How to Bypass Android Lock Screen Using Emergency Call: 2025 Update
Robiul Hossain
Smartphone Technology Expert with 5+ Years of Experience in Innovation and Problem-Solving.
If you've ever found yourself locked out of your Android phone and forgotten the password, you know how frustrating it can be. In many cases, the first instinct might be to rely on third-party apps or services to unlock your device.
But what if there’s a way to bypass your Android lock screen without needing extra tools? Bypassing the lock screen using an emergency call is one potential solution, and today, we're diving deep into how this method works, and providing you with some alternative ways to unlock your Android phone.
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Key Takeaways
- Bypass the Android lock screen using the emergency call feature, available on devices running Android 5 (Lollipop).
- Tap emergency call, enter asterisks, and crash the UI to gain access.
- If emergency call doesn’t work, try Find My Device, factory reset, or Forgot Pattern options.
- Be cautious of data loss with methods like factory resets; always back up if possible.
- Always use strong, secure lock screens for better device protection.
What Is the Emergency Call Feature?
The Emergency Call option on Android devices is primarily designed for dialing emergency services like 911 without needing to unlock the phone. This feature ensures that users can reach help even if their device is locked.
However, certain exploits have shown that this feature can be manipulated to bypass the lock screen under specific conditions.
Can You Bypass the Android Lock Screen with an Emergency Call?
Yes, you can bypass the Android lock screen using an emergency call, but this method is only available for Android devices running version 5 (Lollipop). This method essentially crashes the lock screen UI by leveraging certain vulnerabilities in older Android versions.
Before proceeding, it's crucial to check if your Android phone is running Android 5 or an older version. If your phone is running Android 6 or newer, this method will not work.
However, for Android Lollipop users, this method offers a quick and easy way to access the phone without the need for any specialized software or technical skills.
Let’s break down how to bypass the Android lock screen using an emergency call.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Bypass Android Lock Screen Using Emergency Call
Step 1: Tap the Emergency Call Button
On your locked Android phone, tap on the Emergency Call option. This button is typically found at the bottom of the lock screen. The Emergency Call feature is designed for situations where you need to dial emergency services but can’t access your phone.
Step 2: Enter 10 Asterisks (*)
Now, begin entering 10 asterisks (i.e., **********) into the Emergency Call dialer. Make sure that each asterisk is entered carefully and that you’re typing them continuously. The key is to get the system to think you’re entering a valid emergency number.
Step 3: Highlight the Asterisks and Paste Them
Once you’ve entered the 10 asterisks, select the asterisks and paste them repeatedly into the field until the input box stops highlighting the characters. This is a crucial step, as it helps to overload the system’s UI.
Step 4: Access the Camera App
Once the input box has stopped highlighting, return to the lock screen and launch the Camera app. You can typically do this by swiping the lock screen or using the Camera shortcut icon (depending on your device's UI).
Step 5: Swipe the Notification Bar and Open Settings
Once the Camera app opens, swipe down on the Notification bar at the top of the screen. You will now be able to access the Settings option from this bar. Tap on Settings.
Step 6: Enter the Password Prompt
Once in Settings, you will be prompted to enter the password for the locked phone. This is where things get interesting.
Step 7: Enter More Asterisks
At this point, continue entering more asterisks (just like in Step 2) into the password field until the screen interface crashes. Once the system crashes, you’ll be able to access your device without the password.
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Alternative Methods to Unlock an Android Device
If you’re unable to use the Emergency Call method, don’t worry. There are still a number of ways to unlock your Android phone without a password. Here are four alternatives:
Method 1. Use Find My Device to Unlock Android
Google’s Find My Device service is designed to help you locate a lost Android device. However, it also comes with the handy feature of unlocking your device when you forget the password. Here’s how to unlock your device using Find My Device:
Step 1: Go to the Find My Device website (find my device).
Step 2: Sign in using the Google Account linked to the locked Android device.
Step 3: Choose your device from the list of devices connected to your Google account.
Step 4: Select Secure Device from the available options.
Step 5: Enter a new password for your locked device.
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Step 6: After setting the new password, enter it on your locked device to unlock it.
This method only works if your device is connected to the internet and you have a Google account linked to it.
Method 2. Perform a Factory Reset
A factory reset is a reliable way to unlock your phone, though it does come with a major caveat: it erases everything on your device. While this method will restore your device to its original factory settings, make sure you back up important data before proceeding.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset:
Step 1: Power off your phone.
Step 2: Press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons together to enter Recovery Mode.
Step 3: Use the Volume buttons to navigate to the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option.
Step 4: Confirm by selecting Factory Data Reset.
Step 5: Once the reset is complete, select Reboot System Now to restart your phone.
Note: that this method will erase all data on your device.
After the phone reboots, it will no longer be locked, but you’ll need to sign in to your Google account to complete the setup process.
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Method 3. Use the Forgot Pattern Feature (For Android 4.4 or Below)
If you’re using Android version 4.4 (KitKat) or below, you can make use of the Forgot Pattern feature. This option allows you to unlock your device by entering your Google account credentials. Here’s how:
- Step 1: After entering the wrong pattern or password multiple times, you’ll see the Forgot Pattern option.
- Step 2: Tap on Forgot Pattern, and then you’ll be prompted to enter your Google account details.
- Step 3: After signing in with your Google account, you’ll be able to reset your lock screen pattern and gain access to your phone.
This method only works for older Android versions, so if you’re running a version higher than Android 4.4, this option won’t be available.
Method 4. Use Android Device Manager (For Certain Devices)
Another method to unlock your Android phone is by using Android Device Manager, a feature that is now part of Google’s Find My Device service. In the past, Android Device Manager allowed users to remotely unlock their phones, but now Find My Device is the go-to service for this task.
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To unlock your phone via Android Device Manager:
- Step 1: Go to Android Device Manager or Find My Device on your computer or another device.
- Step 2: Sign in using the Google account associated with your locked phone.
- Step 3: If your phone is listed, select it and choose Lock.
- Step 4: You’ll be asked to create a new password, which you can use to unlock your phone.
Method 5. Third-Party Tools
Several third-party tools are available to help bypass the Android lock screen, such as Dr.Fone - Unlock (Android), Tenorshare 4uKey for Android, or iMyFone LockWiper (Android). Be cautious when using such tools and ensure they are from reputable sources.
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Is It Ethical and Legal to Bypass a Lock Screen?
Bypassing a lock screen raises ethical and legal questions. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Ensure you have the legal right to access the device.
- Avoid using these methods to access someone else’s device without permission.
- In some regions, attempting to bypass security measures may violate laws.
Always use these techniques responsibly and only on devices you own or have permission to access.
Conclusion
There are several ways to bypass the Android lock screen and regain access to your device. While the Emergency Call method works on Android 5 devices, it is not foolproof, and newer versions of Android have closed the vulnerabilities that made this method possible.
For those with newer devices or who cannot use the Emergency Call trick, options like Find My Device, factory resets, and the Forgot Pattern feature (for older Android versions) can offer a lifeline. Always remember, if you choose to perform a factory reset, it will wipe all your data, so make sure you have backups available.
Choosing the best method depends on your device version, and whether you have access to Google services or a backup of your data. Keep these methods in mind, and you’ll have a better chance of unlocking your Android phone when you need it most.
Common Questions About Bypass Android Lock Screen Using Emergency Call
How to take Emergency Call off lock screen on Android?
To remove the "Emergency Call" option from the lock screen, you would need to adjust your security settings. However, it is usually not possible to remove this option entirely, as it is a built-in feature on Android devices for safety. You can, however, enable a more secure lock method like PIN, pattern, or password to prevent unauthorized access while still keeping emergency access available.
Can I unlock my Android phone if I forgot my password?
Yes, if you've forgotten your PIN, pattern, or password, you can unlock your Android phone by performing a factory reset. This will erase all data on the device, but you can restore most of your content once you sign in with your Google account during the setup process.
What is the master code to unlock any phone?
There isn’t a universal "master code" to unlock any phone, especially as it varies by device manufacturer. However, some phones have codes like *#*#7780#*#* or *2767*3855# that may help with resetting the device. Always be cautious with these codes as they could reset your device and erase all your data.
How to emergency call without unlocking phone?
To make an emergency call without unlocking your phone, tap on the "Emergency call" button at the bottom of the lock screen. Then, dial the emergency services number (e.g., 911 in the United States). The phone allows this to ensure immediate access in case of emergency situations.
How do I temporarily disable the screen lock on Android?
To temporarily disable the screen lock on an Android device:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Security or Lock Screen.
- Select Screen Lock.
- Choose None to disable the lock.
Remember to re-enable it after you're done to protect your device.
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What does the Emergency Call feature do on the lock screen?
The Emergency Call feature allows you to dial emergency services, even when your phone is locked. This ensures that, in case of an emergency, you can quickly contact local authorities or first responders without having to unlock your phone.
How does an emergency bypass work?
An emergency bypass refers to bypassing the normal security lock screen of your device using a specific vulnerability or feature—such as using emergency call features or bypassing security through software flaws. On some older Android versions, this could be exploited to gain access to the device, but newer Android versions have fixed these vulnerabilities for improved security.
What happens if you accidentally hit an emergency call on Android?
If you accidentally trigger an emergency call on Android, the phone will attempt to connect to emergency services. If you placed a call by mistake, don’t hang up. Instead, inform the emergency operator immediately that the call was a false alarm and that you do not need assistance.
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How do I turn off Emergency SOS?
To turn off Emergency SOS on your Android phone:
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Safety & Emergency.
- Select Emergency SOS.
- Tap the Settings icon next to it.
- Choose Turn off Emergency SOS.
This disables the feature that automatically calls emergency services when activated.
Can I open Android without a password?
Yes, you can unlock an Android phone without a password by performing a factory reset. This will erase all the data on your phone, returning it to its factory settings. Be sure to back up your data if possible before doing this, as it is not recoverable once erased.