Still Using Pattern Locks with HTC U23? 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 So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them?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 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 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 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.

Universal Unlock Pattern for HTC U23

Why do you use a mobile password or pattern to lock your phone? Of course, you want to keep your personal information private from prying eyes. Have you ever been in a position where you recently changed your pattern lock or password code but then forgot it? We’ll talk about how to unlock your Android phone’s universal pattern lock.

We’ve recently received many feedback and questions from users who want to use a pattern unlock on their device. Whether you’ve forgotten your Android device’s password or want to gain access to someone else’s phone, there are a number of ways to figure out how to unlock a pattern on an Android phone. This comprWe’llhensive guide wi show you how to unlock patterns in six ways.

Part 1: Common universal unlock pattern for HTC U23

Today, many mobile phone users present a simple lock pattern that isn’t particularly strong or difficult to detect. That is something that many of us are guilty of. Lock patterns were intended to take the place of traditional passwords, however, we frequently forgo security in favor of easier lock patterns. Let’s look at some of the most frequent pattern locks in use today.

1. Patterns from the Upper Left Corner: It’s estimated that 44% of people begin their patterns from the upper left corner.
2. Other Corners: According to research, around 77 percent of users begin their patterns in one of the remaining three corners.
3. Nodes: It was discovered that many users only utilized five nodes. While a larger number of individuals used 4 nodes.
4. Letter Patterns: According to a study, around 10% of lock patterns are in the form of an alphabet. Some users just use the initial of their name.

Part 2: [Easiest] Universal way to Unlock Pattern for HTC U23

If you want the easiest method to unlock an Android phone, then Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is an amazing choice. It is a tool that allows you to unlock your phone without much hassle. You can use it for universal pattern lock for MI, or other phones.

If you need to unlock a pin, pattern, password, fingerprint, or any other type of lock on an Android smartphone, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the tool to use. It is a highly useful and sophisticated tool that allows you to bypass your device’s lock screen without harming it or erasing its contents (if your phone is not a Samsung or LG, the data will be erased after unlocking the screen).

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove Android lock screen in 5 minutes

• On Android, disable all patterns, PINs, passwords, and fingerprint locks.
• Bypass Android FRP lock without a PIN or Google account.
• During the unlocking process, no data is lost or hacked.
• On-screen instructions are simple to follow.
• Mainstream Android devices are supported.

3,291,332 people have downloaded it

Know how do you use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) to unlock a pattern lock

Step 1: Download and run Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock to unlock your phone’s pattern. Select the “Screen Unlock” option from the home screen.

Step 2: Make sure your device is connected to the system. Select “Android” to continue, then click the “Unlock Android Screen” button once it has been recognized.

Step 3: On the next screen, choose the correct model and other information of your device.

Step 4: Now, turn your phone into download mode. Turn it off and simultaneously hit the Home, Power, and Volume Down keys. Then, on your device, hit the Volume Up key to enter Download Mode.

Step 5: Relax while downloading the recovery software and completing the necessary steps to unlock your handset.

Step 6: Click on “Remove Now” button and the unlocking process will begin.

Step 7: When the process is finished, you will be alerted. Simply unplug your device and use it without a password or pattern lock.

safe & secure

Part 3: Other ways to Unlock Pattern for Android

There are other ways to unlock the universal unlock patterns for Android. We have mentioned some of them below.

Way 1: Remove Gesture File Using ADB

The first method is ADB, which stands for Android Debug Bridge. With the help of this, you can unlock your Android’s universal unlock pattern without the need of a factory reset. However, the process may seem a bit time-consuming to you. Here is how you can do it.

Step 1: Open your PC and head to Android Developer’s site . Download ADB now.

Step 2: Launch it now and install the packages on your PC.

Step 3: Connect your Android to PC now. Before that, make sure to enable USB Debugging. If you don’t know-how, simply head to the “Settings”> “About Phone” and tap on “Build Number” 7 times. This will enable the Developer’s Options.

Step 4: Now go to the Developer Options menu and turn on the USB Debugging.

Step 5: After connecting Android to PC, you need to open the command prompt in the installation directory.

Step 6: Run the following command and press Enter key: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

In regular mode, restart the phone. The pattern will be requested. However, any pattern will unlock the screen.

Way 2: Boot into Safe Mode to Bypass Third-Party App Screen Lock

It’s one of the most straightforward ways to get past the lock screen. One thing to note is that this method is effective only if the lock screen is a third-party app rather than the standard one.

Step 1: Firstly, long-press the Power button to get the power menu.

Step 2: Now, long tap the “Power Off” button and click “OK” when shown the pop-up.

Step 3: This will restart your device in safe mode.

Step 4: This will turn off the third-party lock screen for the time being. Clear the lock screen app’s data, uninstall it, and then reboot to exit safe mode.

Way 3: Unlock Pattern Lock via Factory Reset

This should only be a last option because it will completely delete your device’s data and saved settings. Your device will be reset to factory settings, meaning your device’s settings will get back to the same as when you first bought it. If you want to learn how to unlock a pattern by doing a factory reset, follow these steps:

Step 1: Long press the Home, Power and Volume Up keys to Recovery Mode.

Please note that the Recovery mode method may vary from device to device. So please ensure to check the key combination before you do it.

Step 2: Now go to the “wipe data/factory reset” option using the volume keys. To confirm it, press the Power key.

Step 3: Now, again, confirm the process using the same keys.

Step 4: The phone will perform the factory reset. In a short while, restart your device and there will be no lock screen.

Way 4: Unlock Pattern Lock with Android Device Manager

Android Device Manager unlocking is the second-best service for bypassing the Android lock screen on locked Android devices and tablets. Working on this service is quite straightforward, and it only works if the user has a Google account. This service is accessible and usable from any device or computer.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you use this service to get around the lock screen. If the Android device is compatible, the Android Device Manager will connect it after a few tries. After it has been connected to the HTC U23 device, we can begin by pressing the “Lock” button.

After pressing the “Lock” button, a popup will appear, asking for a new password to replace the forgotten pin, pattern, or password.

Type the new password once, then confirm it by typing it again. This will change the password in a few minutes and the new password can be used to unlock the HTC U23 device.

Way 5: Use Forgot Pattern Feature [Android 4.4 Version and Earlier]

If you use an older Android version, you can get rid of the universal unlock pattern by forgot pattern feature. On earlier Android devices, this feature is enabled by default. After a few failed attempts, the warning “Try again in 30 seconds” appears and here is where the steps begin. Let us get to know in detail.

Step 1: Simply enter wrong pattern too many times until try again in 30 seconds warning comes.

Step 2: Select the “Forgot Pattern” option below the message.

Enter the primary Gmail account and password you used to set up your Android smartphone after selecting the same. Then you must provide your Google account information. A new unlock pattern will be emailed to you by Google.

Conclusion

Universal unlock patterns allow you to unlock your phone easily when you think you have forgotten. Well, numerous patterns allow you to unlock the Android. You can choose either of the above to unlock your android phone. If you have failed to use any pattern, you can easily unlock your Android by Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) . It will let you access yours by unlocking it hassle-free.

How to Reset a HTC U23 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 phone that is locked, or how to get into a locked HTC U23 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 Phone that is locked?

Before you go to reset your locked HTC U23 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 phone typically involves performing a factory reset. The process erases all data and settings on the HTC U23 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 , 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 Phone That is Locked With Google Find My Device?

Resetting a locked HTC U23 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 phone.

Step 2: Upon successful login, a list of devices linked to your Google account will be displayed. Locate your locked HTC U23 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 phone that is locked without a password?

In order to reset your HTC U23 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 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 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 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 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 .” 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 device. Within a short while, the screen will be unlocked.

After the entire process is completed, you can easily access your HTC U23 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 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 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 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 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 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 phone with Gmail ID and password

It is imperative to understand that unlocking your HTC U23 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 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 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. 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 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 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.

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