Question Phone locked after removing security pattern and it froze

[BLychee]

Hi there, I was removing my security pattern so that there's no security at all and the Settings Security app froze. I forced closed it, reopened, froze again. I resetted the phone, it asked for a pattern and my previous pattern didn't work. I can't even turn Location on without it asking for the pattern (pretty sure I left it on), therefore Google Find My Device doesn't work. There's no "Forgot pattern" option either. Have tried Safe Mode, no luck. Have attempted 60 times now. Have read many forum posts.

Is there a way to activate Location?
Is there a way to make it auto backup if I purchase more storage? I had it turned off due to full storage.
Can I take my device to a phone repairer?
If I factory reset, can I recover the files?
I have 6 months of photos that aren't backed up.

My phone is an Xperia 5 ii. Screen shows my name, connects to my WiFi. I can even pick up phone calls.

Kind regards

 

[methodman89]

What's a settings security app?
Here's where you select the security choice.

 

[BLychee]

What's a settings security app?
Here's where you select the security choice.

Yes, that's the settings app that froze

 

[methodman89]

Clear your cache partition.
Here are your steps.

Power off the device

Press and hold the power button and volume UP button until recovery mode appears

Use volume buttons to highlight ‘wipe cache partition‘ and use the power key to select it.

Confirm with power button if required

After the wiping operating is completed press on the “Reboot system now” option on the screen.