What to do if you forget your password

If you forget your password, passcode or swipe pattern for your phone, tablet or laptop it might feel like the end of the world. You can no longer access your device even though in every other way it’s fully functional.

It might not be the end though. For many devices there are ways of removing this code while retaining the data. Read on to find out how.

I have forgotten my password

This option is likely to come up if you have to enter a user login and a full password. It typically appears just underneath the password box. While this might seem obvious to some, this is a commonly overlooked option that can get you back into your device quickly.

The next steps after pressing this button can vary greatly depending on how you have set-up your device. It may ask you to verify an email address and send you a reset message. Equally possible is a text message sent to your phone to unlock it. A third possibility is to run you through a series of security questions.

Whatever your device asks you to do, it’s best to complete the task as best as you can as this is the easiest way to get back in. Furthermore, it’s often the only way to get in without losing your stored data.

I’ve forgotten my iPhone Passcode

We have already written a full article on what to do if your iPhone becomes disabled or you forget your passcode.

However, in Summary, you will need to plug it into your computer and reset the iPhone using iTunes. This will remove the passcode on your device, but will also delete all data stored data.

Once this has been completed, you will need your iCloud email address and password in order to get back into your phone.

This is because of a final security measure put in place by Apple to ensure that your device has not been stolen and reset. Without this information, you will be unable to get back into your device so make sure you have access to this before proceeding.

I’ve forgotten my Android phone’s passcode

Older Android device 5.0 and lower have a built-in method of removal under “I have forgotten my password” that asks you to log back into your google account.

New Android devices make this process far harder, as there is no built-in way to reset your passcode. Similarly to Apple, you’ll need to factory reset your device by plugging it into a computer. This step will delete all data stored on your device.

Once this has been completed your email address and password will get back into your phone.

This is because of a final security measure put in place by Android to ensure that your device has not been stolen and reset. Without this information you will be unable to get back into your device so make sure you have access to this before proceeding.

I’ve forgotten my Windows password

The easiest may to reset his is to go via the “I’ve forgotten my password option”. This is very straightforward on windows computers, as it provides lots of alternative means of verifying your identity. Email, security questions, previous sign in details and telephone can all be utilised.

Otherwise, the only way of removing the passcode is a new windows installation. This is easy to do, although you will need to purchase a new licensing key. What’s more, this new installation will remove all data from your device.

Alternatively, we can provide this service for you and can typically complete this on the same day.

I’ve forgotten my Apple Mac password

The quickest and easiest way is to use you Apple ID to reset your password.

Click your user account, then the question mark in the password field. Then hit the arrow
next to “reset using your Apple ID”.
Enter your Apple ID and password and then click next.
Follow the instructions to reset your login password.

Otherwise, if you cannot recover or remember your details you will need a new Mac OS installation. This process will remove the passcode, but you will also lose all data on your device in the process.