The disclosure relates to a system and method for unlocking and unlocking access to a device. The system comprises: a graphical user interface (GUI) module providing instructions to a microprocessor operating on the electronic device and an access management module providing instructions to the microprocessor. The GUI module provides instructions to generate on a display of the electronic device an interface for entry and modification of a tap pattern used to change an access state of the electronic device; and process inputs from an input device through the interface that select described levels of movement and described locations for expected tap signals for the tap pattern. The access management module provides instructions to receive signals from a monitoring circuit in the electronic device that processes a tap signal received from an accelerometer in the electronic device; and determine whether the tap signal completes a match for the tap pattern.