How do I unlock a Samsung Galaxy phone after forgetting the screen lock password?
Answer
If you cannot recall the PIN, pattern, or password, the usual recovery path is a factory reset from Android recovery (Wipe data/factory reset). That unlocks the phone but erases local data. After reset, you may still need the Google or Samsung account that was on the phone because of Factory Reset Protection.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Factory reset permanently deletes local phone data that was not backed up.
- Stop if a site or person asks you to pay to unlock the phone or install unknown software.
Follow these steps
Check for any on-screen forgot option
On the lock screen, look for Forgot password / PIN hints or account unlock. If nothing usable appears after several careful attempts, stop guessing repeatedly and proceed to recovery reset.
You should see: Either an account unlock path appears, or you confirm reset is needed.
Boot into Android recovery
Power the phone off. Then use your Galaxy model’s recovery key combo (commonly Power + Volume Up, sometimes with Bixby) until the Android recovery menu appears. Use volume keys to move and Power to select.
You should see: You see a recovery menu that includes Wipe data/factory reset.
Select Wipe data/factory reset
Highlight Wipe data/factory reset with the volume keys, press Power to select it, then confirm Yes. When finished, select Reboot system now.
You should see: The phone erases user data and restarts to the initial setup screens.
Complete Factory Reset Protection sign-in
During setup, enter the same Google account (and Samsung account if asked) that was previously on the phone. You cannot finish setup with a random new account if FRP is active.
You should see: Setup accepts the previous account and lets you create a new screen lock.
Restore from backup if available
After you regain the home screen, sign into Google/Samsung and restore from a cloud backup if one exists. Set a new screen lock you can store securely.
You should see: Some apps and settings return, and a new lock method is in place.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 6 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: Lock-screen forgot options if shown, Android recovery menu item Wipe data/factory reset, and Google/Samsung account prompts after the reset.
Before you change anything: Understand that a factory reset deletes apps, photos, and messages stored only on the phone. Have the Google account email and password that were previously on the phone ready. Charge the phone before starting recovery steps. Never pay a stranger or random site that claims it can unlock the phone remotely.