How can I unlock my Galaxy device if I forgot the security PIN, pattern or password?

Last Update date : Mar 09. 2024

If you forgot how to unlock your mobile device or if the lock method you registered on your mobile device does not work, you can proceed to unlock your mobile device by using the Find My Mobile feature or use the Smart Lock feature on your mobile device. You can view the detailed steps for each method below.

RemoteUnlock

Unlock your mobile device using Find My Mobile feature

The Find My Mobile feature, as its name suggests, is a feature that helps you find your mobile device.  You can remotely unlock your mobile device by accessing the Find My Mobile website. In order to use this feature however, you need to make sure your mobile device has met the following preconditions outlined below.

  

  • Mobile device must be turned on.
  • Mobile device must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
  • Your Samsung account must be registered on your mobile device and have the Remote unlock option enabled.

 

Please view the details outlined below that provide steps to enable the Remoted unlock option on your mobile device as well as how to unlock your mobile device using the Find My Mobile website.

In case you want to be prepared for this situation to happen in the future, here is a guide on how to enable remote unlocking from your Galaxy.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Biometrics and security.

Step 2. Tap on Find My Mobile.

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Step 3. To enable the Remote unlock option, tap the switch.

RemoteUnlock

Step 1. Open the internet browser on your notebook and input the following website address: https://findmymobile.samsung.com, click on the Sign in button and input your login credentials of your Samsung account, then click on Sign in button once more.

FindmyMobile

Step 2. The mobile device registered under your Samsung account will appear on the right-side of the screen. If you have multiple devices registered under the same Samsung account, make sure you select the device that needs to be remotely unlocked. Refer to the image below and click on the Unlock icon to unlock your device.

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Step 3. Once you click on Unlock, a pop-up window will appear asking to verify the password of your Samsung account. After you input your password, click on the NEXT button, the pop-up window will automatically close and another pop-up window will appear with the result of remotely unlocking your device.

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Unlock your mobile device using the Smart Lock feature

You can set the device to unlock itself and remain unlocked when trusted locations or devices are detected.

  

For example, if you have set your home as a trusted location, when you get home your device will detect the location and automatically unlock itself.

 

  • This feature will be available to use after you set a screen lock method.
  • If you do not use your device for four hours or when you turn on the device, you must unlock the screen using the pattern, PIN, or password you set.

In case you want to be prepared for this situation to happen in the future, here is a guide on how to enable remote unlocking from your Galaxy.

Step 1. On the Settings screen, tap Lock screen > Smart Lock.

Lockfeature

Step 2. Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method.

 

Step 3. Select an option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

 

The type of Smart Lock method

  • On-body detection: Keep your device unlocked while it's on you
  • Trusted places: Add location where device should be unlocked
  • Trusted devices: Add device to keep this one unlocked when it's nearby
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Note: It is not recommended to use the On-body detection to set as a Smart Lock because this mode is unable to distinguish between the actual owner of the mobile device and a complete stranger.

Visit a Samsung Service Centre for factory reset

If you’ve lost access to your device due to forgotten account details and have exhausted other recovery options, a visit to a Samsung Service Centre or your phone carrier’s store is your next step. Here, upon presenting proof of purchase, service staff can assist with a factory reset of your device. Be aware that this process will completely erase all data on your phone.

Important considerations:

  • Data erasure: A factory reset will remove all personal information, settings, and installed apps. To avoid losing important data, it's advised to regularly perform backups.

  • Out-of-warranty charges: Devices locked with Google device protection may incur charges, as they are treated as out-of-warranty repairs.

  • Required documentation: You may be asked to provide identification, proof of carrier subscription, or other relevant documents, especially in situations involving minors.

Note that the service centres are not equipped to unlock devices without deleting all user data due to security and privacy protocols. Therefore, a factory reset is the standard procedure for regaining access to your device.

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