How do I unlock a Samsung Galaxy S24 when the PIN is rejected?
Answer
Stop guessing PINs so the phone can cool down, wait at least 30 minutes, then try the PIN once more carefully. If it still fails, use Samsung Find (SmartThings Find) remote unlock if available; a factory reset is a last resort and erases the phone.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset erases apps, photos, and messages that are not backed up.
Follow these steps
Wait out the lockout timer
Do not enter any PIN for at least 30 minutes. When the keypad becomes available again, enter the PIN slowly and carefully one time.
You should see: The phone unlocks, or it clearly rejects that PIN again without a longer lockout caused by rapid guesses.
Try known recent PINs only
If you changed the PIN recently, try only those known recent codes after each required wait. Do not run through long lists of guesses.
You should see: One known PIN works, or every known PIN fails and you move to account-based recovery.
Use Samsung Find remote unlock if available
On a computer or another phone, sign in to Samsung Find, also called SmartThings Find, at the official Samsung find site. Select the Galaxy S24 and use Unlock if that option is offered for your account and device.
You should see: The phone unlocks remotely, or Unlock is unavailable and you know a reset may be required.
Confirm Google and Samsung account access
On another device, make sure you can still sign in to the Google and Samsung accounts used on this phone. You will need them after any reset because of Factory Reset Protection.
You should see: You can sign into both accounts, or you know which login must be recovered before wiping the phone.
Factory reset only as a last resort
If unlock options fail and you accept data loss, power off the Galaxy S24, then use the model’s recovery key combo to open Android recovery. Highlight Wipe data/factory reset or Delete all user data, confirm Yes or Factory data reset, then reboot and sign in with the same Google account that was on the phone.
You should see: The phone resets to the setup screens and accepts your Google account, or setup blocks you until the correct account is used.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Messages such as Forgot PIN or incorrect PIN, any countdown before the next try, and whether the Galaxy S24 is still linked to your Samsung and Google accounts.
Before you change anything: Stop entering random PINs; repeated failures extend the lockout. Confirm you can sign in to your Samsung account on another device. Understand that a factory reset deletes photos, messages, and apps not backed up. Never share your PIN, Samsung password, or Google password with unexpected callers.