Android lock screen

[MM PC Solutions]

I'm coming across a few (cheap) android tablets now that the user has forgotten the lock screen shape. Can anyone point me into ways to bypass this as I've youtubed it & found many to be fake?

Thanks.

 

[iisjman07]

If you get it wrong so many (10?) times, doesn't it require to be unlocked via the gmail account linked with the device?

 

[MM PC Solutions]

Sorry, I didn't explain the situation fully.
Once a week I am employed to factory reset computers, Ipads etc for a company that purchased used items.

The original customer who put the password or email address on are not always available.

 

[iisjman07]

Intrigued by this topic but here's something I just read:

It's more difficult to gain access to a locked Android phone. The document (PDF page 25) says that according to T-Mobile and Google, the only way to "unlock the phone is to have the Gmail user name and password." But Google employs good security -- presumably a so-called cryptographic hash for passwords -- and does "not have access to particular e-mail account passwords, as they are encrypted."

[Source]

 

[hacknscan]

About your only choice is to reflash them. You don't need to unlock them to do this but usually everything on the internal sd is gone afterwards. also you'll need each manufacturers software to do it which can be easily found on http://forum.xda-developers.com/. hope this helps

 

[MM PC Solutions]

About your only choice is to reflash them. You don't need to unlock them to do this but usually everything on the internal sd is gone afterwards. also you'll need each manufacturers software to do it which can be easily found on http://forum.xda-developers.com/. hope this helps

Thanks, I'll look into it.

 

[bytes]

Yep a re-flash is the only way.

 

[mraikes]

I'm reminded of a recent news item about a lock pattern being so difficult to bypass the FBI couldn't do it:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/03/15/fbi_google_help_unlocking_alleged_pimp_android_phone/

Ultimately, they had to file a warrant to compel Google to help out.

 

[JRoland]

Also, you should be able to just do a factory restore on the device which doesn't require any special , as opposed to flashing. If you don't have access to the OS, most, if not all android devices (just like phones) should have a way to boot into a recovery/bootloader/safe mode. I had to deal with a lot of these when I repaired Galaxy Tabs. When you power the unit on you had to hold power button and volume up, then release the power button while continuing to hold volume. I've also had to do the same on my HTC.

This of course, as with flashing wipes all customer data. Not recommended if it is vital, but will remove lock screen.

Should be able to google the device and recovery mode or factory restore.

Good luck, hope this helps.

 

[MM PC Solutions]

Many thanks, I'll give it a try next time I'm at the store (Wednesday). I'll be sure to report back.