How to remove a pattern lock from Samsung if you forgot: all working methods

Forgotten pattern key on Samsung is one of the most common problems among owners of smartphones on Android. According to statistics, every fifth user has at least once encountered a screen lock due to a lost password or pattern. The situation becomes more complicated if the phone does not have a fingerprint or facial recognition, and access to data is critical. In this article we will analyze all current unlocking methodsfrom official methods to technical workarounds, taking into account the features of firmware One UI and versions Android.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends on several factors: whether the function is enabled on the device data-i="38">, is the account Find My Mobile, is the account linked? Googlelinked, is there access to the computer, and what version Android is installed. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S23 s Android 14 reset via Recovery Mode may differ from the procedure on Galaxy A51 s Android 11s. We will look at universal solutions and point out the nuances for specific models.

Before you start unlocking, check the obvious points: perhaps you are simply drawing the pattern incorrectly (for example, missing a dot) or the phone is locked after unsuccessful attempts. If the screen shows a message "Try again after 30 seconds", wait the specified time - sometimes the system will unlock automatically after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.

1. Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4 and older)

This method works on devices from Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 7.0 Nougat. On newer versions (starting from Android 8.0 Oreo), the function has been removed for security reasons. If your Samsung was released before 2017, try the following steps:

1. Entering the pattern incorrectly 5 times. After several unsuccessful attempts, the system will offer alternative login methods, including "Forgot your pattern key?".
2. Selecting the option "Forgot your password?". Click on it and enter the data from the account Googlethat was linked to the phone.
3. Resetting the pattern. After authorization, the system will prompt you to create a new pattern or PIN code.

⚠️ Attention: If two-factor authentication is enabled on your phone Google, you may need to enter the code from SMS or application Google Authenticator. Make sure you have access to a backup email or phone number.

Why did Google remove this feature in new Androids?

From version Android 8.0, developers removed the ability to unlock through a Google account due to vulnerabilities. Attackers could reset the password on the victim’s device by gaining access to her email. A stronger encryption system is now used to protect data, and unlocking is only possible through a factory reset or service tools.

If this method does not work, proceed to the next method. On Samsung s One UI 5.0+ (for example, Galaxy S22 or Galaxy Z Fold4) this option definitely will not work - use Find My Mobile or Recovery Mode.

2. Using the Samsung Find My Mobile service

Function Find My Mobile is an official tool Samsung for remote device management. It allows you to unlock the screen if:

• 📱 The device is linked to an account Samsung.
• 📶 mobile data or Wi-Fi is turned on on the phone.
• 🔋 The battery charge level is sufficient for operation (at least 10–15%).
• 🔒 The function Remote unlocking has been activated in the settings (Settings → Biometrics and security → Find My Mobile).

Unlocking instructions:

1. Go to the site Find My Mobile from a computer or another phone.
2. Login using the same account Samsungas on the locked device.
3. Select in the left menu "Unlock" ("Unlock").
4. Confirm the action with your account password Samsung.
5. Wait for notification of successful unlocking (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: If data encryption is enabled on your phone (by default on most new models), you may be required to enter a PIN code after remote unlocking from the SIM card. Also note that on some firmware from operators (for example, MTS or Beeline), the Find My Mobile function may be disabled by default.

3. Reset to factory settings via Recovery Mode

If the previous methods did not work, it remains hard reset via Recovery Mode. This method will erase all data from your phone, including photos, contacts, and apps. Use it only as a last resort!

Instructions for most models Samsung (including Galaxy S20, Galaxy A72, Galaxy Note 10):

1. Turn off the phone by long pressing the power + volume down button (on some models - power + volume up).
2. Hold the combination:
   • For most models: Volume up + Power button + Bixby (if available).
   • For older models (before 2018): Volume up + Home + Power.
   • For Galaxy S21/S22/S23: Volume up + Volume down + Power (then release power while holding volume).

When the logo appears Samsung, release the buttons. After 5-10 seconds the menu will open Recovery.

Use the volume buttons to select "Wipe data/factory reset", confirm the selection with the power button.

Select "Yes" and wait until the reset is complete.

Restart the phone ("Reboot system now").

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Galaxy A52 s One UI 4.0) after the reset, you may need to enter data from the last account Googlethat was on the device (protection FRP). If you do not remember the password, you will have to use additional tools like FRP Bypass (more on this below).

Samsung model	Combination for Recovery	Features
Galaxy S23/S22/S21	Volume ↑ + Volume ↓ + Power	After the logo appears, release the power while holding Volume
Galaxy A54/A34/A14	Volume ↑ + Power	Confirmation via FRP
Galaxy Note 20/10	Volume may be required ↑ + Bixby + Power	On Note 10 there is no physical Bixby button - use volume
Galaxy S10/S9/S8	Volume ↑ + Bixby + Power	On S8 it can only work after 3-4 attempts

4. Bypassing FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after a reset

If after a reset via Recovery the phone requires you to enter data from the previous account Google (message "This device has been reset. To continue, sign in to the Google account that was previously synced with this device."), you will need to bypass the protection FRP. This applies to everyone Samsung on Android 5.1+.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP may violate warranty terms and security policy Google. Use this method at your own risk. On new models (for example, Galaxy S23 c Android 14), bypass may not be possible without special equipment.

Universal method for most models:

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi on the setup screen.
2. Go back a step and select "Emergency call".
3. Dial #0# - this will open the test menu (on some models works ##4636##).
4. Click on "Back", then quickly go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Administration devices.
5. Disable "Find My Device" (confirmation may be required).
6. Reboot your phone and go through the setup again.

For Samsung s One UI 3.0+ (for example, Galaxy S20, Galaxy A71) may be required:

• 🔌 Use an OTG cable and a flash drive with a file FRP Bypass APK.
• 🖥️ Connect the phone to the PC and use ADB (described in the next section).
• 📱 Install a SIM card with active Internet and use the bypass through the browser.

5. Unlocking via ADB (for advanced users)

If. was enabled on the phone Developer Mode i USB Debugging, you can try to delete the file with the pattern via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) data-i="193">USB debugging

1. USB debugging was previously activated on the phone.
2. There is access to a computer with installed drivers Samsung i ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via a USB cable.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter:

   adb shell
   rm /data/system/gesture.key
   reboot

3. After reboot, the pattern will be reset, but you may need to enter a PIN or password (if one was set).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ This method may not work due to changes in the data storage system. In addition, if encryption is enabled on the phone, deleting the file gesture.key will lead to loss of access to user data.

For Samsung s One UI sometimes an alternative helps command:

adb shell
su
rm /data/system/locksettings.db
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-wal
rm /data/system/locksettings.db-shm
reboot

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that the Samsung USB Drivers are installed and debugging mode is enabled. On Windows, you may need to disable driver signing. Also check that the cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).

6. Contacting the Samsung service center

If none of the methods worked, all that remains is to contact the official service center Samsung. This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive method. The cost of unlocking varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and region.

What you need to know before your visit:

• 📄 Take with you documents confirming the purchase (receipts, warranty coupon).
• 🔐 If the phone was purchased secondhand, proof of ownership may be required (for example, a box with IMEI).
• ⏳ Unlocking period is from 1 to 3 days (some centers offer an express service for an additional fee).
• 💾 Data on the phone will be deleted if not managed to bypass the blocking programmatically.

⚠️ Attention: Do not contact unofficial workshops that promise to unlock your phone “without data loss” for 500 rubles. Often such “masters” use dubious methods that can damage the firmware or lead to loss of IMEI.

Official service centers Samsung in Russia can be found on the website Samsung support. Before your visit, check by phone whether they do screen unlocking - some centers specialize only in hardware repair.

7. Alternative methods (for specific cases)

If standard methods do not help, you can try less known workarounds. They are suitable for individual models or firmware versions:

• 🔄 Flashing via Odin. Suitable for advanced users. Requires downloading the official firmware for your model from the website Sammobile and using the app Odin. Risk: if an error occurs, the phone may turn into a brick.
• 📱 Using Safe Mode. On some models (for example Galaxy J-series), you can boot into safe mode (hold the power button → "Power off" → hold "Power off" until Safe Mode appears) and remove the application responsible for the lock.
• 🔧 Reset via Samsung Smart Switch. If the phone was previously synchronized with a PC, you can try restoring the backup without locking it (does not work on all models).

For Samsung with a processor Exynos (for example, Galaxy S21 for European market) sometimes it helps to use the utility SamFirm for downloading the firmware and subsequent flashing via Odin. However, this method requires knowledge of the exact model and version Android.

⚠️ Attention: Flashing through Odin resets the counter Knoxwhich can lead to loss of warranty and refusal of service. Also, on some models, after flashing, work is blocked. Samsung Pay And Secure Folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to unlock Samsung without losing data?

Yes, but only if USB debugging was enabled on your phone (ADB) or you use Find My Mobile (without reset). In other cases, the data will be deleted. On new models (for example Galaxy S23), even Find My Mobile may require a reset.

What to do if you forgot both the pattern key and the Google account?

In this case, the only option is to reset via Recovery Mode or contact the service center If the function is enabled on your phone Find My Mobile, but you do not remember the password for your account Samsung, restore it on the website Samsung Account.

Does unlocking work by calling a locked phone?

No, this method worked on very old versions Android (up to 4.2). On modern Samsung (even on Galaxy J2 Core s Android 8 Go) such a bypass is impossible.

How to find out what version of Android is on a locked phone?

If the phone turns on, but is locked, version Android usually displayed when loading (on the logo screen Samsung). You can also try going to Recovery Mode —sometimes the version is listed at the top of the menu.

Is it possible to unlock Samsung through the Find My Device service from Google?

No, the service Google Find My Device only allows you to lock the phone or erase data, but not unlock the screen. For Samsung you need to use Find My Mobile.