Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Samsung Galaxy F14 5G 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 F14 5G 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 F14 5G 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 F14 5G 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 F14 5G 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 Proven Ways to Unlock Samsung Galaxy F14 5G Phone When You Forget the Password

Smartphones are mushrooming in today’s world, and it is like everybody is using these kinds of phones. Android phones are the most popular phone used by millions of users across the globe. As an Android user, I am sure you are keen to protect the data on your phone or prevent an unauthorized person from using it. One method to protect your phone data is to lock your phone screen. This is a good feeling since you will be the only one accessing your phone since you may not share the password with your child or even your spouse.

Unfortunately, this usually ends up forgetting the Android lock password. You may enter all the passwords you know, and your phones get locked. What will you do? In this article, we will learn how to unlock Android forgotten passwords in six ways.

You can watch the video above about how to unlock your Android Phone!

Way 1. Try Face or Fingerprint to Unlock Samsung Galaxy F14 5G Phone

How to unlock your phone when you forget the password? If you’ve forgotten your Android phone’s password, the best way to unlock it is to use your device’s built-in biometric authentication features, such as face unlock or fingerprint unlock.

Face unlock uses your device’s front-facing camera to recognize your face and unlock your phone. And fingerprint unlock uses your device’s fingerprint scanner to recognize your fingerprint and unlock your phone. Both of these methods are very secure. And they can quickly and easily unlock your phone without having to remember your password.

However, you must use the face or fingerprint unlock correctly on your Android phone. The tips below can prove helpful:

• Step 1: Make sure your face or fingerprint is registered correctly on the Samsung Galaxy F14 5G device.
• Step 2: Make sure the lighting is adequate and your face is clearly visible.
• Step 3: Make sure the distance between your face and the camera is not too far.
• Step 4: Make sure your finger is clean and dry before putting it on the fingerprint sensor.
• Step 5: Try to use the same angle and position of your face or fingerprint every time.
• Step 6: Try to use the same lighting conditions each time you use the face or fingerprint unlock.
• Step 7: Make sure your device is up to date with the latest security patches.
• Step 8: Make sure that your device is not rooted or running any custom ROMs.

If you are still unable to unlock your device, you may need to follow the solutions below.

Way 2. Unlocking Forgotten Password on Android Phones Using Dr.Fone Screen Unlock

Dr.Fone is an all-in-one tool that allows you to completely recover lost files from your Android device and unlock Android forgotten passwords. This cross-platform software can unlock a phone on which you forgot the Android password. This inbuilt feature allows you to remove the Android forgotten password while safeguarding your Android device’s data files. Above all, as the best phone unlocking software , it is cost-effective and easy to use.

• It can remove 4 screen lock types - pattern lock , PIN, password & fingerprints.
• No tech knowledge asked everybody can handle it.
• Work for Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Tab series, LG G2/G3/G4 , Huawei, Xiaomi, Lenovo, etc.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Tool to Unlock Android Phone Forgot Password Without Any Hassle!

• 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.
• Bypass Android FRP lock without a PIN or Google account.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

Attention: When you use it to unlock Huawei , Lenovo, and Xiaomi, the only sacrifice is that you will lose all the data after unlocking.

Well, in a few minutes, you will unlock your Android phone’s forgotten password with ease. First, download Dr.Fone and install it on your computer. Thereafter launch it and follow these steps.

Step 1. Select the Unlock Android Screen Option

Once you have opened the program, select the “Screen Unlock” option directly. Next, connect your Android-locked phone and click on the “Unlock Android screen” button on the program window.

Step 2. Select Your Device Brand

After this step, you will be guided to another screen where you need to choose the brand of your device.

Step 3. Enter Download Mode

You will need to put your device into Download Mode for unlocking. Depending on your device’s brand and model, the instructions for doing so may vary.

Step 4. Observe the Unlock Process

The screen displays the progress of unlocking, downloading drivers and configuration files. Once the entire process is complete, you will be able to access yours forgot password Android device without having to enter any passwords.

Way 3. Use Google Find My Device to Remotely Unlock Your Android Phone

You can use Google Find My Device to unlock your Android phone remotely with another Android phone. All you need is the Google account and its password bound to unlock Android phone forgotten password.

Note: You must have enabled Find My Device on your device before proceeding.

• Step 1: Open the Find My Device app or visit android/find .
• Step 2: Sign into your Google account.
• Step 3: You can select the Samsung Galaxy F14 5G device you want to unlock and tap on the “Unlock” button.
• Step 4: Your device will then be unlocked.

Please remember that this feature is only available for Android 5 and above in case Android forgot password.

Way 4. Reset Your Android and Remove the Password Using “Forgot Pattern” (Android 4.0)

There are several ways that you can reset Android after you forgot your password. You can reset using a google account or perform a factory reset.

This feature is available on Android 4.0 and older versions. So if you are using Android 5.0 and above, you can opt for the Screen Unlock tool or other ways as mentioned in this article.

• Step 1. Enter the wrong pin on your android phone five times.

• Step 2. Next, tap on “Forgot Password.” If it is a pattern, you will see “Forgot Pattern.”
• Step 3. It will then prompt you to add your Google account username and password.

• Step 4. Bravo! You can now reset your password.

Way 5. Factory Reset Your Android and Remove Password

If you are not successful with the above method, you can opt to perform a factory reset. This method should be the last option since you will lose data that has not been synced to your Google Account. It is wise to remove your SD card before performing the Android reset.

You can unlock your Android phone, i.e., Samsung, Oppo, or Vivo, by factory resetting it with these steps:

• Step 1. Turn off your Android phone.
• Step 2. Hold the Volume (-) and Power/Side buttons simultaneously.
• Step 3. When the phone vibrates, release the Power button and hold the Volume Down button.
• Step 4. Use the Volume (-) button for the “wipe data/factory reset” option. Then press the Power/Side button to confirm.
• Step 5. Tap the “Yes – delete all user data” option and the Power button to confirm.
• Step 6. After the reset, select “reboot system now” and tap the Power/Side button to restart your device.
• Step 7. Your phone will now be unlocked, and the password will be removed.

Way 6. Unlock Samsung Phone with Samsung’s Find My Mobile

The best way to unlock Android forgot password on Samsung is to use Samsung’s Find My Mobile service. This service allows you to remotely unlock your device, reset the lock screen password, and even disable the lock screen altogether.

• Step 1: To use this service, you must first log into your Samsung account on a computer or mobile device;
• Step 2: Once logged in, you can locate your device, select the “Unlock” option;
• Step 3: Enter your new password. Once unlocked, you can access your device with your new password.

FAQs About Android Unlock

1. Is there any universal code to unlock the Android phone?

No, there is no universal code for unlocking Android phones. They are different from stable SIM pins. Due to mobile device security, only users themselves can set up a unique password on their Android phone. So, it’s impossible to unlock an Android phone with a so-called universal code.

2. How to reset your Android phone password after the unlock?

• Step 1: Open your Samsung phone and go to the Settings menu.
• Step 2: Select the Lock Screen and Security options.
• Step 3: Select Screen Lock Type.
• Step 4: Select the Password option.
• Step 5: Enter your current password, then tap Continue.
• Step 6: Enter your new password twice, then tap OK.
• Step 7: Your new password will now be in effect.

3. Don’t you have face or fingerprint unlock? Let’s set them up.

• Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
• Step 2: Tap on the “Lock Screen” option.
• Step 3: Select “Screen Lock Type.”
• Step 4: Choose the “Fingerprints” or “Face unlock” option.
• Step 5: Follow the instructions on your screen to set up the desired unlock feature.
• Step 6: When you’re finished, you’ll be able to unlock your phone using either your fingerprint or your face.

4. How to unlock an Android phone without data loss?

There are several ways how to unlock Android phones without data loss . One of the most recommended ways is that you can set up the method to unlock with a fingerprint or face. Because it has an official guarantee, and you don’t need professional skills. Moreover, if your phone has Android version 4.0 or even older, unlocking your phone via “Forgot Pattern’ will also help you finish the goal.

The methods discussed above in Way 1 or Way 2 can guide you better into unlocking your device using this tool.

Conclusion

To conclude, when you have an Android Password forgot the phone at hand, this guide can offer you several useful perspectives. However, it is advisable to perform Android password recovery using Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) . This software is fast, safe, and ensures that you have a better phone experience.