Still Using Pattern Locks with Google Pixel 8 Pro? 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 So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them?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.

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 8 Pro 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 8 Pro 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 8 Pro 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 Use Google Assistant on Your Lock Screen Of Google Pixel 8 Pro 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 Google Pixel 8 Pro 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.”

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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.

Top Apps and Online Tools To Track Google Pixel 8 Pro Phone [With/Without IMEI Number]

Losing your smartphone can be distressing, given its importance in daily life. Ensuring the ability to trace the whereabouts of a misplaced device holds great importance. It is due to potential theft, loss, or accidental misplacement.

Fortunately, many ways exist to retrieve a lost mobile phone by utilizing its IMEI number. This article will take you through the anti-theft app & IMEI tracker of all phone location methods. Additionally, we will discuss a unique tool designed to unlock locked devices.

Part 1: An Introduction to IMEI Numbers and Its Utility

Every mobile device has a special identifier that is helpful in the anti-theft app & IMEI tracker activities. It is known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI number. While often overlooked, it holds the key to many essential services and functions.

This makes it an indispensable component of modern mobile technology. The IMEI number serves as a digital fingerprint for mobile phones. Its primary purposes are summarized below:

1. Device Identification: Each mobile device possesses a distinct IMEI number. This sets it apart from every other phone in existence. This identification is essential for cellular networks and service providers. It helps in recognizing, managing, and connecting devices accurately.
2. Traceability and Tracking: In cases of theft, loss, or unauthorized use, the IMEI number becomes a crucial tool for tracking. It provides law enforcement agencies with the means to pinpoint the Google Pixel 8 Pro device’s location.
3. Warranty and Support: Manufacturers use IMEI numbers to manage warranties and provide technical support. These numbers help confirm the Google Pixel 8 Pro device’s authenticity, purchase date, and warranty coverage. This streamlines the process of repairs and replacements.
4. Security Measures: IMEI numbers play a role in security measures such as device blacklisting. If a device is reported stolen, its IMEI number can be added to a global database. This prevents it from being used on any network and renders it useless to thieves.

Part 2: A Dedicated Android Solution To Track Phone Location Using IMEI Number

IMEI numbers are important for more than just working as identifiers. One practical application lies in tracking a lost or stolen phone. It is a scenario that can cause significant distress. To address this concern, a great solution is the “AntiTheft App - IMEI Tracker, All Mobile Location.”

It is a dedicated Android app designed to harness the power of IMEI numbers for phone tracking. This anti-theft app & IMEI tracker provides a comprehensive method to locate a misplaced or stolen device. Its core work revolves around using the IMEI number to find the Google Pixel 8 Pro device’s location. With it, you can send commands via SMS (text messages) from an alternate device.

These functionalities encompass using secure commands with a designated secret code. Using these commands, you can have the smartphone ring audibly at its maximum volume. It can also get the GPS coordinates of the Google Pixel 8 Pro device. You can also display a personalized message across the screen. Lastly, it can even capture photographs through the front-facing camera.

Part 3: Online Solutions: Finding The Best Anti-Theft Online Tool Using IMEI Tracking

The internet makes it easy to deal with lost or stolen devices. Online solutions offer another way to find your smartphone using IMEI tracking. In contrast to conventional approaches, these digital tools enhance the efficiency of the process.

They provide a ray of optimism, even for individuals with limited tech proficiency. Below are two prominent anti-theft apps & IMEI trackers online that use IMEI tracking to aid in phone location:

Method 1. IMEI-Tracker

The purpose of this web-based platform is to streamline the procedure for locating a misplaced or stolen mobile phone. With just the IMEI number of your lost device, you can ascertain its GPS coordinates. Employing sophisticated algorithms, the platform triangulates the rough whereabouts of the Google Pixel 8 Pro device. The following steps outline how to use IMEI-Tracker to find the location of your lost device:

• Step 1: Begin by accessing a web browser on a device and navigate to the IMEI-Tracker.com website. Here, click “Track IMEI” to access the IMEI tracking feature.
• Step 2: On the next page, enter your lost device’s IMEI number and select the country. Afterward, click “Track IMEI” to kickstart the tracking process.

Method 2. TrackIMEI.net

Another player in the online IMEI tracking space is TrackIMEI.net. It offers a user-friendly approach to locating missing devices. By inputting the IMEI number into the platform, you can pinpoint the location of your device. This service also facilitates the reporting of lost or stolen devices. Use the following steps to locate your device via TrackIMEI.net.

• Step: On a web browser, access TrackIMEI.net and type your IMEI number in the text field. Then click “Search” to initiate the search for your lost device.

Part 4: Anti-Theft Apps That Locate Devices Without IMEI

Anti-theft apps offer a mean to locate a device even without relying on the IMEI number. These apps provide an alternative route to safeguard your valuable possessions. Moreover, these apps offer an extra layer of security and assurance. Below are two noteworthy anti-theft apps that enable users to track their devices:

Method 1. Find My Device (IMEI Tracker)

Available on the Play Store, the Find My Device (IMEI Tracker) is a popular choice among users. It allows you to experience the utmost simplicity in tracking your Android device. With this cutting-edge GPS tracker, you can effortlessly track your Android phone.

To activate the tracking function, the app must be installed on the targeted phone. After installing the anti-theft app & IMEI tracker, you can use the website to track the Google Pixel 8 Pro device’s location.

Method 2. Anti-Theft Mobile Tracker

The Anti-Theft Mobile Tracker app provides an innovative approach to tracking devices. It allows the transmission of the precise location of the lost device to a recipient device. This functionality operates without requiring an active Internet connection.

The anti-theft app & IMEI tracker for all mobile locations enables remote actions, including locking the Google Pixel 8 Pro device and erasing personal data. Through this app, users can lock their phones and safeguard their data from a distance.

Bonus Part: Got Your Google Pixel 8 Pro Locked? Unlock It Easily With the Best Third-Party Utility

Losing access to our own devices due to a forgotten password or lock pattern can be exasperating. In such cases, a reliable third-party utility, Wondershare Dr.Fone, comes to the rescue. It offers a seamless method to regain access and control over your precious devices. It is designed to provide a straightforward way to unlock locked Android devices.

The utility offers different unlock modes to cater to various scenarios. These include PIN, pattern, password, and even fingerprint or facial recognition. Wondershare Dr.Fone boasts a high success rate in unlocking devices, making it a reliable option.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best UnlockJunky Alternative to Bypass FRP and 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.
• Almost all Samsung phones and tablets are supported (Currently for Android 6-13).
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

Prominent Features of Wondershare Dr.Fone

1. When unlocking a locked Android Phone, like a Samsung or LG device, with Dr.Fone, you can do it without data loss.
2. It allows you to bypass Google FRPlock on all major Android brands like Samsung, Mi, OPPO, etc.
3. With Wondershare Dr.Fone, you can unlock screen locks such as PIN, password, pattern, and fingerprint.

Unlocking a Locked Smartphone Using Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android)

Unlocking your locked Android device using Wondershare Dr.Fone is a straightforward process. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you through the process of unlocking your Android screen lock:

• Step 1: Navigate to Screen Unlock in Wondershare Dr.Fone

You start with launching Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer. Navigate to “Toolbox” and access “Screen Unlock.” On the following screen, choose “Android” as your device type.

• Step 2: Choose Your Google Pixel 8 Pro Device Brand

After choosing the Google Pixel 8 Pro device type, select “Unlock Android Screen”. Now choose the brand of your Android, for example, Samsung, and on the next screen, click “Remove without Data Loss”. Following this, you need to input the “Brand”, “Device Name”, and “Device Model” of your smartphone.

• Step 3: Agree to the Android Screen Unlock Terms

Enable the checkbox that indicates your agreement with the warning and your readiness to proceed. Then, proceed by clicking the “Next” button to unlock the screen. A confirmation step will appear, asking you to enter the code “000000”. Once you’ve entered the code, click on “Confirm” to carry out the necessary operation.

• Step 4: Unlock Your Locked Android Device

The final step is to put your Android device into Download Mode. To make it easier for you, the instructions are given on the screen. As soon as the Download Mode is activated, the Android screen unlock process will start. Click “Done” once the process has been completed.

Conclusion

In short, it can be scary to lose your smartphone due to theft, misplacement, or unauthorized access. During our exploration, we discovered many ways to locate your device if you lose it. The “Anti-theft App & IMEI Tracker All Phone Location“ stands out as a beacon of hope. It provides a dedicated Android solution to locate devices even in adverse situations.

As a bonus, Wondershare Dr.Fone emerged as a powerful ally for those locked out of their devices. This Android screen unlock toolkit offers a user-friendly interface and a high success rate. To conclude, as technology continues to evolve, your ability to safeguard your devices and data becomes robust.

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