Unlocking Pattern Locks With Aroma File Manager: A Guide

Forgetting your Android phone's pattern lock can be frustrating, but there's a solution beyond performing a system reset or Gmail account reset. This is where the Aroma File Manager comes in. Aroma File Manager is a recovery-based file manager for Android devices that allows you to access your filesystem when your device is in recovery mode. It's not a typical application that you can install and run on your OS, and it's specifically designed for advanced users who are familiar with concepts like ROMs, recovery, and bootloader. To use Aroma File Manager to reset your pattern lock, your phone needs to be rooted, and you'll have to unlock your bootloader. You'll then download and install the Aroma File Manager ZIP, boot your device into recovery mode, and follow a series of steps to locate and delete the 'gesture.key' file. This method may not work on all phones, but it offers a potential solution to unlock your Android device without losing your data.

Download Aroma File Manager

To download Aroma File Manager, you must first ensure that your Android phone is rooted and that you have unlocked your phone's bootloader. This is because Aroma File Manager is a recovery-based file manager, which means it is not a typical application that you can install and run in your OS. Instead, it is used to access your filesystem when your device is in recovery mode.

Once you have ensured that your phone is rooted and your bootloader is unlocked, you can follow these steps to download and install Aroma File Manager:

• Download the Aroma File Manager ZIP file from a reputable source and save it to your device's internal storage or external SD card. You can find the latest version of the Aroma File Manager ZIP file on sites like All Mobi Tools, AllFlashFiles.net, and Whatsontech.
• Reboot your device into recovery mode. This can usually be done by powering off your device and then pressing and holding a specific hardware key combination (e.g., Volume Up + Power). The specific key combination may vary depending on your device.
• Once in recovery mode, navigate to the option to install a ZIP file from your device's storage.
• Browse and select the Aroma File Manager ZIP file that you downloaded earlier.
• Follow any on-screen instructions to install Aroma File Manager.

After installing Aroma File Manager, you can use it to perform various file management tasks, such as copying, moving, deleting, and renaming files and folders. It also provides access to system files and directories if your device is rooted. Keep in mind that modifying system files can be risky, so it is recommended to be cautious and make backups before making any significant changes.

Boot into recovery mode

To use the Aroma File Manager to unlock your Android phone, you must first boot your device into recovery mode. This will allow you to access all files on your phone, even if your phone has a pattern lock.

• Download the Aroma File Manager flashable zip package (aromafm-1.91.zip) from the developer's website.
• Copy the zip package to the internal storage of your device. Do not copy it inside any folder.
• Reboot your device into recovery mode. You can do this by pressing and holding the power button and volume-up button simultaneously. The method may vary depending on your device, so check online for specific instructions for your phone model.
• Once in recovery mode, use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.
• From the recovery mode menu, choose "Install" or "Install Zip from SD Card" and select the Aroma zip package.
• The Aroma File Manager should now load, and you can perform your desired tasks, such as removing the pattern lock.

Note that this method may not work on all devices, and it requires your phone to be rooted with an unlocked bootloader. Make sure to back up your important data before proceeding, as there is a risk of data loss during the process.

Find the 'gesture.key' file

Find the gesture.key file

The gesture.key file is located in the data/system folder on your device. If you are unable to find it there, try looking in the sd-ext/system/ folder as well. This file contains the schema that locks your phone.

Once you have located the gesture.key file, delete it and then reboot your phone. When your phone boots up, it will ask you to create a new lock pattern. Simply draw any pattern, and it will open. You can then go to the settings menu and create a new pattern lock.

Please note that this method of unlocking your phone pattern may not work on all devices. It is important to ensure that your phone is rooted and that you have unlocked the bootloader before attempting this process. Additionally, make sure to back up all important data before proceeding.

Delete the file

To delete the file, you must first download and install the AROMA File Manager ZIP. Once you have done this, go to your recovery and flash the ZIP file. You can find tutorials online for how to flash a ZIP file.

After flashing, the recovery file will open. Go to Menu -> Settings -> Automount all devices on startup. Exit the Aroma File manager. Now, find the file named 'gesture.key' located in data/system. It might also be in sd-ext/system/, so try this folder if you cannot locate it in the first directory.

Long-press and delete the 'gesture.key' file. If you want to remove a password instead of a pattern, delete the 'password.key' file. Exit the Aroma File Manager and reboot your device.

When your phone boots up, it will ask for a lock pattern. Draw any pattern, and it will open. You can then go to settings -> security to set a new pattern lock.

Reboot your phone

Rebooting your phone is the final step in removing a pattern lock using the Aroma File Manager. Before you reboot, you will need to download and install the Aroma File Manager ZIP file and boot your device into recovery mode. Once in recovery mode, you can access all files on your phone and delete the pattern lock.

To reboot your phone, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you have completed all the previous steps to remove the pattern lock. This includes downloading and installing the Aroma File Manager ZIP file, booting your device into recovery mode, and deleting the necessary files related to the pattern lock.
• Physically press and hold the power button on your device. This will bring up the power menu.
• In the power menu, select the "Reboot" or "Restart" option. This will initiate the reboot process.
• Wait for your device to completely shut down and then power back on. This may take a few minutes.
• Once your device has rebooted, it will start up as if it were a new device. You will be asked to set up your device, including creating a new lock pattern or password.

It is important to note that the process of removing a pattern lock using the Aroma File Manager is complex and may not work on all devices. It is always recommended to have a backup of your data before attempting any such procedures. Additionally, make sure that you have a sufficient battery charge before beginning the process to avoid any interruptions.

Frequently asked questions