new one.

You have successfully unlocked your device.

Part 3: Unlock Android password using custom recovery and Pattern Password Disable (SD card needed)?

The third way to unlock an Android phone password without a factory reset it using the “custom recovery” technique. To work out this process, you would have to install the custom recovery process. Also, your phone needs to have an SD card. It will be required to send the zip file to the phone since your device is locked. This technique requires access to the Android System folder and rooting your device if not already rooted.

Custom recovery is a usual mechanism in all smartphones. It predicts the troubleshooting techniques and how to process the main configuration with all sequences. Quite interesting, isn’t it?

Follow the following steps to complete and unlock the Android password without a factory reset.

• Step 1. First of all, download a zip file by the name “Pattern Password Disable” to the computer system and then transfer it to your SD card.
• Step 2. Then you would need to insert the SD card into your locked phone and then restart the Google Pixel 8 Pro device in recovery mode.
• Step 3. Next, move on to flash on the zip files to the card and restart. After that, your phone will boot and open up without the locked screen.

Note: Sometimes, the Google Pixel 8 Pro device may ask for a pattern or password. You just need to put in any random pattern/password then it will get unlocked.

Through this easy method, you can now access your Android phone without using a factory reset and losing your valuable data.

The problem of getting your mobile locked and not being able to open it is a common problem on Android phones these days. Many of us tend to panic when such problems arise. However, now that we have given some easy solutions and methods to unlock Android phone passwords without factory reset and losing any data, things would be much easier. Thus, you will solve your problems in no time.

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