Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Xiaomi 14 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 Xiaomi 14 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 Xiaomi 14 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.

How to Use Google Assistant on Your Lock Screen Of Xiaomi 14 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 14 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.”

You May Also Interested:

Unlocking Your Realme Phone Made Easy: Step-by-Step Guide

8 Safe and Effective Methods to Unlock Your iPhone Without a Passcode

Complete Guide to Unlock Mi Account Without Password In 2024

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.

How To Change Xiaomi 14 Lock Screen Password?

Setting up a lock screen is a crucial step in protecting your phone’s data. If you’re not sure how to create one on your Android™ phone, we’re here to help.

Your Android lock screen pin or password and your Google Account password are two passwords you use frequently. Keeping a good lock screen passcode is important.

Although you might not frequently enter your lock screen pin or password if you use a biometric unlocking method like fingerprint or facial recognition, it’s still important to be familiar with it.

You’ll need to reset your Google Account password if you forget it or become locked out for some other reason when you try to keep accessing all of your data. You might also need to change lock screen passcode from time to time.

How to Change/Set up Lock Screen Password

Select Screen Lock Type under Settings > Lock Screen. From there, you may select from a variety of lock screen options:

Swipe: This lock type allows you to swipe in any direction on your screen to unlock your phone.

Pattern: If you opt to unlock your phone in this manner, you must create a pattern on a 3-by-3-dot grid.

Pin: A PIN lock is a four-digit code. Make sure you select a set of numbers that you can quickly recall.

Password: Your phone’s highest level of security. Your password must be distinct, easily remembered, and include at least one letter and 7 characters.

Follow the setup instructions on-screen after selecting the security measure you prefer.

Additionally, you’ll notice options to enable fingerprint or face biometric recognition features. Iris Scanner (S8/S8+) or Intelligent Scan (S9/S9+) may also be available on some older Samsung® models.

Face recognition: By holding your face directly in front of your phone’s screen, you may unlock your phone and authenticate yourself in apps.

With fingerprints, you can quickly touch your finger to unlock your phone.

Iris: Check your eyes to make sure that only you can see the contents of your phone.

Intelligent Scan: A method of device unlocking that combines face and iris recognition technology.

Follow on-screen instructions if you decide to employ one of these sophisticated security technologies, or go to Settings > Biometrics and security for more customization choices.

How to look up saved passwords on my device?

The way that Google Chrome manages your usernames and passwords is excellent. But what if you want to log in to a particular website from another device but can’t recall your password, and the website won’t load the data for you? You may quickly obtain a list of all saved passwords by browsing through Chrome’s settings, then manually keying it in.

You may access the passwords saved in the Google Chrome app on a Mac or PC because the app is connected to your Google account. Any passwords saved on your Android phone can easily be removed via the Chrome app.

How to Change your Password when you forget it?

1. Google Find My Device

As you are likely aware, every Android device is connected to a Google account. As a result, if you’d like, you may use it to unlock Android as well. You’ll need to know your Google account login information for this. When you’re ready, use these instructions to find out how to unlock a phone password.

1. Login in using your Google credentials by going to the official Google Find My Device website.
2. You will see the gadgets connected to your Google account as you enter the interface, along with a map of where they are.
3. To wipe the Xiaomi 14 device, click the ERASE DEVICE option on the left side panel. You will then be required for your password.
4. Once more, select “Erase.” This will reset the Xiaomi 14 device and get rid of the forgot pattern lock.

2. Using Recovery Mode

Users of Android smartphones and tablets can troubleshoot various issues with their devices using a feature known as Android Recovery Mode. It might be helpful if you discover that your device is functioning strangely. Recovery Mode Android technically refers to a unique bootable partition with a recovery application installed inside it.

However, users can also use it to reset the android password if it is forgotten. The instructions for resetting android devices through recovery mode are different for every android device.

3. Forgot Password Feature (Android 4.4 and Lower)

In case you lose your pattern, PIN, or other passwords, older versions of Android, including Android 4.4 KitKat, have an integrated feature to let you continue using your device.

Enter an erroneous pattern or PIN five times on the lock screen to reveal this function. A button with the words “Forgot pattern,” “Forgot PIN,” or “Forgot password” will show up. Tap it. The username and password for the Google account connected to your Android smartphone will be required.

4. Using ADB

Launch Recovery mode and restart the phone. Turn off your phone. Then to access the Bootloader, simultaneously press the Power button and the Volume Down key. Then select Recovery mode.

Use USB to connect the phone. You must have ADB set up on your computer. (ADB is part of the Android Developer Bundle)

Use the shell’s following command to start

Rm /data/system/gesture.key using the adb shell

Turn the phone back on normally. Any pattern will unlock the screen, and you will be prompted to enter one.

Bonus Method: Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

On most Android handsets, you can attempt Dr.Fone to unlock the screen lock easily. It allows you to delete the password, PIN, pattern, and fingerprint from an Android phone.

Step 1. Select Unlock Android Screen

Please select “Unlock Android Screen.”

Parental Control Software

#1 Rated Parental Control Software.
Monitor & Control all PC Activity!
sentrypc.com/parental-controls/ 

Step 2. Select device model

On this page, please choose the option fitting your phone.

Only when you select the right phone brand so the unlock process will go with success.

Step 3. Enter into Recovery Mode

Then go with the instructions for getting the Android phone into Recovery Mode. Here we show you examples of Samsung phones.

(Recovery Mode When the Samsung phone via Bixby)

(Recovery Mode When the Samsung phone via Bixby)

(Recovery Mode When the Samsung phone via Home button)

Step 4. Instructions to Wipe Cache Partition

On the page Recovery Mode, you’ll see this interface to continue your unlock process.

Now you can access your Android device without entering any password after the unlock process is well done.

Conclusion

Any of the aforementioned methods can be used to overcome the obstacle of using your Android handset. The best thing about this article is that you only need some simple unlock ways to complete the tasks. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the easiest way of restoring your device if you have a stuck password or fingerprint.