Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Tecno Spark 10C 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 Tecno Spark 10C 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 Tecno Spark 10C 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.

6 Solutions to Unlock Tecno Phones If You Forgot Password, PIN, Pattern

Too many times, we forget the passcode of our smartphones, only to regret it later. Don’t worry if you are facing the same issue. It happens to all of us at times. Fortunately, there are many ways to unlock an Android device even when you have forgotten its password/pin/pattern lock. This guide will teach you how to unlock Tecno phones if you forgot the password in five different ways. Read on and choose your preferred option if you forgot the password on your Tecno phone and move past every setback you face.

Solution 1: Unlock Tecno Phone using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (5 mins solution)

Among all the solutions we are going to introduce in this article, this is the easiest one. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) can help you remove the lock screen of some Tecno and Samsung devices without any data loss. After the lock screen is removed, the phone will work like it’s never been locked before, and all your data are there. Besides, you can use this tool to bypass the passcode on other Android phones, such as Huawei, Lenovo, Oneplus, etc. The only defect of Dr.Fone is that it will erase all the data beyond Samsung and Tecno after unlocking.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Get into the Locked Tecno Phone within Minutes

• Available for most Tecno series, like LG/LG2/LG3/G4, etc.
• Except for Tecno phones, it unlocks 20,000+ models of Android phones & tablets.
• Everybody can handle it without any technical background.
• Offer customized removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Click here

How to unlock an Tecno phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)?

Step 1. Launch Dr.Fone.

Download Dr.Fone from the download buttons above. Install and launch it on your computer. Then select the “Screen Unlock“ function.

Step 2. Connect your phone.

Connect your Tecno phone to the computer using a USB cable. Click on Unlock Android Screen on Dr.Fone.

Step 3. Select the phone model.

Currently, Dr.Fone supports removing lock screens on some Tecno and Samsung devices without data loss. Select the correct phone model information from the dropdown list.

Step 4. Boot the phone in download mode.

• Disconnect your Tecno phone and power it off.
• Press the Power Up button. While you are holding the Power Up button, plug in the USB cable.
• Keep pressing the Power Up button until the Download Mode appears.

Step 5. Remove the lock screen.

After your phone boot in download mode, click on Remove to start to remove the lock screen. This process only takes a few minutes. Then your phone will restart in normal mode without any lock screen.

For more detailed steps, please go to our guide on unlocking Android phones with/without data loss .

Solution 2: Unlock the Tecno Phone Using Android Device Manager (Need a Google account)

This is probably the most convenient solution to set up a new lock for your Tecno device. With Android Device Manager, you can locate your device, ring it, erase its data, and even change its lock remotely. All you got to do is log in to the Tecno Spark 10C device Manager account using the credentials of your Google Account. Needless to say, your Tecno phone should be linked to your Google Account. Learn how to unlock the Tecno phone if forgot your password using Android Device Manager.

• Step 1. Start by logging in to Android Device Manager by entering the credentials of your respective Google Account that is configured with your phone.

• Step 2. Select your device’s icon to get access to various features like ring, lock, erase, and more. Out of all the provided options, click on “lock” to change the security lock of your device.

• Step 3. Now, a new pop-up window will open. Here, provide the new password for your device, confirm it, and click on the “lock” button again to save these changes.

That’s it! Your phone will reset its password, and you would be able to move past any problem related to forgetting the password on the Tecno phone using Android Device Manager unlock .

Solution 3: Unlock the Tecno Phone Using Google Login (only Android 4.4 and below)

If your Tecno device runs on Android 4.4 and previous versions, then you can easily move past the password/pattern lock without any trouble. The provision is not available on devices, which run on newer versions of Android. Nevertheless, for all the Tecno Spark 10C devices running on older versions than Android 4.4, this is undoubtedly the easiest way to set a new passcode. Follow these steps to learn how to unlock your Tecno phone if you forgot your password using your Google credentials.

• Step 1. Try bypassing the pattern lock at least 5 times. After all the failed attempts, you will get the option to either make an emergency call or choose the option of “Forget pattern”.

• Step 2. Select the “Forget pattern” option and provide the correct credentials of your Google account to unlock your phone.

Solution 4: Unlock the Tecno Phone Using Custom Recovery (SD card needed)

If your phone has a removable SD card, you can also try this technique to disable the pattern/password on your device. Though, you need to have some custom recovery installed on your device for this method. You can always go for TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and flash it on your device.

TWRP: https://twrp.me/

Also, since you can’t move anything to your device when it is locked, you need to do the same using its SD card. After ensuring that you have met all the basic prerequisites, follow these steps and learn how to unlock the Tecno phone’s forgotten password using a custom recovery.

• Step 1. Download a Pattern Password Disable application and save its ZIP file on your computer. Now, insert your SD card into your system and move the recently downloaded file to it.

• Step 2. Reboot your phone into recovery mode. For instance, the TWRP recovery mode can be turned on by simultaneously pressing the Power, Home, and Volume Up button. You would get different options on your screen after entering the custom recovery mode. Tap on “Install” and browse the Pattern Password Disable application file.

• Step 3. Install the above-mentioned application and wait for a few minutes. Afterward, restart your Tecno phone. Ideally, your phone will be restarted without any lock screen. If you get a lock screen, you can bypass it by entering any random digits.

Solution 5: Factory Reset Tecno Phone in Recovery Mode (erases all phone data)

If none of the above-mentioned alternatives work, then you can also try to factory reset your device. This will erase every kind of data from your device and make it look brand new by resetting it. Though, you can easily resolve the forgot password on the Tecno phone with it. Therefore, before proceeding, you need to be familiar with all the repercussions of performing a factory reset. All you got to do is follow these steps.

• Step 1. Put your Tecno phone on its recovery mode with correct key combinations. To do this, firstly, turn your device off and let it rest for a few seconds. Now, press the Power and Volume Down key at the same time. Keep pressing them until you see LG’s logo on the screen. Release the buttons for a few seconds and press them again at the same time. Again, keep pressing the buttons until you see the recovery mode menu. This technique works with most Tecno devices, but it can differ slightly from one model to another.

• Step 2. Choose “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.” You can use the Volume up and down key to navigate the options and the power/home key to select anything. Use these keys and select the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” option. You might get another pop-up asking to delete all user data. Just agree it reset your device. Sit back and relax as your device will perform a hard reset.

• Step 3. Select the “Reboot system now” option to restart it. Your phone will be restarted without any lock screen.

After following these steps, you can easily overcome how to unlock the Tecno phone forgot password issue.

Solution 6: Unlock Tecno Phone Using ADB Command (need USB debugging enabled)

This might be a little complicated initially, but if you don’t want to follow either of the above-mentioned techniques to unlock your device, you can go with this alternative. Before proceeding, make sure that you have ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed on your computer. If you don’t have it, then you can download Android SDK right here .

Additionally, it would help if you turned on the USB Debugging feature on your phone before you forgot the password. If USB debugging is not turned on before, then this method will not work for you.

After making your device ready and downloading all the essential software on your computer, follow these steps to learn how to unlock your Tecno phone if you forgot the password.

• Step 1. Connect your device to the computer with a USB cable and open the command prompt when it is successfully connected. If you get a pop-up message regarding USB Debugging permission on your device, simply agree to it and continue.

• Step 2. Now, please provide the following code on the command prompt and reboot your device when it is processed. If you want, you can also tweak the code a little and provide a new lock pin.

• ADB shell

• cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases

• _sqlite3 settings._db

• update system set value=0 where name=’lock_pattern_autolock’;

• update system set value=0 where name=’lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently’;

• .quit

• Step 3. If the above code doesn’t work, try providing the code “ADB _shell rm /data/system/gesture. the key_” to it and follow the same drill.

• Step 4. After restarting your device, if you still get a lock screen, then give a random password to bypass it.

Conclusion

You can choose a preferred option and rectify the issue whenever you forgot the password on the Tecno phone . Make sure that you meet all the requirements and go through the respective tutorial to attain fruitful results.

A Perfect Guide To Remove or Disable Google Smart Lock On Tecno Spark 10C

Google services are pivotal in enhancing user experience and securing personal data. Among these services, Google Smart Lock stands out for its ingenious features. These are integrated into Android devices, simplifying access and bolstering security. However, there are instances where users seek to disable or remove Google Smart Lock.

This article goes through the details of Google Smart Lock and its significance. It offers a solution to address unexpected screen lock scenarios on Android devices.

Part 1. Understanding Google Smart Lock and How It Works?

Want to know what is Google Smart Lock? Google Smart Lock serves as a multi-purpose tool within the Google ecosystem. It is designed to streamline security measures and password management access across platforms. At its core, Google Smart Lock operates as a feature that manages passwords. Google Smart Lock aims to enhance authentication processes. Primarily, it operates across Android devices and computers.

It offers a unified approach to security, ensuring you don’t have to remember all the passwords. Google Smart Lock securely stores and manages passwords for websites and apps. It enables users to access these services without repeatedly entering login details. When you visit a familiar website or app, Google Smart Lock fills in the login credentials. It automatically provides the login ID and password, maintaining effortless access.

Part 2. Recognizing Some Top Features of Google Smart Lock

Google Smart Lock’s password management has revolutionized how users handle and secure their login credentials. It remains a cornerstone when handling Android devices and computer systems. The following are several notable features that significantly enhance user convenience and security:

1. Password Autofill

Google Smart Lock simplifies the login process across apps and websites. It does that by automatically filling in saved credentials. This eliminates the need for users to remember and manually input passwords.

2. Cross-Platform Synchronization

It synchronizes saved passwords across multiple devices using the same Google account. This ensures smooth access to credentials on Android devices and computers.

3. Secure Storage

Passwords stored within Google Smart Lock are encrypted and securely stored in the user’s Google account. This maintains confidentiality and safeguards sensitive login information.

4. Effortless Password Generation

It allows the creation of strong and unique passwords when signing up for new accounts. That enhances overall account security and allows users to have strong passwords.

These features significantly ease the burden of password management and enhance user security. Yet, Google Smart Lock does have limitations that prompt some users to consider removing it.

Part 3. Why Is It Essential To Remove Google Smart Lock?

Despite its array of benefits, there are times when users consider removing or disabling Google Smart Lock. Described below are these limitations to better grasp why users might choose to Google Smart Lock turn off:

1. Privacy Concerns

Some users focus on privacy and feel uncomfortable with Google Smart Lock’s access to their passwords. The reason behind this is how easily anyone can access the saved password. All they need to do is access “Manage Passwords” in Google Chrome, and all their passwords will be open. This leads them to opt for more private password management options.

2. Glitches and Technical Issues

Technical glitches in the functioning of Google Smart Lock can be frustrating. This is especially prominent when managing passwords with similar usernames across different websites. The same can happen when using similar passwords for different websites or apps. Users experiencing such issues can seek to remove it to restore regular operations.

3. No Updates

You should be aware that Google Smart Lock for Passwords has been deprecated. This indicates it no longer receives updates or support from Google. Developers are advised to opt for Google’s One Tap Sign-in feature as an alternative by Google. It provides a more efficient and secure method for signing in to apps and websites.

4. Preference for Third-Party Tools

Certain users might have a preference for specialized third-party password management tools. They can go for solutions that offer a wider array of features. Many users might want to find options better aligned with their specific needs. This prompts them to disable Google Smart Lock.

Part 4. Understanding Some Effective Ways To Disable or Remove Google Smart Lock

If you want to disable Google Smart Lock on your devices, it is a relatively easy thing to do. Several ways are available to disable or remove Google Smart Lock from devices. These approaches cater to users’ diverse needs and preferences. Here is how to turn off Google Smart Lock:

Way 1. Disabling Google Smart Lock on Your Android

To deactivate Google Smart Lock on your Android device, you can use Chrome. Google Chrome is the main hub for storing all your login credentials for websites and apps. This provides the quickest way to disable Google Smart Lock. To disable Google Smart Lock from the Chrome app on your Android device, follow these steps:

• Step 1. Begin by opening the Google Chrome app on your Android device. Then, tap the “three dots” icon from the top right corner and press “Settings.”

• Step 2. Within the Settings, choose “Passwords,” and on the following screen, look for the “Save passwords” and “Auto Sign-in” options. Toggle off both options to disable the Google Smart Lock feature from your Android.

Way 2. Removing Google Smart Lock From Android Settings

Google Smart Lock enables users to keep their phones unlocked under specific, pre-approved, and secure conditions. This simplifies device usage by eliminating the need to input passwords or security codes. The basic working of this aspect of Google Smart Lock, now known as “Extend Unlock,” is divided into three parts.

The first one is on-body detection, which keeps the Tecno Spark 10C device unlocked when it’s carried or held by the user. The other two are “Trusted Places” and “Trusted Devices.” Users can set specific locations, like home or work, as “Trusted Places.” When the Tecno Spark 10C device is within these locations, it remains unlocked and accessible. Smart Lock integrates biometric authentication methods to unlock devices.

As helpful as it is in managing access to your Android device, privacy concerns can cause users to disable this lock. The following are the steps you can take to disable Google Smart Lock/Extend Unlock via Android settings:

• Step 1. Access “Settings” on your Android device and scroll down to tap “Passwords & security.” Here, press the option labeled as “Privacy.”

• Step 2. On the following screen, head to the “Trust agents” option and toggle off the “Smart Lock (Google)” option to disable the feature on your device.

Way 3. Disabling Google Smart Lock From Chrome

While you can manage this feature on Android devices, it is also available on Google Chrome on your computer. To disable Google Smart Lock from Google Chrome on your computer or laptop, you can follow these steps:

• Step 1. On your computer, access Google Chrome and click the “three dots” near the top right corner. From the context menu, choose “Settings” and tap “Autofill and passwords” from the left side.

• Step 2. Now, click “Google Password Manager” on the ensuing window, and choose “Settings” from the left side. Toggle off “Offer to save passwords” and “Sign in automatically” to disable Google Smart Lock.

Part 5. Forgot Google Smart Lock From Android Device? Recover Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

Disabling the Google Smart Lock can have a side effect, which is the danger of forgetting an important password. One of these important passwords is the screen lock on your Android device. These scenarios could involve forgetting the Tecno Spark 10C device’s PIN, pattern, or password. This could be essential for unlocking the phone or accessing its functionalities. It can lead to being locked out of the Tecno Spark 10C device, hindering normal operations.

In such instances, regaining access becomes crucial. Wondershare Dr.Fone offers a robust solution in these cases. This software specializes in unlocking Android devices when users forget their device passcodes. It offers a swift solution to eliminate Android lock screens within 5 minutes. If you own a Samsung or LG device, you can unlock it without data loss.

Notable Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

1. This tool bypasses the Android FRP lock without necessitating a PIN or Google account.
2. It broadens its ability to unlock well-known Android brands like Samsung, Huawei, and LG.
3. Additionally, its intuitive interface guarantees that no technical know-how is required.

Step-by-Step Guide To Unlock Android Smartphone via Wondershare Dr.Fone

Dr.Fone makes the process of unlocking an Android device a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recover an Android device using Wondershare Dr.Fone:

• Step 1. Unlocking an Android Device Using Wondershare Dr.Fone

To begin, install the most recent edition of Wondershare Dr.Fone and connect your Android device using a USB cable. Access the “Toolbox” menu and locate the “Screen Unlock” tool upon successful connection. Once opened, choose the “Android” option when prompted. Next, select “Unlock Android Screen” from the available options.

• Step 2. Device Brand Selection and Screen Unlock Initiation

Select your device brand and “100% Remove Screen Lock.” Selecting the Tecno Spark 10C device brand initiates access to the designated mode. It will trigger Dr.Fone to commence unlocking the Android screen. Note that entering specific modes varies depending on the Tecno Spark 10C device brand. Upon successfully unlocking your Android device screen, tap “Done.”

Tips: Forget your device password and can’t get access to it? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide describes the significance of Google Smart Lock. It explains its features and various methods to disable it from Android devices and Chrome. Exploring scenarios of forgotten passcodes highlighted the critical need for a reliable solution. Wondershare Dr.Fone emerges as a savior in such situations. It offers a secure means to regain access when locked out of your device.

Also read: