How to unlock a Samsung smartwatch if you forgot the password

Learn how to regain access to your Samsung smartwatch after forgetting the password using factory reset methods, Find My Mobile, or carrier assistance.

If you cannot remember the password (PIN or pattern) to unlock your Samsung smartwatch, you'll need to perform a factory reset to regain access. This process erases all data on the device, so ensure you back up important information before proceeding.

1. Why does a Samsung smartwatch require a password to unlock?

Samsung smartwatches use security locks to protect your personal data when removed from your wrist. After a period of inactivity or when taken off, the watch prompts for a password, PIN, or pattern to prevent unauthorized access.

- Security locks activate automatically when the watch detects it's no longer worn.

- Forgotten passwords can only be resolved through a factory reset or remote wipe.

2. How to factory reset your Samsung smartwatch

Follow these steps to reset your watch manually:

1. Unpair the watch from your phone:
   1. Open Settings on your phone.
   2. Tap Connections > Bluetooth.
   3. Find your watch under Paired devices, tap the gear icon, and select Unpair.
2. Power off the watch, then power it back on.
3. Press and hold the Power key until "Rebooting..." appears. For Galaxy Watch3, press and hold both Power and Back keys.
4. Release the key(s), then press and release the Power key repeatedly to enter the Reboot Mode menu.
5. Continue pressing and releasing the Power key until Recovery is highlighted.
6. Press and hold the Power key to select Recovery, then release when the screen goes dark.
7. Wait for the Factory Reset to complete. The watch will reboot afterward.
8. On the Welcome screen, pair the watch with a phone using the Galaxy Wearable app and check for software updates.

3. What if I have an LTE-enabled Samsung smartwatch?

If your LTE smartwatch was activated using a QR code, you'll need a new QR code to reactivate the service after a reset. Contact your carrier for assistance.

4. How to remotely reset a Samsung smartwatch using Find My Mobile

If you can't access the watch physically, use Find My Mobile to erase its data remotely:

1. Open a web browser and go to Find My Mobile.
2. Sign in with your Samsung account credentials.
3. Select your watch from the left panel.
4. Click Erase data on the right side and confirm the action.
5. Enter your Samsung account password to proceed.

Your watch will reset to factory settings and reboot. Pair it with a phone using the Galaxy Wearable app afterward.

5. Supported Samsung Galaxy devices

This guide applies to Galaxy Watch series devices, including Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch6, and newer models.

6. Additional things to check

- Ensure your Samsung account is active and linked to the watch.

- Verify that your phone has the latest version of the Galaxy Wearable app.

- Check for software updates on your watch after pairing.

7. When to visit a Samsung service center

If the above methods don't work, visit a Samsung walk-in service center or schedule an online repair service for further assistance.

Related Samsung support topics

- How to set up a Samsung smartwatch with the Galaxy Wearable app

- How to back up data on a Samsung smartwatch

- Troubleshooting Bluetooth connection issues between phone and watch