iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you recently changed your Galaxy’s PIN, password, or pattern, Samsung may let you unlock it with the previous one—without erasing data. This option requires a compatible device running One UI 6.1 or later, the previous lock method, and a change within the past 72 hours. If you are not eligible, Samsung’s documented reset options erase local data; they do not unlock the phone while preserving it.
First, check whether you can use your previous screen lock
Samsung’s previous-lock recovery is the main official option for getting back into a locked Galaxy without a factory reset. It applies when the screen lock was changed recently and you still know the immediately previous PIN, password, or pattern. Samsung India and UK describe the feature for devices running One UI 6.1 or later, with the old lock retained for 72 hours after a change. Availability and prompts can vary by model, software version, and region. Samsung India’s lock-recovery instructions and Samsung UK’s previous-lock guide explain the process.
- Confirm that you changed the screen lock within the last 72 hours and remember the previous credential.
- Check that the Galaxy runs One UI 6.1 or later.
- After at least five unsuccessful attempts, look for the on-screen “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern” option. Exact wording may differ.
- Choose the option, enter the previous PIN, password, or pattern, then follow the prompts to set a new screen lock.
Samsung says this recovery can be used once per lock type. Its regional guidance also warns that after three incorrect entries of the previous credential, further attempts may be blocked. Do not keep guessing. Samsung UK notes that this recovery is unavailable if the option to delete the previous lock immediately was selected.
If that option is unavailable, pause before resetting
If the lock was not changed recently, the 72-hour window has passed, you do not remember the previous credential, or the recovery prompt does not appear, Samsung’s documented reset methods are destructive. A factory reset can return the phone to setup, but it does not preserve data stored locally that was not backed up.
#1 Best Overall
- 10Gbps Data Transfer: SUNGUY USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable supports super speed data transmission up to 10Gbps, transfer HD movies, songs, file or photos in seconds. Backwards compatible to USB 3.0 and 2.0; DOES NOT support video output.
- Works with Android Auto: This android auto cable can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. 56KΩ pull-up resistor provides a safer charging current, and protects your devices from damage. Works great with your car's Android Auto.
- Works with CarPlay: The nylon braided usb c to usb a cable compatible with iPhone 15/15Pro/15 Pro Max/15 Plus CarPlay cable. Supports connecting the iPhone 15 series to iTunes on your computer.
- Great Compatibility: This usb c data cable is compatible with iPhone 15/15 Pro Max, Galaxy S23/S23 Ultra/S22/S22 Ultra/S21/S21+/Note 10 Plus/Note 20 S10/S10e/S10+, Pixel 5 6 7 Pro, iPad Pro 2020, MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, LG G6 G7 V40 V35, ThinQ V30S V30, Chromebook, Dell XPS 13, Samsung T7 Shield, Extreme Portable SSD and more.
- What You Get: You will receive 1pcs 1.5ft USB 3.1 Gen2 10Gbps Cable, with our 12-month product replacement warranty and lifetime 24/7 friendly technical support.
- Check whether you have a usable backup before taking any reset action.
- Make sure you can sign in to the Google account previously associated with the phone. Google device protection, also called Factory Reset Protection, may require those credentials after a reset before setup can continue. A reset does not recover a forgotten Google account. See Samsung UK’s factory-reset guidance.
- If you need help carrying out a reset, contact Samsung-authorized service support. Support does not promise to decrypt or recover data protected by a forgotten screen lock.
Understand what each route does
| Route | Data on the phone | What you need | Connectivity and account considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous-lock recovery | Designed to let you regain access without a factory reset. | Eligible Galaxy software, a lock changed within 72 hours, and the previous credential. | Follow the phone’s recovery prompt; requirements may vary by model and region. |
| Remote erase through SmartThings Find | Permanently deletes device data; it is not a data-preserving unlock. | Access to the Samsung account and the supported device conditions for remote management. | If the phone is offline, the erase takes effect when it reconnects. See Samsung U.S. lost-device guidance. |
| Button-based factory reset | Erases local data that has not been backed up. | Follow the reset procedure for the specific device. | Afterward, setup may require the Google account previously associated with the phone. |
Samsung states of SmartThings Find’s erase route: “However, please note that this process will permanently delete all your data, which cannot be recovered.” That warning concerns erasing the device, not the previous-lock recovery option. Samsung’s remote-management guidance also explains that conditions such as power, network access, account sign-in, and settings configured before lockout affect remote features.
Why Smart Lock or Extend Unlock usually will not help
Smart Lock, now called Extend Unlock on some Galaxy versions, is a convenience feature for keeping a device unlocked under configured conditions, such as a trusted place or connected device. It is not a substitute for the primary PIN, password, or pattern during startup or after the feature’s timeout conditions. It is not a general method for recovering a forgotten primary lock. Samsung’s lock-recovery guidance describes these limits.
Rank #2
- USB-C to C Cable for up to 25W Charging Speeds
- Get it in black or white to suit your style and device
Avoid claims of a data-saving bypass
Samsung’s published instructions support previous-lock recovery in the limited circumstances above; they do not establish that a cable, accessory, commercial unlock utility, or service visit can bypass the lock while preserving protected data. A USB connection mentioned in a reset workflow does not turn that workflow into a non-erasing unlock. Treat any promise to recover unbacked-up contents without the required credential cautiously, and do not proceed with a reset until you understand that local data may be lost.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [10Gbps Fast Data Transfer]: LDLrui usbc data transfer cable supports 10Gbps SuperSpeed data transmission, which is 2x faster than USB 3.0 (5Gbps). Sync the 4K movies, entire of photo library, or over 100 music albums from your phone to your PC in just seconds. High-quality multi-strand tinned copper, and the three-layer signal shielding makes data transmission more stable.
- [Android Auto USBC Cable QC3.0 Power Delivery]: Charges for USB type c Device Safely up to 20V/3A, Support Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. Safe charging power (25% faster) compared with other usb c charger cables which provides 5V/2.4A current. Standard 56KΩ pull-up resistor provides a safer charging current to protect your charger cable.
- [6FT Perfect Length for Your Car Play]：A better quality cord to connect to your head unit for CarPlay/Android Auto connection. 6 feets is convenient for you to stretch in the car. Environmentally friendly and flexible TPE exterior, toughened aramid fiber core, and laser-welded connectors equip cables with superior toughness from end-to-end.
- [Proven Extensive Compatibility]： LDLrui usb a to usb c cable compliant with USB 3.1 standard. Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S24/S23/S22/S21/S20/S10/S10+/S9/S8/Note 20/10/10+/9/A13/A14/A15/A53/A54/A55, Z Fold 3/4/5/6, Z Flip 3/4/5/6, Apple iPhone 16/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6, Google Pixel 4/5/6/7//8/9/4XL/5 Pro/6 Pro/7 Pro/8 Pro/9 Pro XL/9 Pro Fold, OnePlus 13/12/11/10/9/8/7/7Pro, LG G7, Sony xperia, HTC U11/HTC 10, nexus 6p/nexus 5x, Moto, Xbox Serie x, playstation 5 ( PS5) controllers and more. (Does not support video output.)
- [What You Get]: 1 X Super-Fast USB-A to USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 Cable (6 ft including both ends), our worry-free LIFETIME WARRANTY and friendly customer service. NOTE: If there are any problems with LDLrui products, just contact our professional and responsible customer service!
Rank #4
- Short 1.6ft USB-C to USB-C (both sides C, please see pictures) high speed data transfer for solid state drive (SSD). Compatible with Samsung Portable SSD T7 T9, Crucial X9 X6, Western Digital WD, SSK, Kingston & Other Solid State Drive (SSD).
- Compatible with MacBook, iPhone 15, Android, PC, Laptop, GoPro and other devices with a USB-C port.
- High speed data transfer speed up to 20 Gbps. Fast charging capacity 20V at 5A or 100W.
- Features E-Mark technology for faster data transfer speeds and safe power (voltage and current) delivery during charging.
Rank #3
- 【USB C Cable Compatibility】Android Phone fast Charger Type C Charger C cable Fast charging with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra/S26 Plus/S25FE/S25 Ultra/S25+/S24FE/A57/A37/A27/A17/A25/A23/A56/A36/A26/A16/A06/A05S/A15 5G/A35 5G/A55 5G/A73 A53 A33 A24 A13 S24 Ultra/S24 Plus/S23 Ultra/S23 Plus/S22 Ultra/S22 Plus/S21 Ultra/S21 Plus/S21FE/S20fe/S20 Plus/Note 20 Ultra/10/9 A12 A11 A32 A42 A52 A03S A02S A22 A51 A71 S10 S9 S8 Plus A10E A20 A50; Motorola G9 G8 G7 Power/Edge 5G UW/Edge/G Play/G Power/G Stylus/One 5G UW ace/X4 Z Z2 Z3 Z4; Google Pixel 8 7 6 Pro 5 4XL/4/3a/3XL; LG Stylo 6 5 4; OnePlus 9 Pro/9/Nord/8T/8 Pro and more USB C cellphones.
- 【Fast Syncing & Fast Charging】Samsung fast charger Type C to USB A power cable supports safe high-speed charging (5V/3A) and fast data transfer (480Mbps), for saving your time! We suggest you use original wall charger with this cable to enjoy fast charging QC 2.0/3.0. Enjoy the pleasure of transferring your favorite movies, music, or an entire photo library just in seconds.
- 【3Feet Tangle-Free Cable】Nylon braided USB-C charger cord crafted by tightly woven cord cover, the quality of the cable is heavy but flexible so that no knots and twists like the traditional cable. The USB-C connector heads is more stable, and won't get loose or fall out from your devices. Perfect length of the cable makes it suitable to be used in couch, bed, office or even backseat of your car while your device is charging.
- 【Fashionable &Unparalleled Quality 】Well-built with aluminum alloy shell and premium nylon braided wire, our Samsung USB C Charger Cable has excellent longevity and flexibility, which can withstand 10,000+ plug-ins and over 40,000 times bending test, offer you a longer service time than original device cables.
- 【What You Get】2Pack 3FT+3FT Type C Fast Charging Cable(blue&purple) suit your a variety of everyday connection needs, such as you charge your devices at home or driving on the way. Spend less money for a great gift for your friends or family. Flecom offer 12-month warranty, please contact us if any questions or concerns, we kindly customer service team will reply you within 24 hours.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
