How do I unlock an Android phone when I forgot the PIN?
Answer
If you cannot recall the PIN, the usual path is a factory reset from recovery mode, then signing back in with the Google or Samsung account that was on the phone to pass Factory Reset Protection.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset permanently deletes data that was not backed up.
Follow these steps
Try Google Find My Device first
From a computer, open Google Find Hub / Find My Device, select the phone, and see if Unlock or reset options appear while it is online.
You should see: Remote unlock works, or you learn a reset is required.
Boot into recovery
Power off. Use the model’s recovery key combo (often Volume Up + Power on many Samsungs) until the Android recovery menu appears.
You should see: You see options including Wipe data/factory reset.
Factory reset
Highlight Wipe data/factory reset with the volume keys, press Power to confirm, then reboot the system.
You should see: The phone restarts to initial setup.
Pass Factory Reset Protection
During setup, sign in with the same Google account (and Samsung account if asked) that was on the phone before the reset.
You should see: Setup completes and you can set a new PIN.
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Extra tips
What to look for: PIN/pattern lock screen with no remembered code; Samsung or Pixel-style recovery menu.
Before you change anything: Understand that a factory reset erases photos, messages, and apps on the device. Confirm you know the Google account email and password that were used on the phone. Prefer Find My Device remote unlock only if the phone is online and still signed in.