The fastest way depends on what you remember
If you forgot your Samsung PIN, pattern, or password, you have several routes to regain access. The method that works depends on whether you remember your Samsung account password, have a backup phone number on file, or can reach a computer. Most people can unlock their phone within minutes using one of these paths — but if you are completely locked out of your account and have no backup contact information, you may need to contact Samsung support or visit a carrier store.
Do not try to force the phone open or use third-party "unlock" software. These either damage the device or do not work on modern Samsung phones, which have security built into the hardware itself.
Key Takeaways
- If you remember your Samsung account password, you can unlock most Samsung phones directly from the lock screen by entering your email and password.
- A backup phone number or email address linked to your account lets you reset your PIN or pattern without remembering the original one.
- If you have no account access, Samsung Find Mobile can unlock your phone if you sign in on a computer or another device.
- Carrier stores and Samsung support can verify your identity and unlock your phone if you have the original receipt or account information.
- Factory reset is the last resort and erases all data on the phone — use it only if you own the device and have no other option.
Unlock using your Samsung account from the lock screen
After you enter the wrong PIN, pattern, or password five times, Samsung phones show a "Forgot pattern?" or "Forgot PIN?" button. Tap it. The phone will ask for your Samsung account email and password.
Enter the email address and password you use to sign into your Samsung account (the account you set up when you first turned on the phone, or the one linked to the Google Play Store). If you remember these, the phone unlocks when ready and you can set a new PIN or pattern right away.
If you do not see this button after five failed attempts, your phone may use a different lock method. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see if a "Forgot?" option appears, or look for "Emergency SOS" or "Call Emergency" — some Samsung models hide the unlock option in the emergency dialer.
Reset your PIN or pattern using a backup phone number
If you do not remember your Samsung account password, but you set up a backup phone number when you created the account, you can reset it. On the lock screen, tap "Forgot pattern?" or "Forgot PIN?" and then tap "Can't access your account?" or a similar link.
Samsung will send a code to the phone number you registered. Enter that code, and you will be prompted to create a new password. Once you do, use that new password to unlock your phone from the lock screen.
This method works only if the phone number is still active and you can receive text messages or calls on it. If the number is no longer yours, you will need to use a different method.
Unlock your phone using Samsung Find Mobile
If you have a computer or another device, you can unlock your Samsung phone remotely using Samsung Find Mobile. Go to findmobile.samsung.com on a web browser and sign in with your Samsung account email and password.
Once you are signed in, select your locked phone from the list of devices. Click "Unlock" and follow the on-screen steps. The phone will unlock within a few minutes, and you can then set a new PIN or pattern.
This method requires you to remember your Samsung account password and have internet access on the computer you are using. It does not work if your phone is turned off or has no internet connection.
Contact your carrier or Samsung support
If you cannot remember your Samsung account password and have no backup phone number on file, contact your mobile carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your regional provider) or Samsung support directly. Bring your phone and a photo ID that matches the account holder's name.
The carrier or Samsung can verify your identity using the original receipt, the phone's serial number (visible in Settings > About Phone > Serial Number), or account information. Once verified, they can unlock the phone or help you regain access to your Samsung account.
This process usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Some carriers offer in-store service the same day if you visit a physical location with your ID and phone.
Factory reset as a last resort
If you own the phone and have exhausted all other options, you can perform a factory reset using the recovery menu. This erases all data on the phone — photos, messages, apps, and files — so use this only if you have no other choice and have backed up anything you need.
To access recovery mode, turn off the phone completely. Then hold the Volume Up button and Power button together until the Samsung logo appears. Release the Power button but keep holding Volume Up until you see the recovery menu.
Use the Volume buttons to navigate to "Wipe data / factory reset" and press the Power button to select it. Confirm the action. The phone will restart and return to the setup screen, where you can sign in with your Samsung account and restore your data from a backup if you have one.
This method works on all Samsung phones, but it destroys everything on the device. Do not use it unless you are certain you own the phone and have no other way to regain access.
What to do if you do not remember your Samsung account password
If you cannot remember your Samsung account password and do not have a backup phone number, go to account.samsung.com on a computer and click "Forgot password?" Enter the email address associated with your account. Samsung will send a password reset link to that email address.
Check your email inbox and spam folder for the reset link. Click it and create a new password. Once you have a new password, you can use it to unlock your phone from the lock screen or through Samsung Find Mobile.
If you do not have access to the email address linked to your account, you will need to contact Samsung support with proof of purchase or identity to regain control of the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unlock my Samsung phone if it is turned off?
No. Your phone must be powered on to use the lock screen unlock methods. If the battery is dead, charge it first. If you cannot turn it on, you will need to contact Samsung support or your carrier.
What if I forgot my Samsung account email address?
If you set up a backup phone number when you created the account, you can use that to reset your password without remembering the email. Go to account.samsung.com, click "Forgot password?", and select the option to verify by phone number instead of email.
Does factory reset remove the lock screen?
Yes. A factory reset erases the PIN, pattern, and password, and returns the phone to its original setup state. However, it also deletes all your photos, messages, apps, and files, so only use this if you own the phone and have no other option.
Can I unlock a Samsung phone I bought secondhand?
If the previous owner did not remove their Samsung account from the phone, you will need their account password or to contact Samsung support with proof that you now own the device. Samsung locks phones to accounts for security. The previous owner should have performed a factory reset before selling it.
How long does it take Samsung support to unlock my phone?
If you visit a carrier store in person with your ID and phone, unlock usually happens the same day. If you contact Samsung support by phone or email, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Have your phone's serial number and proof of purchase ready.