If your screen was locked by pattern, you probly had to set up a backup pin. Usually after a few unsuccessful attempts it will ask you for this.

Think you can reset a phone, but you have to set everything back up again. I think it's using the up or down volume key and power button at same time...not sure which now. I unlocked an old android phone when I forgot password. I do not use that particular phone, but wanted to unlock it so that maybe when I had one phone busy then I could use the other.
Like, for instance downloading on connected phone
And taking videos with other phone....whereas you can put vid on laptop then to other connected phone later, if you want.