Still Using Pattern Locks with HTC U23 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 So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them?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 HTC U23 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 HTC U23 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 HTC U23 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 Reset a HTC U23 Pro Phone that is Locked?

We all have been there when put a tough to crack the lock on the smartphone and forget the password all along. Such circumstances can be tedious at times, but there is a way around it. If you have spent countless hours on how to reset a HTC U23 Pro phone that is locked, or how to get into a locked HTC U23 Pro phone quickly with or without Factory Reset. This is the right article for you. Here we will describe all the different ways in which you can reset your phone with the convenience of software to even reset it manually. So, without making further due, let’s jump right into it.

Part 1: What should I be aware of before resetting a HTC U23 Pro Phone that is locked?

Before you go to reset your locked HTC U23 Pro phone, it’s crucial to learn about a few key factors. These factors will enable you to make a well-informed choice and help avoid potential complications during the factory reset process.

1. Data Loss

Resetting your locked HTC U23 Pro phone typically involves performing a factory reset. The process erases all data and settings on the HTC U23 Pro device. This includes your files, apps, contacts, and other information stored on the phone. You can easily restore these data if you have backed up data before. It’s crucial to back up essential data regularly to avoid data loss.

2. Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

HTC U23 Pro , like many other Android manufacturers, implements Factory Reset Protection. It acts as a preemptive safeguard against unauthorized access to a device after a reset. If your phone is linked to a Google account, you will need to input the accurate login credentials after a reset.

Failing to do so may lead to your device being locked. Understanding how to bypass or recover from FRP lock is essential if you find yourself in this situation.

Part 2: How to Reset a HTC U23 Pro Phone That is Locked With Google Find My Device?

Resetting a locked HTC U23 Pro phone through Google Find My Device presents a convenient solution. It, however, needs you to have activated this functionality on your device. To initiate the reset, please adhere to the following steps:

Step 1: Open a web browser on any computer or alternative device and navigate to the Google Find My Device website. Sign in with the same Google account associated with your locked HTC U23 Pro phone.

Step 2: Upon successful login, a list of devices linked to your Google account will be displayed. Locate your locked HTC U23 Pro phone from the list and select it. Select the “Erase Device” option from the left-hand panel, and it will trigger a remote factory reset for your locked phone.

Step 3: A confirmation dialog will appear, prompting you to input your Google account password. Finally, click the “Erase” button to initiate the factory reset process.

Part 3: How to reset a HTC U23 Pro phone that is locked without a password?

In order to reset your HTC U23 Pro phone without a password, you need to have a single software known as Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) . It’s a powerful and versatile software tool designed to help you unlock your devices under various circumstances. Whether you’ve forgotten your device’s password, PIN, pattern, or fingerprint, or you’re dealing with a locked device due to a broken screen, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) can assist you. In order to reset phone correctly, go through the steps given below:

Before resetting your HTC U23 Pro phone that is locked, you can install the Dr.Fone application on your Windows PC or Mac first.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Unlock Tool to Reset a HTC U23 Pro Phone That Is Locked Without a Password!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Work for forgotten passwords, second-hand HTC U23 Pro devices, etc.
• 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

Step 1: Launch the Program

First of all, launch the Dr.Fone Screen Unlock on your computer, and you will be greeted with a welcome screen like this. Now, head over to the “Screen Unlock” section.

Step 2: Connect Device

Now, you need to connect your HTC U23 Pro phone to the computer via a USB cable and select “Android” > “Unlock Android Screen.” This particular step is an application for all the Android phones out there.

Step 3: Choose Device Model

Here you need to select the exact brand of your phone. In your case, you can just tap “HTC U23 Pro .” The program then will start the process for the lock screen removal.

Step 4: Unlock Screen

Go along with the instructions on the screen and remove all the settings of the HTC U23 Pro device. Within a short while, the screen will be unlocked.

After the entire process is completed, you can easily access your HTC U23 Pro Phone without the need to enter your password. All the restrictions that were set properly to unlock will be removed so that you can use your phone as intended.

Part 4: How to reset a HTC U23 Pro phone that is locked with a hard reset

Disclaimer: Only perform this step if you are well accustomed to the Android recovery system or at least know your way around your HTC U23 Pro phone.

That being said, you should only resort to using a hard reset if you don’t have any important data on your phone. Further including, resetting your phone with the hard reset option will wipe out any data that’s been stored in it. Now, proceed forward will all the steps are given below:

Step 1: Charge Device

Charge your HTC U23 Pro Phone so that it has a batter of at least 30% or higher. Then turn off the phone.

Step 2: Press keys

Now, you need to press the Volume Down + Power button simultaneously until the HTC U23 Pro device logo shows up on the screen.

Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode

Now, press the Volume Down button to navigate to the Recovery Mode.

Step 4: Factory Reset

Use the buttons to navigate to the “Wipe data/factory reset” option and select it by pressing the Power button. Now, choose the option ”Factory data Reset” and wait for a few seconds till it is completed.

Step 5: Reboot Now

Again use the Volume buttons and select the “Reboot system now.”

After you have successfully reset your HTC U23 Pro phone, it would take a few minutes to boot up. Once that is done, you are left with a clean slate, just like a completely new smartphone.

Part 5: Unlock locked HTC U23 Pro phone with Gmail ID and password

It is imperative to understand that unlocking your HTC U23 Pro Phone using a Gmail ID and password should be your last resort and especially if you are using an older version of Android. Among all the tricks of how to reset a HTC U23 Pro phone that is locked, it only works if you are running around version 4.4 KitKat or older than that. Neither less to say, in order for the step to work properly, you need your Gmail account to be properly configured with the HTC U23 Pro device.

Step 1: Attempt Passwords

At first, you need to make five attempts to unlock your device. Whether you have used a PIN or Pattern lock, Android will always give you five attempts to get the password right. Once you get that, it will trigger the “Forget Password/Pattern” option on Your HTC U23 Pro. This way, you can sneak back into the system once again.

Step 2: Enter Credentials

Once you hit the option, you will be redirected to another page, where you need to enter your Gmail id and password. Make sure that you get the information right, and select “Sign in.”

Once you get everything right, this will bypass any password or pattern you once had put on your Phone. Just remember, you need to have a stable internet connection in order for the step to work seamlessly.

Bonus Tip: Are There Preventive Measures To Avoid Future Lockouts?

Want to prevent future lockouts and ensure a smoother smartphone experience? Consider implementing the following preventive measures:

1. Setting Up Alternative Lock Methods

One way to avoid getting locked out of your HTC U23 Pro phone is to set up alternative lock methods. In addition to PINs, passwords, and patterns, you can use biometric methods. These include fingerprint recognition or facial recognition if your device supports them. Such options provide convenient and secure ways to unlock your phone.

2. Regularly Backing Up Your Data

Regular data backups are crucial to safeguarding your essential files and information. Utilize cloud backup services or local backup solutions to routinely save your data. In case of a lockout or a factory reset, you can quickly restore your data without loss.

3. Using Secure and Memorable Passwords

When setting up lock methods, opt for strong, unique, and memorable passwords. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or simple patterns. Strong passwords can enhance security while minimizing the chances of forgetting your credentials.

Conclusion

There is no point in arguing that looking through how to reset a HTC U23 Pro phone that is locked after you have forgotten the password is indeed a hectic process. But, there is a way around it too. By going through all the steps mentioned above, you can always get an unlocked phone with ease.

To our recommendation, we would suggest going through Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) so that you can make the entire process as seamless as possible. It is by far the easiest and most convenient process to work around. Neither less to say, there are a ton of video tutorials that can assist you in case you get stuck in the middle of the process.

Unlocking the Power of Smart Lock: A Beginner’s Guide for HTC U23 Pro Users

Google constantly comes up with features to simplify the way users interact and complete tasks on the Android platform. One of the most important features that techies loved to debate about was the Smart Lock Android, a secure password manager functioning in sync with a Google account on the Android phone.

Part 1: What is Android Smart Lock?

Android Lollipop added a feature called Smart Lock, and the feature was devised as a smart tool to prevent the Android phone from locking once it was initially unlocked. In other words, the feature overrides an Android phone’s Lock Screen feature, thereby saving users the need to enter passwords every time the HTC U23 Pro device locks.

If you’re at home, it’s likely your android phone is locked out if you haven’t accessed at for some time. Smart Locks solves the problem in many ways. It allows you to allocate trusted places. Once you within range of the trusted places, your phone won’t lock. Trusted devices come next. Smart Lock is assigned to Bluetooth and Android NFC unlock devices.

Finally, trusted face unlocking is the ultimate face recognition system that unlocks your Android device as soon as you look at it across the front-facing camera. A face unlock first introduced with Android Jelly Bean and has been significantly improved in later versions.

Turning On Smart Lock

The feature is enabled by first accessing settings. For example, in a Samsung Galaxy S6:

Tap on Settings, which is the gear symbol.

• • Click on Personal and tap on Security.
• • Go to Advanced and tap on Trust agents and make sure Smart Lock is turned on.

• • Under Screen Security tap Smart Lock.
• • Here, you need to enter your Screen Lock. If you haven’t done so, set up a password and PIN by following the on-screen prompts. The screen Lock is needed every time you have to change the Smart Lock settings.

Within Smart Lock, there are three options for setting the system. You can set up trusted devices, trusted face, and trusted places individually, combining two or all three at the same time. You can choose just one trusted face, but you have the option to set up as many trusted devices and trusted places as needed.

Part 2: Turn On Smart Lock For Android with Trusted Devices

You can decide on a trusted device to be paired with Smart Lock Android.

For example, you can set up a Smart Lock for Bluetooth in your Android Bluetooth settings. It can also be done for Android NFC unlock devices. Examples include the Bluetooth system in your car, NFC unlocks, android sticker on the car’s phone dock, or Bluetooth in your watch.

• • Go to Settings.
• • Tap on Security and then Smart Lock.
• • Existing paired options are listed under Trusted Devices.
• • Initially, trusted devices will show None.

Tap on Add Trusted Devices.

The next screen is the Choose Device Type.

Since you have already paired Bluetooth, it will ask you to choose the HTC U23 Pro device from the list.

• • As an example, let’s take the case of LG HBS800. It may show Not connected until you add it.
• • It will show up under Trusted devices in the Smart Lock menu.
• • When you turn the added device on, Smart Lock now unlocks the Android mobile.

Similarly, other Bluetooth and NFC unlock android supported gadgets can be added under the list of Trusted Devices.

Part 3: Turn On Smart Lock For Android With Trusted Locations

You can also add locations or addresses to Smart Lock Trusted Locations, and the phone unlocks automatically as soon as you arrive at the desired location. For example, you can set up your home or work address under Trusted Locations.

Check current settings first.

On a new Android phone, visit Settings>Personal.

Then Lock Screen and Security.

Then Secure Lock Settings.

Tap Smart Lock.

Tap on Trusted Places.

Tap on Add Trusted Places

• • Initiate the Google Maps app on the Android phone. Make sure the Internet and GPS are on.
• • Pick a place.

• • Click on Settings.
• • Click on Edit home or work. You can now add or edit the required addresses.
• • As an example, click on the Enter work address.
• • You now have the option to type in the address or use the address listed on Google Maps as the required work address.

• • A successful addition is listed and can be edited under the Edit work address.
• • Close the Google Maps app.
• • The work address is automatically propagated and configured with Smart Lock settings.
• • Go back to Settings> Security> Smart Lock> Trusted Places.
• • The work address you added is now listed under Work.

• • However, it is not yet configured as a Smart Lock option. Tap the location once, and it is enabled.
• • The switch along the address to the right turns blue, indicating it is enabled.
• • The work address is now listed under Trusted places for Work.

• • The phone is now configured for the work address and will unlock whenever you are at the location.
• • Since it works on Google Maps, the feature works through an Internet connection.

Part 4: Turn On Smart Lock For Android With Trusted Face

The feature recognizes your face and then unlocks the HTC U23 Pro device. Once you set up the HTC U23 Pro device to recognize your face as a trusted face, it will unlock the HTC U23 Pro device as soon as it recognizes you.

PRECAUTION:  At best, this can be the first level of security, as one who resembles you to some extent can unlock the HTC U23 Pro device. Photographs are not stored in the system. The device does hold necessary data to recognize your face, and the security level is determined by how good the HTC U23 Pro device is configured. The data is not accessed by any app or loaded onto a Google server for backup.

Setting Up Trusted Face

• • Go to Smart Lock and tap Trusted Face.
• • Tap on Setup. Follow on-screen instructions.

The device begins to gather data about your face. The trusted face icon appears. As a backup, in case Smart Lock does not recognize your face, use the manual system by applying the PIN or password to unlock the HTC U23 Pro device.

In case Trusted Face is not required, tap on reset Trusted Face appearing under the Trusted Face menu. Tap on Reset to reset the option.

How To Improve Facial Recognition In Your Bluetooth and Android NFC Unlock Devices

• • If you feel facial recognition is not up to the mark, go to Smart Lock and tap on a Trusted face.
• • Tap on Improve face matching.
• • Tap on Next and follow instructions on the screen to complete the task.

Smart Lock Android is a great feature and is only going to improve on time. With added security measures being introduced by Google for Bluetooth and NFC unlock android devices, including configuration to Google maps and Gmail, the feature may be one of the most important features to overcome constant blocking of devices even in protected places.

Video on How to Remove Android Lock Screen Without Data Loss

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