Unlock LG G5 Forgot Password: Full Reset Guide

If you’ve forgotten your LG G5’s lock screen password, PIN, or pattern, you’re locked out of your device. This guide shows you how to regain access using several methods, from Android’s built-in recovery to a full factory reset. You’ll need access to a computer and your Google account credentials for most solutions.

What You’ll Need

Your LG G5 (charged at least 50% or plugged in)
A computer with an internet connection and a USB cable
Your Google account email and password (for the Google account method)
Your LG account credentials (if you set up LG’s remote unlock)

Step-by-Step

Try the ‘Forgot Pattern’ option (if using a pattern). After 5 failed attempts, the screen should display “Forgot Pattern?” – tap it. You’ll be asked to enter your Google account credentials. If you remember them, sign in and set a new pattern. This works only if the device is connected to the internet and the account was previously synced.
Use Android Device Manager (Find My Device). On a computer, go to google.com/android/find and sign in with the same Google account that’s on your G5. Select your G5 from the list. Choose “Lock” (or “Erase” as a last resort). If you pick “Lock,” you can set a temporary password that overrides the old one. Then enter that temporary password on your phone to unlock it.
Use LG’s Find My Phone service (if you have an LG account). Go to findmylg.com on a computer, sign in with your LG account, and select your G5. Use the “Lock” feature to set a new unlock code. This requires that the phone has an active data connection and that you previously enabled the service in Settings > General > Lock screen & security > Find My Phone.
Perform a factory reset via hardware keys. This erases all data on the phone, but it removes the lock. With the phone powered off, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. When the LG logo appears, release the Power button for a second, then press and hold it again. Continue holding both until the “Factory data reset” screen appears. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Yes” and press the Power button to confirm. Then select “Yes” again to wipe all data. The phone will reboot, and you’ll be able to set it up as new.
Use LG Bridge (for backup and reset). Install LG Bridge on your computer, connect your G5 via USB, and follow the prompts to back up data. If you need to reset, you can use the “Recovery Mode” option within LG Bridge to restore the phone to factory state.
Contact your carrier or LG support. If none of the above work, your carrier or LG may be able to help, especially if you have proof of purchase. They may provide a service code or direct you to an authorized service center.

Common Mistakes

Entering the wrong Google account. Make sure you’re using the exact email and password that was set up on the phone. If you have multiple Google accounts, try each one.
Not having internet on the phone. The Google and LG remote methods require an active data connection. If your phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, those methods won’t work.
Forgetting to back up before a factory reset. A hardware key reset wipes everything. If you haven’t backed up, you’ll lose photos, contacts, and apps.
Holding the buttons incorrectly. The hardware key combination for the G5 can be finicky. If you release the Power button too soon or too late, the phone may boot normally instead of entering recovery mode.

Tips

Keep your phone charged. During a reset, if the battery dies, the process may fail and could potentially cause software issues. Always plug in your phone before attempting a reset.
Use a strong but memorable password. After unlocking, set a new password that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.
Enable ‘Smart Lock’. After regaining access, set up Smart Lock (in Settings > Lock screen & security) to keep the phone unlocked when you’re at home or when it’s on your person.
Back up regularly. Use Google Drive, LG Bridge, or another backup service so a forgotten password doesn’t mean losing everything.

Troubleshooting

What if the ‘Forgot Pattern’ option doesn’t appear? This happens if you’ve disabled the option or if the device is not connected to the internet. Connect to Wi-Fi (if possible) and try again. If it still doesn’t show, you’ll need to use the hardware key reset.

What if Find My Device doesn’t show my phone? Make sure you’re signed in to the correct Google account. If the phone is offline, you won’t see it. Try refreshing the page. If the phone still doesn’t appear, you may need to use the hardware reset.

What if the hardware key reset doesn’t work? If the phone doesn’t enter recovery mode, try a different combination: sometimes holding Power + Volume Up works. Or, if you have a G5 with a removable battery, remove the battery, wait 10 seconds, reinsert it, and try again. If it still fails, your phone may have a hardware issue; contact LG support.

What if the phone is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locked? After a factory reset, the phone will ask for the Google account that was previously synced. If you don’t have those credentials, you cannot bypass it legally. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase to LG or your carrier to have them remove the lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a factory reset remove the lock screen password?
A: Yes, a factory reset will remove the lock screen password, but it also erases all data on the phone. After resetting, you’ll need to set up the phone as new.

Q: Can I unlock my LG G5 without losing data?
A: Yes, if you can use the Google or LG remote lock methods, you can set a new password without losing data. The factory reset method will erase everything.

Q: How long does a factory reset take?
A: The reset process itself typically takes 1-2 minutes, but the phone may take up to 10 minutes to reboot and show the setup screen. Be patient.

Q: I forgot my Google account password too. What can I do?
A: You’ll need to recover your Google account password first (via Google’s account recovery process). Without it, you cannot use the Google remote unlock or get past FRP after a reset.

Q: Is there a master code to unlock the LG G5?
A: No, there is no universal master code. All methods require either your Google/LG credentials or a factory reset.

Q: Can I unlock the phone by replacing the SIM card?
A: No, replacing the SIM card does not affect the lock screen password. The lock is tied to the device’s security settings, not the SIM.

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

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