Still Using Pattern Locks with OnePlus Ace 3? Tips, Tricks and Helpful Advice

They have been along for a long, long time now – pattern locks – the easiest of all smartphone locks. You just swipe your finger across to create an easy pattern lock of your choosing and that’s it, it becomes your new screen lock. No more remembering tedious digits! So, why have these easy pattern locks become outdated, and why do people still continue to use them? Let’s take a dive and find out all about pattern locks.

Part I: Things To Know About Pattern Locks

The first cellphone locks were 4-digit number locks. Then came 6-digit codes, and even alphanumeric ones. Pattern locks were all the rage a while ago. Though pattern locks continue to be used, they are not considered safe to use any longer. What is all that about? Here’s what you need to know about pattern locks, whether you are a seasoned pattern lock user or not.

I.I: What Are Pattern Locks?

Believe it or not, technology has advanced at such a rapid pace in the last two decades that you’d be forgiven if you don’t know what a pattern lock is, especially if you have only ever used iPhones, or Android phones in just the last few years.

Pattern locks are patterns you create on your smartphone and designate as a smartphone lock/ screen lock. There is a 9-point keypad of sorts, and you start swiping your finger from any point to any point for any which way you feel like. Android 13 allows a minimum of 4 points registered. They are easy to create, and easy to use, hence called easy pattern locks.

Pattern locks have only ever been offered on Android devices and were commonplace a few years ago until they were deemed not secure enough for use by modern standards because they were easy to figure out by malicious actors.

I.II: Popularity and Usage

Pattern lock is a feature unique to Android and has been so since the start. Naturally, it is one of the preferred ways users have come to unlock their Android devices over the years. Even though modern Android smartphones come with fingerprint recognition and face recognition technologies, there exists a large subset of users still addicted to and acclimatized with the pattern lock feature, opting over fingerprint and face recognition.

There has been, however, research conducted into the safety and security offered by pattern lock in Android.

I.III: Advantages and Drawbacks

Modern smartphones very nearly contain the entirety of our lives; photo memories, video memories, important documents both financial and personal in nature, banking apps, ID and ATM/ credit cards in the “wallet” apps, and whatnot. A smartphone falling into the wrong hands could very nearly be used to devastate the rightful owner, both financially and otherwise. And this is not a claim out of thin air; spyware/ malware/ phishing attacks are on the rise around the world. Locking the smartphone, once considered optional and an unnecessary hassle, is now an absolute must.

Advantages of Pattern Locks

There is no denying that using an easy pattern lock to lock their smartphone seems enough for most users. Swiping your finger across your smartphone to unlock it feels not only cool and futuristic but safer and more secure than remembering and punching in digits. And, for the most part, it is true, given that 4-digit PINs can only have 10,000 unique combinations!

Disadvantages of Pattern Locks

While very easy to use, security researchers and experts have come to agree that the feature is not in the least safe to use, and that is because of how people use the pattern lock feature (discussed in detail below in part II). Some go so far as to say that most pattern locks can be breached in just 5 attempts or less. Imagine that!

What is more, research has found that humans have an uncanny ability to correctly guess a pattern lock simply by viewing the unlocking! The test comprised showing the test subjects videos of users unlocking their phones from different angles and varying distances, and it was found that around 64% of test subjects were able to correctly guess a 6-point pattern lock in one viewing only, and 80% could correctly guess the pattern after just two viewings. By contrast, only 11% were able to correctly deduce a 6-digit PIN after one viewing, and only 27% after viewing twice. This goes to show just how insecure pattern locks are!

Part II: How People Use Pattern Locks

We might wonder how anyone would be able to guess the correct pattern of our device, but believe it or not, it is possible, eerily easily at that! We are all the same humans, after all! You know how people usually set PINs that could be significant dates in their lives? How they get car registration numbers that mean something to them? The same ‘logic’ applies to their setting pattern locks.

At DEFCON 23, Marte Loge, an M.Sc. Computer Science student, presented something that stunned people around the world. She said, “Tell me who you are, and I will tell you your lock pattern.” What followed was an expert presentation outlining and detailing user behaviors around pattern locks.

These are some commonly created pattern locks by people:

• - shapes of alphabets,
• - shapes of numerals,
• - any other easy-to-make, simple shape.

Marte Loge presented the image below, showing how people naturally gravitate towards creating simple shape patterns, in her research.

To further help you see how easy it might be for anyone to guess your pattern, Marte Loge also presented some statistics.

• - 77% of people started their patterns in one of the 4 corners.
• - 44% of Loge’s subjects started their pattern with the first dot, the top-left one. The next number was 15% for the top-right and 14% for the bottom-left.
• - These percentages did not vary much depending on left-handedness or right-handedness.
• - On average, irrespective of gender, people set 5-point patterns, with 4-point patterns being the most common. This means that the number of combinations on average was 7152 for 5-point patterns and a bogglingly low 1624 for 4-point patterns.

The above data makes it amply clear how using an easy pattern lock is actually worse than using a 4-digit PIN, simply because how people are usually using the pattern lock feature.

Part III: Tips For Using More Secure Pattern Locks

Now, we know how hard it is to break habits cemented over years of use, so in case you must at all costs use a pattern lock only, the least you can do is try and change your easy pattern lock to a better, more secure hard pattern lock.

III.I: How to Create More Secure Patterns

Here are some tips to help you create a better, more secure pattern lock for your smartphone.

• - Avoid using any of the corners to start the pattern.
• - Never use your first initial as a pattern.
• - Never use a digit shape as a pattern.
• - You can pass through the same pattern lines multiple times over. This makes it more difficult for someone to guess your pattern correctly.
• - Use all 9 points on the grid while setting the pattern lock! That simple act takes the possible pattern combinations to over 140,000, significantly more than 10,000 for 4-digit PINs, and vastly superior to paltry 1624 for a 4-point easy pattern lock!

III.II: Forgot Your Pattern? Unlock Your OnePlus Ace 3 Without Pattern Lock With Dr.Fone

Supercharged with the information above, you went ahead and changed your easy pattern lock to a hard-to-guess pattern lock. Only problem is, your brain is habituated to that old pattern, and you’ve suddenly forgotten what the new pattern was! Well, worry not; Wondershare Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android) will help you unlock your phone without pattern lock !

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

The Best Tool to Unlock Your OnePlus Ace 3 without Pattern Locks!

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,669 people have downloaded it

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

Step 1: Go to Toolbox > Screen Unlock and click Android.

Step 2: Click Unlock Android Screen.

Step 3: You will see a list of supported manufacturers on the next screen. Select yours.

Step 4: Now, follow the onscreen guide to prepare your device for screen unlocking.

After completing the process, when the Next button becomes available, click it.

Your device will be successfully unlocked.

Note that this method wipes all data on the OnePlus Ace 3 device. There is no way around it. You may be able to unlock select older Samsung devices without data loss. Check this list for those devices.

Closing Words

Pattern locks are outdated and not safe to use an easy pattern lock – there are no two ways about it. As such, our recommendation is to start using a 6-digit PIN along with biometric or face recognition. However, we do understand that sometimes, you simply cannot use biometrics or face recognition. For those instances, we recommend that you use this guide and create a more secure pattern lock for your device. In case you forgot your pattern, there is always Wondershare Dr.Fone – Screen Unlock (Android) to save the day.

Unlocking the Power of Smart Lock: A Beginner’s Guide for OnePlus Ace 3 Users

Google constantly comes up with features to simplify the way users interact and complete tasks on the Android platform. One of the most important features that techies loved to debate about was the Smart Lock Android, a secure password manager functioning in sync with a Google account on the Android phone.

Part 1: What is Android Smart Lock?

Android Lollipop added a feature called Smart Lock, and the feature was devised as a smart tool to prevent the Android phone from locking once it was initially unlocked. In other words, the feature overrides an Android phone’s Lock Screen feature, thereby saving users the need to enter passwords every time the OnePlus Ace 3 device locks.

If you’re at home, it’s likely your android phone is locked out if you haven’t accessed at for some time. Smart Locks solves the problem in many ways. It allows you to allocate trusted places. Once you within range of the trusted places, your phone won’t lock. Trusted devices come next. Smart Lock is assigned to Bluetooth and Android NFC unlock devices.

Finally, trusted face unlocking is the ultimate face recognition system that unlocks your Android device as soon as you look at it across the front-facing camera. A face unlock first introduced with Android Jelly Bean and has been significantly improved in later versions.

Turning On Smart Lock

The feature is enabled by first accessing settings. For example, in a Samsung Galaxy S6:

Tap on Settings, which is the gear symbol.

• • Click on Personal and tap on Security.
• • Go to Advanced and tap on Trust agents and make sure Smart Lock is turned on.

• • Under Screen Security tap Smart Lock.
• • Here, you need to enter your Screen Lock. If you haven’t done so, set up a password and PIN by following the on-screen prompts. The screen Lock is needed every time you have to change the Smart Lock settings.

Within Smart Lock, there are three options for setting the system. You can set up trusted devices, trusted face, and trusted places individually, combining two or all three at the same time. You can choose just one trusted face, but you have the option to set up as many trusted devices and trusted places as needed.

Click here

Part 2: Turn On Smart Lock For Android with Trusted Devices

You can decide on a trusted device to be paired with Smart Lock Android.

For example, you can set up a Smart Lock for Bluetooth in your Android Bluetooth settings. It can also be done for Android NFC unlock devices. Examples include the Bluetooth system in your car, NFC unlocks, android sticker on the car’s phone dock, or Bluetooth in your watch.

• • Go to Settings.
• • Tap on Security and then Smart Lock.
• • Existing paired options are listed under Trusted Devices.
• • Initially, trusted devices will show None.

Tap on Add Trusted Devices.

The next screen is the Choose Device Type.

Since you have already paired Bluetooth, it will ask you to choose the OnePlus Ace 3 device from the list.

• • As an example, let’s take the case of LG HBS800. It may show Not connected until you add it.
• • It will show up under Trusted devices in the Smart Lock menu.
• • When you turn the added device on, Smart Lock now unlocks the Android mobile.

Similarly, other Bluetooth and NFC unlock android supported gadgets can be added under the list of Trusted Devices.

Part 3: Turn On Smart Lock For Android With Trusted Locations

You can also add locations or addresses to Smart Lock Trusted Locations, and the phone unlocks automatically as soon as you arrive at the desired location. For example, you can set up your home or work address under Trusted Locations.

Check current settings first.

On a new Android phone, visit Settings>Personal.

Then Lock Screen and Security.

Then Secure Lock Settings.

Tap Smart Lock.

Tap on Trusted Places.

Tap on Add Trusted Places

• • Initiate the Google Maps app on the Android phone. Make sure the Internet and GPS are on.
• • Pick a place.

• • Click on Settings.
• • Click on Edit home or work. You can now add or edit the required addresses.
• • As an example, click on the Enter work address.
• • You now have the option to type in the address or use the address listed on Google Maps as the required work address.

• • A successful addition is listed and can be edited under the Edit work address.
• • Close the Google Maps app.
• • The work address is automatically propagated and configured with Smart Lock settings.
• • Go back to Settings> Security> Smart Lock> Trusted Places.
• • The work address you added is now listed under Work.

• • However, it is not yet configured as a Smart Lock option. Tap the location once, and it is enabled.
• • The switch along the address to the right turns blue, indicating it is enabled.
• • The work address is now listed under Trusted places for Work.

• • The phone is now configured for the work address and will unlock whenever you are at the location.
• • Since it works on Google Maps, the feature works through an Internet connection.

Part 4: Turn On Smart Lock For Android With Trusted Face

The feature recognizes your face and then unlocks the OnePlus Ace 3 device. Once you set up the OnePlus Ace 3 device to recognize your face as a trusted face, it will unlock the OnePlus Ace 3 device as soon as it recognizes you.

PRECAUTION:  At best, this can be the first level of security, as one who resembles you to some extent can unlock the OnePlus Ace 3 device. Photographs are not stored in the system. The device does hold necessary data to recognize your face, and the security level is determined by how good the OnePlus Ace 3 device is configured. The data is not accessed by any app or loaded onto a Google server for backup.

Setting Up Trusted Face

• • Go to Smart Lock and tap Trusted Face.
• • Tap on Setup. Follow on-screen instructions.

The device begins to gather data about your face. The trusted face icon appears. As a backup, in case Smart Lock does not recognize your face, use the manual system by applying the PIN or password to unlock the OnePlus Ace 3 device.

In case Trusted Face is not required, tap on reset Trusted Face appearing under the Trusted Face menu. Tap on Reset to reset the option.

How To Improve Facial Recognition In Your Bluetooth and Android NFC Unlock Devices

• • If you feel facial recognition is not up to the mark, go to Smart Lock and tap on a Trusted face.
• • Tap on Improve face matching.
• • Tap on Next and follow instructions on the screen to complete the task.

Smart Lock Android is a great feature and is only going to improve on time. With added security measures being introduced by Google for Bluetooth and NFC unlock android devices, including configuration to Google maps and Gmail, the feature may be one of the most important features to overcome constant blocking of devices even in protected places.

Video on How to Remove Android Lock Screen Without Data Loss

A Complete Guide To OEM Unlocking on OnePlus Ace 3

Android, known worldwide as a major player in phone operating systems, stands out for its flexibility and open-source nature. This allows users to customize their devices extensively. However, despite this openness, certain features and capabilities can still be locked or restricted, either by Google or the OnePlus Ace 3 device manufacturer.

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

OEM lock might sound like technical jargon to many. However, it’s a key concept for those who wish to dive deeper into Android customization. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Unlocking in this context refers to removing restrictions made by the manufacturer on the OnePlus Ace 3 device.

This process allows you to gain deeper access to the OnePlus Ace 3 device’s software. Thus, OEM unlocking is often required for customizing or modifying the system at a more advanced level.

Why Enable OEM Unlock?

The primary reason to enable OEM unlocking is to gain the ability to root your device or install custom firmware, also known as ROMs. Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking. It allows users to access and modify the OnePlus Ace 3 device’s software at the deepest level.

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

Pros and Cons of OEM Unlocking

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

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

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

• Security risks. Root access can make your device more vulnerable to malware and hacking.
• Void warranty. OEM unlocking often voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Potential for bricking. Incorrect procedures can render the OnePlus Ace 3 device unusable, known as ‘bricking’.

Understanding the Risks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part 3: What Can You Do After OEM Unlock?

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

Root Your Device

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

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

Flash a Custom ROM

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

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

Enjoy High Customization

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr.Fone - Screen Unlock (Android)

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

• Remove all Android screen locks (PIN/pattern/fingerprints/face ID) in minutes.
• Bypass the FRP lock of Samsung without a PIN or Google account.
• Everyone can handle the lock screen without any tech knowledge.
• Provide specific removal solutions to promise good success rate.

4,008,671 people have downloaded it

How To Perform Screen Unlock With Dr.Fone

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

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

• Step 2: Select Android on this page.

• Step 3: Select Unlock Android Screen.

• Step 4: Select your device brand.

• Step 5: Click Remove without Data Loss.

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

Diving into OEM

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