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To change a Samsung Galaxy’s screen-lock PIN, password, or pattern, open Settings → Lock screen and AOD → Screen lock type, choose the credential type you want, and follow the prompts to set and confirm it. Samsung’s menu labels can vary by device and software version, so look for the screen-lock setting if your menus differ.
Change your Samsung screen-lock credential
- Open Settings.
- Tap Lock screen and AOD.
- Tap Screen lock type.
- Choose PIN, Password, or Pattern.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to enter and confirm your new credential. The exact confirmation screens may differ by device.
This is Samsung’s current US support path, not a guarantee that every Galaxy model uses identical labels. Samsung’s setup guidance also uses Screen lock and biometrics in one flow. If you do not see the labels above, search Settings for “screen lock” or check the lock-screen settings on your device. Samsung’s screen-lock setup instructions and lock-screen settings guidance note that features and menus may vary by device and software version.
Choose the type you will use
A PIN uses digits, a password uses characters, and a pattern uses a drawn sequence. Samsung also lists swipe and none, but those options do not provide the same credential protection as a PIN, password, or pattern. The available evidence does not establish a universal security ranking among the three credential types; choose one you can remember and enter reliably.
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Samsung notes that a PIN of six digits or longer may be confirmed without an additional OK tap on some setup flows. Do not assume every model presents the same prompts.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 you forget the new PIN, password, or pattern
Try the previous lock on eligible devices
Samsung support describes a previous-lock recovery option for eligible Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later. After a lock change, the former PIN, password, or pattern is retained for 72 hours. If available, the “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern” prompt appears after at least five failed attempts. The old method can be used once per lock type, and the recovery option will not work if you selected the setting to delete the previous lock immediately. Samsung India says entering the former method incorrectly three times ends further attempts through this feature. Availability and wording vary by region and device; this is not a universal recovery guarantee. See Samsung India’s previous-lock recovery instructions and Samsung UK’s guidance.
Reset only when recovery is unavailable
If the previous-lock option does not apply and the credential is completely forgotten, Samsung says it cannot remotely retrieve the local screen lock; regaining access requires a factory reset. Samsung’s SmartThings Find guidance includes an Erase data action, which permanently deletes data on the device. If the device is offline, the erase takes effect when it next connects. A reset can also require authentication with the Samsung and Google accounts previously registered on the phone through Factory Reset Protection. Before taking this destructive step, check that you can sign in to those accounts and use any available backup. Details are in Samsung’s One UI 9 lock-screen support guidance and Samsung’s forgotten-lock instructions.
Rank #2
- 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.
One UI 9 failed-attempt limits
Samsung’s current US guidance for One UI 9.0 describes these escalating lockouts. These figures apply to that software version and should not be assumed for other One UI releases.
| Failed attempt | Lockout Samsung specifies for One UI 9.0 |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1 minute |
| 6 | 5 minutes |
| 7 | 15 minutes |
| 8 | 30 minutes |
| 9 | 90 minutes |
| 10 | 4 hours |
| 11 | 12 hours |
| 12 | 24 hours |
| 13 | Device remains locked until factory reset |
Samsung also says identical consecutive incorrect entries are not counted as two separate failures, and the lock screen can show remaining attempts. Do not keep guessing: the consequence of a failed attempt can become more severe. To check your version, open Settings → About phone or About tablet → Software information. Samsung’s One UI 9 guidance explains the thresholds and version check.
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.
Biometrics still require your lock credential
Fingerprint or face recognition does not eliminate the need to remember the backup PIN, pattern, or password. Samsung says Android Strong Authentication requires entering that credential at least once every 72 hours. Samsung’s One UI 9 support page describes this requirement.
Quick Recap
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
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.
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