How to Unlock an LG Phone If You Forgot the Password

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A simple guide to unlocking a locked LG smartphone
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If you forgot your LG phone's lock screen password, you will need to factory reset your phone, erasing all of its data. If you are traveling or taking your phone to another carrier, you may need to unlock the SIM card so the phone can be used on other mobile networks. This wikiHow article will teach you how to factory reset your LG phone and unlock its SIM card , plus give you some helpful tips on how to prevent getting locked out of your phone.

Unlocking an LG Phone If You Forgot the Passcode

If you forgot the password, you'll have to factory reset your LG phone to get back in. Turn the phone off, then press and hold the power and volume down buttons until the LG logo appears. Then, press and hold the power button until you see the factory reset menu. Press the power button twice more to confirm.

Section 1 of 4:

Performing a Factory Reset

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  1. Press and hold the Power button on the right side of the phone to open a menu. Then tap power off, then tap OK .
  2. When the phone is off, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together until you see the LG logo appear. The Volume Down button is on the left-hand side of the phone.
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  3. When the LG logo appears, release the keys.
  4. As soon as you let go of the Power and Volume Down buttons when the LG logo appears, immediately press the power button once again until the Factory Reset screen appears.
  5. When the Factory Reset screen appears, release the Power Button.
  6. The Power button will continue with the Factory Reset process. Press the Volume Up or Down buttons to cancel.
    • A factory reset will allow you to access your phone again, but it will also delete all the data on it. This includes photos, movies, music, apps, data, browser tabs, browser history, app data, videos, contacts, and anything that’s not backed up. You should routinely back up the data on your phone so you don't lose too much by resetting.
  7. This will confirm that you wish to factory reset your phone. Press Volume Up or Volume Down to cancel the factory reset process. [2]
    • Doing this will allow you to use your phone again!
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Section 2 of 4:

Unlocking the SIM Via the Mobile Carrier

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  1. You can usually find the app in the lower left corner of the bottom row of apps on your screen. Go to the "keypad" to dial this number, which most likely isn't in your contacts.
    • This will display the 15-digit IMEI number. Write this number down. You will need it when you contact customer service.
    • Alternatively, you can get this number by going to Settings > General > About Phone > Status . [3]
  2. You will need to contact the original service provider that provides the service on your phone. Tell them you either plan on selling the phone or traveling abroad. Be prepared to give them your name, phone number, email, and the IMEI number. They will send you an email with an unlock code and some instructions. Follow the instructions carefully. The code will only work once.
    • Your service provider will generally provide you with an unlock code free of charge. However, some service providers have certain requirements that you must meet before they provide you with an unlock code. Your service provider may refuse to provide you with an unlock code.
  3. It may take up to three business days for an email with the unlock code to be sent to you. Follow the email instructions carefully. The unlock code will only work once.
  4. You should always turn off your phone before removing the SIM.
  5. Remove the old SIM from your phone and replace it with the new SIM. Consult the user manual to see where the SIM is on your phone model.
  6. With the new SIM card in place, you can now power your phone back on.
  7. Once the unlock code is accepted, you can use your phone abroad with any carrier or SIM.
    • You generally cannot use the carrier to unlock an LG cell phone if you have disconnected the service. In this case, reconnect for a few days, and then you can call them to unlock the phone.
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Section 3 of 4:

Unlocking the SIM Via a Third-Party Service

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  1. There are plenty of options available online that claim to unlock your phone from your carrier. Note that most carriers provide this service for free (either immediately after you purchase or after a few days of actively using the network), so paying for this doesn't always make sense.
    • Giving money and your phone data to a third-party service breaches your security and makes you more vulnerable to malicious actors.
    • Third-party services offer to unlock your cell phone from a cellular carrier as well as unlock a phone when you've forgotten the password without factory resetting. With newer versions of Android, you cannot unlock your phone if you forgot the password without resetting it to factory settings. Don't believe third-party services that claim otherwise.
Section 4 of 4:

Avoid Getting Locked Out

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  1. These are the default security measures on your phone. Switching to a biometric like your fingerprint or Face ID ensures you'll be able to unlock your LG phone even if you don't remember the password.
    • If you have multiple security measures set up in advance, you can use any of them to unlock your Android to avoid getting locked out of your phone.
    • For example, if you have Face ID set up but there isn't enough light for your camera to read your face, you can also enter your PIN or swipe a pattern instead.
    • Having multiple security measures in place will help you get back into your locked Android should you not be able to unlock it. [4]
  2. Newer phones (mostly Android 10+) have a feature called Extend Unlock, previously called Smart Lock.
    • Being near a trusted device (like a computer) or within a GPS area will cause the phone to unlock without you needing to input a password. [5]
    • To set it up and use it, go to Settings > Lock screen > Extend Unlock/Settings > Privacy & security > Extend Unlock , and choose the right settings for you.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/VS450PP/Userguide/018.html
      2. ↑ https://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/VS980/Userguide/075.html
      3. ↑ https://www.att.com/device-support/article/wireless/KM1274457/LG/LGK425
      4. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9079129?hl=en
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075927?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Power off the phone.
      2. Press and hold Power and Volume-Down.
      3. Lift your fingers when you see the logo.
      4. Press and hold Power again.
      5. Lift your finger when you see "Factory Reset."
      6. Select Factory Reset .
      7. Follow the on-screen instructions.

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