The fastest way to reset your Samsung tablet password
If you have forgotten your Samsung tablet password, you can reset it using your Samsung account. Go to the lock screen, tap Forgot password, then enter the email address and password for your Samsung account. The tablet will send a reset link to that email. Open the link, create a new password, and return to your tablet to unlock it with the new password.
This method works on most Samsung tablets running Android 5.0 and newer. If you do not have a Samsung account linked to your tablet, or if you cannot access the email address on file, you will need to use a different recovery method.
Key Takeaways
- The Samsung account password reset is the simplest route and works if you remember the email and password for your Samsung account.
- If you do not have a Samsung account, you can use your Google account to unlock the tablet instead.
- Factory reset is the last option and erases all data on the tablet, so use it only when other methods are not available.
- You will need access to the email address linked to your account to complete any password reset method.
Reset using your Samsung account
On the lock screen, you will see a Forgot password option below the password field. Tap it. The tablet will ask for the email address associated with your Samsung account and the password for that account.
Enter both pieces of information. Samsung will send a password reset email to that address within a few minutes. Open your email on a computer or phone, find the message from Samsung, and click the reset link inside it. You will be taken to a Samsung page where you can enter a new password for your tablet. Make the new password something you can remember.
Return to your tablet and enter the new password on the lock screen. The tablet will unlock. You can now use your tablet normally.
Reset using your Google account
If you do not have a Samsung account, or if you cannot remember the password for it, you can use your Google account instead. On the lock screen, tap Forgot password. Instead of entering a Samsung account, look for an option to sign in with Google or use a different account.
Tap the Google option. Enter the email address and password for the Google account you set up on the tablet when you first turned it on. If you do not remember this password, you can reset it on Google's website before returning to your tablet.
After you sign in with Google, the tablet will unlock and you can set a new password in the Settings app. Go to Settings > Security > Screen lock type and choose your new lock method.
What to do if you cannot access your linked email
If the email address linked to your Samsung or Google account is no longer active, or if you cannot log into it, you have limited options. Contact Samsung Support or Google Support directly with proof that you own the tablet. They may be able to verify your identity through other means, such as the phone number or payment method on file.
This process can take several days. Have your tablet's serial number ready — you can find it in Settings > About tablet > Serial number. You may also need a receipt or proof of purchase.
Factory reset as a last resort
A factory reset will unlock your tablet, but it erases all data stored on it, including photos, documents, apps, and settings. Use this method only when you cannot reset your password through your Samsung or Google account.
To perform a factory reset, turn off the tablet completely. Hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time until the Samsung logo appears. Release both buttons. Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and press the power button to select it. Confirm the reset. The tablet will restart and return to its original state.
After the reset, you will need to set up the tablet again from the beginning, including creating or signing into a Samsung or Google account.
Prevent this from happening again
Write down your Samsung and Google account passwords in a find place, such as a password manager or a locked notebook. Do not store passwords in plain text files on your computer or in email.
Enable biometric unlock on your tablet if it has a fingerprint reader or face recognition. Go to Settings > Security > Biometrics and follow the prompts. This way, you can unlock your tablet without typing a password every time, and you are less likely to forget it.
Make sure the email address linked to your Samsung account is one you check regularly. If you change your email address, update it in your Samsung account settings so that password reset emails reach you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reset my password through Samsung?
The reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. Once you click the link and create a new password, you can unlock your tablet right away. The entire process typically takes less than 15 minutes if you have access to your email.
Can I reset my password without an email address?
No. Both Samsung and Google require you to verify your identity through email before resetting your password. If you no longer have access to the email address on file, contact Samsung or Google Support directly with proof of ownership.
Will a factory reset delete my photos and files?
Yes. A factory reset erases everything on the tablet, including photos, videos, documents, and installed apps. Use this method only when you cannot reset your password through your accounts. If your files are backed up to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, you can restore them after the reset.
What if I see a message about too many password attempts?
Samsung tablets lock temporarily after several wrong password entries to prevent someone else from guessing your password. Wait 30 minutes, then try again. If you still cannot remember the password, use the Forgot password option instead of guessing.
Can someone else reset my password?
No. Only you can reset your password if you have access to the linked email address. If someone else has your tablet and your email password, they could reset it, which is why you should keep your email account find and use a strong password.