Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Oppo K11x 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 Oppo K11x 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 Oppo K11x 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 Oppo K11x Phone without Any Data Loss

In today’s digital age, our Android phones serve as the primary hub of our lives, holding a treasure trove of personal and professional data. Yet, the frustration of being locked out due to forgotten passwords or malfunctioning security features can be overwhelming, compounded by the fear of data loss during the recovery process. However, there’s a beacon of hope - a way to unlock your Android phone without any data loss. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the latest techniques, tools, and methods to regain access to your Android device safely without a password, PIN, or fingerprint. Let’s dive into it now.

Part 1. How to Unlock Oppo K11x Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

If you or someone accidentally forgot or mistyped/misentered your lock password and caused it to lock permanently, of course, you will find ways to unlock it at first. But if you are not connected to the internet, or did not register a Google account for your device, your last resort would be to factory reset your device. That will totally wipe everything you have and save it on your device. If you want to unlock your lock screen without having to worry that your device data will be erased, Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is your phone unlocking software .

safe & secure

Note: This tool temporarily support unlocking part of Samsung and LG locked screen without losing data, but other Android phone will be wiped all data if you try to unlock the screen with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android).

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Remove 4 Types of Android Screen Lock without Data Loss

• It can remove 4 screen lock types - pattern, PIN, password & fingerprints.
• Only remove the lock screen. No data loss at all.
• No tech knowledge asked. Everybody can handle it.
• Work for Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Tab series and LG G2/G3/G4.

4,464,578 people have downloaded it

Steps on How to Unlock an Android Phone with Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

Step 1. Connect your Android phone to your PC with Dr.Fone installed, then run the program.

Step 2. Then, you should see the “Screen Unlock” tool, so proceed into it. After that,  click “Android” > “Unlock Android Screen.”

Step 3. Then choose “Remove without Data loss” to unlock part Samsung/LG devices without data loss and find your device model.

Step 4. Follow the instructions on the program to get the Android phone into “Download Mode.”

• 1. Power off the phone.
• 2. Press and hold volume down + home button + power button at the same time.
• 3. Press the volume up to enter download mode.

Step 5. The loading process will take you a few minutes because it is going to verify first your device’s compatibility.

Step 6. Wait until everything is done. You should then see your device already has no lock screen.

That’s how to unlock an Android phone with just one click using Wondershare’s Dr.Fone. If your device is not Samsung or LG, you can use a more advanced mode to unlock your phone .

Part 2. How to Unlock Android Phone with Aroma File Manager (with Data Loss)/h2>

If you weren’t able to open your Wi-Fi or data connection or enable USB Debugging, this is the way for you to unlock your lock screen. This could be a bit complicated, but it should work.

Steps are provided below, and please follow the step-by-step guide carefully to avoid a boot loop or any other damage.

Step 1. Download Aroma File Manager on your PC. This is a tool that unlocks Android phones. Android users can use it for free.

Step 2. Go to your Downloads folders and copy the downloaded zip file.

Step 3. Plug into your PC a memory card that you can insert into your phone later. Then, go to your list of connected devices and select the memory card.

Step 4. Paste the copied Aroma zip file. Once copied, eject it from your PC, then insert it into your Android device.

Step 5. Enter Recovery Mode for your device. Each Android device has its own ways of entering recovery mode, so take a look at this link and find your device.

Step 6. When you are already in Android Recovery Mode, use your volume keys to navigate to ‘’apply update from external storage’’, then select the zip file you copied a while ago. It will be flashed on your device.

Step 7. After it, restart, and recovery mode will reopen as Aroma File Manager, so go to its settings and select ‘’Automount all devices on start’’, then restart. Back in Aroma File Manager, go to the directory data>system. Check if the ff. exist. If they do, delete them. Then restart again.

• gesture.key (pattern) / password.key (password)
• locksettings.db
• locksettings.db-shm
• locksettings.db-wal
• signature.key
• sparepassword.key

Now you have your device booted up, and your Android lock screen is still locked, just gesture in or enter anything. It will be unlocked. And that’s how to unlock an Android phone using your device.

Part 3. How to Unlock Android Phone Using Minimal ADB and Fastboot (with Data Loss)

If you weren’t able to connect to the Internet, but you, fortunately, enabled your USB Debugging option before your device was locked, the ARONSDB tool from the Android SDK package can help you unlock your Android phone.

Here is the step-by-step guide for you to follow

Step 1. Go to Minimal ADB and Fastboot download page.

Click here

Step 2. Download the tool’s latest version.

Step 3. Open the downloaded Minimal ADB and Fastbootzip file and install it.

Step 4. Make sure your device is connected, then go to the Minimal ADB and Fastboot installation directory.

This PC [Win 8& 10] or My computer [Windows 7 & below]> Local Disk (C:) [primary drive]> Program Files [for 32-bit] or Program Files (x86) [for 64-bit] > Minimal ADB and Fasboot.

Step 5. Inside the folder, hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then right-click your mouse. An additional “Open command window here” will appear so select that.

Step 6. ADB terminal will pop out. Now, the first is to type in ADB devices. This is to check if your device is recognized by ADB. If there is no device listed below, try to remove and reconnect your Oppo K11x and retype the command. If there are listed devices already, proceed.

Step 7. Finally, type in the following commands one by one. These commands will remove your lock screen.

• adb shell
• cd /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

This would work if you have your USB debugging turned on before it was locked. That’s how to unlock Android using ADB.

Part 4: How to Unlock Phone via Find My Device (with Data Loss)

Google Find My Device is another handy way to unlock your locked Android device. However, it requires you to have your Google ID credentials and you have previously enabled Find My Device features. Moreover, it will erase all the data on your device. Use the following steps to unlock your Android phone via Find My Device:

Step 1: Open a web browser on a computer or another device and visit the Find My Device website. Now, sign in with the Google account that is linked to the locked Android device.

Step 2: After signing in, you will see a list of devices associated with your Google account on the left side of the screen. Select the locked Android device from the list and choose the “Erase Device” option from the menu on the left-hand side.

Step 3: You will now be asked to confirm your identity through a Google account password or using a pass-key. Afterward, follow the on-screen instructions to erase and unlock your Android device.

Part 5: How to Unlock Android Phone without Losing Data in Safe Mode

One way to unlock your Android phone without losing the data is by utilizing Safe Mode. This method works only if the screen lock you have been using is a third-party app. Since Safe Mode disables third-party apps, you can easily use it to uninstall the problematic app. Here is how to unlock an Android phone without losing data:

Step 1: On your Android device, press and hold “Power” and “Volume Down” keys together for 3 seconds. After the Power menu becomes visible, press and hold the “Power off” option.

Step 2: After a while, you will see the “Safe Mode” option on your screen with some basic instructions. Now, you can use the button to boot into Safe Mode and remove the screen lock application.

Part 6. How to Unlock Android Phone without Any Data Loss Using Google Account (Android 4.4 or lower)

If luckily, you left your Wi-Fi open and luckily connected to the internet, this is the easiest way to unlock your Android phone.

The step-by-step guide for you to refer

Step 1: Retry the incorrect password or pattern until the ‘’Forgotten Password/Pattern’’ appears below. Then select that.

Step 2: Check ‘’Enter your Google Account details’’ then tap next.

Step 3: Input your Google Account details, username, and password. You are done.

You will be given the option to input a new password or pattern right after you enter your Google account details. But if not, Google must have emailed you your temporary password or pattern that you will input to unlock your lock screen.

How To Track IMEI Number Of Oppo K11x Through Google Earth?

When losing your phone, having a reliable tool at your fingertips can make all the difference. That tool is IMEI tracking, your secret weapon for locating your lost or stolen device. IMEI is a unique number that every mobile device possesses. It’s like a fingerprint for your phone.

Now, the question is, is it possible to track an IMEI number through Google Earth? This question has sparked much debate on the internet, so this article aims to find it out. Keep reading and learn the secrets of Google Earth IMEI trackers.

Part 1: How To Track Your Oppo K11x on Google Earth

This Google Maps IMEI number tracking issue has caused quite a buzz and controversy on the internet. It has raised many concerns regarding the safety and privacy of every smartphone user. To tell you the truth, Google Earth lacks IMEI location data and does not provide such capabilities. Thus, there is no truth in tracking IMEI numbers through Google Earth.

However, if you have access to a cell phone’s GPS coordinates or the location of a cell tower to which it is linked, you can use Google Earth to follow its location.

How To Locate a Smartphone Using Google Earth

Many current smartphones include GPS receivers that allow them to pinpoint their exact location. If you know the phone’s GPS coordinates, you can plug them into Google Earth to see where it is on the map.

• Step 1: This process won’t be possible if your location services are not enabled on your phone. To do this, navigate to Settings, then Location on Android, and Settings > Privacy > Location Services on iOS.

• Step 2: Google Earth can be downloaded and installed on your computer or mobile device. It works with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Download it from your device’s Google Earth website or the app store.

• Step 3: Sign in to Google Earth using the Google Account linked to the phone you want to track. This step is required to acquire location data and monitor IMEI numbers using Google Earth.
• Step 4: Launch Google Earth on your computer or mobile device, then select Your timeline from the Google Maps menu. The operation will take you to the Google Maps Timeline page.

• Step 5: Select the day you wish to see the phone’s location history. Choose the Oppo K11x device you want to track from the dropdown menu if you have numerous devices linked to the same account. The timeline displays the selected device’s location history for the set date. Examine the locations visited, the routes taken, and the time spent at each spot. For further information, select a certain location or time.

Note: Google Earth does not support real-time location tracking by default. You can use the Find My Device function on Android or Find My on iOS instead if you want to track your phone’s real-time location.

Part 2: Google Earth Alternatives: Track Phone Using IMEI Number

Now that you know the truth behind tracking an IMEI number through Google Earth, let’s talk about other ways to track your phone using your IMEI number. This section will discuss some of your other options when it comes to IMEI number location tracking.

Method 1: Using a Third-Party App

If you have the IMEI number of the stolen device, you can track the phone using IMEI for free utilizing various tools available online.

• Step 1: In the app store, search for “IMEI tracker” and download the IMEI tracking app you wish to install on your phone.

• Step 2: Open the app and follow the in-app guide on how to use it.

Note: Most of the apps require authorization access to your phone. Some also provide a feature where you may send an SMS or a command to get the lost phone’s location.

Method 2: Online IMEI Tracking

In certain situations, an online platform is preferable to a mobile app. For your convenience, a free online platform for tracking a phone using its IMEI number is featured below:

IMEI TRACKER

The online IMEI TRACKER is simple to use. After searching an IMEI tracker in Google and opening its website, please enter a valid IMEI code in its search bar and specify the country where your cell phone was first registered. After that, you have to wait for a few moments, and then you may view the phone’s location status and determine whether it is lost or stolen.

Pros and Cons of IMEI Trackers: Apps and Online Platforms

Now that you know there are still methods to track a phone using an IMEI number, it’s also important to weigh their pros and cons. See the list presented below:

Pros

Check out the advantages of using IMEI trackers below:

• **Lost or Stolen Device Recovery.**The primary benefit of an IMEI tracker is its ability to help locate a lost or stolen mobile device. That can be crucial for recovering your valuable device.
• **No Need for Special Apps.**Unlike many other tracking methods, IMEI tracking doesn’t require any special apps or software to be installed on the Oppo K11x device you want to track. It relies on the unique IMEI number of the Oppo K11x device.
• IMEI Tracker is compatible with many mobile devices, including smartphones and feature phones. It’s not limited to a specific operating system or brand.

Cons

Below are the drawbacks of using IMEI trackers:

• **Privacy Concerns.**IMEI tracking can raise privacy concerns, as it involves tracking the location of a mobile device. It’s essential to use this technology responsibly and only for legitimate purposes.
• **Internet and Network Dependency.**IMEI tracking depends on the Oppo K11x device being connected to the internet or a mobile network. If the Oppo K11x device is turned off, in airplane mode, or disconnected, tracking may be impossible.
• **Inaccuracies in Remote Areas.**IMEI tracking can be less accurate or even unavailable in remote or rural areas with poor network coverage.

In summary, an IMEI tracker can be a valuable tool for locating lost or stolen mobile devices with its location accuracy and compatibility with various devices. However, it comes with limitations related to privacy and network dependency.

Bonus: An Effective Method for Other iPhone Issues Like Locked Screens

In the previous sections, this article delved into IMEI tracking, which helps you accurately locate your lost or stolen phone. However, imagine this scenario: you’ve found your long-lost iPhone, but there’s a problem. You can’t remember the password, PIN, or pattern to unlock it. So this time, let’s go over one of the most common issues smartphone owners encounter: being locked out of their devices.

Introducing Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (iOS): Your iPhone Savior

There are numerous scenarios where one may forget the passcode on their iOS device. While many people dismiss their phones as useless, there are ways to unlock iPhones correctly. And that’s where Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) comes to the rescue. It’s like the locksmith for your phone’s digital lock.

Why Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock Is Your Go-To Solution

Let’s discuss why Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is a game-changer in unlocking phone, especially when using your IMEI number.

• **User-Friendly Interface.**Fone - Screen Unlock boasts an interface designed with you in mind. You don’t need to be a tech guru to use it. The steps are straightforward, making the whole process hassle-free.
• **Wide Compatibility.**One of the best things about Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock is its compatibility with various mobile devices. It doesn’t matter if you’re using an Android or iOS device; this tool has you covered. It’s like having a universal key to open many locks.
• **Safe and Secure.**Security is a top priority when it comes to your phone. Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock ensures that your data remains safe during unlocking. Your personal information won’t be compromised.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s dive into how to use Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock to unlock your phone easily :

• Step 1: After downloading and installing Wondershare Dr.Fone on your PC, click Toolbox, click Screen Unlock, then choose iOS. In the window that appears, click the Unlock iOS Screen button.

• Step 2: On the next screen, select Start to begin the unlocking procedure for the iOS device. Make sure that your device’s battery levels are enough.
• Step 3: After that, you should set your iDevice into Recovery Mode. Follow the on-screen instructions to put your iDevice into the appropriate mode for your model. If Recovery Mode does not work, click the Try DFU Mode button at the bottom to access the instructions for entering the iDevice into DFU mode.

• Step 4: After the user successfully enters their iDevice into Recovery Mode, the platform automatically recognizes the Device Model and shows it in the appropriate section. Modify the model and select the System Version to meet your needs if necessary. After that, select Start to begin unlocking your device’s screen.

• Step 5: The following screen reveals the status of the iOS firmware download on the platform. If you want to stop the procedure, click the Stop button. In cases when the iOS firmware is downloading slowly on the platform, utilize the Copy button to copy the URL for manually downloading the iOS firmware.
• Step 6: After successfully downloading the iOS firmware, it is confirmed and displayed on the next screen. Continue by clicking the Unlock Now button to begin the unlocking procedure.
• Step 7: A prompt window displays on the screen, asking for procedure confirmation. Enter the indicated code and tap Unlock to proceed with the final result.

• Step 8: The next screen displays the unlocking iOS device’s progress bar. Keep in mind that the Oppo K11x device must be connected at all times; otherwise, it will brick.
• Step 9: Once the iDevice has been successfully unlocked, click the Done button to complete the process. If your iDevice is still locked, click Try Again to restart the process.

Click here

Conclusion

This article explored the incredible world of IMEI tracking, a powerful tool for locating lost or stolen phones. You’ve learned that your IMEI number is capable of helping you pinpoint your device’s location, but tracking IMEI numbers through Google Earth is impossible.

But that’s not all. This article also introduced and divulged an amazing and reliable tool for unlocking an iPhone. So, the next time you’re in a tight spot with a locked screen, remember that Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (iOS) is the best software you should get your hands on.

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