Reset Huawei P9 Password When Locked Out

If you are locked out of your Huawei P9 because you forgot the lock screen password, PIN, or pattern, you can regain access by performing a factory reset. This guide shows you the exact steps to wipe the device and set it up fresh. Note that this erases all data on the phone, so only proceed if you have no other option or have a backup.

What You’ll Need

Your Huawei P9 (with battery charged to at least 50% or plugged in)
A computer with an internet connection (for downloading HiSuite or the stock ROM, if needed)
A USB cable to connect the phone to the computer (optional, for some methods)
Your Google account credentials (if you have Find My Device enabled, you may need to verify after reset)

Step-by-Step

There are two main methods to reset a locked Huawei P9: using the hardware keys (recovery mode) or using the Find My Device service. Try the hardware key method first—it works without a computer.

Method 1: Hardware Key Reset (Recovery Mode)

Turn off the phone completely. If the screen is on, press and hold the power button, then choose “Power off.” If the screen is unresponsive, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the device vibrates and restarts, then immediately press and hold the power button again to force shutdown.
Once the phone is off, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously.
Keep holding both buttons until the Huawei logo appears on the screen, then release the Power button but keep holding Volume Up.
After a few seconds, the recovery menu will appear (it may show options like “Reboot,” “Wipe data,” etc.). Use the Volume keys to navigate and the Power button to select.
Navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and select it with the Power button.
You may see a confirmation screen. Use the Volume keys to highlight “Yes” or “Confirm” and press Power to confirm.
Wait for the wipe process to complete. It usually takes less than a minute.
Once done, the menu will return. Navigate to “Reboot system now” and press Power.
The phone will restart and boot into the initial setup screen. You can now set a new password and restore your data if you have a backup.

Method 2: Using Find My Device (If You Have Google Account Access)

On a computer or another device, go to google.com/android/find and sign in with the Google account that was previously synced on the P9.
Select your Huawei P9 from the list of devices at the top of the page.
If the phone is online and has location services enabled, you will see options like “Play Sound,” “Secure Device,” and “Erase Device.”
Click “Erase Device” and confirm. This will remotely wipe the phone, removing the lock screen.
After the erase is complete, the phone will restart and show the setup wizard. You can set a new password.
Note: This method requires that the phone is connected to the internet and has Find My Device enabled. If not, it won’t work.

Common Mistakes

Holding the wrong button combination: Many users press Volume Down instead of Volume Up. For Huawei P9, it’s Volume Up + Power.
Releasing buttons too early: You must keep holding Volume Up until the recovery menu appears. Releasing too soon may cause the phone to boot normally.
Not turning the phone off completely: If the phone is still on, the key combination might not work. Ensure it’s fully powered down.
Selecting “Wipe cache” instead of “Wipe data”: Wiping the cache won’t remove the password. You must choose “Wipe data/factory reset.”
Forgetting to back up: A factory reset erases all personal data—photos, contacts, messages, and apps. If you have not backed up, you will lose them permanently.

Tips

Back up regularly: Use Huawei’s backup feature or Google Drive to keep your data safe so a reset isn’t catastrophic.
Use a password manager: To avoid forgetting passwords in the future, consider using a reputable password manager.
Keep your Google account info handy: After a reset, you may be asked to verify your Google account (Factory Reset Protection). Make sure you know the username and password.
Charge your phone: Ensure the battery is at least 50% before starting the reset to prevent it from dying mid-process.
Try a soft reset first: If your phone is just frozen but not locked, try a force restart (hold Power for 10 seconds) before doing a factory reset.

Troubleshooting

If the reset does not go as planned, try these solutions:

Recovery menu not appearing: If you see the Huawei logo but the menu doesn’t show, you may have released the buttons too early. Try again, holding Volume Up and Power until the menu appears (it can take 10-15 seconds).
Phone boots normally instead of recovery: This usually means the button combination was wrong. Double-check that you are using Volume Up, not Volume Down.
“Wipe data” option is grayed out or not responding: This can happen if the recovery mode is corrupted. In that case, use the Find My Device method, or try using HiSuite (Huawei’s PC software) to reset the phone—connect the phone to a computer, open HiSuite, and use the “System Recovery” feature.
Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock after reset: If you reset without removing your Google account, the phone will ask for the previous Google account credentials. If you don’t remember them, you will need to use the “Forgot password” option on the login screen, or contact Huawei support (though they may not help without proof of purchase).
Phone stuck on Huawei logo after reset: This is rare but can happen if the reset was interrupted. Try performing the factory reset again from recovery. If that fails, you may need to flash the stock firmware using a tool like HiSuite or the Huawei Multi-Flash tool—search for “Huawei P9 stock ROM” and follow the instructions carefully.
No recovery mode at all: Some P9 units have a different bootloader. Try the button combination with Volume Down instead, or search for your specific model (e.g., EVA-L09) for exact instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the lock screen password?

Yes, a factory reset erases all data, including the lock screen password, and returns the phone to its out-of-the-box state.

Can I reset the Huawei P9 without losing data?

No, a factory reset always erases data. If you have a backup, you can restore it after the reset. If you don’t, the data is gone.

What if I don’t remember my Google account password after the reset?

You will be stuck at the FRP screen. You can try Google’s account recovery process, or if you have proof of purchase, contact Huawei support for help.

Is there any way to bypass the lock screen without resetting?

If you have previously enabled Smart Lock (e.g., trusted device or location), you might be able to unlock without the password. Otherwise, a factory reset is the only reliable method.

Will the reset remove the SIM card PIN?

No, the SIM card PIN is stored on the SIM card, not the phone. You will still need to enter it after the reset.

How long does the reset take?

The wipe process itself takes about 30 seconds to a minute. The phone then reboots and shows the setup screen, which takes another minute or two.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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