Still Using Pattern Locks with Realme 12 5G? 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 So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them?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 Realme 12 5G 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 Realme 12 5G 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 Realme 12 5G 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.

Tips and Tricks for Setting Up your Realme 12 5G Phone Pattern Lock

Failing to remember the pattern lock of a phone is one of the most puzzling situations for Android users. Unlike the famous OS, Android gives a seamless method to eliminate the issue.

You can attempt the methods below or an expert tool if you have forgotten the pattern lock on your gadget and reset it. However, we suggest you try Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock for a quick and safe solution. To make things more straightforward, we have given you other techniques as a workaround to the issue.

So, keep following us to unlock the lock screen pattern and use your phone again.

Part 1: What Is Android Pattern?

A pattern lock is used to identify the actual user by your Android phone. It is a widely used phone locking system and a secured one. Simply put, a pattern lock includes a line pattern you choose that you can draw to unlock a lock screen. You can enable this lock screen feature from the security menu in the settings application.

So, if you have set a pattern lock as a screen lock for your device, you will need to draw the exact pattern every time you log in.

Part 2: Best Tool to Unlock Your Pattern

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock

The most effective and quick tool to unlock a pattern lock is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock by Wondershare. Dr.Fone is an all-in-one tool for all your Android needs and has been in the business for a long time. We suggest you use Dr.Fone. The following steps will help you unlock your device:

Step 1. Select the “Screen Unlock” option in the Dr.Fone interface.

Step 2. Select Unlock Android Screen

To unlock the pattern lock on your device, the “Unlock Android Screen” will guide you to finish the whole process.

Step 3. Select unlock mode

If you click “Remove without Data Loss,” only some limited Samsung or LG phone models can be unlocked without losing data. To unlock most phone brands’ screens, “100% Remove Screen Lock” is a better choice.

You can find the brand compatible with your phone in the following list.

Step 4. Go into Recovery Mode

Read the program instructions carefully; entering recovery mode is the prerequisite to unlocking the pattern lock.

(Here are 3 examples of Samsung phones)

How to get into recovery mode with Bixby

How to get into recovery mode without Bixby

How to get into recovery mode with Home button

Step 5. Instructions to Wipe Cache Partition

Now you’re in recovery mode, pick these options in the image below.

When the “Unlocked successfully” appears on the screen, you can access your device without a pattern lock or other locks!

Part 3: How to Bypass Android Pattern When You Forgot It?

1. Google Find My Device (For Android7.1.1 or later)

Step 1. Open the Android Device Manager site by typing https://www.google.com/android/find in an internet browser.

Step 2. You must give your Google ID credentials to sign in. Remember that this should be a similar Google account connected to your phone.

Step 3. After logging in, select your device.

Step 4. You will get three choices here, i.e., lock, erase, and ring.

Step 5. Click on the “Lock” button to reset its pattern.

Step 6. It will open another spring-up window. From here, you can give the new password to your phone.

Step 7. After affirming your PIN/password, you can give a recovery message and number (in case of theft only).

Step 8. Complete the process and sign out of your account on the browser.

2. Forgot Pattern (For Android 4.4 or earlier)

Step 1. First and foremost, give some wrong patterns to your phone. It will tell you that you attempted the incorrect pattern lock.

Step 2. On a similar window, click the “Forgot pattern” choice on the base.

Step 3. That will open another screen, which you can use to sidestep the forgotten pattern of Android. Select the choice for entering the Google Account credentials and continue.

Step 4. To reset the lock screen pattern, you must give the correct details of the Google ID previously logged into the Realme 12 5G device.

Step 5. After giving the correct details, you can provide another pattern lock to the phone.

Step 6. Affirm your decision and set another pattern lock on your phone.

3. Emergency Call Trick (For Android 5 or 5.1.1)

Step 1: Tap the Emergency Call button and enter ten asterisks (*).

Step 2: Copy and paste the asterisks on the dialer until you no longer see the paste choice.

Step 3: Return to the lock screen and tap on the camera symbol.

Step 4: Press the settings choice on your Android gadget after pulling down the notification tray. Now you will have the chance to enter the PIN/password, and you ought to continue unlocking your Android phone. Continue to paste until the lock screen UI crashes.

4. Safe Mode Boot (For Android 4.1 or later)

Step 1: You can bring up the power menu and hold the “Power Off” button for most phones, especially Android phones. A warning will spring up, asking whether you might want to Reboot to Safe Mode. Here, it would help if you had to press Ok.

Step 2: Clear your lock screen application’s data.

Clean data off your lock screen app, uninstall it, and then reboot your device to escape safe mode. When you do so, your phone or Android device will unlock.

5. Use ADB (USB required for Android 10 and lower)

• Connect your device to your PC using a USB connector.
• On your PC, open a terminal window (or command prompt).
• Type in the commands given below. Press Enter after each line:

adb shell

album/data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases

sqlite3 settings.db

update system set value=0 where name=’lock_pattern_autolock’;

update system set value=0 where name=’lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently’;

.quit

exit

adb reboot

• After your gadget has rebooted, enter the command below:

adb shell

rm/data/framework/gesture.key

exit

adb reboot

• Your phone will reboot. After it reboots and requests a security pattern, you can utilize any pattern, and it will unlock.

Conclusion

This guide provides insight into the most common Android issue. Here, we have discussed different techniques to bypass the pattern lock on your Android phone. However, we suggest you go for a professional tool while carrying this out. Therefore, you should choose an expert tool like Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock to open the lock screen pattern.

A Complete Guide To OEM Unlocking on Realme 12 5G

Android, known worldwide as a major player in phone operating systems, stands out for its flexibility and open-source nature. This allows users to customize their devices extensively. However, despite this openness, certain features and capabilities can still be locked or restricted, either by Google or the Realme 12 5G device manufacturer.

For those looking to truly unleash the full potential of their Android device, an OEM unlock is an essential step. This article will delve into the process of OEM unlocking on Android, guiding you through its benefits and how to safely perform it.

OEM lock might sound like technical jargon to many. However, it’s a key concept for those who wish to dive deeper into Android customization. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Unlocking in this context refers to removing restrictions made by the manufacturer on the Realme 12 5G device.

This process allows you to gain deeper access to the Realme 12 5G device’s software. Thus, OEM unlocking is often required for customizing or modifying the system at a more advanced level.

Why Enable OEM Unlock?

The primary reason to enable OEM unlocking is to gain the ability to root your device or install custom firmware, also known as ROMs. Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking. It allows users to access and modify the Realme 12 5G device’s software at the deepest level.

This can enable the installation of apps and software that require more permissions than what is typically available. On the other hand, custom ROMs can change your device’s interface. They can also add features not available in the stock version of Android.

Pros and Cons of OEM Unlocking

Here are some great things you can get when you allow OEM unlock.

• The most significant advantage is the ability to customize your device far beyond what’s possible with standard settings.
• Root access. It allows for rooting the phone enabling advanced features and apps.
• Custom ROMs. Users can install different versions of Android or entirely new operating systems.

On the other hand, here are some cons that you must consider before performing the process on your phone:

• Security risks. Root access can make your device more vulnerable to malware and hacking.
• Void warranty. OEM unlocking often voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Potential for bricking. Incorrect procedures can render the Realme 12 5G device unusable, known as ‘bricking’.

Understanding the Risks

It’s crucial to understand that OEM unlocking is not without its risks. It does open the door to several customizations and tweaks. However, it can also compromise the security of your device. There’s always a chance of bricking your phone, especially if the unlocking process isn’t followed correctly or an unstable custom ROM is installed.

Additionally, most manufacturers will void your warranty once you unlock the bootloader. This leaves you without support in case something goes wrong. So, in the next sections, you’ll be guided through the steps of OEM unlocking. You’ll also learn how to do it safely, ensuring you make the most out of your Android device.

Part 2: How To Enable OEM Unlock on Your Android Phone

Enabling OEM unlock can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Still, it’s relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps. Before you start, it’s important to remember that the exact process can vary slightly depending on your device’s brand and model. However, the general steps are usually similar across most Android devices.

• Step 1: Before proceeding, ensure you back up all important data. Enabling OEM unlock may require a factory reset, which erases all data on the Realme 12 5G device.
• Step 2: Go to your phone’s Settings > About Phone. Then, tap on the Build number seven times. You should see a message that says you’re now a developer.
• Step 3: Find and select Developer options on Settings. Then, tap OEM unlocking. You might need to enter a PIN or password.

Here are some common links where you might find the needed PIN or password:

• HTC
• LG
• Sony
• Huawei
• Motorola
• Samsung

After these steps, your device’s bootloader is now unlocked, and you can proceed with rooting or installing custom ROMs. Remember that this is a significant change to your device’s system, and it should be done cautiously and ideally only if you’re comfortable with potential risks.

Part 3: What Can You Do After OEM Unlock?

Unlocking your phone’s OEM opens up a world of possibilities. It allows you to customize your device beyond what’s available in its factory settings. This newfound freedom, however, comes with its own set of responsibilities and risks. Here’s what you can do after having your phone OEM unlocked.

Root Your Device

Rooting is akin to having the master key to your device’s software. It allows you to gain superuser access, enabling modifications and access to system files that were previously restricted. With rooting, you can:

• Remove pre-installed apps or bloatware.
• Customize system settings and UI elements.
• Enhance performance or battery life through underclocking or overclocking the CPU.

Flash a Custom ROM

A custom ROM is a new operating system you can install on your device. This is one of the most popular reasons for OEM unlocking. Custom ROMs offer:

• The latest Android updates, even for older devices, are no longer supported by manufacturers.
• New features and customization options that aren’t available in the stock ROM.
• Potential performance improvements and unique user interfaces.

Enjoy High Customization

With an OEM unlocked device, the sky’s the limit regarding customization. You can:

• Install custom kernels for better performance and battery life.
• Use powerful apps that require root access for advanced device management.
• Customize everything from the boot animation to the layout of your UI.

However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Rooting and installing custom ROMs can void your warranty and, if not done correctly, can turn your device into an expensive paperweight (a state often referred to as “bricking”). Always use reliable sources for your custom ROMs and root-access apps.

Bonus: How To Unlock Your Android Screen When You Forgot Password

Forgetting the password to your Android phone can be a stressful experience. It locks you out of your device. It cuts your access to personal data, contacts, and essential apps. However, aside from OEM unlocking, learning the skill of screen unlocking is incredibly useful in such situations. It’s not just about regaining access. It’s about harnessing control over your device during forgetfulness or emergency.

Wondershare Dr. Fone’s Screen Unlock (Android) will save you in these situations. It’s designed to unlock your phone without requiring a factory reset. It saves your data from being erased. This feature supports unlocking patterns, PINs, passwords, and fingerprints, offering a comprehensive solution for regaining access to your device.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best UnlockJunky Alternative to Bypass FRP and Solve Your Screen 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.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

How To Perform Screen Unlock With Dr.Fone

The process is straightforward. It involves connecting your device to a computer and running the Dr.Fone software. Then, you’ll follow simple on-screen instructions. Learn how to do those below:

• Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock. Connect your Android device with your PC.

• Step 2: Select Android on this page.

• Step 3: Select Unlock Android Screen.

• Step 4: Select your device brand.

• Step 5: Click Remove without Data Loss.

• Step 6: After confirming device details, type “000000” to execute the operation.

• Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions for putting your device into download mode. Then, wait for the process to finish.

• Step 8: Once complete, click Done. If your device still isn’t accessible, click Try again.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, you’ve explored the ins and outs of “what is OEM unlock” in the Android world. It’s a key to opening up a trove of customizability on your Android device. It lets you tweak and tailor your phone to your heart’s content. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

Diving into OEM

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