How do I fix a Samsung Galaxy S21 stuck on an unusual lock-screen keyboard?
Answer
Restart the phone, wait out any lock cooldown, and look for Forgot PIN / Forgot Password on the lock screen. Do not enter random number sequences. If the keyboard layout is wrong, you usually cannot set a new PIN until the normal recovery path or an official reset is available.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never enter a PIN provided by an unexpected person, chat, or unlock website—those can lock you out longer or be a scam.
- A factory reset usually erases local data and may still require the Google account that was on the phone.
Follow these steps
Restart the phone once
Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons until the Samsung logo appears, then let the phone boot to the lock screen again.
You should see: The lock screen reloads; the keyboard may return to a normal PIN pad or still show the unusual layout.
Wait through the lock cooldown
If the screen says to try again later, wait the full time shown—often up to a couple of hours after many failed attempts—before typing anything else.
You should see: The phone allows another unlock attempt or reveals Forgot PIN / Forgot Password.
Use Forgot PIN on the lock screen
When available, tap Forgot PIN (or Forgot Password / Forgot Pattern) and follow Samsung’s on-screen Google account verification. Do not type guessed or third-party PIN numbers.
You should see: You can create a new lock method, or the phone explains that reset is required.
Check whether a normal keypad returns
After restart or cooldown, confirm whether the lock screen shows a standard number pad. An unusual keyboard often means you still cannot change the PIN from that screen until recovery completes.
You should see: You either unlock successfully or know recovery/reset is the next official step.
Use official reset only if you accept data loss
If recovery options fail, follow Samsung’s official factory reset / recovery instructions for Galaxy S21, then sign in with the previous Google account when Factory Reset Protection appears. Consider returning to the repair shop if the issue began right after their service.
You should see: The phone reaches setup with the prior Google account, or the repair shop can continue diagnostics.
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Extra tips
What to look for: Forgot PIN, Forgot Password, or Forgot Pattern; a try-again timer; and whether the lock screen shows a normal number pad or an unusual keyboard layout.
Before you change anything: Confirm you are the phone’s owner and know the Google account used on the S21 before the repair. Assume a reset may erase data. Do not enter PINs suggested by strangers or chat transcripts. Never share Google passwords or codes with unexpected callers.