Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your OnePlus 12 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 OnePlus 12 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.

Click here

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

All data on the OnePlus 12 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.

Top 10 Fingerprint Lock Apps to Lock Your OnePlus 12 Phone

In the last few years, we have seen the launch of numerous Android phones with an inbuilt fingerprint scanner. This provides added security to the OnePlus 12 device and should definitely be utilized by the user. To make the most of this amazing feature, you can find many fingerprint lock app options listed on Google Play Store. Since there are so many options for a fingerprint app, it might become tedious to pick the best finger lock app for your device. Don’t worry – we are here to help you. This guide will make you familiar with the ten best fingerprint screen lock app options out there.

Let’s start our listicle by exploring some of the best fingerprint scanner lock app options available on the Google Play Store.

1. Fingerprint Pattern App Lock

The Fingerprint Pattern App Lock app will be an ideal solution to safeguard your privacy. Besides locking your mobile screen with fingerprint, pattern, and pin code, it can also lock Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, Instagram, Whatapps, Chrome, or any other apps!

• Full customization
• It doesn’t require the rooting of the OnePlus 12 device
• Can lock settings, calls, browser, play store, and more
• Freely available with no ads
• Supports Android 4.1 and up

Rating: 4.2

Download Link: Fingerprint Pattern App Lock

2. AppLock: Fingerprint & PIN

From social media apps to your gallery, this finger lock app can protect almost everything on your device. It comes with tons of features like app time-out, fake crash screen, the inclusion of PIN, and more. All of this can be customized from its settings as well.

• It can capture the picture of the intruder
• Provides a fake crash screen to hide that the app that has been locked
• Different themes for the lock screen
• It has an improved lock screen engine
• Contains in-app ads
• Supports Android 4.0.3 and later versions

Rating: 4.0

Download Link: AppLock: Fingerprint & PIN

3. FingerSecurity

As the name suggests, this fingerprint screen lock app can help you attain complete security on your device with your fingerprint. Besides all the popular apps, you can even lock widgets and settings with it. It can also capture the picture of the intruder, letting you know if your device has been tampered with.

• You can set a fake crash screen for the protected apps
• It can protect notifications from the selective apps as well
• Users can unlock multiple apps at once
• Can set alternative PINs if the fingerprint is not recognized
• Supports Android 4.3 and up

Rating: 4.2

Download Link: FingerSecurity

4. App Lock - Real Fingerprint Protection

If you are looking for a lightweight and secure fingerprint lock app, you can give this option by Kohinoor Apps a try. It can lock any app of your choice and protect your settings as well.  In this way, you can keep intruders away and level up the security on your device.

• It can include PIN and password protection with your fingerprint
• The app sends immediate alerts with an intruder selfie support
• It can also lock system apps, settings, browser, gallery, and more
• Contains in-app purchases and ads
• Supports Android 4.1 and later versions

Rating: 4.2

Download Link: App Lock - Real Fingerprint Protection

5. SpSoft Fingerprint AppLocker

Halt your quest for a complete fingerprint app right here. One of the best finger lock app options out there, it comes with tons of features that will fulfill your security needs. Besides locking all the major apps, settings, and more with your fingerprint, it also has a notification lock and a fake screen feature.

• Lightweight and easy to use
• Supports multiple languages
• It can also be used to reset a lost password
• Contains in-app ads and purchases
• Supports Android 2.3 and later versions

Rating: 4.4

Download Link: SpSoft Fingerprint AppLocker

6. AppLock by DoMobile Lab

One of the best fingerprint app lockers, it is already used by more than 100 million users worldwide. Even though it locks apps via passwords and PINs, it also provides dedicated support for the fingerprint scanner and locking mechanism. It provides full customization support with the availability of various themes.

• Random keyboard with an invisible pattern lock
• It has an inbuilt power-saving mode
• Users can customize profiles for each app
• The app supports all the major languages
• Compatible with all the leading Android versions (including Android 8.0)
• Contains in-app purchases

Rating: 4.4

Download Link: AppLock by DoMobile Lab

7. LOCKit

LOCKit is a complete security app that can help you protect your photos, apps, notifications, and more. It also comes with a photo and video vault to protect your media files. You can fool any intruder with a fake crash screen and capture their photo as well.

• Full customization of fingerprint lock with PIN and password
• Multiple language support
• Can lock incoming calls and customize the notification bar
• Photo and video vault
• Requires Android 2.2 and later versions

Rating: 4.6

Download Link: LOCKit

8. Fingerprint Locker

The fingerprint lock app is compatible with all the OnePlus 12 devices running on Android Marshmallow and later versions. It is a lightweight app that utilizes a minimum battery. It might not have all the advanced features, but it certainly provides a basic solution to lock apps with your fingerprint.

• Can lock all the popular apps with your fingerprint
• Lightweight and fast
• Freely available with no ads
• Runs on Android 4.2 and later versions

Rating: 3.6

Download Link: Fingerprint Locker

Pro Tips: Unlock Your Android Phones When You Forgot the Fingerprint

Setting a fingerprint lock or PIN, password, pattern, or even FRP lock on an Android phone is a common way to prevent our important data or private info from being prying eyes. However, if you forgot the fingerprint, or get your Android phone broken with a screen cracked, and enter the wrong password several times, you will be stuck on the problem and won’t be able to access your phone and all the apps on the OnePlus 12 device. Don’t be too worried. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) provides you with an Android phone unlocking feature to unlock any phone fingerprint and any screen locks, including numeric password, pattern, 4-digit/6-digit/custom PIN, fingerprint ID, face recognition, etc.

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Get into Fingerprint Locked Android Phones within Minutes

• 4 screen lock types are available: pattern, PIN, password & fingerprints.
• Easily remove the lock screen; No need to root your device.
• Everybody can handle it without any technical background.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate

4,008,670 people have downloaded it

Conclusion

When you know about all the popular options for the fingerprint screen lock app, you can simply choose an ideal choice. Go ahead and download the fingerprint lock app of your choice and provide an added layer of security to your device. Out of all the listed options for the fingerprint app, which one is your favorite? Let us know about it in the comments.

How To Remove Screen Lock PIN On OnePlus 12 Like A Pro: 5 Easy Ways

When protecting personal information on your phone, setting up a lock screen is essential. If you’ve ever forgotten your screen lock PIN on Android, you know how frustrating it can be to get back into your device. If you’ve ever tried to remove the screen lock PIN on an Android device, you know it’s not that easy.

It depends on your phone and the type of lock code you have set up. Note that this will erase all your data from the phone, so be sure to back it up first. This post will teach you how to remove the screen lock PIN on Android devices using several methods. So if you cannot use your device, keep reading for the steps!

Part 1: How To Remove Screen Lock PIN On OnePlus 12? 5 Simple Ways

If you’ve forgotten your screen lock pin, there’s no need to worry. Here are quick and easy ways to remove the screen lock PIN on your Android device.

1. Change or Remove in Settings

When you go to Settings > Lock Screen > Screen lock type, several lock screen options are available. These options are given below:

Swipe:

You can unlock your phone by swiping in any direction on its screen.

Pattern:

You will draw a pattern on a 3-by-3 grid of dots to unlock your phone this way. To do this, you’ll need to use your finger to connect the dots in the pattern.

Phone Pin:

When you choose a PIN, make sure it’s something easy to remember. But choose wisely- a PIN that’s too easy to guess can put your account at risk.

Password:

It is the highest level of security available for your phone. Passwords should contain seven characters, of which at least one must be a letter. They should also be both unique and memorable.

Face recognition:

By holding your face directly in front of the phone screen, you can unlock your phone and verify yourself in apps.

Fingerprints:

Touch your phone to open it quickly and easily.

Iris:

Verify that only the contents of your phone are visible to your eyes.

Intelligent Scan:

Unlock your device with both facial and iris recognition.

If you’ve forgotten your lock PIN on your Android device, don’t worry - there are a few ways to reset it. Here’s how:

Step 1: Select Lock Screen > Screen lock type from the Settings menu.

Step 2: When prompted, enter your current lock screen code.

Step 3: Select None from the list.

2. Disable Android Device Manager

It is not possible to remove the PIN from some Android devices. The Android device administrator can be disabled in this situation. Here’s how to universal unlock a PIN for Android:

Step 1: From the “Settings” option, select the “Security” option and click on it to begin.

Step 2: Select “Device Administrators” from the menu, and you will see a list of apps that may restrict your ability to change the settings.

Step 3: Choose the Android device manager from the list.

Step 4: Click on “Disable.”

3. Remove PIN from Google Find My Device

Even if you don’t remember your Android lock PIN, you can use Find My Device to eliminate your Android lock PIN. Sign in to Google Play, turn on Find My Device and Location, and connect your locked phone to the internet.

Here’s the guide to universal unlock PIN for Android:

Step 1: Log into your Google account on your computer and visit Google Find My Device.

Step 2: Tap the “ERASE DEVICE” icon on your device and enter your account information again.

Step 3: To remove Android phone settings and data, click the “Erase” icon. Once that is done, you will erase the phone PIN.

4. Factory Reset Your OnePlus 12 (Data Loss)

A factory reset in Recovery mode can also be used to remove the forgotten phone PIN lock on an Android device. It is important to note that you will lose everything on your device if you universal unlock your PIN for android.

Steps to get rid of forgotten phone PIN via factory reset:

Step 1: Turn off your Android phone by pressing and holding the Power button.

Step 2: To enter Recovery mode, press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously. Hold the buttons until the Start menu appears.

Step 3: After selecting Recovery mode with the Volume Down button, press the Power button to confirm.

Step 4: Select Wipe data/factory reset using the Volume buttons. Press Yes to confirm the operation.

Step 5: Once your device has been factory reset, you need to restart it by selecting the Reboot system now option.

Part 2: Is There Any Universal Unlock PIN For Android?

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove the Screen Lock Pin Without Any Hassle!

• Completely unlinked from the previous Google account, it won’t be traced or blocked by it anymore.
• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Almost all Samsung phones and tablets are supported (Currently for Android 6-12).
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

While there is no “universal unlock pin” for Android devices, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock can bypass the lock screen on many popular phone models, including Samsung, LG, Motorola, Sony, HTC, Huawei, and more. Its simple interface makes it easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Step 1: Select “Screen Unlock” from all the tools in Dr.Fone.

Step 2. Select Unlock Android Screen

We provide 2 options for you, and to unlock screen, you should select “Unlock Android Screen”.

Step 3. Select device model

There are still 2 buttons to choose, “100% Remove Screen Lock” is for most Android brands, but please back your device up before you pick it.

Check the brands’ list and make sure your unlock process keeps.

Step 4. Enter into Recovery Mode

With examples of Samsung phones, it’ll be clearer to understand how to unlock your Android phone via Recovery Mode.

Note: The specific processes are various according to different brands.

Recovery Mode in Samsung phone with Bixby

Recovery Mode in Samsung phone without Bixby

Recovery Mode in Samsung phone with Home Button

Step 5. Instructions to Wipe Cache Partition

Steps in Recovery Mode are really important. Find the correct options and your locked screen will be removed.

Now it’s a phone everyone can access without a password or pattern.

Part 3: In What Cases Should We Remove PIN On Our Android Phone?

There are a few reasons why you might want to remove the phone PIN from your Android:

1. Failed Attempts

If you’ve tried to unlock your phone with a pin too many times and failed, your phone will become locked. In this case, you’ll need to remove the PIN to unlock it.

2. Buy a Used Android phone

When you buy a second-hand Android phone, it’s best to remove the previous owner’s pin for security reasons. You can enter the phone’s settings and remove the PIN under the security section.

The Bottom Line

It can be frustrating when you forget your screen lock pin. You’re stuck staring at your phone, unable to use it or access any of your important data. But don’t worry; there are a few ways you can try to remove the screen lock pin on your Android device.

Luckily, Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is a powerful and easy-to-use lock screen removal tool that can help you bypass your lock screen in just a few minutes. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of Android devices, so you can use it regardless of what type of phone you have.

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