Pattern Locks Are Unsafe Secure Your Honor Phone Now with These Tips

Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Honor X9b 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.

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2.1: The Pattern Locks People Use Most Commonly

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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.

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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.

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Remove the Hard Pattern Lock on Your Honor X9b If You Forgot!

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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 Honor X9b 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.

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A Complete Guide To OEM Unlocking on Honor X9b

Android, known worldwide as a major player in phone operating systems, stands out for its flexibility and open-source nature. This allows users to customize their devices extensively. However, despite this openness, certain features and capabilities can still be locked or restricted, either by Google or the Honor X9b device manufacturer.

For those looking to truly unleash the full potential of their Android device, an OEM unlock is an essential step. This article will delve into the process of OEM unlocking on Android, guiding you through its benefits and how to safely perform it.

OEM lock might sound like technical jargon to many. However, it’s a key concept for those who wish to dive deeper into Android customization. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Unlocking in this context refers to removing restrictions made by the manufacturer on the Honor X9b device.

This process allows you to gain deeper access to the Honor X9b device’s software. Thus, OEM unlocking is often required for customizing or modifying the system at a more advanced level.

Why Enable OEM Unlock?

The primary reason to enable OEM unlocking is to gain the ability to root your device or install custom firmware, also known as ROMs. Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking. It allows users to access and modify the Honor X9b device’s software at the deepest level.

This can enable the installation of apps and software that require more permissions than what is typically available. On the other hand, custom ROMs can change your device’s interface. They can also add features not available in the stock version of Android.

Pros and Cons of OEM Unlocking

Here are some great things you can get when you allow OEM unlock.

The most significant advantage is the ability to customize your device far beyond what’s possible with standard settings.
Root access. It allows for rooting the phone enabling advanced features and apps.
Custom ROMs. Users can install different versions of Android or entirely new operating systems.

On the other hand, here are some cons that you must consider before performing the process on your phone:

Security risks. Root access can make your device more vulnerable to malware and hacking.
Void warranty. OEM unlocking often voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
Potential for bricking. Incorrect procedures can render the Honor X9b device unusable, known as ‘bricking’.

Understanding the Risks

It’s crucial to understand that OEM unlocking is not without its risks. It does open the door to several customizations and tweaks. However, it can also compromise the security of your device. There’s always a chance of bricking your phone, especially if the unlocking process isn’t followed correctly or an unstable custom ROM is installed.

Additionally, most manufacturers will void your warranty once you unlock the bootloader. This leaves you without support in case something goes wrong. So, in the next sections, you’ll be guided through the steps of OEM unlocking. You’ll also learn how to do it safely, ensuring you make the most out of your Android device.

Part 2: How To Enable OEM Unlock on Your Android Phone

Enabling OEM unlock can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Still, it’s relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps. Before you start, it’s important to remember that the exact process can vary slightly depending on your device’s brand and model. However, the general steps are usually similar across most Android devices.

Step 1: Before proceeding, ensure you back up all important data. Enabling OEM unlock may require a factory reset, which erases all data on the Honor X9b device.
Step 2: Go to your phone’s Settings > About Phone. Then, tap on the Build number seven times. You should see a message that says you’re now a developer.
Step 3: Find and select Developer options on Settings. Then, tap OEM unlocking. You might need to enter a PIN or password.

Here are some common links where you might find the needed PIN or password:

After these steps, your device’s bootloader is now unlocked, and you can proceed with rooting or installing custom ROMs. Remember that this is a significant change to your device’s system, and it should be done cautiously and ideally only if you’re comfortable with potential risks.

Part 3: What Can You Do After OEM Unlock?

Unlocking your phone’s OEM opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to customize your device beyond what’s available in its factory settings. This newfound freedom, however, comes with its own set of responsibilities and risks. Here’s what you can do after having your phone OEM unlocked.

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Root Your Device

Rooting is akin to having the master key to your device’s software. It allows you to gain superuser access, enabling modifications and access to system files that were previously restricted. With rooting, you can:

Remove pre-installed apps or bloatware.
Customize system settings and UI elements.
Enhance performance or battery life through underclocking or overclocking the CPU.

Flash a Custom ROM

A custom ROM is a new operating system you can install on your device. This is one of the most popular reasons for OEM unlocking. Custom ROMs offer:

The latest Android updates, even for older devices, are no longer supported by manufacturers.
New features and customization options that aren’t available in the stock ROM.
Potential performance improvements and unique user interfaces.

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Enjoy High Customization

With an OEM unlocked device, the sky’s the limit regarding customization. You can:

Install custom kernels for better performance and battery life.
Use powerful apps that require root access for advanced device management.
Customize everything from the boot animation to the layout of your UI.

However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Rooting and installing custom ROMs can void your warranty and, if not done correctly, can turn your device into an expensive paperweight (a state often referred to as “bricking”). Always use reliable sources for your custom ROMs and root-access apps.

Bonus: How To Unlock Your Android Screen When You Forgot Password

Forgetting the password to your Android phone can be a stressful experience. It locks you out of your device. It cuts your access to personal data, contacts, and essential apps. However, aside from OEM unlocking, learning the skill of screen unlocking is incredibly useful in such situations. It’s not just about regaining access. It’s about harnessing control over your device during forgetfulness or emergency.

Wondershare Dr. Fone’s Screen Unlock (Android) will save you in these situations. It’s designed to unlock your phone without requiring a factory reset. It saves your data from being erased. This feature supports unlocking patterns, PINs, passwords, and fingerprints, offering a comprehensive solution for regaining access to your device.

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How To Perform Screen Unlock With Dr.Fone

The process is straightforward. It involves connecting your device to a computer and running the Dr.Fone software. Then, you’ll follow simple on-screen instructions. Learn how to do those below:

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock. Connect your Android device with your PC.

Step 2: Select Android on this page.

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Step 3: Select Unlock Android Screen.

Step 4: Select your device brand.

Step 5: Click Remove without Data Loss.

Step 6: After confirming device details, type “000000” to execute the operation.

Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions for putting your device into download mode. Then, wait for the process to finish.

Step 8: Once complete, click Done. If your device still isn’t accessible, click Try again.

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Conclusion

In wrapping up, you’ve explored the ins and outs of “what is OEM unlock” in the Android world. It’s a key to opening up a trove of customizability on your Android device. It lets you tweak and tailor your phone to your heart’s content. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

Diving into OEM

How to Unlock Honor X9b Pattern Lock if Forgotten? 6 Ways

“How to unlock pattern lock on my Android phone? I have changed my pattern lock and can’t seem to remember it now!”

Lately, we have got lots of feedback and queries like this from our readers who like to perform a pattern unlock on their devices. It doesn’t matter if you have forgotten the password/pattern of your Android device or would like to access someone else’s phone, there are plenty of ways to know how to unlock the pattern on an Android phone. In this comprehensive guide, we will let you know about 6 different ways to perform pattern unlock without any trouble.

Part 1: How to Unlock Android Phone Pattern Lock with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)?

If you want to unlock the pin, pattern, password, fingerprint, or any other kind of lock on an Android device, then simply take the assistance of Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) . It is a highly useful and advanced application that can let you move past the lock screen on your Android phone without losing data (if your phone model is not Samsung or LG devices in this list , it will erase the data after unlocking the screen).

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To learn how to unlock pattern lock using Dr.Fone, follow these steps

Step 1. Install Dr.Fone and launch it to perform pattern unlock. From the home screen, select the “Screen Unlock” option.

Step 2. Connect your device to the system. Once it is detected, click on the “Unlock Android Screen” button.

Step 3. Select your device brand to unlock and access reboot instructions, then follow them to complete the process.

Step 4. You will be notified when the process is completed. Simply disconnect your Honor X9b and access it without any pattern lock.

Part 2: How to Unlock Pattern Lock with Android Device Manager?

Besides Dr.Fone, there are also a few more options to learn how to unlock pattern locks on an Android device. Though, these options are not as secure or fast as Dr. Fone’s. For instance, you can take the assistance of Android Device Manager (also known as Find My Device) to do the same. It can be used to remotely ring a device, change its lock, locate it, or erase its content. To learn how to unlock pattern lock on Android, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to Android Device Manager (Find My Device) website https://www.google.com/android/find and log in using your credentials.
Step 2. A list of all the connected devices to your Google account will be provided.
Step 3. As you would select your device, you will get various options: erase, lock, and ring.

Step 4. Click on the “Lock” option to change the lock pattern on your device.
Step 5. Provide the new password for your device and write an optional recovery message.

Step 6. Apply these changes and exit the window to change the lock on your device.

Part 3: How to Unlock Android Pattern Lock Using the ‘Forgot Pattern’ Feature?

If your device is running on Android 4.4 or older versions, then you can also take the assistance of the “Forgot Pattern” option to perform the pattern unlock. You won’t need a third-party tool or any other device to perform the desired operation. To learn how to unlock pattern lock on your device, follow these steps:

Step 1. Simply provide any incorrect pattern on your device to get the following screen.
Step 2. From the bottom of the screen, you can tap on the “Forgot Pattern” feature.

Step 3. Select the option to unlock your device with your Google credentials.

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- **Step 4.** Provide the correct Google credentials of the account that is linked to your device. - **Step 5.** Later, you can set a new pattern for your device and confirm it. This will let you access your Android device with the new pattern lock.

Part 4: How to Unlock Samsung Phone Pattern Lock Using Samsung Find My Mobile?

Just like Android, Samsung has also developed a dedicated feature for finding a device remotely and performing various other operations on it. The Samsung Find My Mobile service can be used to locate your device, change its lock, wipe its data, and perform a few other tasks as well. Needless to say, the service only works for Samsung Android devices. You can learn how to unlock patterns with this tool by following these instructions:

Step 1. Go to Samsung’s Find my Mobile official website https://findmymobile.samsung.com/ and log in using your Samsung account credentials.

Step 2. You can select your device from the left panel. By default, it will provide its location on the map.

Step 3. Additionally, you can access various other services from here as well. Click on the “Unlock My Device” option to proceed.

Step 4. Now, all you need to do is click on the “Unlock” button to perform pattern unlock on your device.
Step 5. After unlocking your Samsung device, you will be informed of an on-screen message.

Part 5: How to Unlock Android Pattern Lock in Safe Mode?

This is a simple and effective solution to knowing how to unlock patterns on an Android device. Nevertheless, this solution will only work for third-party lock screen apps. If you are using your phone’s native lock feature, then it might not work. After restarting your phone in Safe Mode, you can easily move past its pattern lock without any trouble. All you need to do is follow these steps:

Step 1. Simply press the Power button on your device to get the Power menu on its screen.
Step 2. Now, tap and hold the “Power off” option.

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Step 3. This will display the following pop-up message. Agree to it and restart your phone in Safe Mode.
Step 4. Once the Honor X9b device would be restarted in Safe Mode, the third-party lock screen would be disabled automatically.

Step 5. Later, you can go to the Honor X9b device’s Settings > Apps and remove the third-party app as well. In this way, you would be able to learn how to unlock pattern lock for any other app.

Part 6: How to Unlock Pattern Lock with the Factory Reset?

Consider this as your last resort, as it will wipe the data and saved settings on your device entirely. As the name suggests, your device would be restored to its factory setting by losing its data. Though, if you wish to learn how to unlock a pattern by performing a factory reset, then you can perform these steps:

Step 1. To start with, enter the Recovery Mode on your device. This can be done by pressing the Home, Power, and Volume Up key at the same time.
Step 2. Though, the correct key combination might differ from one version of the Android device to another.
Step 3. Use the Volume Up and Down key to navigate and the Power/Home button to make a choice.

Step 4. Select the wipe data/factory reset option to perform pattern unlock.
Step 5. Confirm your choice to factory reset your device.

Step 6. Wait for a while as your phone will perform the needed operations.
Step 7. Later, you can choose to reboot your phone and access it without any lock screen.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you would certainly be able to learn how to unlock the pattern lock on your device without much trouble. We recommend using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) to perform pattern unlock with no data loss. It has a user-friendly interface and is sure to yield the desired results. Now when you know how to unlock patterns on an Android device, you can share this information with others as well to help them!

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