A method and device for changing input states of an electronic device, the device comprising an input portion and being capable of carrying out user operations, the input states comprising a locked state, where the use of the input portion is significantly restricted, and an unlocked state, where the use of the input portion is not restricted, the locked and unlocked states being respectively enterable by a locking and unlocking input. A further input state is an intermediate unlocked state in which a limited operational use of the input portion is possible; which method comprises entering the intermediate unlocked state from the locked state, based on user input; detecting termination of a user operation in the intermediate unlocked state, and entering the locked state, in response thereto. There is also provided an input controller, a keypad and a mobile electronic device implementing these features.