Nexus 6P Locked Out: Reset Password Guide

If you’re locked out of your Nexus 6P because you forgot the PIN, pattern, or password, this guide walks you through the safe ways to regain access. Depending on whether you have Google account credentials, USB debugging enabled, or a backup, you can reset the lock screen without losing your data or, as a last resort, perform a full factory reset.

What You’ll Need

• Your Nexus 6P (charged to at least 50% or plugged in)
• The Google account email and password associated with the phone (for the “Forgot pattern” option)
• A computer with internet access (for Android Device Manager or factory reset)
• A USB cable (for factory reset method, if needed)
• Your Google account credentials (for re-login after factory reset)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use the “Forgot Pattern” Option (if you have an active internet connection)

1. On the lock screen, enter any wrong pattern, PIN, or password five times.
2. After the fifth attempt, you should see a message like “Forgot pattern?” or “Forgot password?” at the bottom of the screen. Tap it.
3. You’ll be prompted to enter your Google account email and password. Enter the credentials that were used to set up the phone.
4. Tap “Sign in.” If the credentials are correct, you’ll be given the option to set a new lock screen method.
5. Choose a new PIN, pattern, or password, and confirm it.
6. Your phone will unlock, and you can use it normally.

Method 2: Use Android Device Manager (now called “Find My Device”)

1. On a computer or another phone, go to google.com/android/find and sign in with the same Google account that’s on your Nexus 6P.
2. If the phone is online and has location services enabled, you’ll see it listed. Click on the Nexus 6P.
3. In the left panel, click “Lock.”
4. Enter a temporary password (at least 4 characters) and confirm it. This will override the current lock screen.
5. Click “Lock” again to apply.
6. On your phone, you’ll receive a notification. Enter the temporary password you just set.
7. Once unlocked, go to Settings > Security > Screen lock and set a new permanent PIN, pattern, or password.

Method 3: Factory Reset (last resort – erases all data)

1. Turn off the Nexus 6P completely.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously until the bootloader screen appears.
3. Use the Volume keys to navigate to “Recovery mode” and press the Power button to select it.
4. When you see the Android robot with an exclamation mark, press and hold the Power button, then tap Volume Up once.
5. Use the Volume keys to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and press the Power button to select it.
6. Navigate to “Yes — delete all user data” and press Power to confirm.
7. After the wipe completes, select “Reboot system now.”
8. The phone will restart and show the initial setup screen. You’ll need to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the device (to bypass Factory Reset Protection).

Common Mistakes

• Entering wrong credentials too many times: After 5 attempts, the phone may lock you out for 30 seconds. Wait it out, don’t keep trying.
• Using the wrong Google account: Make sure you’re using the account that was added in Settings > Accounts on the phone, not just any Google account.
• Forgetting that Find My Device requires an internet connection: If the phone is offline, the lock command won’t work.
• Factory reset without backing up: This wipes everything – photos, contacts, apps, and messages. Only use it if you have no other option.
• Skipping the FRP bypass: After a factory reset, the phone will ask for the previous Google account. If you don’t know it, the phone is unusable.

Tips

• If you have USB debugging enabled, you can use ADB commands to remove the lock screen file, but this is advanced and requires a computer with Android SDK installed.
• Keep your Google account recovery options up to date (recovery email, phone number) so you can regain access to the account if needed.
• Regularly back up your phone to Google Drive or a computer so a reset isn’t catastrophic.
• Use a lock screen method you’re likely to remember, but avoid obvious ones like 1234 or your birthdate.

Troubleshooting

• “Forgot pattern” option doesn’t appear: This option only shows after multiple wrong attempts, and it may be disabled if the phone has been set to erase after 10 attempts. If it doesn’t appear, try the Find My Device method.
• Find My Device says “Device offline”: Make sure the phone has an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). If it’s been off for a while, turn it on and wait a few minutes. If it’s still offline, you’ll need to use the factory reset method.
• Factory reset doesn’t work or gets stuck: If the phone freezes during reset, hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force a restart, then try again. If it still fails, try using the Nexus Root Toolkit (on a computer) to flash the factory image, but this is more advanced.
• Forgot Google account password too: Go to Google’s account recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password. You’ll need access to your recovery email or phone number.
• Phone is encrypted and factory reset doesn’t remove encryption: A factory reset will remove the encryption key, but the device will still require the original Google account to set up. If you don’t have it, the phone is bricked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the lock screen?

Yes, a factory reset removes the lock screen, but it also erases all data on the phone. After reset, you’ll need to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the device (FRP).

Can I reset the password without losing data?

Yes, if you can use the “Forgot pattern” option or Find My Device, you can set a new lock screen without losing data. Factory reset is the only method that erases data.

What if I never enabled Find My Device or USB debugging?

Then your only option is a factory reset, which will erase all data. There’s no other official way to bypass the lock screen without the original Google account.

How many wrong attempts before the phone wipes itself?

By default, the Nexus 6P will wipe after 10 failed attempts if you’ve enabled that option in Settings > Security. If not, it will just lock you out for increasing time periods.

Can I use my Google account to reset the password from a computer?

Yes, you can go to Google’s account recovery page to reset your Google account password, but that doesn’t directly change the phone’s lock screen. You’d still need to use the “Forgot pattern” option or Find My Device to set a new phone lock.

What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP)?

FRP is a security feature that requires you to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the phone after a factory reset. It prevents thieves from using a reset phone. You must know the account credentials to proceed.

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