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How to disable factory reset on incorrect pin/pattern

SOLVED
Gonce
Visitor

How to disable factory reset on incorrect pin/pattern

Since upgrading my Xperia Z to Android 5.1.1 the lock screen has enabled a security feature that does a factory reset if the pin or pattern is entered incorrectly too many times.
How can I disable this feature? I want to have a pin or pattern lock but don't want the phone wiped if my kids get their hands on it.
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Accepted Solutions
Emir1
Hero

Hi @Gonce,

This is not a built-in feature but likely a policy from a service that you've added as a device administrator. The most common one would be an Exchange ActiveSync account (from your workplace for example), where your server has a policy which resets the device when the PIN is entered incorrectly too many times.

Do you know if you have such an account added? If so, contact the server administrator for further assistance in disabling the feature. If not, check the current device administrators under Settings > Security > Device administrators. By clicking an administrator here you can see which operations are allowed for it.

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_alexdon_
Expert

@Gonce I thought starting 5.1.1 this was not a feature anymore:

/t5/Xperia-Z3/Unlock-attempts/m-p/1072293#M27359

alexdon
Emir1
Hero

Hi @Gonce,

This is not a built-in feature but likely a policy from a service that you've added as a device administrator. The most common one would be an Exchange ActiveSync account (from your workplace for example), where your server has a policy which resets the device when the PIN is entered incorrectly too many times.

Do you know if you have such an account added? If so, contact the server administrator for further assistance in disabling the feature. If not, check the current device administrators under Settings > Security > Device administrators. By clicking an administrator here you can see which operations are allowed for it.

Gonce
Visitor

I do have a work email (provided by Mobile Iron - Mobile work client) installed.
I guess I either have to be careful to keep it out of the reach of the kids or stop using work email. 😞
I can at least tell my wife she can upgrade her Z1 without fearing this feature being forced on her.
Thanks!
Emir1
Hero

Oh I see, yes those would be the options if the server administrator can't assist you.

Yes, your wife is free to upgrade without having such a feature forced on to her unless she also uses a similar account.