Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your HTC U23 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 HTC U23 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 HTC U23 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 Unlock HTC U23 Phone without Any Data Loss

In today’s digital age, our Android phones serve as the primary hub of our lives, holding a treasure trove of personal and professional data. Yet, the frustration of being locked out due to forgotten passwords or malfunctioning security features can be overwhelming, compounded by the fear of data loss during the recovery process. However, there’s a beacon of hope - a way to unlock your Android phone without any data loss. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the latest techniques, tools, and methods to regain access to your Android device safely without a password, PIN, or fingerprint. Let’s dive into it now.

Part 1. How to Unlock HTC U23 Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

If you or someone accidentally forgot or mistyped/misentered your lock password and caused it to lock permanently, of course, you will find ways to unlock it at first. But if you are not connected to the internet, or did not register a Google account for your device, your last resort would be to factory reset your device. That will totally wipe everything you have and save it on your device. If you want to unlock your lock screen without having to worry that your device data will be erased, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is your phone unlocking software .

safe & secure

Note: This tool temporarily support unlocking part of Samsung and LG locked screen without losing data, but other Android phone will be wiped all data if you try to unlock the screen with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android).

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove 4 Types of Android Screen Lock without Data Loss

• It can remove 4 screen lock types - pattern, PIN, password & fingerprints.
• Only remove the lock screen. No data loss at all.
• No tech knowledge asked. Everybody can handle it.
• Work for Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Tab series and LG G2/G3/G4.

4,464,578 people have downloaded it

Steps on How to Unlock an Android Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Step 1. Connect your Android phone to your PC with Dr.Fone installed, then run the program.

Step 2. Then, you should see the “Screen Unlock” tool, so proceed into it. After that,  click “Android” > “Unlock Android Screen.”

Step 3. Then choose “Remove without Data loss” to unlock part Samsung/LG devices without data loss and find your device model.

Step 4. Follow the instructions on the program to get the Android phone into “Download Mode.”

• 1. Power off the phone.
• 2. Press and hold volume down + home button + power button at the same time.
• 3. Press the volume up to enter download mode.

Step 5. The loading process will take you a few minutes because it is going to verify first your device’s compatibility.

Step 6. Wait until everything is done. You should then see your device already has no lock screen.

That’s how to unlock an Android phone with just one click using Wondershare’s Dr.Fone. If your device is not Samsung or LG, you can use a more advanced mode to unlock your phone .

Part 2. How to Unlock Android Phone with Aroma File Manager (with Data Loss)/h2>

If you weren’t able to open your Wi-Fi or data connection or enable USB Debugging, this is the way for you to unlock your lock screen. This could be a bit complicated, but it should work.

Steps are provided below, and please follow the step-by-step guide carefully to avoid a boot loop or any other damage.

Step 1. Download Aroma File Manager on your PC. This is a tool that unlocks Android phones. Android users can use it for free.

Step 2. Go to your Downloads folders and copy the downloaded zip file.

Step 3. Plug into your PC a memory card that you can insert into your phone later. Then, go to your list of connected devices and select the memory card.

Step 4. Paste the copied Aroma zip file. Once copied, eject it from your PC, then insert it into your Android device.

Step 5. Enter Recovery Mode for your device. Each Android device has its own ways of entering recovery mode, so take a look at this link and find your device.

Step 6. When you are already in Android Recovery Mode, use your volume keys to navigate to ‘’apply update from external storage’’, then select the zip file you copied a while ago. It will be flashed on your device.

Step 7. After it, restart, and recovery mode will reopen as Aroma File Manager, so go to its settings and select ‘’Automount all devices on start’’, then restart. Back in Aroma File Manager, go to the directory data>system. Check if the ff. exist. If they do, delete them. Then restart again.

• gesture.key (pattern) / password.key (password)
• locksettings.db
• locksettings.db-shm
• locksettings.db-wal
• signature.key
• sparepassword.key

Now you have your device booted up, and your Android lock screen is still locked, just gesture in or enter anything. It will be unlocked. And that’s how to unlock an Android phone using your device.

Part 3. How to Unlock Android Phone Using Minimal ADB and Fastboot (with Data Loss)

If you weren’t able to connect to the Internet, but you, fortunately, enabled your USB Debugging option before your device was locked, the ARONSDB tool from the Android SDK package can help you unlock your Android phone.

Here is the step-by-step guide for you to follow

Step 1. Go to Minimal ADB and Fastboot download page.

Step 2. Download the tool’s latest version.

Step 3. Open the downloaded Minimal ADB and Fastbootzip file and install it.

Step 4. Make sure your device is connected, then go to the Minimal ADB and Fastboot installation directory.

This PC [Win 8& 10] or My computer [Windows 7 & below]> Local Disk (C:) [primary drive]> Program Files [for 32-bit] or Program Files (x86) [for 64-bit] > Minimal ADB and Fasboot.

Step 5. Inside the folder, hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then right-click your mouse. An additional “Open command window here” will appear so select that.

Step 6. ADB terminal will pop out. Now, the first is to type in ADB devices. This is to check if your device is recognized by ADB. If there is no device listed below, try to remove and reconnect your HTC U23 and retype the command. If there are listed devices already, proceed.

Step 7. Finally, type in the following commands one by one. These commands will remove your lock screen.

• 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

This would work if you have your USB debugging turned on before it was locked. That’s how to unlock Android using ADB.

Part 4: How to Unlock Phone via Find My Device (with Data Loss)

Google Find My Device is another handy way to unlock your locked Android device. However, it requires you to have your Google ID credentials and you have previously enabled Find My Device features. Moreover, it will erase all the data on your device. Use the following steps to unlock your Android phone via Find My Device:

Step 1: Open a web browser on a computer or another device and visit the Find My Device website. Now, sign in with the Google account that is linked to the locked Android device.

Step 2: After signing in, you will see a list of devices associated with your Google account on the left side of the screen. Select the locked Android device from the list and choose the “Erase Device” option from the menu on the left-hand side.

Step 3: You will now be asked to confirm your identity through a Google account password or using a pass-key. Afterward, follow the on-screen instructions to erase and unlock your Android device.

Part 5: How to Unlock Android Phone without Losing Data in Safe Mode

One way to unlock your Android phone without losing the data is by utilizing Safe Mode. This method works only if the screen lock you have been using is a third-party app. Since Safe Mode disables third-party apps, you can easily use it to uninstall the problematic app. Here is how to unlock an Android phone without losing data:

Step 1: On your Android device, press and hold “Power” and “Volume Down” keys together for 3 seconds. After the Power menu becomes visible, press and hold the “Power off” option.

Step 2: After a while, you will see the “Safe Mode” option on your screen with some basic instructions. Now, you can use the button to boot into Safe Mode and remove the screen lock application.

Part 6. How to Unlock Android Phone without Any Data Loss Using Google Account (Android 4.4 or lower)

If luckily, you left your Wi-Fi open and luckily connected to the internet, this is the easiest way to unlock your Android phone.

The step-by-step guide for you to refer

Step 1: Retry the incorrect password or pattern until the ‘’Forgotten Password/Pattern’’ appears below. Then select that.

Step 2: Check ‘’Enter your Google Account details’’ then tap next.

Step 3: Input your Google Account details, username, and password. You are done.

You will be given the option to input a new password or pattern right after you enter your Google account details. But if not, Google must have emailed you your temporary password or pattern that you will input to unlock your lock screen.

Click here

Remove the Lock Screen Fingerprint Of Your HTC U23

Users of Android phones can benefit from data and file protection tools like passwords, patterns, and PINs. But there are also some significant disadvantages, for example:

• Someone may have repeatedly entered the wrong password to access your phone.
• You may have forgotten the PIN on your device, pattern, or PIN.
• The lock screen fingerprint can also malfunction if there are repeated tries from an unauthorized finger.

If you use a wrong password or a fingerprint unlock, it can permanently lock your Android device.

We can use many practical methods to remove the Android phone lock screen fingerprint. For example:

According to you, the most typical or initial option must be factory reset. However, when you try the factory reset method, you will lose all data on your phone. So, can you unlock an Android phone without a factory reset? Yes, we will tell you how to unlock your phone without fingerprint and resetting your Android phone.

Follow these methods to bypass the fingerprint lock without resetting the phone. It will save you from losing your data. All our methods are very easy and safe.

Useful Methods to Bypass Fingerprint Lock

1. Restart your Phone

If your fingerprint is not working or the HTC U23 device prompts you with an error in the fingerprint functioning, possibly the fingerprint reader is not responding, and the HTC U23 device needs to restart to get rid of this error.

When a device restarts, the fingerprint functionality is restored after entering the HTC U23 device pattern, password, or PIN. This is the simplest method to reset your fingerprint hardware.

2. Remove your phone battery

Old android phones have removable batteries. If you can remove your phone battery, remove it and then put it back. Now turn on your phone. Doing so can help solve the fingerprint lock issue if there are bugs or system errors.

3. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

On Android handsets, you can attempt Dr.Fone to remove the fingerprint without professional skills. It allows you to delete the password, PIN, pattern, and fingerprint from an Android phone.

Step 1: Connect your Android device.

Open Dr.Fone on your PC, then among all the tools, choose “Screen Unlock.”

Step 2: Select a device type.

We are in this part to provide you with two ways to unlock practically any Android handset, including those made by Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, Vivo, Lenovo, LG, and others. It’s crucial to choose the right device brand to unlock the lock because the recovery modes for various phone models vary. The list contains every supported device model.

Here you will have some brands to choose from, don’t make it wrong.

Step 3: Put your device into Recovery Mode.

You will learn how to put your device into Recovery Mode; it’s important to do as instructions, although this part may look a little strange. And there are 3 different Samsung Recovery Modes as examples.

(Get into Recovery Mode in Samsung phone with Bixby)

(Get into Recovery Mode in Samsung phone without Bixby)

(Get into Recovery Mode in Samsung phone with the Home button)

Step 4: Instructions to Wipe Cache Partition

In this part, it is the final but crucial step to unlock your device; if you click any wrong button, your phone may not work anymore.

OK, you already passed the unlock process; locks like pattern, password, or fingerprint disappear!

4. Hard Reset your Device

Users of Android smartphones and tablets can troubleshoot various issues with their devices using a feature known as Android Recovery Mode. For example, 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. This password also includes fingerprint locks. The instructions for resetting android devices through recovery mode differ for every android device.

5. 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 also use it to unlock Android. 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 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 and a map of where they are.
3. To wipe the HTC U23 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 HTC U23 device and get rid of the dysfunctional fingerprint lock.

6. Seek Help from Local Dealers

It might be a complicated case if you cannot reset your lock screen fingerprint through the methods described above. In this situation, you need to visit your nearest mobile technician, who can help you restore your device.

Why does not Fingerprint Work

1. Fingerprint Hardware Module Problems

The fingerprint module should be clean, just like a clean finger is. Unfortunately, the module would collect liquid from your fingers, especially if you had used a moisturizer earlier, making it difficult for the sensor to read your fingers accurately.

Please inspect the fingerprint module for any fluids or debris and clean it with a dry cloth to resolve this. If the dirt is on the module, clean it with wipes or a moist cloth wet with water.

2. Software Update

Another software-related issue that may occur because “ fingerprint sensor not working” issue is a software defect. Try checking if you have a pending update on your device and install it. Moreover, if the problem started after a system update, you may wait for a new update to fix the problem or go back to the previous update.

To install an update, open the Settings app, tap on ‘System,’ pick ‘System Update,’ and download and install any pending update.

3. Clean your Screen

If you have a device with under-display fingerprint scanner, you might need to clean the screen properly before using the fingerprint. In some cases, screen protectors also interfere with fingerprint functioning.

Conclusion

Any method can solve the problems of using your device with your Android handset. The best thing about these solutions is that you don’t need difficult professional skills to complete the tasks. Dr.Fone-Screen Unlock is the easiest way to help your device if you have a password or fingerprint problem.

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