If you forgot your password, the method to reset it depends on the device. For phones, you usually need to use cloud account recovery or perform a factory reset. For computers, built-in recovery or password reset tools are required.
If you forgot your lock screen password, you will unfortunately need to erase the device to regain access. Modern security requires a factory reset to wipe the forgotten credentials, though your synced cloud data (like photos and contacts) can be restored afterward.
To reset a forgotten password, click the "Forgot password?" or "Reset password" link on your account's sign-in screen, then follow the prompts to verify your identity via email or phone code.
If you are on a Windows computer, simultaneously press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard and select Change a password.
To reset your lock screen password, your options depend on whether you are locked out of your device or just want to change an active password.
To remove your screen lock password, the steps depend on whether you are using an iPhone or an Android device. You will need your current password to proceed.
After 10 failed Screen Time passcode attempts, your device locks you out from trying again for one hour. The rest of your device and apps remain fully functional, and your data is not erased.
The "three random words" rule is a cybersecurity guideline recommending that users create strong, memorable passwords by combining three unrelated words (e.g., "CorrectHorseBatteryStaple"). This approach offers a balance of high security, because it is difficult for computers to guess, and high usability, as it is easy for humans to remember.
On Windows, the universal shortcut to quickly change your computer's password is Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
Changing your lock screen password depends on your device. Below are the quick, step-by-step instructions for both iPhone and Android.
According to global cybersecurity research, the top 7 most common—and highly vulnerable—passwords are:
Yes, you can easily reset your password. The steps depend on the specific account or device you are locked out of:
Yes, you can unlock your phone, but doing so without knowing the passcode will generally require a factory reset, which wipes the data on the device.
Yes, you can unlock a phone without losing data, but only if you can still access the device.
To reset your lock screen password, your options depend on whether you are locked out of your device or just want to change an active password.
How you reset a PIN lock depends entirely on the device you are locked out of.
The longest active lockout timer officially enforced by Apple's current iOS versions is 8 hours. This maximum penalty is triggered after 10 continuous incorrect passcode attempts. If you enter the passcode incorrectly an 11th time, your device will display a Security Lockout screen and require a device wipe to regain access.
Call Barring: *#33#
Call barring literally lets you block any and all outgoing cell calls.
If you can't unlock your phone, you'll need to erase it. Then you can set it up again and set a new screen lock. If you can't sign in to your Google Account, learn how to recover your account.
To change your screen lock, go to your phone's Settings app and navigate to the lock/security menus. For most iPhones, tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode), while Android users should tap Security & Privacy then Device Unlock.
To disable the PIN on your lock screen, the steps will depend on your device: