Google has released a new beta version of Android 17, and an analysis of the software has reportedly revealed a feature that could make life easier for users who forget their phone’s PIN or password.

According to reports, Google may be working on an option that would allow Android users to unlock their phones using their Google Account credentials if they forget their PIN, password, or screen lock pattern.

If introduced, the feature could provide an alternative to performing a factory reset. At present, resetting a locked phone can remove locally stored photos, files, apps, and other data that has not been backed up to the cloud.

Google Account Unlock Option Found in Android 17 Code

The potential feature was reportedly discovered in the code of an upcoming Android version. The code includes a reference to an “Unlock with Google Account” option, suggesting that Google may be exploring a way to help users regain access to their devices through their Google Account.

The option could potentially appear within the device’s existing security and unlocking settings, alongside methods such as PIN, password, and fingerprint authentication.

However, it is important to note that the feature has not been officially confirmed by Google.

Android Previously Supported a Similar Feature

This would not be the first time Android has offered a Google Account-based recovery method.

According to The Telegraph, older Android versions, including Android 4.4 and earlier, allowed users to reset a forgotten unlock pattern using their Google Account. Google later removed this option with Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The reported discovery in Android 17 could indicate that Google is considering bringing a similar recovery option back, although the implementation may work differently from the older system.

When Could the Feature Arrive?

There is currently no confirmed release date for the rumored feature.

The option is reportedly present in the Android 17 code, but it has not yet been activated, including in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 release. Its presence in the code does not necessarily mean that Google will make it available in the final version.

Google has also not confirmed whether the feature will officially launch.

For now, Android users who forget their screen lock should continue using Google’s existing account-recovery and device-reset procedures rather than relying on the rumored feature.

If Google eventually enables Unlock with Google Account, it could provide users with another way to regain access to a locked phone without immediately resorting to a factory reset. However, the exact requirements, supported devices, and data-recovery process remain unknown until Google officially announces the feature.