Learn about the new Lock screen security changes in Samsung One UI 9

To ensure your device is running the latest One UI version, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Swipe to and tap About phone or About tablet.
3. Tap Software information.
4. The current One UI version will be shown.

To protect your privacy and personal data from brute-force hacking attempts, the maximum number of unlock retries has been reduced in One UI 9.0.

To help minimize user inconvenience while maintaining high security, the system now provides:

• Clear notifications of your remaining retry attempts. 
• Explicit guidance text when repetitive incorrect entries are made.
• Smart counting that excludes identical consecutive incorrect attempts (entering the same wrong password twice back-to-back will not count as two separate failures).

It is highly recommended to double-check your PIN, Pattern, or Password before typing it.

In One UI 9.0, the total allowed attempts before a lockdown are reduced, and the temporary input restriction (lockout duration) is strictly enforced. As the number of consecutive failures increases, the time-out duration before you can try again will scale up progressively at each stage.

The lockout durations based on number of failed attempts are as follows:

Yes. Even if you primarily use biometric authentication, Android's core security policy (Strong Authentication) requires you to enter your backup PIN, Pattern, or Password at least once every 72 hours. It is crucial that you memorize and securely keep track of this backup credential.

Yes. Once you reach a specific threshold of failed entries, a warning message will explicitly display the exact number of remaining attempts right on your lock screen so you are fully aware of your device's security status.

For security reasons, Samsung cannot remotely view, retrieve, or recover your local lock screen PIN, Pattern, or Password. If it is completely forgotten, a device factory reset will be required to regain access. After a factory reset, you will be required to authenticate with the registered Samsung Account and Google Account to clear the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock.

To protect your important information, we strongly advise setting up regular cloud or smart switch backups.