How to unlock your Samsung Galaxy device using the previous screen lock method

Last Update date : May 22. 2026

Setting a screen lock helps protect your personal information and data on your phone. If you forget your current screen lock method, using the pattern, PIN, or password you set before may help you unlock your phone quickly and easily. Follow this guide to learn how to unlock your phone with your previous screen lock method.

Note:

  • Unlocking with the previous screen lock method (PIN/password/pattern) is supported on Galaxy models running One UI 6.1 or later.
  • This feature is available when a screen lock using a PIN, password, or pattern was previously set and the password has been changed to a new one.

Things to know about setting a previous screen lock method (PIN, password, or pattern)

If you change your screen lock from an existing PIN, password, or pattern to a new PIN, password, or pattern, the previous screen lock method is temporarily saved for 72 hours. During this period, you may use the previous method to reset the current screen lock if you forget it.

New PIN set screen with OK highlighted New PIN set screen with OK highlighted

Previous password information screen

Note: Previous screen lock data is stored for 72 hours after the PIN, password, or pattern is changed, then deleted.

Delete the previous screen lock method

If you do not want your previous PIN, password, or pattern to be saved during the 72-hour period, delete it from Secure lock settings. Follow the steps below to delete the previous screen lock method.

Settings app icon highlighted Settings app icon highlighted

01. Tap Settings.

Lock screen and AOD menu highlighted Lock screen and AOD menu highlighted

02. Select Lock screen and AOD.

Secure lock settings menu highlighted Secure lock settings menu highlighted

03. Select Secure lock settings.

Secure lock settings screen with Delete previous PIN highlighted Secure lock settings screen with Delete previous PIN highlighted

04. Select Delete previous PIN.

Delete confirmation pop-up with Delete highlighted Delete confirmation pop-up with Delete highlighted

05. Tap Delete.

Unlock your device using a previous screen lock

If you forget the new PIN, password, or pattern within 72 hours after setting it, follow the steps below to unlock your device using your previous screen lock method.

Lock screen with Forgot PIN highlighted Lock screen with Forgot PIN highlighted

01. Tap Forgot PIN.

Previous PIN entry screen Previous PIN entry screen

02. Enter your previous PIN, then tap OK.

Screen lock and biometrics screen with screen lock options displayed Screen lock and biometrics screen with screen lock options displayed

03. Select a screen lock type.

PIN setup screen with Continue highlighted PIN setup screen with Continue highlighted

04. Enter a new PIN, then tap Continue.

PIN confirmation screen with OK highlighted PIN confirmation screen with OK highlighted

05. Re-enter the new PIN, then tap OK.

Note:

  • The Forgot PIN, Forgot password, or Forgot pattern option appears after five or more failed unlock attempts.
  • If the previous PIN, password, or pattern is entered incorrectly three times, no further attempts can be made.
  • The names, menu paths, and screen configurations of the described features or services may vary depending on the model, software version, and app version.

Related Questions

Thank you for your feedback!

Contact Info

WhatsApp
WhatsApp WhatsApp

Help you is now easier through our official WhatsApp channel.

Monday to Saturday
8:00 a.m. a 12:00 a.m.
Start chatting

LiveChat
LiveChat LiveChat

Attention with our expert staff in Samsung products.

Monday to Saturday
8:00 a.m. a 12:00 a.m.
Start chatting

More communication Channels

There are a number of a different ways of contacting us via Live Chat, Email and more.
Learn more

Face to face Support

Whether your product is in warranty or out of warranty, we're here to help.
Find a Support Center
View more