How to Unlock a PIN-Protected Android Device During Remote Control

When remotely controlling a PIN-protected Android device, the way you enter the PIN depends on the device’s Android version:

• On Android 11 or earlier, the system lock screen keypad is generally visible on the controller. You can enter the known PIN directly on the remote screen.
• On Android 12 or later, the keypad may not appear due to Android security restrictions or device-specific implementations. For supported devices, AirDroid Business provides a PIN input panel for submitting the known PIN.

In both cases, Android verifies the PIN. AirDroid Business does not discover, bypass, remove, or reset the device PIN.

This feature is available through:

• AirDroid Business Admin Console
• AirDroid Business Desktop Client

1Unlock a device through Admin Console

2Unlock a device through AirDroid Business Desktop Client

3PIN requirements and security considerations for Android 12 or later

The following requirements and security considerations apply when using the AirDroid Business PIN input panel on a device running Android 12 or later. They do not apply when entering a PIN directly on the system lock screen keypad on Android 11 or earlier.

Supported PINs

The AirDroid Business PIN input panel supports numeric PINs containing 4–16 digits. It does not support:

• Pattern locks
• Alphanumeric passwords
• Swipe locks
• Fingerprint authentication
• Facial recognition
• Other biometric or complex lock methods

AirDroid Business checks whether the entered PIN contains 4–16 digits, but it cannot determine the device’s actual PIN length in advance. Make sure that you enter the complete PIN before submitting it.

Incorrect PIN attempts

An incorrect PIN is recorded as a failed unlock attempt by Android. Repeated failures may temporarily lock the device.

If an enterprise policy defines a maximum number of failed password attempts, the device follows that policy. Depending on the policy, reaching the limit may cause the device to be factory-reset.

If no applicable enterprise policy is configured, AirDroid Business allows up to three remote PIN attempts by default.

When AirDroid Business determines that the applicable limit has been reached, it blocks further remote PIN submissions and prompts the administrator to contact on-site personnel.

Remaining attempts

When available, the PIN input panel displays the number of remaining attempts. Review it carefully before submitting the PIN.

The remaining attempt count may not be displayed if AirDroid Business cannot retrieve the device’s failed-attempt information. Device Administrator permission is generally required to display it.

If no count is displayed, make sure that the PIN is correct and avoid repeated submissions. Contact on-site personnel if the device cannot be unlocked.