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To reset face recognition on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, remove the saved face data in Settings, then register your face again. You’ll need to know the device’s PIN, pattern, or password to make the change.
Remove your saved face data
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Confirm that a PIN, pattern, or password is set and that you know it. Samsung requires a secure screen lock for face recognition.
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Open Settings, then go to Security and privacy > Biometrics > Face recognition. On some devices, the path is Security and privacy > Screen lock and biometrics > Face recognition. Samsung notes that menus can vary by model, software version, and wireless provider. See Samsung’s face-recognition setup instructions.
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Enter your existing screen-lock credential when prompted.
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Tap Remove face data and confirm. This deletes the face data currently stored on the device.
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Tap Register face and follow the on-screen instructions. Hold the phone steadily, face the front camera, and center your face in the guide. Samsung’s setup guide describes the registration process.
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Removing face data turns off face-dependent features until you register a face again. It does not change your PIN, pattern, or password; that credential remains the fallback way to unlock the device.
If the phone still does not recognize you
Check the camera, lighting, and your appearance
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Wipe the front camera gently with a soft, lint-free cloth.
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Try again in a well-lit area and avoid strong light behind you.
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Remove anything covering your face, such as a mask or sunglasses, and check that a case or screen protector is not blocking the camera.
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- 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
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Glasses, hats, makeup, bangs, facial hair, or a substantial change in appearance can affect recognition. If you regularly change or cover your appearance, Samsung says an alternative appearance may help.
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These checks are included in Samsung’s face-recognition troubleshooting guidance.
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- 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
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Check whether face unlock is enabled
Return to the Face recognition settings and make sure the Face unlock switch is on. If biometric unlocking is unavailable, Lockdown mode may be active; Samsung says Lockdown mode disables biometric unlocking. A company-managed device may also have biometrics restricted by its administrator. See Samsung UK’s troubleshooting advice.
Run a device diagnostic
Samsung UK recommends checking face recognition with Samsung Members > Support > Phone diagnostics. The available diagnostic labels may vary by app version or device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect from face recognition
Samsung warns that face recognition is less secure than a pattern, PIN, iris, or fingerprint. A similar-looking person, including a twin, may be able to unlock the device. Treat face unlock as a convenience rather than the strongest authentication option; use a screen-lock credential as your secure fallback.
Your Galaxy may also ask for the screen-lock credential after a restart, after four hours without device use, or at least once every 24 hours. Those security checks do not mean your face data has been erased.
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