There is no official method to remove a PIN on an Android phone without erasing all data on the device. Google's documented support pages confirm that the only ways to handle a screen-lock PIN involve either changing it if you know it, or performing a full factory reset through recovery mode or Google's Find My Device service.
Can you remove a pin on an Android phone without erasing data?
No. Every documented path that removes a PIN, whether through Google Find My Device, Find Hub, or a hardware-key factory reset, permanently deletes all data on the phone. Google states that after an erase, Find My Device will not work on the phone, and the company does not store a copy of the erased data.
What the settings app actually lets you change
If you know your current PIN, Android Settings allows you to change it to a different PIN, pattern, or password. It does not provide an option to remove the screen-lock PIN entirely while keeping the phone unlocked. The iPhone SIM PIN path, found under Settings > Cellular > SIM PIN, is a different feature that controls the SIM card's PIN, not the device screen lock. Apple's instructions apply only to iPhone with a single SIM card or eSIM and are not a screen-lock PIN removal method.
Use 'forgot pin' on the lock screen first
When you are locked out of your Android phone, the lock screen may display a "Forgot Pattern" or "Forgot PIN" option. Tapping this lets you enter your Google account credentials associated with the device. If the credentials are accepted, you can reset the PIN without losing data. This is the only data-preserving path when locked out, and it requires an active internet connection.
Remote erase through Google Find My Device
Google's Find My Device service (also called Find Hub) can perform a full factory reset of your Android phone from another device. To use it, open the Find Hub app on another device, select your phone, open Settings, and tap Factory reset {device name}. Alternatively, go to android.com/find, sign in with the same Google Account, select the device, and choose Erase Device. This process permanently deletes all data on the phone, and after the erase, Find My Device will no longer function on that phone. Google says Erase device permanently deletes all data on the phone, and after erasing, Find My Device will not work on the phone. Google also says it does not store a copy of the erased data. For accessories, Google's current help documents Remove device separately from Android device factory reset. There is no option within Find My Device to remove only the PIN while keeping data.
Factory reset as a last resort
- Power off the Android phone.
- Boot into recovery mode by pressing specific key combinations (commonly Volume Up + Power or Volume Down + Power, depending on the manufacturer and model).
- Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select the option labeled "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" or "Factory Reset."
- Confirm the selection and wait for the process to complete.
- Set up the phone as a new device without a PIN lock.
This method erases all data on the phone, though Google notes that erasing a device may not delete SD cards. Back up important files before proceeding. A factory reset should only be used when all other options have been exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PIN be removed without erasing the phone?
The only data-preserving option is resetting the PIN through the lock screen's "Forgot PIN" feature using your Google account.
Can Google Find My Device unlock the phone?
Google Find My Device offers only an Erase Device or Factory reset option, not an unlock that preserves data. After the erase, the phone no longer works with Find My Device.
What is the exact iPhone path for SIM PIN?
On an iPhone with a single SIM card or eSIM, go to Settings > Cellular > SIM PIN and turn SIM PIN off. This controls the SIM card's PIN, not the device screen lock.
What if the goal is the screen-lock PIN on Android?
The documented methods are changing the PIN if you know it, resetting it via the lock screen's "Forgot PIN" option, or performing a factory reset.
Are there alternatives to using a PIN for screen lock?
Android offers pattern lock, fingerprint lock, facial recognition, and voice recognition as alternatives to a PIN. These options are set through the same Security or Lock Screen section in Settings where you would change your PIN.
For the wider topic, see bypassing phone lock screens.
