How do I unlock a new Samsung phone when I forgot the password and lost the old phone number?
Answer
If the lock screen PIN is unknown, use Samsung Find (SmartThings Find) or the phone’s official recovery/factory reset path, then complete Google verification with recovery email or backup codes—not the lost phone number. A reset erases local data and may still require the Google account that was on the device.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset erases local photos, messages, and apps that are not backed up.
- Stop if a site or popup asks you to pay to unlock the phone or install unknown software.
Follow these steps
Try Google account unlock from the lock screen
After failed unlock attempts, look for Forgot password, Unlock with Google, or similar on the lock screen. Sign in with the Google account already on the phone if that option appears.
You should see: The phone unlocks, or no Google unlock option is offered.
Check Samsung Find from another device
On a computer or another phone, open the official SmartThings Find / Samsung Find site or app, sign in with the Samsung account used on the A57 if you have one, and see whether Lock, Unlock, or Reset options appear for this device.
You should see: You can remotely unlock or reset the phone, or you confirm the device is not registered in Samsung Find.
Recover the Google account without the old number
On a browser, start Google account recovery for the email on the phone. Prefer recovery email, backup codes, or other verified devices. Skip SMS to the lost number when Google offers another method.
You should see: You regain Google account access, or Google still blocks recovery without the old number.
Factory reset with Samsung recovery mode
If unlock is impossible, power off the phone and use Samsung’s official recovery key combo for your model (often Volume Up + Power from powered off). Choose Wipe data/factory reset, then reboot. Only use the on-phone recovery menu.
You should see: The phone restarts at the initial setup screens after wiping.
Complete setup and break the PIN/Google loop
During setup, connect to Wi‑Fi and sign in with the recovered Google account when Factory Reset Protection asks for it. Set a new screen lock only after Google verification succeeds. If setup loops before you can enter the email, restart and carefully follow each prompt in order without skipping Wi‑Fi.
You should see: Setup finishes and you can use the phone with a new PIN or password.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A PIN/pattern lock before apps, a Google sign-in loop during setup, and whether Samsung Find shows the Galaxy A57 as online.
Before you change anything: Confirm the Google account email that was added on the phone. Gather recovery email access or Google backup codes if you have them. Check whether the phone was added to Samsung Find / SmartThings Find beforehand. Expect a factory reset to erase local data. Never share passwords or one-time codes with unexpected callers.