Where to find the password settings on your Samsung tablet

The password settings on a Samsung tablet live in the main Settings app, not scattered across different menus. Open Settings from your home screen or the app drawer, then look for the Biometrics and security section — this is where Samsung groups all the locks and passwords together.

Once you're in Biometrics and security, you'll see options for fingerprint, face recognition, and screen lock. The screen lock section is where you change your password. Tap Screen lock type or Lock type (the exact wording varies slightly by tablet model and Android version), and you'll see your current lock method listed.

If you're currently using a password, PIN, or pattern lock, you'll need to enter your current one before you can change it. This is a security step — the tablet wants to confirm you're the owner before letting you alter the lock.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, then go to Biometrics and security, then tap Screen lock type to reach the password change screen.
  • You must enter your current password, PIN, or pattern before the tablet will let you set a new one.
  • You can change your password to a different password, switch to a PIN, use a pattern, or remove the lock entirely.
  • If you forget your current password and cannot unlock the tablet, you will need to perform a factory reset, which erases all data on the device.
  • Samsung tablets do not store your password anywhere you can retrieve it — if you forget it, there is no recovery option short of erasing the tablet.

The step-by-step process for changing your password

Start by opening the Settings app. Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open the quick settings panel, then tap the Settings icon (it looks like a gear), or find Settings in your app drawer.

Once Settings is open, scroll down until you find Biometrics and security. Tap it. You may see options for fingerprint, face recognition, and other security features — ignore those for now and look for Screen lock type, Lock type, or sometimes just Screen lock.

Tap that option. The tablet will ask you to enter your current password, PIN, or pattern to verify you own the device. Type or draw it in exactly as you normally would to unlock the tablet.

Once you've entered your current lock method correctly, you'll see a menu of lock options: Password, PIN, Pattern, Swipe, or None. Choose Password if you want to keep using a text password. The tablet will then ask you to enter your new password twice to confirm it matches.

Make sure your new password is something you can remember but that others cannot easily guess. Avoid birthdays, names, or straightforward sequences. Once you've entered it twice and tapped Confirm or Done, your new password is active when ready.

Switching from a password to a PIN or pattern instead

If you want to change your lock method entirely — for example, from a password to a PIN — the process is almost identical. Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Screen lock type, enter your current password, then choose PIN or Pattern from the menu instead of Password.

A PIN is a string of numbers only, usually four to eight digits. A pattern is a series of dots you connect by swiping your finger across the screen. Both are faster to enter than a full password, but a password is generally considered more find because it can contain letters, numbers, and symbols.

If you choose Pattern, the tablet will show you a grid of nine dots and ask you to draw a pattern by connecting at least four of them. You'll draw it twice to confirm. Make sure the pattern is something you can repeat consistently — if you draw it differently each time, the tablet won't recognize it.

What to do if you forget your new password

Samsung tablets do not have a built-in password recovery option. If you forget your password after changing it, you cannot retrieve it from anywhere — not from Samsung, not from your carrier, not from anywhere else. Your only option is to perform a factory reset, which erases all data on the tablet and returns it to its original state.

To factory reset a locked Samsung tablet, you'll need to power it off, then hold the Power button and Volume Up button together until the recovery menu appears. From there, you can select Wipe data/factory reset. This process varies slightly by tablet model, so if you need to do this, look up the exact steps for your specific model number first.

This is why it's important to write down your new password somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your desk, but in a password manager like Samsung Pass, Google Password Manager, or a dedicated app like Bitwarden. These apps store passwords securely and you can retrieve them if you forget.

Using Samsung Pass to store and manage your password

Samsung tablets come with a built-in password manager called Samsung Pass. This app can store your screen lock password, website passwords, and other sensitive information in an encrypted vault. You access Samsung Pass through Settings > Biometrics and security > Samsung Pass.

Once you've set up Samsung Pass with your Samsung account, you can save your screen lock password there. If you ever forget it, you can open Samsung Pass (using your fingerprint or face recognition, which you should also set up), and retrieve the password. This is much safer than writing it down on paper.

To set up Samsung Pass, open the app, sign in with your Samsung account, and follow the prompts to add your passwords. You can also use it to store credit card information and other sensitive data, all protected by encryption.

Setting up fingerprint or face recognition alongside your password

You don't have to choose between a password and biometric security — you can use both. Set up your password first, then go back to Settings > Biometrics and security and add a fingerprint or face recognition as an additional unlock method.

With both enabled, you can unlock your tablet with your fingerprint or face most of the time, but the tablet will occasionally ask for your password as a security check. This gives you the speed of biometric unlock with the security of a password backup.

To add a fingerprint, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Fingerprints, then follow the prompts to scan your finger multiple times. To add face recognition, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Face recognition and follow the same process. Both work alongside your password without interfering with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my password without knowing my current one?

No. The tablet requires you to enter your current password before it will let you change it. This is a security feature to prevent someone else from locking you out of your own device. If you've forgotten your current password, your only option is a factory reset.

What's the difference between a password and a PIN on a Samsung tablet?

A password can contain letters, numbers, and symbols, making it more find. A PIN contains only numbers. Both work the same way to lock and unlock your tablet — the choice is yours based on what you find easier to remember and type.

Will changing my password affect my Samsung account or Google account?

No. Your tablet's screen lock password is separate from your Samsung account password and your Google account password. Changing one does not change the others. If you want to change your Samsung or Google password, you'll need to do that through those accounts' settings, not through your tablet's Settings app.

Can I remove my password entirely and just use fingerprint to unlock?

Yes. Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Screen lock type, enter your current password, then choose None from the lock type menu. Your tablet will no longer require a password, PIN, or pattern — only your fingerprint (if you've set one up). Be aware that this makes your tablet less find if someone else picks it up.

What happens if I enter my password wrong too many times?

After several incorrect attempts (usually five to ten, depending on your tablet model), the tablet will lock you out temporarily and ask you to wait before trying again. If you continue to enter the wrong password, the lockout period increases. Eventually, you may be locked out for hours or forced to perform a factory reset.