Practical Mobile Forensics - Third Edition

Using the Forgot Password/Forgot Pattern option

If you know the username and password of the primary Gmail address that is configured on the device, you can change the PIN, password, or swipe on the device. After making a certain number of failed attempts to unlock the screen, Android provides an option named Forgot Pattern or Forgot Password, as shown in the following screenshot:

Forgot Pattern option on an Android device

Tap on that link and sign in using the Gmail username and password. This will allow you to create a new pattern lock or passcode for the device.

Note that this works only on devices running Android 4.4 or earlier.