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
To lock a lost Samsung Galaxy, open Samsung Find or SmartThings Find on another device, sign in with the Samsung account linked to the phone, select it, and choose Lock. If Samsung’s service is unavailable, Google Find Hub can secure an Android phone with Mark as lost.
Lock the phone with Samsung Find
- On another phone, tablet, or computer, open Samsung Find or SmartThings Find. Samsung says the service can also be accessed from another Galaxy device. Sign in with the Samsung account associated with the missing phone.
- Select the lost Galaxy from the device list.
- Choose Lock, then Next.
- Create a PIN and enter it again to confirm. You can also add a recovery contact and a message to display on the lock screen.
- Choose Lock to apply the lock. Samsung says the phone remains locked until someone enters the PIN you chose. Samsung’s lost-device instructions cover the flow.
Use Google Find Hub if Samsung’s service is unavailable
On another device, open the Google Find Hub website or its app, sign in to the Google Account on the lost phone, and select the device. Choose Mark as lost; you can add contact information and a lock-screen message. Google says this locks the phone with its existing PIN, pattern, or password. See Google’s Find Hub instructions.
What must be true for a remote lock to work?
Samsung Find and SmartThings Find
For Samsung’s normal remote service, the phone needs to be powered on and connected to a stable network, have a Samsung account added, and have remote controls enabled. Samsung says those controls turn on by default when a Samsung account is added. The relevant settings are Allow this phone to be found, Send last location, and Offline finding under Settings > Security and privacy > Lost device protection. Menu names and availability can vary by Galaxy model, software version, carrier, and region. If the phone is off, Samsung says only its last known location is available. Samsung’s guidance describes these requirements.
Google Find Hub
Google says remote securing or erasing requires the phone to have power, mobile data or Wi-Fi, a Google Account, Find Hub turned on, and visibility in Google Play. The available settings and device state can affect whether an action reaches the phone. Google lists the requirements.
#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
Lock or erase the phone?
Choose a lock first if your priority is protecting data while preserving the possibility of finding the phone. Erasing is a remote factory reset that deletes the phone’s data, and Samsung advises backing up before using that option. Google says an erased device is no longer available in Find Hub and requires the Google Account password to use again. If Samsung cannot erase the phone remotely, Samsung advises changing passwords for accounts that may be signed in; changing the Samsung account password signs out devices using that account. Samsung’s lost-device guidance and Google’s Find Hub guidance explain these consequences.
Protect Samsung Wallet and contact your carrier
Samsung says locking a device through SmartThings Find makes Samsung Wallet information inaccessible until identity is re-verified. If Wallet cannot be locked, contact the card issuer using the number on the physical card. If you cannot locate the phone, contact your own carrier to ask about its locating or service-suspension options; availability and procedures vary. Samsung Wallet support and Samsung’s lost-device guidance provide further details.
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.
If you suspect the phone was stolen
Do not go to the location shown on the map yourself. Samsung advises informing the authorities and letting them retrieve the device. Samsung’s lost-device guidance specifically warns against going directly to a suspected theft location.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallQuick 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.
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.
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.
