Change Your Screen Lock Password in Settings

Open Settings on your Samsung phone and scroll down to find Security and privacy (or Lock screen on some models). Tap Screen lock type or Lock type, then enter your current password, PIN, or pattern to verify your identity. Select the type of lock you want — password, PIN, pattern, or biometric — and follow the prompts to create a new one.

If you choose a password, make it at least 8 characters long and mix letters, numbers, and symbols. Samsung will ask you to enter it twice to confirm. The new lock takes effect when ready the next time your screen turns off.

Key Takeaways

  • Your screen lock password is changed through Settings > Security and privacy > Screen lock type, and you must enter your current password first.
  • Samsung offers four lock types: password, PIN, pattern, and biometric (fingerprint or face), and you can switch between them at any time.
  • If you forget your password, you can use your Samsung account to reset it, but you will need to know your account email and password.
  • Changing your lock does not affect your Samsung account password, which protects your cloud storage and app purchases separately.
  • The change takes effect the next time your screen locks, so test it when ready to make sure it works.

What Happens If You Forget Your Current Password

If you cannot remember your current screen lock password, tap Forgot password? on the lock screen after several failed attempts. Samsung will ask you to sign in with your Samsung account — the email and password you use for the Galaxy Store and cloud backup. Once you verify your account, you can set a new screen lock password.

If you do not have a Samsung account or cannot remember that password either, you will need to factory reset your phone through Samsung Find Mobile. This erases all data on the device, so it is a last resort. Contact Samsung Support if you get stuck at this step.

The Difference Between Screen Lock and Samsung Account Password

Your screen lock password is what you type to unlock your phone after it goes to sleep. Your Samsung account password is what you use to sign into the Galaxy Store, Samsung Cloud, and Samsung Pay. Changing one does not change the other.

If you want to change your Samsung account password instead, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Accounts > Samsung account > Password. You will need to enter your current password first. This change affects all devices signed into that account.

Switch Between Different Lock Types

You do not have to stick with the same lock type forever. Go back to Settings > Security and privacy > Screen lock type, enter your current lock, and choose a different option. A PIN is four to eight digits. A pattern connects dots on a grid. Biometric uses your fingerprint or face and is fastest for daily use, though you should also set a backup password in case your fingerprint does not scan.

Many people use biometric as their primary lock and keep a password as a backup. To set this up, choose Fingerprint or Face recognition, then go back to Screen lock type and add a password as well. Your phone will ask for the password if the biometric fails a few times.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not use a password that is too straightforward — avoid birthdays, phone numbers, or repeating digits like 1111. Samsung will warn you if your choice is weak. Also, do not forget to test your new password right away by letting your screen lock and trying to unlock it. If something goes wrong, you will know when ready while you still remember the old password.

Another common mistake is changing your screen lock and then forgetting you did it. If you set a new password and then cannot unlock your phone, wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the change takes a moment to register. If you are still locked out, use the Forgot password? option on the lock screen.

Use Samsung Find Mobile to Reset a Forgotten Lock

If you are locked out of your phone and cannot remember your password, go to findmobile.samsung.com on a computer or another device. Sign in with your Samsung account, select your phone from the list of devices, and choose Unlock my mobile. Samsung will send a verification code to your registered email. Enter that code, and your phone will unlock remotely.

After you unlock it this way, you must set a new screen lock password when ready. Your phone will prompt you to do this the next time you turn it on. This method only works if your phone is turned on and connected to the internet, and if you remember your Samsung account password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a fingerprint and a password at the same time?

Yes. Set up fingerprint as your primary lock, then go back to Screen lock type and add a password as a backup. Your phone will use your fingerprint first, but if it fails a few times, it will ask for your password instead.

What if I change my password and my phone does not recognize it?

Wait a few minutes for the change to sync, then restart your phone. If it still does not work, use Forgot password? on the lock screen to reset it with your Samsung account. Make sure you are typing the new password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive if you used uppercase letters.

Does changing my screen lock password affect my Samsung account?

No. Your screen lock and Samsung account password are separate. Changing one does not change the other. If you want to change your Samsung account password, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Accounts > Samsung account > Password.

Can I remove my screen lock entirely?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Go to Settings > Security and privacy > Screen lock type, enter your current password, and select None. Your phone will be unprotected if someone picks it up.

What happens if I factory reset my phone?

A factory reset erases all data on your phone and removes your screen lock. You will need to set up your phone again from scratch, including creating a new screen lock. Only do this if you are completely locked out and cannot use Samsung Find Mobile.