How to Unlock a Samsung Infuse After Too Many Attempts
By Jane Williams
The Samsung Infuse uses the Android operating system, which offers the ability to use a pattern code to unlock your phone. A grid of 9 dots appears on the screen, and your “key” is a pattern of four of them. If you enter this pattern code wrong three times, the phone will lock you out and ask for your Google account information to verify you're the authorized user. Entering this information usually returns control of your phone to you, but sometimes it's not this easy, especially if you can't remember your Google account information.
Google Account Help
If you know your Google account information but your Samsung isn't accepting it, visit Google to authorize access to your account. (See link in Resources.) Enter your password, confirm your request for access and then try your account information on your phone again. If that doesn't work, try resetting your Google password on the computer and allowing access. Another option is to enter “null” without quotes as your password on your phone, or enter your username without the email extension.
Call Yourself
Your phone will still accept calls even though you're locked out, so have a friend call you. Answer and then press the "Home" button without hanging up. On the home screen, press the "Menu" key and open your settings to access the pattern lock setting. From here, you can try to disable the pattern lock to unlock your phone. Do not hang up the call until you have accessed the pattern lock setting.
Seek Help
If nothing you do seems to have any effect, contact Samsung or your cell service provider for help. Knowledgeable tech support can walk you through a series of steps to unlock your phone, or may be able to unlock it for you. Samsung.com offers a variety of tech support avenues, such as online chat, phone support or email to help regain access to your Infuse. (See link in Resources.)
Hard Reset
Unfortunately, if all else fails, the only way to regain access to your phone is to perform a hard reset. This essentially restores your phone to factory-default condition, which will erase everything in the phone's memory. Anything on your installed SD card will remain intact. Access your home screen after someone calls you, select "Settings," “Privacy” and then “Factory Data Reset.” The phone will walk you through the rest of the procedure. If you cannot access your home screen, remove the battery to power off the phone and then reinsert it. Press and hold the Volume Up, Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the phone powers on. Release the buttons when the Android screen displays and use the Volume Down button to highlight Delete All User Data. Use the Power button to select it. Use the Volume Down key to highlight Reboot System Now and press Power to start the procedure.
References
Writer Bio
Jane Williams began her writing career in 2000 as the writer and editor of a nationwide marketing company. Her articles have appeared on various websites. Williams briefly attended college for a degree in administration before embarking on her writing career.