Reset Android Screen Lock

*** NOTE: the following is not relevant after 2015 ***

Under certain situations on some phone models, and when MMGuardian Uninstall Protection is enabled, if the MMGuardian Parental Control app detects a serious attempt to tamper with the app, the Android Screen Lock will be enabled.

Specifically, if the device user attempts to deactivate the MMGuardian Device Admin in the Android Settings menu, on some phones and tablets, the app will immediately lock the device, using the Android Screen Lock.

The Screen Lock password will be set to the MMGuardian admin password. This will replace the previous Screen Lock setting, which may have been configured as a simple swipe, a PIN, a pattern or some other password.

The device will now be locked using the Android Screen Lock and will require the MMGuardian admin password to be entered, to access the device.

Emergency Calls

When the Screen Lock is enabled, it is still possible to place a call to the emergency services, and also to receive calls. On many phones it will not however be possible to read or send SMS text messages.

Admin Alert

At the same time that the screen lock is enabled, the MMGuardian Parental Control app will send an SMS alert to the admin phone(s), so that you are aware of the situation and can handle it in a manner appropriate for the situation.

Gaining Access the Locked Phone

Enter your MMGuardian admin password in the Lock Screen password entry box.

Once you have gained access to the phone:

• Check that MMGuardian is still installed and functioning
• Check that the MMGuardian Uninstall Protection is still enabled
• Reset the Android Screen Lock, if your child has not already done this (see below).

Allowing Child to Access the Locked Phone

If you do not have physical access to the phone to enter the admin password, and if your child requires urgent access to the phone, you would need to disclose your MMGuardian password.

Once the password has been used to gain access to the phone by your child, you should reset your MMGuardian Password (see below).

When you do have access to the phone:

• Check that MMGuardian is still installed and functioning
• Check that the MMGuardian Uninstall Protection is still enabled
• Reset the Android Screen Lock, if your child has not already done this (see below).

Resetting the MMGuardian Admin Password

Please first ensure that either you or your child has successfully accessed the phone, as described above.  If your child now knows the MMGuardian admin password, please reset the admin password. This can be done either from within the MMGuardian app on the phone, or the web portal, or Parent App.

Resetting the Android Screen Lock

• Open the Android settings menu/app.
• Depending on the Android version used on the phone: Either scroll to “Lock Screen” and select that, or scroll to Security, and select that.
• Tap on “Screen Lock”: you will then be prompted to enter the lock password which would be your MMGuardian admin one.
• You’ll then be able to select the desired “screen lock” to reset it to what it was before, a swipe, a PIN, or a pattern, etc.

Note that this new “screen lock” you select is not related to the MMGuardian lock or admin password. Its just what your child would rely on to prevent friends or others at school from being able to get into the phone. So actually, the “swipe” or “motion” options are not recommended even if that’s what was used in the past,  as they don’t prevent others from accessing the phone.