Change Your Passcode in Settings

To change your Samsung passcode, open Settings and tap Biometrics and Security (or Lock Screen on some models). Select Screen Lock Type or Passwords, then choose your current lock method — PIN, pattern, or password. Enter your current passcode when prompted, then select the option to change it. Samsung will ask you to enter your new passcode twice to confirm it matches.

The exact menu names vary slightly between Samsung models and Android versions. If you cannot find Biometrics and Security, try searching "screen lock" in Settings using the search bar at the top. This search function works on most Samsung phones running Android 9 and newer.

After you confirm your new passcode, Samsung will return you to the lock screen settings menu. Your phone is now protected by the new code. Test it by locking your phone and unlocking it with the new passcode to make sure it works before you leave Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap Biometrics and Security, then Screen Lock Type to reach the passcode change menu.
  • You must enter your current passcode before you can create a new one.
  • Enter your new passcode twice so Samsung can confirm both entries match.
  • Test your new passcode by locking and unlocking your phone before you finish.
  • If you forget your current passcode, you will need to factory reset your phone through Samsung Find Mobile or your Google account.

What to Do If You Forget Your Current Passcode

If you cannot remember your current passcode, you cannot change it through Settings — Samsung requires you to enter the old code first. Instead, you have two options: use Samsung Find Mobile (if you set up a Samsung account) or use your Google account to unlock the phone.

For Samsung Find Mobile, visit findmobile.samsung.com from another device, sign in with your Samsung account, select your phone, and choose Unlock My Mobile. Samsung will send a command to your phone that removes the lock. You can then set a new passcode in Settings.

If you do not have a Samsung account, you can use your Google account instead. After entering an incorrect passcode five times, your phone will show a message offering to unlock via Google. Tap that option, sign in with the Google account linked to your phone, and Samsung will unlock it. Then go to Settings and create a new passcode.

Changing Between Different Lock Types

You can switch from a PIN to a pattern, password, or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition) without keeping your old passcode. Open Settings > Biometrics and Security > Screen Lock Type, enter your current passcode, then select a different lock method from the list.

Samsung will ask you to set up the new lock type — for example, if you choose fingerprint, you will scan your finger multiple times so the phone learns your print. Once you confirm the new method, your old passcode is replaced. You do not need to remember it anymore.

If you want to use both a passcode and biometric lock (fingerprint or face), you can set that up in the same menu. Choose your primary lock type, then go back to Biometrics and Security and turn on Fingerprint or Face Recognition as a secondary option. Your phone will then unlock with either method.

Common Mistakes That Lock You Out

The most common mistake is entering your new passcode incorrectly the second time. If the two entries do not match exactly, Samsung will show an error and ask you to start over. Take your time typing — spaces, numbers, and capital letters all matter. If you use a password (letters and numbers mixed), write it down somewhere safe before you confirm it in Settings.

Another mistake is changing your passcode and then when ready forgetting it. Before you leave the Settings menu, lock your phone and test the new passcode at least once. This takes 30 seconds and prevents you from being locked out of your own phone.

Do not change your passcode while your phone is low on battery or about to restart. If the phone shuts down during the change, it may leave your lock screen in an unstable state. Wait until your battery is above 50 percent and you have a few minutes of uninterrupted time.

Using a Strong Passcode

A strong passcode is at least six digits long (for a PIN) or eight characters long (for a password). If you choose a PIN, avoid obvious patterns like 123456, 000000, or your birth year. If you choose a password, mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — for example, BlueSky#2024 is stronger than bluesky2024.

Samsung allows you to set a passcode as short as four digits, but longer codes are harder to guess. The trade-off is that you will type it more often, so choose something you can remember without writing it down. If you must write it down, store it somewhere find — not on a sticky note on your monitor.

If you use the same passcode on multiple devices, change all of them if one device is lost or stolen. A passcode that protects your phone is only as strong as the weakest place you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my passcode without entering the old one?

No. Samsung requires you to enter your current passcode before you can change it. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from changing your lock code if they gain temporary access to your phone. If you forgot your current passcode, use Samsung Find Mobile or your Google account to unlock the phone first.

What happens if I enter the wrong passcode too many times?

After five incorrect attempts, Samsung will lock you out for 30 seconds. The wait time increases with each failed attempt — after 10 failures, you may wait several minutes. If you are locked out, wait for the timer to expire, then try again. If you cannot remember the passcode at all, use Samsung Find Mobile or your Google account to unlock the phone.

Will changing my passcode affect my fingerprint or face unlock?

No. Your biometric locks (fingerprint and face recognition) work independently from your passcode. Changing your PIN or password does not affect them. If you have both set up, you can unlock your phone with either method.

Can I use a passcode with letters and numbers?

Yes. In the Screen Lock Type menu, choose Password instead of PIN. A password lock lets you use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This creates a stronger lock than a PIN alone, but you will need to type more characters each time you unlock your phone.

What if my phone is frozen and I cannot open Settings?

Restart your phone by holding the power button for 10 seconds until it shuts down, then press power again to turn it back on. Once it restarts, try opening Settings again. If Settings still will not open, you may need to factory reset your phone through Samsung Find Mobile or your Google account, which will erase all data and let you set a new passcode.