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If you forgot your Samsung phone’s screen PIN, first check whether the lock screen offers “Forgot PIN?” and lets you enter your previous PIN, password, or pattern. On supported Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later, that option may be available for 72 hours after a lock change. If it is unavailable, the fallback is generally a factory reset, which erases data stored on the phone. Before resetting, check your backups and make sure you can sign in to the Google account previously used on the device.
First, make sure it is the screen-lock PIN
These steps apply to the PIN, password, or pattern used to unlock the phone’s screen. A SIM PIN, carrier or network unlock code, or Samsung or Google account password is a different credential and needs its own recovery process. A screen reset will not recover those credentials.
Try the previous screen lock before resetting
Samsung India says supported Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later may show a “Forgot PIN?” or equivalent password/pattern option after five or more failed attempts, if the screen lock was changed within the previous 72 hours. Enter the previous lock method and follow the prompts to set a new one. Samsung says the prior lock is retained for 72 hours after a change, the recovery option can be used once per lock type after a change, and three incorrect attempts at the previous lock end further attempts through this feature. Availability can vary by model and software version. Samsung India’s recovery instructions
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIf the prompt does not appear, the phone may not support the feature, the 72-hour window may have passed, or the lock method may not have been changed recently. Do not keep guessing the previous lock after reaching the stated attempt limit.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
If biometrics still work, check your model’s current support guidance
If fingerprint or face recognition still unlocks the phone, Samsung UK describes a circumstance in which the user may be able to reset unlock methods through Find My Mobile. Follow current Samsung instructions for your country and exact model; this route depends on being able to unlock biometrically and is not a general way to bypass the lock. It is also different from unlocking after a restart, when the phone may require the screen credential. Samsung UK’s unlock guidance
Do not count on SmartThings Find to unlock it remotely
Remote unlocking is not a universal current option. Samsung UK states that it is no longer possible to remotely unlock a phone using SmartThings Find. Samsung support pages in other regions may describe different features or workflows, so check the current support page for your location, model, and software version rather than assuming remote unlock is available.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Remote erase is different: it resets the phone and removes its data; it does not unlock the device while preserving what is stored on it. Samsung’s regional instructions describe erase options and their requirements, but availability depends on prior setup and the account or service used. Samsung UK · Samsung France · Samsung US
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A factory reset is destructive. It removes personal data stored on the phone; it does not recover the contents of the locked device. Check whether you have a usable backup before proceeding. After a reset, Google Factory Reset Protection may require the Google account previously associated with the phone before setup can continue. If you cannot sign in to that account, recover access before resetting if possible. Samsung UK’s factory-reset guidance · Samsung US account and erase guidance
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Reset only with instructions for your exact Galaxy model
Samsung’s recovery-mode button sequence varies by model, and the steps may depend on the device’s connection or setup. Do not rely on a single button combination found for a different Galaxy. Samsung UK’s instructions call for connecting the phone to a computer with a USB cable before opening recovery mode; follow the exact steps published for your model and region.
- Use Samsung’s current support page for your exact model to confirm the recovery-mode steps and prerequisites.
- Connect the phone to a computer by USB if the model-specific instructions require it. The cable helps meet that prerequisite; it does not unlock the phone or preserve data during a reset.
- In recovery mode, select the reset option, typically labeled “Wipe data/factory reset,” then confirm and reboot as directed for the device.
- During setup, sign in with the Google account previously used on the phone if requested.
Samsung’s regional instructions illustrate why the model-specific steps matter: Samsung UK and Samsung France.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
When to contact Samsung support
If you cannot complete the reset steps or cannot recover the Google account details needed afterward, contact Samsung support or an authorized service center. Samsung recommends authorized service assistance in relevant cases; local service availability and requirements vary. Samsung UK says users who cannot recover their Google account details can take the device and proof of purchase to an authorized center. Service assistance should not be treated as a guarantee that data can be recovered from a locked phone. Samsung India · Samsung UK
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Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Compare the available recovery routes
| Route | Data outcome | What it depends on |
|---|---|---|
| Previous-lock recovery | Intended to restore access without a reset | Compatible device, One UI 6.1 or later per Samsung India, prior lock method, 72-hour window, and attempt limits. Samsung India |
| Biometric access and Samsung settings help | May allow a lock method to be reset in the circumstance Samsung describes | You must still be able to unlock biometrically; check local guidance. Samsung UK |
| SmartThings Find remote unlock | Do not rely on it as a current universal option | Samsung UK says remote unlocking is no longer possible; regional guidance differs. Samsung UK |
| Remote erase or recovery-mode factory reset | Erases data stored on the phone | Service prerequisites and reset steps vary; Google account verification may follow. Samsung France · Samsung UK · Samsung US |
| Authorized service support | Assistance; data recovery is not guaranteed | Local service requirements vary. Samsung UK |
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