How do I regain access to a locked Samsung phone when the PIN or password is unknown?
Answer
Try only a few well-known PINs first—too many wrong attempts can lengthen the lockout. If the lock screen cannot be recovered, a factory reset from recovery may restore device access but erases local data, and Google account verification (FRP) may still be required afterward.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset erases local photos, messages, and apps that were not backed up to the cloud.
- Stop if a site or person asks you to pay to unlock the phone or to install unknown remote-access software.
Follow these steps
Try only familiar unlock codes
Enter only PINs or passwords you have commonly used. Stop after a few failures if a lockout timer appears, rather than guessing randomly.
You should see: Either the phone unlocks, or you confirm the code is unknown and must use recovery options.
Boot into recovery mode
Power the phone off, then use your Samsung model’s official key combo to open Android recovery (often volume up + power; exact keys vary by model).
You should see: The Android recovery menu appears with options such as Wipe data/factory reset.
Select Wipe data/factory reset
Use the volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then use power to select it. Confirm yes only if you accept that on-device data will be erased.
You should see: The phone resets and reboots to the initial setup screens.
Complete setup and Google verification
Follow on-screen setup. If Factory Reset Protection appears, sign in with the same Google account that was on the phone before the reset.
You should see: Setup completes and you can reach the home screen, or you see a clear Google sign-in requirement.
Secure the phone with a new lock
After you regain access, set a new PIN or password you will remember, and write recovery account details down in a safe place offline.
You should see: A new screen lock is active and you can unlock the phone reliably.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Whether the screen shows swipe to unlock, a PIN/password prompt, or a lockout timer after failed attempts
Before you change anything: Try only PINs or passwords you actually used; repeated guesses can trigger longer lockouts. Back up is usually impossible while locked—assume a factory reset deletes photos and apps on the phone. Have the previous Google account email and password ready for Factory Reset Protection. Never pay a stranger or remote “unlock service” that asks for codes or account access.