Nexus 5X Locked Out? Reset Password Steps

If you’re locked out of your Nexus 5X because you forgot your PIN, pattern, or password, a factory reset is the only way back in—unless you have a Google account that can unlock it via Find My Device. This guide walks you through both methods, starting with the least destructive option. You’ll need a computer with internet access and a USB cable for the full reset method.

What You’ll Need

• Your Nexus 5X (even if locked)
• A computer with an internet browser
• A USB cable (USB-C to USB-A or USB-C to USB-C, depending on your computer)
• Your Google account credentials (email and password) if you want to try the remote unlock first
• Optional: a second device to access the web if your computer isn’t handy

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Try Find My Device (Easiest, No Data Loss)

1. On a computer or another phone, go to android.com/find and sign in with the Google account that was set up on your locked Nexus 5X.
2. If the phone appears in the list, select it. The service will attempt to locate it.
3. Click Lock (or Secure Device on some versions). This lets you set a temporary PIN or password remotely.
4. Enter a new temporary PIN (e.g., 123456) and a recovery message if you like. Click Lock again.
5. On your Nexus 5X, you should now see the message and be able to enter the temporary PIN you just set. Unlock the phone.
6. Immediately go to Settings > Security > Screen lock and change it to something you’ll remember. If Find My Device doesn’t show your phone or the Lock option fails, proceed to Method 2.

Method 2: Factory Reset from Recovery (Erases All Data)

1. Power off your Nexus 5X completely. If it’s unresponsive, hold the power button for about 10 seconds until it turns off.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Power button simultaneously. Keep holding both until the bootloader screen appears (it shows an Android robot lying down with “Start” written below).
3. Use the Volume Down key to scroll through the menu options until Recovery mode is highlighted. Press the Power button to select it.
4. You’ll see a brief “No command” screen with an Android robot. Press and hold the Power button, then tap the Volume Up button once, and release both. The recovery menu should appear.
5. Use the Volume Down key to highlight Wipe data/factory reset. Press the Power button to select it.
6. Use the Volume Down key to highlight Yes — delete all user data. Press Power to confirm.
7. Wait for the wipe to complete. Then highlight Reboot system now and press Power.
8. The phone will restart and show the setup wizard. Follow the on-screen steps. If you see a Google account verification prompt (Factory Reset Protection), you’ll need to enter the Google account credentials that were previously on the phone. If you don’t have them, you cannot bypass this—it’s a security feature.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong key combination: On the Nexus 5X, it’s Volume Down + Power to enter the bootloader. Some guides say Volume Up, which won’t work on this model.
• Releasing the buttons too early: You must hold both buttons until the bootloader screen appears. Letting go too soon just reboots the phone normally.
• Selecting “Reboot system now” before wiping: If you reboot without wiping, you’ll be back at the lock screen with the same password.
• Skipping the Google account verification: After a factory reset, Android requires the previous Google account login. If you don’t know it, the phone is useless—so write it down before resetting.
• Assuming Find My Device works without internet: The phone must be online (Wi-Fi or mobile data) for the remote lock to work. If it’s offline, you’ll only see the last location.

Tips

• Back up your data regularly. If you have Google backup enabled, your photos, contacts, and app data may restore automatically after the reset.
• Use a password manager to store your screen lock credentials so you don’t forget them again.
• If you’re resetting because you bought a used phone and it’s locked, ask the previous owner to remove the Google account from the device before you attempt a reset.
• Keep your Nexus 5X charged above 50% before starting a factory reset to avoid interruption.
• After reset, set up a fingerprint or smart lock as a backup unlock method.

Troubleshooting

• Recovery mode shows “No command”: This is normal. You need to press and hold Power, then tap Volume Up once. If that doesn’t work, try holding Power and Volume Up together for a second.
• The phone won’t enter recovery mode: Make sure the phone is fully off. If it’s stuck on a boot loop, let the battery drain completely, then charge it for a few minutes and try again.
• Find My Device says “Couldn’t lock device”: The phone may be offline or the Google account doesn’t match. Double-check you’re signed in with the same account that’s on the phone. If the phone has no internet connection, this method won’t work.
• After reset, it asks for a Google account you don’t know: This is Factory Reset Protection (FRP). You must enter the previous account’s credentials. There is no legitimate bypass. If you bought the phone secondhand, contact the seller.
• The reset takes a long time: It can take a few minutes. If it seems stuck for over 10 minutes, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force restart and try again.
• Phone boots but still shows lock screen after reset: This usually means you didn’t actually wipe. Go back to recovery and repeat the wipe steps carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the screen lock password?

Yes, a factory reset erases the lock screen password, PIN, or pattern. After the reset, the phone boots to the setup wizard with no lock. However, it will ask for the Google account that was previously on the device (FRP).

Can I reset my Nexus 5X without losing data?

Only if you can unlock the phone normally. If you’re locked out, the only way to regain access is a factory reset, which erases all local data. Your Google-synced data (contacts, calendar, photos if backed up) will return after you sign in.

I forgot my Google password too. What now?

You’ll need to recover your Google account password first via Google’s account recovery process (using a recovery email or phone number). Without it, you cannot use Find My Device or pass FRP after a reset.

Is there a way to bypass the Google account verification after reset?

No legitimate method exists. The verification is a security feature to prevent thieves from using stolen phones. If you’re the original owner and can’t remember the account, try Google’s account recovery tools.

What if my Nexus 5X is not recognized by my computer?

You don’t need a computer for the recovery method—it’s all done on the phone itself. For Find My Device, you just need any device with a browser. If you’re trying to use Android Flash Tool or similar, you’d need the correct USB drivers, but that’s not necessary for a simple reset.

Will the reset remove the SIM card lock or carrier lock?

No. A factory reset only affects the phone’s storage and settings. It does not remove SIM PIN locks or carrier network locks. Those are separate.

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