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Accounts & PasswordsPhones & Tablets

How do you unlock a Samsung phone after forgetting the password?

Answer

Use the Google or Samsung account unlock option shown after failed attempts when available. If that fails, a factory reset from recovery restores access but erases data on the phone.

Before you start: stop right away if…

  • A factory reset erases local photos, messages, and apps that were not backed up.
  • Never pay a stranger or unknown site that promises to unlock the phone remotely.

Follow these steps

  1. Use the on-screen forgot option

    Enter incorrect attempts until the lock screen offers Forgot PIN/pattern/password. Follow prompts to verify with the Google or Samsung account previously used on the phone.

    You should see: You can set a new lock credential without wiping the phone.

  2. Check Find My Device

    From a computer, open Google Find My Device and select the Samsung phone if it appears online. Use any lock or secure options shown for your account.

    You should see: The phone shows as online and available remote actions are listed.

  3. Factory reset from recovery if needed

    Power off, boot to Android recovery with your model’s key combo (often Volume Up + Power), choose Wipe data/factory reset, confirm, then reboot.

    You should see: The phone shows the initial setup screens after the wipe.

  4. Complete Factory Reset Protection

    During setup, sign in with the same Google account that was on the phone before the reset.

    You should see: Setup continues past the account verification screen.

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Extra tips

What to look for: The lock screen rejects the password or pattern, and a forgot-password or account unlock option may appear after repeated failures.

Before you change anything: Confirm which Google or Samsung account was used on the phone. Back up anything accessible from another device before a reset. Know that a factory reset erases photos and apps stored only on the phone.

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