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If your Galaxy Note20 rejects its screen-lock PIN or password, first confirm you are entering the screen lock—not a SIM PIN or an account password—and stop before repeated guesses. If you recently changed the lock, Samsung’s previous-lock recovery may let you get in without erasing data, but availability on Note20 models is not established. If that option is missing or you do not know the old lock, Samsung’s documented remote recovery is an erase, not an unlock.
Make sure it is the screen-lock PIN or password
A phone can request several different credentials. A screen-lock PIN or password appears when unlocking the device. A SIM PIN protects the SIM, while your Samsung account and Google account passwords are used for account sign-in. A credential for one is not a substitute for another.
If you are sure the lock-screen credential is correct but the phone still rejects it, or the touchscreen appears to enter different characters than you tap, do not assume the lock was forgotten. Samsung’s instructions cover lock-screen recovery and reset, not diagnosis of Note20 touch or keyboard faults; contact Samsung support or an authorized service center.
Try the previous screen lock if you changed it recently
Samsung India Support documents a recovery option for Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later. After five or more failed attempts, the lock screen may show “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern?” (wording can vary). If you changed the lock within the past 72 hours, that option may let you use the previous PIN, password, or pattern to set a new one. Samsung says the previous lock can be used once per lock type, and allows only three incorrect attempts at the previous method. If the prompt appears, use it rather than continuing to guess.
#1 Best Overall
- The Galaxy Note20 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with Full HD+ resolution and HDR10+ support, offering bright, vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it perfect for productivity, streaming, and gaming.
Samsung’s general instructions require One UI 6.1 or later, but the sources cited here do not establish that the Galaxy Note20 received One UI 6.1. Samsung’s One UI 5 schedule does list Note20 models for Android 13, but that does not confirm support for this later recovery feature. Check the device’s software history if known and, most importantly, whether the recovery prompt actually appears. Samsung cautions that labels and screens vary by model and software version.
- After the recovery prompt appears, tap “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern?” or the equivalent option shown on your screen.
- Enter the previous screen lock, if you remember it and the lock was changed within 72 hours.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set a new lock. Stop if the old credential is rejected; the documented limit is three incorrect previous-lock attempts.
For feature requirements and current wording, see Samsung India Support’s recovery instructions. Samsung’s One UI 5 and Android 13 schedule identifies Note20 models in that earlier update schedule; release timing varied by market and carrier.
Rank #2
- 6.7", 2400 x 1080 (FHD+), Infinity-O Super AMOLED+ Display, 4300mAh Battery, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7nm+), Octa-Core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.8 + 64MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom + 12MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: B1(2100),B2(1900),B3(1800),B4(AWS),B5(850),B7(2600),B8(900),B12(700),B13(700),B14(700),B18(800),B19(800),B20(800),B25(1900),B26(850),B28(700),B29(700),B30(2300),B38(2600),B39(1900),B40(2300),B41(2500),B46(5200),B66(AWS-3), 5G: 2/5/41/66/71/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Single SIM
- Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon and Sprint.
If you cannot use the previous lock, decide whether to erase
If the recovery prompt is absent, the old lock is unknown, or the recovery attempt fails, Samsung’s cited SmartThings Find route is “Erase data.” It factory-resets the registered device; it does not unlock it while preserving its local files. Samsung India Support warns: “This process will permanently delete all your data, which cannot be recovered.” An erase request may wait until an offline phone reconnects.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBefore requesting an erase, check whether important photos, contacts, and files were backed up and make sure you can sign in to the Google account previously used on the phone. Resetting deletes local data that was not backed up, and restoration depends on existing backups and account access; it is not guaranteed by the reset.
Rank #3
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Cellular Phone
- Connectivity Technology - Bluetooth
- Memory - 128. Gb
- From another device, sign in to the Samsung account associated with the locked Note20 and open SmartThings Find.
- Select the registered phone and choose “Erase data” only if you accept permanent deletion of data stored on the device.
- Follow the prompts to confirm. If the phone is offline, the erase may take effect when it reconnects.
See Samsung India’s instructions for a forgotten screen lock for the erase route and its requirements. Older or region-specific references to remote unlocking should not be confused with this current documented “Erase data” procedure.
Know what happens after a factory reset
A reset does not necessarily make the Note20 ready to use without further verification. Samsung US says Google device protection can be activated when a Google account was registered on the phone; during setup, you may be asked for the Google account previously configured there. Samsung states: “Google device protection will be activated if you had a Google account registered.” Confirm you know that account’s credentials before erasing. See Samsung US’s lost Galaxy phone or tablet guidance.
Rank #4
- S Pen & Samsung Notes: Pen accuracy meets PC power with S Pen and Samsung Notes; So responsive, it feels like you're using a real pen; sketch notes, ideas and then convert into Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, save and sync across all your Galaxy devices
- SMART BATTERY & SUPER FAST CHARGING - Adaptive power meets your needs with an all-day smart battery that learns from how you work and play to optimize battery life; Plus, super fast charging boosts your battery in just minutes
- Games: Bring the ultimate Galaxy mobile gaming experience in the palm of your hand; With an impressive screen refresh rate, almost infinite display, Galaxy 5G support, and an advanced processor, you get a smooth gaming experience with virtually no lags
- HyperFast Processor - Multitasking with Samsung fastest note processor yet; Hyperfast process speeds transform your game and attraction with less interruption; Capture every idea, knockout work, big mark and share all your moments without slowing down
- Link to Windows: Manage mobile and Windows apps directly on your PC screen with seamless multitasking integration; easily share files between your phone and PC with a simple drag and drop
Samsung’s reset guidance varies by region, model, and software. Use instructions for the exact Note20 model and region rather than assuming one recovery-mode button combination applies universally. Samsung’s UK factory-reset guidance and France forgotten-lock reset guidance explain regional procedures.
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Contact Samsung support or an authorized service center if you suspect the touchscreen is misreading input, a known credential is rejected, you cannot complete the account-based steps, or you need help deciding whether to reset. Samsung recommends authorized service assistance for reset issues. Do not assume a service visit can decrypt or restore files from a locked phone.
Best Value
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Quad HD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, offering incredibly smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and precise touch response, perfect for gaming, media, and professional work.
The manufacturer guidance cited here does not establish a supported computer program, accessory, or data-preserving bypass for a forgotten Note20 lock. Avoid treating third-party bypass claims as proven recovery methods. Samsung’s US troubleshooting page for an unable-to-unlock Galaxy screen provides its support route.
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