Still Using Pattern Locks with Google Pixel Fold? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice

They have been along for a long, long time now – pattern locks – the easiest of all smartphone locks. You just swipe your finger across to create an easy pattern lock of your choosing and that’s it, it becomes your new screen lock. No more remembering tedious digits! So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them? Let’s take a dive and find out all about pattern locks.

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Part I: Things To Know About Pattern Locks

The first cellphone locks were 4-digit number locks. Then came 6-digit codes, and even alphanumeric ones. Pattern locks were all the rage a while ago. Though pattern locks continue to be used, they are not considered safe to use any longer. What is all that about? Here’s what you need to know about pattern locks, whether you are a seasoned pattern lock user or not.

I.I: What Are Pattern Locks?

Believe it or not, technology has advanced at such a rapid pace in the last two decades that you’d be forgiven if you don’t know what a pattern lock is, especially if you have only ever used iPhones, or Android phones in just the last few years.

Pattern locks are patterns you create on your smartphone and designate as a smartphone lock/ screen lock. There is a 9-point keypad of sorts, and you start swiping your finger from any point to any point for any which way you feel like. Android 13 allows a minimum of 4 points registered. They are easy to create, and easy to use, hence called easy pattern locks.

Pattern locks have only ever been offered on Android devices and were commonplace a few years ago until they were deemed not secure enough for use by modern standards because they were easy to figure out by malicious actors.

I.II: Popularity and Usage

Pattern lock is a feature unique to Android and has been so since the start. Naturally, it is one of the preferred ways users have come to unlock their Android devices over the years. Even though modern Android smartphones come with fingerprint recognition and face recognition technologies, there exists a large subset of users still addicted to and acclimatized with the pattern lock feature, opting over fingerprint and face recognition.

There has been, however, research conducted into the safety and security offered by pattern lock in Android.

I.III: Advantages and Drawbacks

Modern smartphones very nearly contain the entirety of our lives; photo memories, video memories, important documents both financial and personal in nature, banking apps, ID and ATM/ credit cards in the “wallet” apps, and whatnot. A smartphone falling into the wrong hands could very nearly be used to devastate the rightful owner, both financially and otherwise. And this is not a claim out of thin air; spyware/ malware/ phishing attacks are on the rise around the world. Locking the smartphone, once considered optional and an unnecessary hassle, is now an absolute must.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There is no denying that using an easy pattern lock to lock their smartphone seems enough for most users. Swiping your finger across your smartphone to unlock it feels not only cool and futuristic but safer and more secure than remembering and punching in digits. And, for the most part, it is true, given that 4-digit PINs can only have 10,000 unique combinations!

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

While very easy to use, security researchers and experts have come to agree that the feature is not in the least safe to use, and that is because of how people use the pattern lock feature (discussed in detail below in part II). Some go so far as to say that most pattern locks can be breached in just 5 attempts or less. Imagine that!

What is more, research has found that humans have an uncanny ability to correctly guess a pattern lock simply by viewing the unlocking! The test comprised showing the test subjects videos of users unlocking their phones from different angles and varying distances, and it was found that around 64% of test subjects were able to correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock in one viewing only, and 80% could correctly guess the pattern after just two viewings. By contrast, only 11% were able to correctly deduce a 6-digit PIN after one viewing, and only 27% after viewing twice. This goes to show just how insecure pattern locks are!

Part II: How People Use Pattern Locks

We might wonder how anyone would be able to guess the correct pattern of our device, but believe it or not, it is possible, eerily easily at that! We are all the same humans, after all! You know how people usually set PINs that could be significant dates in their lives? How they get car registration numbers that mean something to them? The same ‘logic’ applies to their setting pattern locks.

At DEFCON 23, Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, presented something that stunned people around the world. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.” What followed was an expert presentation outlining and detailing user behaviors around pattern locks.

These are some commonly created pattern locks by people:

• - shapes of alphabets,
• - shapes of numerals,
• - any other easy-to-make, simple shape.

Marte Loge presented the image below, showing how people naturally gravitate towards creating simple shape patterns, in her research.

To further help you see how easy it might be for anyone to guess your pattern, Marte Loge also presented some statistics.

• - 77% of people started their patterns in one of the 4 corners.
• - 44% of Loge’s subjects started their pattern with the first dot, the top-left one. The next number was 15% for the top-right and 14% for the bottom-left.
• - These percentages did not vary much depending on left-handedness or right-handedness.
• - On average, irrespective of gender, people set 5-point patterns, with 4-point patterns being the most common. This means that the number of combinations on average was 7152 for 5-point patterns and a bogglingly low 1624 for 4-point patterns.

The above data makes it amply clear how using an easy pattern lock is actually worse than using a 4-digit PIN, simply because how people are usually using the pattern lock feature.

Part III: Tips For Using More Secure Pattern Locks

Now, we know how hard it is to break habits cemented over years of use, so in case you must at all costs use a pattern lock only, the least you can do is try and change your easy pattern lock to a better, more secure hard pattern lock.

III.I: How to Create More Secure Patterns

Here are some tips to help you create a better, more secure pattern lock for your smartphone.

• - Avoid using any of the corners to start the pattern.
• - Never use your first initial as a pattern.
• - Never use a digit shape as a pattern.
• - You can pass through the same pattern lines multiple times over. This makes it more difficult for someone to guess your pattern correctly.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid while setting the pattern lock! That simple act takes the possible pattern combinations to over 140,000, significantly more than 10,000 for 4-digit PINs, and vastly superior to paltry 1624 for a 4-point easy pattern lock!

III.II: Forgot Your Pattern? Unlock Your Google Pixel Fold Without Pattern Lock With Dr.Fone

Supercharged with the information above, you went ahead and changed your easy pattern lock to a hard-to-guess pattern lock. Only problem is, your brain is habituated to that old pattern, and you’ve suddenly forgotten what the new pattern was! Well, worry not; Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) will help you unlock your phone without pattern lock !

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Tool to Unlock Your Google Pixel Fold without Pattern Locks!

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

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

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

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock and click Android.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: You will see a list of supported manufacturers on the next screen. Select yours.

Step 4: Now, follow the onscreen guide to prepare your device for screen unlocking.

After completing the process, when the Next button becomes available, click it.

Your device will be successfully unlocked.

Note that this method wipes all data on the Google Pixel Fold device. There is no way around it. You may be able to unlock select older Samsung devices without data loss. Check this list for those devices.

Closing Words

Pattern locks are outdated and not safe to use an easy pattern lock – there are no two ways about it. As such, our recommendation is to start using a 6-digit PIN along with biometric or face recognition. However, we do understand that sometimes, you simply cannot use biometrics or face recognition. For those instances, we recommend that you use this guide and create a more secure pattern lock for your device. In case you forgot your pattern, there is always Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to save the day.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Fold PIN Code/Pattern Lock/Password

I have forgotten the pattern, PIN, or password needed to unlock my Google Pixel Fold smartphone. What should I do?

If you have a Google Pixel Fold phone and have forgotten the screen unlock PIN code, pattern lock, or password, you can still access it using some tried and tested tricks and hacks. This article will discuss 5 different ways on how to unlock Google Pixel Fold smartphone. Some methods might work without erasing your data, while others, like factory resetting, may erase all content from your phone. Regardless of which method you use, you will be able to unlock your phone! So, let’s get started!

1. How to Unlock Google Pixel Fold With Google Find My Google Pixel Fold?

A way to unlock the Google Pixel Fold phone is via Google Find My Device feature. While this method can help unlock your phone, it erases all content from it.

For this method, you need a PC and your Google account details. Here are the steps for it:

Step 1: Open your browser and go to Google Find My Device  on your PC.

Step 2: Log in to the Google account you used to set up your Google Pixel Fold phone.

Step 3: It will show you 3 options: Play Sound, Secure Device, and Erase Device.

 And then select “**Erase Device.**”

Selecting this option will erase all content from your device, including screen unlock PIN, password, and pattern.

Step 4: Now, you can access your phone without an unlock PIN or pattern and set a new one.

Use this method only if your phone is backed up so you can restore all your data later.

2. How to Unlock Android device Using Lock Remove Tool?

Another foolproof method on how to unlock Android pattern lock is by using a lock removal tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) .

safe & secure

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is a screen unlock tool that can unlock your Android phone if you forget its screen unlock PIN, password, or pattern in just 5 minutes. It has a simple operation that requires just a few clicks to unlock your phone screen. Plus, this method is reliable, secure, and has a high success rate. However, there’s a possibility that it might not work with older phone models.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Unlock Android PIN Code/Pattern Lock/Password within Minutes

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Unlock 20,000+ models of Android phones & tablets.
• Everybody can handle it without any technical background.
• Save you from ending up with a locked phone after too many pattern attempts.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Here are the steps to unlock Android phone using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android):

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone on your PC and select the “Screen Unlock” option from the main page.

Step 2: Connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable. Now click on the “Android” > “Unlock Android Screen” option.

Step 3: A device brand will appear. Select your phone’s brand, i.e., Samsung.

Step 4: Now, follow the instructions as you see to unlock your Android device.

Your phone is now unlocked, and you can access it without entering a PIN, password, or pattern.

Now, if you don’t remember your Google account details and don’t have access to a PC to use a screen unlock tool, you can unlock Android phone using the conventional way.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Fold with Google Account?

Almost all Android smartphones, including Google Pixel Fold , require you to enter your Google account details when setting up your phone for the first time. This includes the email, password, and security question. These details come in handy later on in situations where your phone is lost or stolen or if you’re switching to another phone. However, they can also help with basic issues like unlocking your phone in case you forget your Google Pixel Fold screen unlock PIN, pattern, or password.

You can unlock your Google Pixel Fold phone with Google Account in the following two ways:

• Using Google account details
• Using Google security question

Using Google Account Details

Almost all Android smartphones, including Google Pixel Fold , require you to enter your Google account details when setting up your phone for the first time. This account comes in handy later on in situations where your phone is lost or stolen or if you’re switching to another phone. However, it can also help with basic issues like unlocking your phone in case you forget your Google Pixel Fold screen unlock PIN, pattern, or password. But to use this method successfully, you need to remember the email address bound to the Google Pixel Fold device and its password.

Here’s how to unlock the Google Pixel Fold pattern lock without losing data using your Google account:

• Step 1: Enter the incorrect PIN, pattern, or password 5 times, and click on “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Pattern.”
• Step 2: The interface will then ask you to enter your Google account details as an alternate option. Enter the Google account details you used when setting up your Google Pixel Fold phone.
• Step 3: This will unlock your phone. You can now reset the screen unlock PIN, password, or pattern.

If you don’t remember your Google account details, you can still unlock your Google Pixel Fold phone using a third-party tool.

Using Security Question

Another way to unlock your Google Pixel Fold phone using Google is by answering the security question. When we set up our Google account, we usually choose a security question and an answer. This comes in handy if you want to recover your Google account, reset the password, or if you want to unlock your phone’s screen.

For the latter, here are the steps:

• Step 1: Enter the incorrect PIN or pattern to unlock your screen several times till you see the “Forgot Pattern” or “Forgot Password” option. Click on it.
• Step 2: Now select the “Answer Security Question” option and type in the answer.
• Step 3: Click on “Unlock” after which you will be asked if you want to set a new PIN or pattern. Select “Yes.”
• Step 4: Your Google Pixel Fold phone will be unlocked, and you can set a new PIN or pattern for your screen.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Fold by Hard Reset?

Hard resetting your smartphone usually solves everything! Hence, it can also help you unlock your Google Pixel Fold phone; however, using this method will erase all the data on your phone. So, if you still want to unlock Google Pixel Fold phone using this method, only do so if you have backed up your device and have no other way to unlock your phone. This includes forgetting your Google account details or not having access to a PC to download and use Dr Fone - Screen Unlock (Android).

Here are the steps for it:

• Step 1: Power off your Google Pixel Fold phone.
• Step 2: Press and hold the power and volume down button until the Sony screen appears.
• Step 3: The “System Recovery” menu will appear. Use the volume up and down button to scroll to the “Factory Reset” option. Use the power button to select this option.
• Step 4: Select “Yes” when asked for confirmation.

Your Google Pixel Fold phone will be hard reset, and all the locks will be removed. When you turn it on again, you will have to set it up like a new phone using your Google account details.

How to Unlock Google Pixel Fold with Google Companion?

If you’ve forgotten the screen lock of your Google Pixel Fold device, you can use Sony’s official software, Google Companion, to unlock your device. Google Companion is a reliable method that can help you regain access to your Google without data loss. Here’s how to unlock your Google Pixel Fold using Google Companion:

Step 1: Install and launch Google Pixel Fold Companion from the official website and click “Support Zone.” Move to the “Phone/Tablet Software Update” option on the next screen and tap “Start.”

Step 2: Now, plug in your laptop to power, as the process will take some time, and choose “repair my phone/tablet.” Here, agree to the warning that you will lose your data and click “Next” to proceed.

Click here

Step 3: Allow the program to download files to prepare for the update process and choose your Google Pixel Fold model. Click “Next” and connect your Google Pixel Fold to the PC. Ensure that the phone is turned off, and press and hold the “Volume Down” button when connecting the cable to the phone.

Step 4: Once correctly connected to the PC, the program will download the necessary software and upload it to your device. After completing the process, you can unplug the Google Pixel Fold device and turn it on.

How to Remove Operator Lock on Google Pixel Fold ?

An operator lock, also called a carrier lock, constitutes a limitation imposed on a mobile phone by a network provider. This measure is implemented to guarantee that the Google Pixel Fold device exclusively functions with the services provided by that specific carrier. If you wish to remove the operator lock from your Google Pixel Fold device, you’ll need to follow specific steps and meet certain criteria. Here’s how to remove the operator lock on a Google Pixel Fold :

Step 1: Begin by checking whether your device can be unlocked or not from its network carrier restrictions. To do that, you need to dial the code “*#*#7378423#*#*” on your device, tap “Service Info” and select “SIM Lock.”

Step 2: Carefully check the information provided on the screen. If there is “X” before the “Network” option and the number in front of it is larger than 0, it means your device can be unlocked. If the number in front of “Network” is 0, your device can’t be unlocked as it is hard-locked.

Step 3: The next step involves getting your device’s IMEI number. To accomplish this task, simply input “*#06#” on your device. Once you have the IMEI number, use a reliable service from the internet to the unlocking code. Insert the SIM card of another network and provide the code you gained to unlock your Google Pixel Fold device.

Bonus Tip: How to Unlock Bootloader?

Unlocking the bootloader on your Android device provides significant advantages. These actions encompass obtaining root access, installing custom ROMs, configuring custom recoveries, and carrying out advanced procedures. Here’s an essential guide on unlocking the bootloader of your Sony device while keeping all precautions in mind:

Step 1: To start with the process, verify the bootloader status for your Sony smartphone. On opening the “Dialer” app, dial the number “*#*#7378423#*#*“ and access the “Rooting Status” option within the “Service Provider” settings.

Step 2: If the bootloader status displays “Yes,” ensure that the Sony USB drivers and ADB tools are installed on your computer. Enable “USB Debugging” and “OEM Unlocking” on your smartphone and switch it off.

Step 3: Connect the Google Pixel Fold smartphone with a USB cable and press the “Power + Volume Up” keys for a few seconds. Open the Windows computer and access the “Devices and Printers” directory. Right-click on the “fastboot driver” file, select “Update,” and select the location of the “android_winbus.inf” file. Verify the fastboot connectivity through the CMD command.

Step 4: Open the official “Sony Unlocking Site” and add in the IMEI number. On acknowledging, use the commands as follows: adb reboot bootloader

Unlock the bootloader with the following command: fastboot oem unlock 0x<insert your unlock code

Verify the bootloader is unlocked and use the command to reboot the system; if not done automatically: fastboot reboot

Conclusion

Forgetting your Google Pixel Fold screen unlock password, PIN, or pattern is quite common. For such instances, there are several methods that you can use to unlock your screen, 5 of which we have discussed in this article.

If you’re looking for ways that are time-effective and reliable, you can use your Google account or other ways to unlock Google Pixel Fold and set a new screen lock. However, with these methods, you can lose your data, so we only recommend using them if your device is backed up.

Unlocking Made Easy: The Best 10 Apps for Unlocking Your Google Pixel Fold Device

Android phones are extremely popular, but many feel that the otherwise great operating system does not allow the kind of freedom they want. One of the frequently brought up problems is the lock screen and the unlocking mechanism itself. With a lot of phones, it can be quite sluggish and slow. There are many applications that change the lock screen both from a style and a functionality standpoint, and some of them are quite impressive. A quality Android unlock screen app allows you to customize it while possessing the main characteristics that you are looking for in any good application.

There are a lot of apps like that these days, and choosing between them is not always an easy task. Let’s take a look at the best 10 unlock apps for android.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove Android lock screen in 5 minutes

• Pattern, PIN, password, fingerprints & face screen lock can all be unlocked.
• Bypass Android FRP lock without a PIN or Google account.
• No tech knowledge asked, everybody can handle it.
• Unlock mainstream Android brands like Samsung, Huawei, LG, Xiaomi, etc.

3,981,454 people have downloaded it

1.Hi Locker

Hi Locker offers a similar style to CyanogeMod’s lock screen both from an aesthetics and functionality standpoint. It has all the looks of the most popular devices including Lollipop and iOS, as well as a second screen containing the calendar and many more goodness. If you are looking for unlock apps for Android, Hi Locker is clearly one of the best choices.

Hi Locker allows password and pattern unlocking.

2.Lok Lok

Lok Lok has a unique take on the locking screen application niche, allowing you to send drawings to people who use the same application. It has the basic functions of course but it really is only fan when others you know, use the same app as well. This fact kind of restricts this otherwise excellent application but the idea is genius. An Android unlock screen app that allows your creative side to shine through.

This Android unlock app doesn’t allow pin lock screen at the moment, it can be unlocked with the home button

3.Next News Lock Screen

When you are looking for unlock apps for android, you don’t necessarily think about reading the news, yet many times you would go to lengths to find them. What if the news you find the most interesting would appear on your lock screen? Would that be something you’d interested be in? If the answer is yes, this Android unlock screen app is for you.

4.CM Locker

A very interesting application with a slide-to-unlock feature that’s eerily similar to iPhone devices. The app allows you to control several main phone functions including but not limited to brightness, WiFi, sound or Bluetooth. One of the most versatile unlock apps for Android.

This android unlock app allows pin and pattern unlock, and it also has an intruder alert (the phone locks and takes a photo when somebody unsuccessfully tries to unlock it).

5.Slidelock Locker

Another app that takes advantage of Apple’s popularity by bringing in the “slide-to-unlock” mechanics and the general aesthetic qualities of the iOS home screen. In addition to possessing the basic functions, this Android unlock screen app also highlights messages.

6.Semper

This Android unlock app was once called UnlockYourBrain and it is quite unique in the way that it will make you work for your phone time. This may sound ridiculous at first, but actually a very clever idea and naturally emergency numbers can be called at all times.

Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.unlockyourbrain&hl=en

How to unlock : Solve a problem or an equation to unlock the screen.

7.Next Lock Screen

Next Lock Screen is a cross platform unlock app that’s compatible with the complete Android ecosystem, making it one of the most valuable unlock apps for Android on the market. As a Microsoft product, it likes to advertise some of their other applications but this feature can thankfully be turned off. The notifications are clearly Microsoft quality which is not necessarily something that can be said about your average Android unlock screen app.

How to unlock : Pin,swipe or pattern.

8.AcDisplay

AcDisplay comes with a rather minimalistic look similar to some of the most popular web site creator services like Squarespace or Wix. The home screen will highlight notifications for which it will offer two options, either you swipe down in which case you will ignore the notification, or swipe anywhere else and the lock screen will unlock. What’s really great about this Android unlock app is the fact that it can use your device’s sensors, allowing it to detect its placement therefore whether or not it should be on or off.

Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.achep.acdisplay&hl=en

How to unlock : You can swipe anywhere on the screen.

9.C Locker Pro

It would be unjust to call it an Android unlock app, this application is actually a carefully selected package that allows you to do a lot of cools stuff with your new and improved home screen. Not only it supports the usually methods of unlocking like swipe or patterns, but you can actually set double or even triple tap options which is quite unique and a very good idea. The app has every other usual options including setting your favorite apps or showing the lock, as well as the date and the temperature of course.

Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ccs.lockscreen_pro&hl=en

How to unlock : This Android unlock screen app allows you to unlock the screen with swiping, patterns or even specific number of taps.

10. Echo Notificaiton Lockscreen

Another minimalistic design that works quite well, it also allows you to set different notification categories like “work”, “media” or “social”. Not only that, but you can also choose various apps to go with those categories. Messages come through as well of course, all with a “slide to unlock” feature that is so popular these days.

How to unlock : Slide right like you would with an iOS device.

Bonus Tips: Easily bypass Android Lock Screen/Google FRP on Android with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) . It effortlessly resolves issues like lost Google accounts, forgotten PIN codes, and unlocking used phones. Supported mainstream Android brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, etc.

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