Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Nokia XR21 Phone Now with These Tips

Pattern locks have been available for about as long as people can remember, and they have been hugely popular with people thanks to how easy it is to simply swipe your screen and unlock your smartphone, as against, say, keying in the 4-digit PIN/ 6-digit PIN. However, pattern locks are easy to crack, and today, we bring you all you want to know about pattern locks and how to create a hard pattern lock. Further to this, we also tell you how to move beyond pattern locks and what to do in case you forgot the hard pattern lock you just set and are unable to unlock your smartphone.

Part 1: What You Need to Know About Pattern Locks

Pattern lock is an Android-only feature that makes it easy for users to have a modicum of security on their smartphones. Most users do not prefer using and remembering a PIN to unlock the smartphone. Creating a pattern makes it easier, somehow.

There is a 9-point grid on which you swipe your finger from point to point, in any direction, and when you take your finger off, that pattern you swiped becomes the key to unlock your smartphone.

Pattern locks were exceedingly common only a few years ago, and they are not recommended for use any longer due to concerns (mentioned later in the article).

1.1: Popularity and Usage

Old habits die hard, or so they say, right? That’s because it is true. We are creatures of habit, and pattern locks have been around for a long, long time. We are accustomed to pattern locks. So, even with even easier technologies such as fingerprint recognition and face recognition, we tend to gravitate towards the familiar old pattern lock.

The only thing is, there is a reason why pattern locks are no longer the preferred option to use for unlocking your smartphones. As it happens, that reason is security, and it can be very easy for humans to take a swipe (pardon the pun) at your pattern lock. And guess what? The research conducted suggests that they would get it right with an unsettling accuracy.

1.2: Advantages and Drawbacks

With on-the-go lifestyles, our smartphones have become indispensable and contain some of the most sensitive aspects of our lives – IDs, credit and debit cards in digital wallets, photo and video memories, business documents – you name it, the smartphones have it, on the go. This has opened our lives up to the public at large, and if someone steals our smartphone or, best case, finds it, the only barrier preventing them from being privy to all that wealth of our sensitive information is that screen lock – the pattern lock that we set on our smartphones. That’s it – the single pattern lock stands between malicious actors and our data. You might be beginning to realize just how crazy this is.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There are two advantages to using pattern locks. One, they are better than nothing. Two, they are easy to use. And that’s about it. There is no third advantage to pattern locks. We might think we set a hard pattern lock that nobody could guess, but, as research proves, we might be thinking too low of human prowess.

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

Security, or rather, the lack of it, is the lone disadvantage of using a pattern lock. What good is a pattern lock that can be easily deciphered? Sure, they are easy to use, and they are better than not having anything, but would you really want to protect your life’s data with something that could be, as researchers found out, breached in under 5 attempts? We don’t think you do!

The research found that 64% of test subjects who were shown videos of people unlocking their phones could correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock, that too after viewing the video only once! That number shot up to 80% if they were allowed to see the video again. That is simply astounding and a nightmare for security. When it comes to PINs, only 11% could guess a 6-digit PIN after viewing the unlocking video once, and that number shot up to 27% when they could see the video two times.

Part 2: How To Create a Hard Pattern Lock (Including Remembering Complex Patterns)

Now, if you must continue using a pattern lock, let’s help you know how to create a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy to decipher as easy pattern locks. For that, you should know how people use pattern locks, the kind of pattern locks they create, and the ones that are the most commonly used pattern locks. That way, you can avoid those fallacies and create a hard pattern lock for your smartphone.

2.1: The Pattern Locks People Use Most Commonly

Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, gave a presentation on pattern locks at DEFCON 23 and made a bold claim. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.”

She presented the following statistics to support her claim:

• - In her research, she found that 77% of people started with one of the 4 corners when creating a pattern lock.
• - 44% of people started with the top-left dot and 15% with the top-right, while the bottom-left was preferred by 14% of her test subjects.
• - People set 5-point pattern locks on average, and most users were content with a 4-point pattern.

These are some of the most common pattern locks people create:

• - patterns in the shapes of alphabets,
• - patterns in the shapes of numerals,
• - patterns in any other simple shape, such as square, triangle, star, etc.

To understand how this is a security nightmare, the possible combinations for a 4-point pattern are a measly 1624, whereas by adding just 1 more point to the pattern and creating a 5-point pattern, the number of possible combinations becomes 7152, an increase of 5528 combinations. In stark contrast, creating a 9-point pattern would give you over 140,000 possible combinations!

2.2: How to Create a Hard Pattern Lock

Knowing what most people do when creating a pattern lock, it becomes easy to avoid those mistakes and instead create a hard pattern lock for oneself.

• - Do not start creating a pattern lock from any of the 4 corners of the grid.
• - Never use your first initial as your pattern lock.
• - Never use the shape of a numeral as your pattern lock.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid to create your pattern lock, and contrary to popular belief, you can go over the connecting lines several times, creating a hard pattern lock that would not be as easy for people to decipher!

Part 3: Going Beyond Pattern Locks

You might think that now that you have set a hard pattern lock, you are good to go. Hardly. Technology has evolved, so have methods to break into your device.

Step 1: Set a 6-digit PIN

The minimum you should do today is set a 6-digit PIN to unlock your phone. Consider this a necessary investment into the safety of your data residing on your smartphone.

Step 2: Use Fingerprint Recognition (or Face Recognition on Apple Devices)

All modern smartphones released over the last decade have come with fingerprint recognition. Using fingerprint recognition requires you to set a 6-digit PIN and then set a fingerprint to unlock your device. You can set additional fingerprints, too.

This way, your device is the most secure it can be today. In case your fingerprint is not recognized for any reason, the phone falls back on the 6-digit PIN that you can enter and unlock your phone.

While face recognition is available on both Android and Apple devices, it is truly secure only on Apple devices. This is why Apple iPhones released after the iPhone X in 2017 have come only with Face ID. They fall back on a minimum 6-digit PIN (called Passcode in Apple world) to unlock in case the face does not get recognized in the first attempt.

Part 4: How To Unlock Phone If Hard Pattern Lock Forgotten

Just in case you set a hard pattern lock and promptly forgot that abstruse pattern you just set, we have a tool for you to quickly unlock your phone in case of a forgotten hard pattern lock: Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove the Hard Pattern Lock on Your Nokia XR21 If You Forgot!

• 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

Download the latest version of Dr.Fone from the Wondershare website and launch the app.

Step 1: Click Android under Toolbox > Screen Unlock.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: Select your device manufacturer.

Step 4: Prepare your device to unlock the screen.

When the greyed Next button becomes available, click it and wait for your device to be unlocked.

All data on the Nokia XR21 device is wiped under this method. Select Samsung phones may be unlocked without data loss. Check this list for devices that may be unlocked without data loss.

Closing Words

Whether it is an easy pattern lock or a hard pattern lock, the fact is that pattern locks are antiquated and a security nightmare. A minimum 6-digit PIN must be used, and using fingerprint recognition is the preferred way to go for Android devices. Using fingerprint recognition will require that users create a 6-digit PIN. On Apple devices launched after 2017, there is Face ID, Apple’s marketing term for face recognition. If you did indeed still set a hard pattern lock, only to promptly forget it, use Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to seamlessly unlock your phone right now.

How To Unlock a Nokia XR21 Easily?

The Nokia series has made a significant splash in the smartphone market. It captivated users with its blend of innovative features and sleek design. The Nokia XR21 have recently been the go-to choice for people following the phone series. If you’re a proud owner of Nokia XR21 , this guide is your go-to reference for unlocking the full potential of your device.

It will cover various ways toperform a Nokia XR21 unlock, no matter the context of what you need unlocking for. This ensures you can enjoy every aspect of your shiny new Pixel to the fullest. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, these tips and tricks will help you master your Nokia device.

Part 1: Ways That Nokia Lets You Unlock Your Nokia XR21

Nokia XR21 are more than just smartphones; they are gateways to a personalized and secure user experience. To access the myriad of features these devices offer, Google provides several unlocking methods, ensuring both convenience and security. Here are these options:

• A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a simple yet effective way to secure your phone. It’s a numeric code that you enter on the lock screen. Setting up a PIN is straightforward via the Nokia XR21 device’s security settings, and unlocking your phone is as easy as tapping in the correct sequence of numbers.
• Similar to a PIN but potentially more secure due to the allowance of a longer combination of numbers and letters. A passcode is ideal for those who seek an extra layer of security. You set it up in the security settings and use it to unlock your phone just like a PIN but with the added complexity of alphanumeric characters.
• Face Unlock.Pixel’s Face Unlock uses advanced facial recognition software. It scans your face to grant access, offering a hands-free and quick way to unlock your Pixel. This feature can be activated in the security settings and requires a simple glance at your phone to unlock.

Click here


• Fingerprint Unlock. This method uses your unique fingerprint as a key. It’s fast, secure, and convenient. The Pixel 6a, 6, and 7 fingerprint scanners are actually under the display. Register your fingerprint in the settings, then touch the sensor to gain access.
• Pattern. If you prefer a more visual method, the pattern lock lets you draw a specific shape or pattern on the screen to unlock your phone. It’s a fun and interactive way to secure your device. Create your pattern in the security settings, and unlock your phone by replicating it on the lock screen.

In essence, each unlocking method offered by the Nokia XR21 provides a blend of security and ease. Whichever unlocking method you prefer, Google ensures that accessing your phone is secure and convenient. All you need to do is set up your preferred method in the Nokia XR21 device’s settings and use it to unlock your phone.

Part 2: What To Do if You Forgot Your Screen Unlock Method

Forgetting the screen unlock method on your Nokia XR21 , whether it’s a PIN, passcode, pattern, or encountering face or fingerprint recognition issues, can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are methods to regain access to your device. This section will show you your options, from third-party tools to other methods like Safe Mode and force resetting.

Learn different ways to unlock a Nokia XR21, from forgotten screen locks here.

Method 1: Wondershare Dr.Fone

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a comprehensive software suite that manages various aspects of your mobile device. It’s especially renowned for its ability to address common smartphone issues, including forgotten screen unlocks.

Dr.Fone offers a range of features, including data recovery, data transfer between devices, backup and restore functions, and a screen unlock feature. The Screen Unlock feature of Dr.Fone stands out for its ability to bypass your Nokia’s screen lock without losing data. It supports PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, and face lock.

To do this, perform the steps below:

• Step 1: Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer. Then, connect your Pixel phone to it with a cable.

Step 2: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock. Then, use a connector to connect your Pixel device to the PC.

• Step 3: Select Android on this page.

• Step 4: Choose Unlock Android Screen, and select your phone’s brand (Google) in the following brand list.

• Step 5: Now, choose Remove without Data Loss.

• Step 6: Ensure the correctness of your device details. Then, type in “000000” to proceed.

• Step 7: Follow on-screen instructions to put your device into download mode.

• Step 8: Click Done after the process has finished.

Tips: Is your Pixel locked accidently? Are you searching for a powerful tool? No worries as Dr.Fone is here to help you. Download it and start a seamless unlock experience!

Method 2: Entering Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Android that can help bypass third-party lock screen apps. It’s useful if you’ve used a third-party app for your lock screen.

To do this, press the power button, then long-press on the Power off option. Tap OK when Reboot to safe mode option appears. In Safe Mode, third-party apps are disabled. Thus, you can now access your device if a third-party app is causing lock issues.

Method 3: Force Resetting a Device/Flashing a New ROM

Force resetting or flashing a new ROM can be considered a last resort. They involve erasing all data on your device or installing a new operating system.

• Force resetting your device. To force reset your Nokia, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously to enter recovery mode. Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory resetand select it with the power button. This will get rid of existing password locks.
• Flashing a new ROM. This is more complex and typically requires downloading a new firmware and flashing tool. It’s only recommended for advanced users or as a last resort.

Remember, while these methods can effectively unlock your device, they also come with risks. Always back up your data regularly, and use these methods responsibly, considering their potential to erase your data or affect your device’s warranty.

Bonus: How To Perform a SIM Unlock on Nokia

Unlocking the SIM on your Nokia, particularly the Nokia XR21 , opens up a world of flexibility, especially for those who frequently travel or wish to switch carriers. This process can be accomplished for free through your carrier, provided certain conditions are met. Dive into the steps and considerations for performing a SIM unlock on your Nokia.

Understanding the Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the SIM unlock, ensure you’re in good standing with your carrier. This means:

• No outstanding bills.
• Your contract for the phone has expired.
• The device has been in your possession for at least 60-90 days.

Different carriers have varying requirements for a SIM unlock, so your first move should be to contact them for specific details.

Steps for SIM Unlock Through Your Carrier

Here are the steps to SIM unlock your Nokia XR21,These generally involve the following steps but are still subject to the official instructions of your carrier:

• Step 1: Open the Phone app and dial *#06# on your Nokia. This will display your phone’s IMEI number. Note this number down for future reference.
• Step 2: Call your carrier and request a SIM unlock code. You’ll likely need to provide your Nokia’s IMEI number.
• Step 3: If you meet your carrier’s requirements, they will email you the SIM unlock code within 2-5 days.
• Step 4: Once you receive the code, replace your current SIM with one from a different carrier. When prompted, enter the SIM unlock code you received via email.

Alternative Method: Android SIM Unlock

If your carrier cannot unlock your Nokia XR21 ’s SIM, or if you prefer a quicker solution, consider using network unlocking services. This may be websites like UnlockBase, Mobile Unlocks, etc.

This generally involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Like the previous method, retrieve your IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your Pixel.
• Step 2: Go to the Android SIM unlock provider’s website and enter your device’s IMEI number.
• Step 3: Follow through with the checkout process, providing payment and contact information.
• Step 4: Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive the unlock code via SMS or email. Insert a SIM from a different carrier into your Pixel, then enter the received unlock code when prompted.

By following these steps, you can successfully unlock the SIM of your Nokia device, ensuring you can enjoy your phone with the carrier of your choice, wherever your travels may take you.

Important Considerations

Remember, unlocking the SIM doesn’t absolve you from your carrier contract. You’re still obligated to make timely payments as per your agreement. The primary advantage of unlocking your SIM is the freedom to use your Nokia XR21 with any carrier’s SIM card, offering greater flexibility and control over your mobile experience. Thus, it is encouraged not to do anything illegal to avoid future complications.

Conclusion

This article explored various methods to unlock Nokia XR21,It delved into standard unlocking features like PIN, passcode, face and fingerprint recognition, pattern unlock, and how to handle situations where you forget your screen unlock method. It also highlighted that learning to unlock your screen, especially on Nokia phones, is crucial to ensure continuous access to your device.

Wondershare Dr.Fone is a reliable tool for those challenging moments when you forget your passcode. It offers a straightforward solution for screen unlocking and ensures you keep your phone functional and handy at all times.

Unlock Your Nokia XR21 Phone with Ease: The 3 Best Lock Screen Removal Tools

Let’s just say that you recently changed your Nokia XR21 phone’s password, and now you are having trouble remembering it. After a few wrong attempts, you will get an alert message saying that more wrong attempts will block your device. In these situations, you can hard reset your device, but it will delete all your data and settings.

Instead of using other methods, you can use an Nokia XR21 password unlock tool to unlock your device without a password. You can find many unlock tools but if you want an easy-to-use and efficient Nokia XR21 unlock tool, try Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock. With Dr.Fone, you can unlock your Nokia XR21 device within five minutes. You don’t have to worry about harm to your phone’s software. Here, we will discuss the three best Nokia XR21 unlock tools and a complete guide on how to remove the Nokia XR21 screen lock with Dr.Fone.

Tool 1: Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

For Nokia XR21 smartphone users who have forgotten their password and are locked out of their device, finding a reliable and efficient password unlock tool is crucial. One such tool that stands out is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android). Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) offers a fast and efficient solution to unlock your Nokia XR21 device. With its advanced algorithms and technology, it can bypass various lock screen types, including PIN, password, pattern, and fingerprint. You can regain access to your device within minutes, saving you from the frustration of being locked out of your phone for an extended period.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the first choice of many people because of the simple device unlock procedure. When you unlock your device with Dr.Fone, you don’t have to worry about damaging its software. Dr.Fone is the most efficient Nokia XR21 pattern lock remove tool because it can unlock all old and new Nokia XR21 devices. In addition to that, Dr.Fone also offers various other features like system repair, WhatsApp transfer, phone transfer, data backup and restore, data eraser, etc. Here is the guide to unlocking the Nokia XR21 lock screen with Dr.Fone.

With Dr.Fone, you can remove the lock screen of any Nokia XR21 mobile in four easy steps. Each step is easy to follow.

• Step 1. Download Wondershare Dr.Fone from our official website and install it on your PC.

• Step 2. Launch the Dr.Fone and navigate to the “Toolbox” > “Screen Unlock” > “Android” > “Unlock Android Screen”.

• Step 3. Click the “OPPO” icon and use a USB cable to connect your Nokia XR21 phone and your PC. Dr.Fone will start to unlock Android screen after getting into the specific mode. There are various phone brands for you to choose, don’t make it wrong, otherwise, all rest processes won’t work well.

• Step 4. Once the unlock progress is over, you can access your Nokia XR21 phone without any password or pattern.

Tool 2: Nokia XR21 Password Unlock

Nokia XR21 unlock tool is free software that enables users to unlock Nokia XR21 devices without a password. The Nokia XR21 password unlock tool can bypass screen lock, FRP, Google verification, DIAG, and ADB. It works for all Nokia XR21 smartphones. It is the best tool for those who forgot their phone’s screen lock password. With Nokia XR21 unlock tool, you don’t have to complete complex steps, and the method to unlock devices is simple. As an Nokia XR21 user, you should be aware of the fact that Nokia XR21 doesn’t allow password changes with a factory reset.

You can only reset your password using the Nokia XR21 password unlock tool after a factory reset. This tool is compatible with all versions of Windows. It is a one for all solution for many Nokia XR21 smartphone problems. You can use it to reset the hardware of your Nokia XR21 phone and delete all data and settings. It features a simple and easy-to-use user interface, and you can get it at no cost. Here are the steps to remove the Nokia XR21 lock screen with the Nokia XR21 password unlock the program.

• Step 1. Download and Install the Nokia XR21 unlock tool. Run the application and power off your smartphone. Select Nokia XR21 from the brand list and determine the chipset of your device. It can either be MTK or Qualcomm.
• Step 2. For the MTK(MediaTek) chipset, all you need to do is set your MAC address from the network adaptor options and start the unlock process.
• Step 3. For the Qualcomm chipset, select your device model and click on the “Service” tab to enable DIAG mode.
• Step 4. Start the Nokia XR21 device unlock process. Once the process is complete, your device will automatically boot up and format all data. There will be no screen lock or FRP lock.

Tool 3: iToolab - UnlockGo

If you have the habit of changing your Nokia XR21 smartphone frequently, then it is easy to forget your password. Changing your phone’s password is not a problem, but once you forget your phone’s password, things can get troublesome. Without your phone’s password, you might be able to call others, but you can’t unlock your device, use social media, or use any apps on your phone. Although it looks like a bug problem, you can easily deal with it using the proper tools. Instead of trying to unlock your locked Nokia XR21 device using various unsafe methods, you can use iToolab - UnlockGo to remove its screen lock.

iToolab - UnlockGo is a simple Nokia XR21 pattern remove tool that enables users to unlock privacy passwords and screen locks of their Nokia XR21 smartphones. The only reason not to use this tool for Nokia XR21 screen unlock is that you can lose all your data. Although lock screen removal without data loss is available in UnlockGo it only works for earlier Samsung devices. For Nokia XR21 users, forgetting their phone’s password means losing all their data to unlock their device. Here are the steps to unlock Nokia XR21 phones using iToolab - UnlockGo.

• Step 1. Install and launch iToolab - UnlockGo(Android) on your PC. Click on the “Unlock Screen lock” on the main interface.
• Step 2. Select your device brand from the drop-down list. In your case, select “OPPO” and click on the “Unlock” button.
• Step 3. If your device has a home button, press the home + volume up + power keys at the same time to enter recovery mode. If your device does not have the home button, press the volume down + power keys to enter recovery mode.
• Step 4. Once you enable the recovery mode, iToolab - UnlockGo will start the screen lock removal on your Nokia XR21 device. You will get a notification once the unlock ends. Reboot your device and enter it without a password.

Bonus Tips: Have you ever found yourself locked out of your Nokia XR21 phone due to the Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature? If so, don’t worry, as there is a solution that can help you bypass this security measure. Easily bypass Google FRP on Nokia XR21 Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android). It effortlessly resolves issues like lost Google accounts, forgotten PIN codes, and unlocking used phones. Supported brands include Samsung , Xiaomi, Redmi , Oppo , Realme , and Vivo .

FAQs: Is Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock Safe for Your Nokia XR21 Phone?

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is the safest and most efficient tool to unlock your Nokia XR21 device without a password. It only removes the lock screen and doesn’t affect your device’s security. One of the advantages of using Dr.Fone is that it saves your phone’s warranty. When you unlock Nokia XR21 phones with Dr.Fone, you don’t need your Google password or a factory reset. Dr.Fone also gives you the option to back up your data. You can also use it to repair software problems on your device, like screen stuck, volume problems, or device lag.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Unlock Your Nokia XR21 Phone Hassle-Free

• Remove 4 screen lock types: pattern, PIN, password & fingerprints.
• Bypass Android FRP lock without a PIN or Google account.
• Work for Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OPPO, etc.
• No tech knowledge required, Simple, click-through, process.

3,981,454 people have downloaded it

Conclusion

These are the three best tools to unlock your Nokia XR21 smartphone. Each of these tools can unlock your phone without a password. If we want to pick the best Nokia XR21 password unlock tool, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is better than the other two for various reasons. With Dr.Fone, you get a simple user interface and an easy-to-follow procedure to unlock your device. The tool guides you to complete every step, and you can unlock your Nokia XR21 smartphone within five minutes. And you also don’t have to worry about losing your phone’s warranty. Dr.Fone is a one-stop solution for Android problems.