Google Pixel 2/2 XL – Forgot PIN Password – What to Do?

The fingerprint scanner makes unlocking you Google Pixel 2/2 XL quite easy. However, some people still prefer to use the PIN or pattern method. But what happens when you forget your PIN or pattern?

At this point, you have two options to unlock your smartphone. If you haven’t connected your Google Pixel 2/2 XL to a Google account, you will need to do a hard reset.

On the other hand, if you have connected your Pixel phone to a Google account, unlocking this smartphone will be much easier. The following write-up features a detailed guide for both methods.

How to Do a Hard Reset

The hard reset procedure is pretty straightforward even if you haven’t done it before, but it erases all the information from your phone. Back up your Google Pixel 2/2 XL before you start to avoid losing the data.

1. Turn Off the Smartphone

Press and hold the Power button, then tap on the Power Off option in the pop-up menu.

2. Access the Recovery Mode

Press Volume Down and Power. Release the Power button as soon as you feel the vibration.

3. Select Recovery Mode

Scroll down to Recovery Mode using the Volume rockers and press Power to enter.

4. Press Power Again

When the screen displays the dead Android image, press Power and hold it for a second, then press Volume Up.

5. Select Wipe Data and Factory Reset

Use Volume Down to navigate to Wipe Data and Factory Reset, then press Power.

6. Confirm Your Choice

Select Yes in the next window that appears and hit Power to confirm.

7. Choose Reboot System Now

After you initiate the Reboot System Now option, you need to wait for a while until your Google Pixel 2/2 XL completely resets.

8. Enter Your Google Lock

This step is optional. If you have a Google lock, you need to enter it to access the phone.

Unlocking Your Google Pixel 2/2 XL with a Google Account

Unlocking your Google Pixel 2/2 XL this way is much easier than a hard reset and there is no data loss. However, you need to have your smartphone connected to a Google account and have a stable internet connection.

The method also requires you to enter the password for your Google account, so make sure to remember it. These are the steps you need to take.

1. Type the Incorrect Password Five Times

The smartphone gives you an alert about the incorrect password.

2. Wait for 30 Seconds

After about half a minute, type the password again and tap on “Forgotten the Password”. The option appears in the left corner.

3. Enter Your Google Account Password

The following menu allows you to unlock your Google Pixel 2/2 XL with your Google account password.

A Bonus Method

There is also an option to use the Android device manager and do a hard reset on your smartphone. The option needs to be enabled on your device. Then you log onto the Android device manager via your laptop or PC and choose the Erase option to initiate the hard reset.

Endnote

Forgetting the PIN password or the unlock pattern can be quite frustrating, but it does happen. If there’s a Google account associated with your smartphone, you’re in luck. There is no need to go through the arduous process of a hard reset.

Otherwise, make sure to create frequent backups so that you can easily restore the phone after the reset.