If your Android phone suddenly asks you to “Enter password to unlock (30/30 attempts remaining),” don’t panic — you’re not alone. This message often appears on older Android or LG phones and can confuse even experienced users. Let’s break down what it means, why it happens, and how to safely unlock your device without losing your data.
What Does Enter Password to Unlock 30/30 Attempts Remaining”Mean?
This message appears when your phone enters Secure Start-Up mode — a built-in Android security feature that protects your personal data. It requires the correct password before your phone can fully boot or decrypt stored information.
Essentially, your device is saying:
- You must enter your startup password before the system loads.
- You have 30 chances to get it right.
- If you fail all 30 attempts, the phone will automatically erase all data for your protection.
This isn’t a random bug. It’s Android’s way of stopping thieves or unauthorized users from accessing your personal information.
Why Does It Happen?
Several situations can trigger this screen:
- Secure Start-Up is Enabled
On older Android phones (especially pre-Android 10 devices or many LG models), Secure Start-Up uses full-disk encryption (FDE). After a restart, your phone demands the correct password to decrypt the data. - Accidental Restarts or Software Updates
Some LG and older Android phones have been known to enter Secure Start-Up automatically after an unexpected reboot or a failed update. - Multiple Wrong Password Attempts
Repeatedly entering the wrong PIN, pattern, or password can trigger this message and reduce the remaining attempts. - System Glitches
Occasionally, firmware or security errors can activate Secure Start-Up even if you didn’t turn it on.
How to Fix the 30/30 Attempts Remaining Lock Screen
Here are several methods you can try, depending on your phone model and what access you still have.
1. Try to Recall or Decode Your Original Password
If you used a pattern lock, Android converts that pattern into a numeric password.
You can recreate it by mapping the 3×3 grid of dots to numbers:
| Dot Grid Position | Number |
|---|---|
| Top row | 1 – 2 – 3 |
| Middle row | 4 – 5 – 6 |
| Bottom row | 7 – 8 – 9 |
For example, if your unlock pattern forms a square starting at the top-left and moves clockwise, your numeric password would be 12369874.
Enter this number on the password screen — it often works for LG and older Android models.
2. Unlock Using Your Google Account
If your phone is linked to your Google account, you can reset your password remotely.
Steps:
- On a computer or another phone, visit Find My Device.
- Sign in with the same Google account used on your locked phone.
- Select your device from the list.
- Choose Erase Device. This resets the phone and removes the password.
(Note: All local data will be deleted, but you can restore backups from Google later.)
3. Use a Backup PIN or Password (If Set)
Some LG phones allow you to set a backup PIN.
If this option appears on your lock screen, tap “Enter Backup PIN/Password”, type it in, and unlock your device immediately — no reset required.
4. Perform a Factory Reset
If the previous methods fail, your last option is to factory-reset your phone.
Steps:
- Turn off the device.
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery menu.
- Use the volume keys to highlight Wipe data / Factory reset and confirm with the Power button.
- After completion, choose Reboot system now.
This will erase everything on the phone, but you’ll be able to set it up again using your Google credentials.
5. Contact Customer or Repair Support
If you’re using an older LG phone and the brand’s services in your region have shut down, you can still visit a certified Android repair center. In some cases, data recovery specialists can extract encrypted files, though it’s usually costly and not guaranteed.
Tips to Prevent Future Lockouts
- Use a password manager to safely store your unlock codes.
- Set up Google Smart Lock or biometric options (fingerprint or face unlock) for convenience.
- Keep backups on Google Drive or another cloud service.
- Avoid entering random passwords repeatedly — each failed attempt increases your lockout risk.
Conclusion
The “Enter Password to Unlock 30/30 Attempts Remaining” screen may look intimidating, but it’s actually your phone’s way of keeping your data secure.
If you can recall or recover your password, that’s the best solution. If not, use Google’s recovery tools or perform a factory reset to regain access.
Security features like Secure Start-Up protect you — but keeping your credentials safe and backed up ensures you’ll never be permanently locked out again.
