Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 Change Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Lock Screen Clock in Seconds

The initial glimpse of your phone often involves the lock screen. This essential feature is customizable based on your Android device. With the advent of Android 12, a double-line clock has stirred some controversy among users. It’s because the Android lock screen clock veered from the one-line design of the previous version.

The larger clock style appears when there’s no notification. It will only switch to the old one-line format when a notification pops up. Discover how to change the lock screen clock on your Android and tweak its appearance. Explore the article to learn more.

Part 1. How Do I Put a Clock on My Android Lock Screen?

Android devices running version 12 or later come with the clock feature activated by default. Take note that its appearance may change under specific circumstances. It can change when there are unread notifications visible on the lock screen.

For devices running Android 11, changing the lock screen clock is still available. In some instances, you can even customize its style by following these simple steps:

• Step 1: For users with Android 11 or older, go to Settings > Lock screen & security. Depending on your phone model, tap Lock screen or Security.

• Step 2: Go to Customize Lock screen > Clock. Next, customize or activate the lock screen clock.

Note

The exact names of settings may change depending on the manufacturer and version of Android. But the navigation should be similar.

Part 2. How To Change Lock Screen Clock on Android [5 Methods]

Currently, there isn’t an official method to change the lock screen clock on Android 12. However, there are several workarounds you can do. Let’s explore these techniques and see which works best for you.

Method 1: Change Your Wallpaper

In Android 11, adjusting your wallpaper is accessible through the Android Settings menu.

• Step 1A: Navigate to the “All Apps” screen and select Settings. For Samsung Galaxy devices on Android 11, access the Wallpaper option within the settings menu.

In Android 12, the process remains consistent.

• Step 1: Locate the Wallpaper & style button within the Settings menu**.**

• Step 2: Follow the provided instructions to transform your lock screen experience. Replace the oversized clock with dynamic, changing wallpapers.

Method 2: Turn Off the Always-On Display

An alternative to avoid the Android lock screen clock is disabling the Always-on Display (AOD).

• Step 1: Access the Settings menu on your Android device. Scroll down and choose Lock screen > Always On Display.

• Step 2: Toggle off to deactivate the Always On Display.

_Note_

While this won’t alter the lock screen clock itself, it will turn off the display. It will prevent the constant presence of the lock screen clock. Instead, the clock will only become visible when you press the power button.

Method 3: Disable the Double-Line Clock

Originally, there was no provision to change the lock screen clock in Android 12. With the release of a new update, Google introduced an option to deactivate the clock, bringing relief to users. Follow the steps below to disable the double-line clock on your Android.

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Display. Next, choose Lock screen.

• Step 2: Toggle the Double-line clock off.

_Note_

If you want to display a digital or analog clock, open the _Clock_ app. Tap the _three dots_ > _Settings_ > _Style_****.

Method 4: Turn On Screensaver

An alternative method to modify the Android lock screen clock involves activating Android’s screen saver. There are options where it’s more pleasing than the default lock screen clock. If you want to change the lock screen clock, follow the steps.

• Step 1: Open the Clock app and tap the three dots in the upper-right corner. Select Screensaver and toggle it on.

• Step 2: If you want to customize the screensaver clock’s appearance, go to Settings > Display > Screensaver. Choose analog, digital, or night mode.

Method 5: Keep Unread Notifications

To avoid adjusting your Android device settings, you can make the lock screen clock smaller by maintaining unread notifications. The clock occupies less space when there are unread notifications. It shifts back to the top-left corner when you receive a new notification. Simply leave notifications unread to keep the clock smaller.

Bonus

For users who prefer not to have a lock screen clock, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open Settings > Lock screen or Security & lock screen.
• Step 2: Look for Clock and FaceWidgets or a similar option. Disable or toggle off the Clock or Show clock setting. Save changes, and your lock screen should no longer display the clock.

Part 3. An Exception: Change the Lock Screen Clock on Samsung Phones

Changing the lock screen clock on Samsung phones is similar to the general Android process. However, the steps are quite different, offering Samsung users a unique customization experience. If you wish to personalize your lock screen clock, here’s how:

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Lock screen or Lock screen & security. Choose Customize lock screen > Clock, Clock style, or Lock screen clock.

• Step 2: Choose between different styles, such as digital, analog, or others. Some Samsung models offer extra settings like color, size, and more to enhance your lock screen further. Select the one that suits your taste.

If you’d rather remove the lock screen clock on your Samsung device, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Lock screen or Lock screen & security.Choose Customize lock screen > Clock, Clock style, or Lock screen clock.
• Step 2: Disable or toggle off this setting to remove the clock from your lock screen.

If you ever find yourself locked out of your Android device due to a mishap while changing your lock screen clock or any other reason, don’t fret. Wondershare Dr.Fone– Screen Unlock - Android can effortlessly bypass the lock screen and unlock your device without a hassle.

Read More About Android Lock Screen:

9 Ways to Bypass Samsung Lock Screen without Data Loss [2024]

How To Easily Unlock Nokia Screen: 4 Effective Methods

How to Change Lock Screen Wallpaper on Android

Part 4. How To Unlock Accidentally Locked Android Screen

Accidentally locking yourself out of your Android device can be a stressful experience. Dr.Fone provides a hassle-free solution to unlock your Android screen without losing any data. Whether you’ve locked yourself out or forgot your PIN, Dr.Fone ensures a straightforward and secure unlocking process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the tool:

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.
• Compatiable with various Android models.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,670 people have downloaded it

• Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer. Launch the program after installation and go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock.

• Step 2: Choose Android in the next window and click on Unlock Android Screen.

• Step 3: Choose your device brand and click Remove without Data Loss. Select the Brand, Device Name, and Device Model of your smartphone. Once done, toggle the checkmark on I agree with the warning, and I am ready to proceed button.

• Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions. Once they’re done, Dr.Fone will automatically proceed with the unlocking process. There will be a new screen showing the completion if done correctly. If it fails, click on Try again. Otherwise, click Done to finish.

What Else Can Dr.Fone Do for Android Owners?

Dr.Fone Screen Unlock for Android is a comprehensive tool that goes beyond unlocking screens. It also provides a range of features to address various Android device-related issues, such as:

Bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

You can bypass Factory Reset Protection on your Android device with Dr. Fone. It allows you to set it up without the original Google account credentials.

Unlock Samsung/LG without data loss

Whether you own a Samsung or LG device, Dr.Fone allows you to unlock your phone without compromising any data stored on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE device.

Supports 2000+ Android models

Dr.Fone is compatible with a vast array of Android models. It supports over 2000 devices, making it a versatile solution for Android users.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change the lock screen clocks on your Android offers a personalized touch. Android 12 users can effortlessly adjust settings, while Android 11 and older versions require a manual setup. Samsung owners, meanwhile, enjoy a similar but unique customization process. Follow the steps outlined above for those seeking to remove the lock screen entirely.

On the other hand, if you accidentally lock yourself out of your smartphone, Dr.Fone is a go-to solution, ensuring a smooth unlocking process. Whether tweaking your Android lock screen clock or facing accidental lockouts, explore these methods to tailor your Android experience.

6 Solutions to Unlock Samsung 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 Samsung phones if you forgot the password in five different ways. Read on and choose your preferred option if you forgot the password on your Samsung phone and move past every setback you face.

Solution 1: Unlock Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung after unlocking.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Get into the Locked Samsung Phone within Minutes

• Available for most Samsung series, like LG/LG2/LG3/G4, etc.
• Except for Samsung 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

How to unlock an Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung Phone Using Android Device Manager (Need a Google account)

This is probably the most convenient solution to set up a new lock for your Samsung 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 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE device Manager account using the credentials of your Google Account. Needless to say, your Samsung phone should be linked to your Google Account. Learn how to unlock the Samsung 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 Samsung phone using Android Device Manager unlock .

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

If your Samsung 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 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung phone forgot password issue.

Solution 6: Unlock Samsung 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 Samsung 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 Samsung phone . Make sure that you meet all the requirements and go through the respective tutorial to attain fruitful results.