Before choosing a solution, identify why your vivo phone is locked. Different situations require different approaches.
- Forgotten screen lock: You cannot remember your PIN, pattern, or password.
- Too many incorrect attempts: The phone has temporarily disabled the lock screen after repeated failed attempts.
- Previous owner's account: A second-hand device is still linked to another user's account.
- Network lock: The phone is restricted to a specific mobile carrier.
- Biometric setup: You want faster access using Face Unlock or Fingerprint Unlock.
Choose the method below that matches your situation.
Method 1: Unlock a vivo phone using Google Find My Device
If your phone is connected to a Google account and Find My Device is enabled, you can erase it remotely to remove the screen lock.
Quick steps:
- Open Google Find My Device on another device.
- Sign in with the Google account linked to the locked phone.
- Select your vivo phone from the device list.
- Choose the Erase device option.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reset to complete.
- Set up the phone again and sign in with the same Google account.
Best for: Forgotten screen locks when the phone is online and linked to a Google account.
Method 2: Unlock a vivo phone using Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode allows you to factory reset the device using the hardware buttons.
Quick steps:
- Power off the phone completely.
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons together.
- Release the buttons when the vivo logo or Recovery Mode screen appears.
- Select Wipe data or Factory reset.
- Confirm the reset.
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Select Reboot system.
Best for: Phones that are offline, unresponsive, or not connected to Find My Device.
Method 3: Unlock a vivo phone using a vivo account
If Find Device was enabled through your vivo account, you may be able to manage the device remotely.
Quick steps:
- Sign in to the vivo Cloud or Find Device service.
- Locate your registered vivo phone.
- Choose the available management options.
- If necessary, select the remote erase option.
- Set up the device again after the reset.
Best for: Users who enabled a vivo account and Find Device before getting locked out.
Method 4: Use the "Forgot password" option
Some older vivo phones offer a built-in recovery option on the lock screen.
Quick steps:
- Enter an incorrect PIN, pattern, or password several times.
- Tap Forgot password or Forgot pattern when it appears.
- Sign in with the linked Google account.
- Follow the prompts to create a new screen lock.
Best for: Older vivo models that still support this feature.
Method 5: Set up Face Unlock and Fingerprint Unlock
If you can access your phone, biometric authentication provides a quicker and more convenient way to unlock it.
Set up Face Unlock
- Open Settings.
- Go to Fingerprint, Face and Password.
- Tap Face.
- Verify your current screen lock.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register your face.
- Choose your preferred unlock behaviour.
Set up Fingerprint Unlock
- Open Settings.
- Go to Fingerprint, Face and Password.
- Tap Fingerprint.
- Verify your existing screen lock.
- Place and lift your finger repeatedly until registration is complete.
- Add additional fingerprints if desired.
Best for: Faster and more secure everyday access once your phone is unlocked.
