How do I set a screen lock PIN or password on a new Samsung Galaxy phone?
Answer
That prompt is usually creating a new device screen lock, not asking for your old phone’s password. You can often go back and choose PIN instead of Password, then create a new PIN or password you will remember and can enter every time you unlock the phone.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- If you forget the screen lock you create, you may need a factory reset and could lose data that is not backed up.
- Stop if a site or popup asks you to pay to unlock setup or install unknown software.
Follow these steps
Confirm it is the screen lock step
Read the screen title and text. If it says set a screen lock, secure your phone, or similar—not “Sign in with Google”—you are creating a device unlock method.
You should see: You know you need a new PIN/password for this phone, not an old device code.
Choose PIN instead of Password if available
Go back one screen if you can and choose PIN instead of Password. Create a PIN that meets the minimum length shown, then confirm it when asked.
You should see: Setup accepts the PIN and continues to the next step.
Create a Password only if you prefer one
If you stay on Password, invent a new password that meets the on-screen rules (for example at least four characters and any required symbol or digit). Enter it twice exactly as shown.
You should see: The password is accepted and setup proceeds.
Finish Google or Samsung sign-in separately
If a Google or Samsung account screen appears next, sign in with that account’s own password. That account password is separate from the screen lock you just created.
You should see: Account sign-in completes without replacing your new screen lock.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A setup screen titled Password or Screen lock that lists rules such as at least 4 characters, and options nearby for PIN, Pattern, or Password.
Before you change anything: Decide on a new PIN or password you will remember; write it down securely if needed. Do not reuse a banking password if you can avoid it. Confirm whether the prompt is for screen lock, Google account, or Samsung account—each is different. Never share the new lock code with unexpected callers.