Pattern Locks Are Unsafe: Secure Your Realme 12 5G 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).

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### 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 Realme 12 5G 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 Realme 12 5G 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 Realme 12 5G Bootloader Easily

Do you want to unleash the true power of your smart phone? Do you wish to have complete control over your smart phone? If yes, well, here is the answer; unlock bootloader. For people who are already into the tricks of hacking and rooting smart phones, might be aware of this. But still, there are exciting new developments. Bootloader is a code existing in all operating systems which usually comes pre-locked. So, it is important, if you wish to have a custom ROM installed on the Realme 12 5G device, or if you wish to have other controls like installing applications which are incompatible, to have the Realme 12 5G device bootloader unlocked. But going through with the process of unlocking bootloader and rooting the Realme 12 5G device will not help and rather might break the warranty of the Realme 12 5G device. This definitely calls for a diligent watch on how to unlock HTC bootloader. So, it is imperative as a user to know the process of HTC bootloader unlock. This article serves you with some ways you could follow to unleash the true power of your HTC device. Here’s how you can do it.

Part 1: Why We Want to Unlock HTC Bootloader

For people with HTC device, unlocking bootloader would mean complete authority over the smart phone and you have all the power to control the HTC device by all means. Since, bootloader usually comes pre-locked, unlocking the bootloader is the initial step if you would like to have a custom ROM installed in your device. There are various advantages of HTC unlock starting from gaining rights of control to installing latest custom ROMs in the phone and installing incompatible applications. Moreover, HTC unlock bootloader could boost the Realme 12 5G device speed and battery life and also help in making complete backups of the Realme 12 5G device. You could also have controls to remove bloatware from the HTC device. So, all in all, while there could be certain side effects, if not done properly, there are various advantages of unlocking HTC bootloader. If the process is carried out properly, the Android device could be the perfect smart phone you would like to have.

Part 2: How to Unlock Realme 12 5G Bootloader

Realme 12 5G is the flagship device of HTC by all means. With a world of features and offerings, Realme 12 5G truly is a beast. While the phone is very powerful without any modifications, the true potential is yet to be seen and that can only be done if the bootloader is unlocked. So, to have a complete control over the Realme 12 5G device, it is important to unlock the bootloader and the process has to be carried out diligently. One of the initial things that needs to be ensured is that the Realme 12 5G device is fully charged or atleast 80% mark. Make sure you have the fastboot drivers for the Realme 12 5G device configured on the windows machine and the Android SDK. Here are some of the steps which can be followed to unlock bootloader.

Step 1: It is always very important to keep the phone data backed up and more so when you are planning to unlock the bootloader.

As one of the initial measures, backup the Realme 12 5G device completely as bootloader unlocking process will wipe all the data off. So, backup all the data like photos, contacts, multimedia files, documents, etc.

Step 2: Go to htcdev.com/bootloader. Ensure that you are registered with HTC and once the sign up is done, log in to HTC dev.

Now, ensure that HTC Sync Manager is installed on the PC.

Step 3: From the bootloader page, select your device using the drop down option as shown in the picture below.

After selecting the Realme 12 5G device, click on “Begin Unlock Bootloader”, and then confirm all the dialogue boxes which come your way on screen.

Step 4: Now, you will be presented with four steps to put the Realme 12 5G device in bootloader mode. Disconnect the Realme 12 5G device from the PC and turn the Realme 12 5G device off completely. Press the volume down button along with the power button to switch the Realme 12 5G device on in bootloader mode.

Step 5: Use the volume keys of the Realme 12 5G device to select Fastboot option along with pressing power button to confirm, after the Realme 12 5G device is in bootloader mode. Now, connect the Realme 12 5G device to the computer using a USB cable.

Step 6: Go to Fastboot folder on the PC and holding down the shift key, click on any empty space followed by a click on “Open command window here”.

Step 7: In the command prompt window, type “fastboot devices” and press enter. Realme 12 5G will show up in the command prompt.

Note: The drivers have to be installed correctly to see the Realme 12 5G device in the command prompt. So, if the Realme 12 5G device does not show up, reinstall HTC Sync Manager and try again after restarting the computer.

Step 8: On HTC Dev’s website third page, click on “proceed to Step 9”. Follow the steps listed and then click on submit. The unlock token code for the Realme 12 5G device will be mailed by HTC. Download the token and name it “Unlock_code.bin” and place the token in the fastboot folder.

Step 9: Now, in the command prompt window, type the following:

fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin

Step 10: On the Realme 12 5G , one message will appear asking if you want to unlock the Realme 12 5G device bootloader.

Use volume keys to select and power button to confirm. Once this is done, the Realme 12 5G device will restart once and it’s done. The device is now bootloader unlocked.

Best Ways on How to Unlock/Bypass/Swipe/Remove Realme 12 5G Fingerprint Lock

If you cannot remember your pin, pattern or password to access your Android device, this content will introduce you to the most effective method to handle the fingerprint lock, unlocking, bypassing and swiping in Android based gadgets. Your lock screen appears on your phone immediately after you turn your device on and it is there to save your privacy, data also to make your screen user-friendly and more functional. The additional material that definitely helps you to solve your limited access issue in your Android phone can be viewed here.

The Best Way to Unlock, Bypass, Swipe and Remove Android Fingerprint Lock

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) is a highly straightforward, fast and handy phone unlocking software . With that particular application, you will be able to solve the lock screen removal issue in 5 minutes. It is really powerful as it can handle 4 types of screen locks such as password, fingerprints, pin and pattern. All you data will not be touched by the app and you do not have to possess some knowledge in tech field. So far, Dr.Fone - Android Lock Screen Removal is available for Samsung Galaxy S, Note and Tab Series and LG series for unlocking without any data losing.Temporarily, this tool can’t mantain all the data when unlocking the screen from other mobile devices including Onepus, Xiaomi, iPhone. However really soon, the app will be available for the users of other operating systems. Before you purchase it, you are free to try it. You can acquire the app for 49.95 USD. You will be getting advantage using this app as comes with free lifetime update, also you will receive the keycode in minutes. Comments and feedback on Dr.Fone - Android Lock Screen Removal can be viewed here. You definitely will be interested as the app has 5 stars rating and tons of positive feedback.

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, etc.

4,230,631 people have downloaded it

Follow these steps to get your lock screen issue solved:

Step 1. Install Dr.Fone, then click “Screen Unlock”.

Step 2. Connect your Android phone and then select the Realme 12 5G device mode on the list. If it’s not on the list, select “I can’t find my device model from the list above”.

Step 3. Type the download mode on your Android gadget.

Step 4. Have recovery package downloaded.

Step 5. Remove Android lock screen without losing any data.This process will take some times.

Remove Android Screen Lock

Best 10 Fingerprint Lock Apps for Android Gadgets

The lock screen app is a navigation screen that should be user friendly and allow you to jump quickly to those features that you actively use. For those, who want to make their smartphone screens much more functional and fun, we have prepared a list of best 10 Android Fingerprint Lock Apps and Widgets. The list that will be describing the apps will not be in the form of A Ranking or Top 10. The aim of our list is just to share with you those apps which are really good at handling the functions that we need from our gadgets.

1st - Hi Locker

This fingerprint lock for android devices comes with a 3 modes of lock screen: Classic, iOS and Lollipop. Also, it has a separate screen dedicated to your calendar. Cyanogen Mod Style quick launcher is the main feature of Hi Locker. The secondary characteristics include custom greetings, various fonts, automatic wallpaper changes and additional customizations using an arrow key.

2nd - ICE Unlock Fingerprint Scanner

This app is a real fingerprint lock for Android that features a true biometric lock screen solution. ICE Unlock is powered by ONYX that allows you to take a picture of your fingerprint using your standard phone camera. Now, it supports x86 CPU architectures and MIPS. Additional notable characteristics include auto-capturing and adjustment of ellipse size to achieve optimal focal length of camera among others.

3rd - Finger Scanner

One of many free to download Android Fingerprint Lock app is Finger Scanner. It offers 2 work modes: double protection and single. You can unlock by scanning or pin, also, it features different scanning times. Finger Scanner is highly customizable and you can use background and colors that you prefer. It immediately will turn your screen off whenever you cover the camera lens.

4th - GO Locker - Theme & Wallpaper

The total downloads of Go – Locker Theme & Wallpaper is close to 1.5 million which has made this app number one with close to 4.5 stars rating on googleplay.com. This real fingerprint lock for android allows you to read incoming messages on your screen, user friendly icons will quickly take you to systems and settings and it has a huge amount of unlocking styles such as Android, iPhone and those that you have never imagined. It successfully handles over 8,000 models of various Android powered gadgets.

5th - Locker Master- Do It Yourself (DIY) Lock Screen

Whether you prefer having simple or complex, solid or multi colored lock screens, Locker Master- DIY Lock Screen offers you tons of options to design the lock screen that will match to your desires. Swipe gestures options and passcode patterns are designed like never before. Be informed on incoming messages or missed calls on your lock screen, share your own lock screen style or download from a huge amount of themes which are being shared daily, worldwide. Locker Master- DIY Lock Screen is a free to download fingerprint lock app as many others that we are listing here.

6th – Start

With Start , your lock screen becomes into your Start screen. Right from the lock screen, you will have a quick access to the most of apps that you actively use. You can set the security level, enjoy simple but smart navigation characteristics noticeably faster. It is a real fingerprint lock for Android devices which can be your one-stop lock screen application.

7th – Solo Locker (DIY Locker)

This particular app is considered as the world’s first DIY that can lock your phone using a photo too. It is really smooth in functioning, lite and always ready to put your privacy onto higher level. Password interface is easily customizable and application shortcuts make your smartphone very easy to use. Solo Locker (DIY) Android fingerprint lock must be immediately downloaded by the people who would like to have an app that offers nearly uncountable wallpapers and design settings.

8th – Widget Locker

Out of all the apps that we have listed here, Widget Locker is the one that is not free to download. It will cost you 2, 99 United States Dollars and it has really attractive features such as a control of the mood and layouts of your smartphone. “Your privacy is the app’s number one priority” (that is what the designers of Widget Locker state). Drag and drop options, selectable sliders, Slide to Launch a Camera or Slide to call My Mom options and easy resizing of widgets are some of the really efficient features of this fingerprint lock app for android devices.

9th - M Locker - KKM Marshmallow 6.0

This real fingerprint lock app for android is known to the users as A Top Android 6.0 Lock application with numerous upgraded and developed features such as: a multi-functional lock screen, easy to navigate and simply comprehensive look. M Locker - KKM Marshmallow 6.0 includes a torch on your locker, easy but powerful swiping options, your music can be controlled from the locker and provides the snapshots of intruders who enters the wrong passcode continuously or will be placing his fingerprint for several times to log into your device.

10th - Fireflies Lock Screen

With over 300,000 downloads and the rate of 4.3 stars, Fireflies Lock Screen more than deserves to be downloaded and installed if you own one of those smartphones that comes with a fingerprint reader. In this app, you can change, resize, command and set almost everything the way you wish. Swipe to jump to a particular app or swipe to remove the notifications. Provides highest level of functionality and you have wide variety of options on locking your device or apps/widgets/folders. The most of comments given to this particular app describe it as “Best of its kind” and this characteristic makes it to be a real fingerprint lock for android devices.

The unlock method that was described in the beginning of our content, is the most functional approach to handle a lock screen problem successfully. In Non-Ranking and No-Comparisons form, we have presented you the list of best 10 fingerprint lock apps for Android devices. Each user is different and that is why there are various applications for your gadget. Try them out and find the one that suits you best!