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How to Unlock any Phone Password using Emergency Call | Full Guide

Forgetting your phone’s password can be a frustrating experience. While modern smartphones are designed with robust security features, certain methods—like using the emergency call function—have been explored as potential workarounds.

The lock screen always provides an Emergency Call option (for 911/SOS), but this is strictly for dialing emergency services, not for unlocking the device. But in cases where you find yourself unable to get into your phone and your last resort is to bypass this security feature, then knowing how to unlock any Phone Password using Emergency Call becomes handy. 

For historical context, older Android versions did have emergency-dialer exploits – all of which have been patched.

In this writing, we will explore how to unlock any Phone Password using Emergency Call,  call feature, examining its feasibility, limitations, and alternative solutions.

What Is the Android Emergency Call Bypass Method?

The emergency call bypass method involves exploiting a vulnerability in older Android versions, particularly Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and earlier. This method allowed users to bypass the lock screen by inputting a specific sequence in the emergency call dialer, leading to a system crash and subsequent access to the device.

This vulnerability has been addressed in newer Android versions. Devices running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and above are not susceptible to this method.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Unlock Any Phone Password Using Emergency Call

This method is only applicable to devices running Android 5.0 or earlier. Attempting this on newer devices will not yield the desired results. Let’s look at the full guide on how to unlock any Phone Password using Emergency Call.

Step 1: Access the Emergency Call Screen

  • From the Lock Screen, tap Emergency Call and enter a very long string of characters into the dialer field

Step 2: Input Asterisks

  • In the dialer, enter 10 asterisks (**********).

Step 3: Copy and Paste Repeatedly

  • Highlight the asterisks, Copy the entire string to the clipboard and paste them back into the dialer. Repeat this process multiple times (typically 10-11 times) until the input field can no longer handle the characters.

Step 4: Return to the Lock Screen

  • Press the back button to return to the lock screen.

Step 5: Launch the Camera App

  • Swipe left to Open the Camera app from the lock screen (the Camera is accessible without unlocking)

Step 6: Pull Down the Notification Bar

  • While the camera is active, Swipe down the notification shade and tap Settings, which prompts for the passcode. Paste the long string into the password field

Step 7: Tap the shutter or volume buttons

  • Tap the settings icon. Return to the Camera view and repeatedly tap the shutter or volume buttons; this causes the Camera app (and the lock-screen UI) to crash.
  • After the crash, the phone’s Home Screen appears, giving full access to apps and data. Upon restart, the lock screen is bypassed.

No version of Android since 6.0 has this flaw. Today, if an Android device is locked by PIN or password, the only remedies are a factory reset or remote wipe/erase via Find My Device. Any “emergency call” unlock method you see online refers to old, patched bugs or is simply incorrect.

Modern phones cannot be unlocked via the emergency screen without wiping data.

Emergency Code to Unlock an Android Phone Without Losing Data

Certain USSD codes have been identified that can reset Android devices:

  • *#*#7780#*#*: Initiates a factory data reset, erasing all user data and settings.
  • *2767*3855#: Performs a full factory reset, reinstalling the device’s firmware.

Both codes will erase all data on the device. They do not provide a means to unlock the phone without data loss.

Can You Unlock an Android Phone by Calling It?

Receiving a call on a locked Android device does not inherently bypass the lock screen. However, some users have reported limited access to certain features during an incoming call:

  • Notification Bar Access: Pulling down the notification bar during a call sometimes allows access to quick settings.
  • Settings Access: Tapping the settings icon from the notification panel may prompt the device to request the unlock pattern or password.

These behaviors vary across devices and Android versions. They do not provide a reliable method to unlock a device without proper credentials.

FAQs

How do you unlock a phone that says emergency calls only?

Check if Airplane Mode Is Enabled. Airplane mode disables all the wireless connectivity on your phone, including cellular.
Manually Select Your Cellular Provider.
Downgrade to 3G for Better Cell Signal.
Reset Network Settings.
Restart Your Phone.

How to disable emergency call from lock screen?

Edit your emergency SOS settings to require a swipe before calling emergency services.
Turn off “Double tap to turn on screen” to prevent accidental emergency calls.
Remove the Phone icon from the Lock screen to stop pocket-dialing 911.

How do I call someone on a locked phone?

Long-press on an empty area of your homescreen and choose “Widgets” or a comparable option to enable it.
Tap the Direct Dial widget after it appears on your lock screen to customise it.
Tap on the Direct Dial widget’s contact picture or name to call from the lock screen.

Conclusion

The emergency call bypass method was a vulnerability present in older Android versions, specifically Android 5.0 and earlier. Modern devices have patched this loophole, rendering the method ineffective. While USSD codes exist to reset devices, they result in complete data loss and are not viable solutions for data preservation.

For users locked out of their devices, the recommended approaches include:

  • Using Google’s Find My Device: Allows remote unlocking or data erasure.
  • Contacting the Device Manufacturer: They may provide solutions specific to the device model.
  • Seeking Professional Assistance: Authorized service centers can offer support without compromising data integrity.

Always ensure your device’s software is up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

References

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Bright Emeka
Bright Emeka
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