The fastest way depends on what you remember

If you have forgotten your PIN, pattern, or password, Samsung tablets offer several routes back in — but which one works depends on whether you remember your Samsung account password, have a backup PIN, or can use your fingerprint or face recognition. The method that works fastest is the one that matches what you still have access to.

Start by trying your fingerprint or face unlock if you set those up. If those do not work, your next step is your Samsung account password, which unlocks most tablets without erasing anything. If you do not remember that either, you can use a backup PIN if you created one, or reset the tablet entirely — which erases all data but gets you back in.

Key Takeaways

  • Fingerprint and face unlock bypass the lock screen entirely if you set them up before being locked out.
  • Your Samsung account password can unlock the tablet without erasing data, as long as you remember it.
  • A backup PIN, if you created one during setup, lets you unlock without needing your Samsung password.
  • Factory reset erases everything on the tablet but is the only option if you remember nothing and have no biometric unlock.
  • Samsung Find Mobile works remotely to unlock or locate your tablet if you registered it beforehand.

Using fingerprint or face recognition to get past the lock screen

If you set up fingerprint or face unlock before being locked out, try that first — it bypasses the PIN or password screen entirely. Place your finger on the sensor or look at the camera, depending on which method you chose during setup. Most Samsung tablets have the fingerprint sensor on the back or side of the device.

If your fingerprint or face does not work after a few attempts, the tablet may have switched to the backup unlock method (usually your PIN or pattern) for security reasons. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or tap the lock icon to see whether a PIN pad or pattern grid appears. If it does, you will need to remember your PIN or pattern to proceed.

Unlocking with your Samsung account password

After you enter an incorrect PIN or pattern five to ten times (the number varies by tablet model), Samsung tablets typically offer a "Forgot pattern?" or "Forgot PIN?" button. Tap it, and you will be asked to sign in with your Samsung account — the email and password you used when you first set up the tablet.

Enter your Samsung account email address and password. If you remember them, the tablet will unlock without erasing any data. You can then set a new PIN, pattern, or password. If you do not remember your Samsung password, go to the Samsung account website on a computer and use the "Forgot password?" link there to reset it, then return to your tablet and try again.

This method works only if you linked a Samsung account to the tablet during setup. If you used a Google account instead, or set up the tablet without an account, this route will not be available.

Using a backup PIN if you created one

During initial setup, Samsung tablets sometimes ask whether you want to create a backup PIN — a shorter code separate from your main PIN or pattern. If you created one and remember it, you can use it to unlock the tablet after entering an incorrect main PIN several times.

Look for a "Backup PIN" or "Use backup PIN" option on the lock screen after failed attempts. Enter the backup PIN you set up, and the tablet will unlock. You can then change your main PIN to something you will remember. If you do not see this option, you did not create a backup PIN during setup.

Unlocking remotely with Samsung Find Mobile

If you registered your tablet with Samsung Find Mobile before being locked out, you can unlock it from another device or computer. Go to findmobile.samsung.com, sign in with your Samsung account, select your tablet from the list of devices, and choose "Unlock my mobile."

The tablet will receive a remote unlock command and should open without erasing data. This method works only if you set it up beforehand and the tablet is connected to the internet. If you did not register with Samsung Find Mobile, this option will not be available.

Factory reset as a last resort

If you remember none of your passwords, did not set up biometric unlock, and did not register with Samsung Find Mobile, a factory reset is the only way in. This erases all data on the tablet — photos, documents, apps, everything — but returns it to the state it was in when you first bought it.

To perform a factory reset, power off the tablet completely. Then hold the Volume Up button and the Power button together until the Samsung logo appears, then release both buttons. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to "Wipe data/factory reset" and press the Power button to select it. Confirm the reset, and the tablet will erase itself and restart.

After the reset completes, you will be asked to set up the tablet again from scratch. You can then sign in with your Samsung or Google account to restore apps and data that were backed up to the cloud.

What to do if you are locked out of your Google account too

If you used a Google account to set up the tablet and are also locked out of that account, you will need to recover the Google account first. Go to accounts.google.com on a computer, click "Can't sign in?", and follow Google's account recovery process, which usually involves answering security questions or confirming your identity through a recovery email or phone number.

Once you have regained access to your Google account, return to your tablet and use that account to unlock it. If you cannot recover the Google account, a factory reset is your remaining option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock my Samsung tablet without losing my data?

Yes, if you remember your Samsung account password or have a backup PIN. Both methods unlock the tablet without erasing anything. A factory reset erases all data, so use it only when you have no other option.

What if I never set up a Samsung account?

If you used only a Google account, you can unlock the tablet with your Google password after several failed attempts. If you set up the tablet without any account, a factory reset is your only option.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes five to fifteen minutes, depending on the tablet model and how much data is on it. The tablet will restart automatically when it is finished.

Will Samsung Find Mobile work if my tablet is offline?

No. Samsung Find Mobile requires an internet connection to send the unlock command. If your tablet is offline, the command will be delivered the next time it connects to the internet.

Can I unlock my tablet if I forgot my PIN but remember my pattern?

If you set up both a PIN and a pattern, the lock screen will ask for one or the other. Try the pattern you remember. If the tablet is set to require the PIN specifically, you will need to use your Samsung account password or backup PIN instead.