How to unlock Samsung if you forgot the screen password: from simple methods to Hard Reset

Forgotten screen lock password on a smartphone Samsung is a situation that every fifth user faces. According to a study Kaspersky for 2023, 18% of Android phone owners blocked themselves at least once due to the loss of a PIN code, pattern or fingerprint. The problem is aggravated by the fact that modern models Galaxy S and Galaxy A use strict data protection: after 5 unsuccessful entry attempts, the system can completely block access or even erase all files is activated (if the function Find My Mobile).

In this article we Let's look at 7 proven methods unlocking - from the most secure (without data loss) to radical (with a full reset). Important: the effectiveness of the method depends on the phone model, version Android and security settings. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra s One UI 6.0 the same algorithm will work. data-i="43">s Galaxy A10 With Android 10 —other. We will indicate the nuances for each situation.

We warn you right away: if it is turned on on the phone data encryption (activated by default on new models), then most "soft" unlocking methods will not work - you will need to reset to factory settings with loss of files. You can check this by the lock icon in the status bar during boot.

1. Unlocking through a Samsung account (the safest way)

If an account is linked on your phone Samsung and the function is enabled Find My Mobile, you can unlock the screen remotely - without losing data. This method works on all modelsreleased after 2016 (starting from Galaxy S7 and Galaxy A5 2016).

Instructions:

• 🌐 Go to the website Find My Mobile from a computer or another phone.
• 🔑 Log in using the same account Samsungthat is linked to the blocked device.
• 📱 In the left menu, select the blocked phone (if there are several of them).
• 🔓 Click Unlock → confirm the action with your account password.

After 1–2 minutes, the phone will unlock automatically. If the option Unlock is inactive:

• ❌ Make sure that the phone is connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• ❌ Check whether the function Remote control is enabled in the settings (Settings → Biometrics and security → Find My Mobile).
• ❌ Some firmware require confirmation via SMS (a code will be sent to the linked number).

⚠️ Attention: If after unlocking the phone requires you to enter the old PIN code, it means that the function is activated Reboot protection. In this case, you will have to use another method (see section 3 or 4).

2. Unlocking via Google Account (for Android 4.4–7.0)

This method worked on older versions Android (up to Nougat 7.0 inclusive). If you have Samsung Galaxy S6, Note 5 or an earlier model, try the following:

Algorithm:

1. Enter any password/key 5 times until the message appears Forgot your pattern? or Forgot your password?.
2. Click on this → the system will prompt you to enter data from Google Accountlinked to the phone.
3. Enter your email and password → confirm unlocking.

If the button Forgot your pattern? does not appear:

• 📵 Make sure your phone is connected to the Internet (turn on Wi-Fi or mobile data through the notification panel, if available).
• 🔄 Reboot the device - sometimes the button appears after a reboot.
• ⚙️ On some firmware (for example, on Galaxy J3 2016), you need to enter backup PIN code, which you specified when setting up the lock.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 8.0+ (including all modern Samsung s One UI) this method does not work —Google has removed this feature due to security vulnerabilities. Don’t waste time looking for “workarounds” - there are none.

Samsung model	Android version	Does unlocking work via Google?
Galaxy S5, Note 4	4.4–6.0	✅ Yes
Galaxy S6, S6 Edge	5.1–7.0	✅ Yes (internet required)
Galaxy S7, Note 5	6.0–8.0	❌ No (on Android 8.0+)
Galaxy A5 2017, J7 Prime	7.0–9.0	❌ No
Galaxy S10+ and later	9.0+	❌ No

3. Resetting the password via ADB (for users with USB debugging)

If on the phone USB debugging mode is enabled (Settings → System → For developers, you can reset the password via computer using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is suitable for any Samsung models, but requires preliminary preparation.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable (original, do not damage the port!).
• 🛠️ Installed drivers Samsung USB Drivers i package ADB Tools.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download Platform Tools from the official website Android and unpack the archive.
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and go to the folder with ADB:

cd C:\platform-tools

4. Check if the computer sees the device:

adb devices

If the phone's serial number appears in the response, you can continue. If not, install the drivers or try a different cable.

5. Enter the commands to reset the password:

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

After rebooting, the phone will unlock, but:

• ⚠️ On some models (Galaxy S20+, Note 10) you will need to enter backup PIN code (if it was installed).
• ⚠️ If encryption is enabled, the data may be damaged - make a backup in advance.
• ⚠️ On Android 11+ this method only works if the phone is not locked (i.e. you can unlock it at least once a day).

Install Samsung USB Drivers|Download Platform Tools|Enable USB debugging on the phone (if available)|Prepare the original USB cable|Check the battery charge (at least 30%)-->

4. Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (full reset)

If the previous methods did not work, a radical method remains - reset to factory settings (Hard Reset). This will delete all data (photos, contacts, messages, applications), but will unlock the phone. The method works on all Samsung modelsincluding new Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Fold5.

Instructions for phones with a physical Bixby button (Galaxy S8–S20, Note 8–Note 20):

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds).
2. Press simultaneously:
   • Power + Bixby + Volume up (for Galaxy S8–S10).
   • Power + Volume up (for Galaxy S20+ and newer).

Hold the buttons until the logo appears Samsungthen release.

In the menu Recovery Mode select Wipe data/factory reset using the volume and confirm with the button Power.

After reset, select Reboot system now.

For phones without Bixby button (Galaxy A-series, Galaxy M):

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Power + Volume Up + Home (if there is a physical button).
3. In the Menu Recovery use the volume buttons to navigate and Power to select.

What to do if Recovery Mode requests a password:

• 🔐 On some models (Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip3), after resetting you may need to enter password from the last Google account (FRP protection).
• 🔧 If you don’t remember the password, you will have to use FRP bypass (see section 6).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with encrypted storage (by default on Android 10+) after Hard Reset data cannot be restored even through specialized apps. If there were important files on the phone, contact the service center - sometimes chip-off recovery helps (cost from 5,000 ₽).

What is FRP protection?

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a security feature from Google that is activated after a factory reset. If a Google account was linked to your phone, after a Hard Reset the system will require you to enter your login and password. This protects the device from theft, but makes it more difficult to unlock if you forget your data. It is more difficult to bypass FRP on Samsung than on other brands due to additional Knox checks.

5. Unlocking via Smart Switch (for phones with a backup)

If you regularly created backups via Samsung Smart Switch, there is a chance to restore access to the data without a full reset. The method is suitable for Galaxy S i Note series (starting from S7), but requires:

• 🖥️ A computer with Smart Switch.
• 🔌 Original USB cable installed.
• 📁 Backup created before blocking.

How to proceed:

1. Connect the locked phone to the computer.
2. Run Smart Switch and wait until the app recognizes the device.
3. Select Restore → specify the latest backup.
4. After recovery, the phone will reboot - try entering the old password (sometimes it works).

If this the method did not help:

• ❌ Make sure that the backup contains security settings (not all backups include this information).
• ❌ Try restoring the data to another phone Samsung of the same model, and then transfer them back.

⚠️ Attention: Smart Switch cannot bypass the screen lock directly — it only restores data from a backup. If the security settings are not saved in the backup, the method will not work.

6. Bypassing FRP after Hard Reset (for Android 9–13)

If, after resetting the settings, the phone requires you to enter data from Google Account (FRP protection), and you do not remember them, you will have to use workarounds. The methods differ depending on the version Android:

For Android 9–10 (Galaxy S10, Note 10, Galaxy A50):

1. On the Google account entry screen, click on the field Email → a keyboard will appear.
2. On the keyboard, click and hold @ → select Keyboard settings.
3. Go to Help and reviews → Privacy Policy.
4. In the browser, enter the address bit.ly/frpbypass2023 (or any other current service to bypass FRP).
5. Download and install the APK file to bypass (for example, FRP Bypass Tool).

For Android 11–13 (Galaxy S21, S22, Galaxy A73):

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
2. On the FRP screen, tap Add network → enter any text in the network name field.
3. Select text → tap Share → select Messages.
4. In the message, enter the number 112 (emergency call) → press Call → quickly minimize the call window.
5. Return to Settings → disable Find My Device and FRP.

Important:

• 🛡️ On Android 12+ bypassing FRP without a computer is almost impossible - you will need ODIN firmware.
• 🔧 After bypassing FRP required disable the function in the settings (Settings → Google → Account → Delete account).
• ⚠️ Using unofficial bypass methods may lead to Knox triggered (the phone will lose warranty).

7 Contacting the Samsung service center

If none of the methods worked, the last option remains - contact Samsung official service center. This is relevant for:

• 📱 Phones with damaged screen (it is not visible where to press).
• 🔒 Devices with encrypted storage enabled Knox.
• 📦 Models on which it does not work Recovery Mode (for example, after unsuccessful firmware).

What is needed to unlock:

• 📄 Passport or other document confirming ownership of the phone.
• 💳 Receipt or warranty card (if the phone is under warranty).
• 📞 Knowledge of the phone's IMEI (can be found through the box or sticker under the battery).

Cost and terms:

Unlock type	Cost (₽)	Term (days)
Password reset without data loss	2 000–5 000	1–3
Chip-off recovery (if encryption)	5 000–15 000	3–7
Firmware via ODIN (with FRP)	1 500–3 000	1
Replacement of the motherboard (extreme case)	20 000+	5–10

Where to look for service centers:

• 📍 Official website Samsung Support (select a city).
• 🛠️ Authorized partners (check reviews - scammers often disguise themselves as service centers).

⚠️ Attention: Some "masters" offer to unlock your phone in 5 minutes through "secret codes" or apps. This is fraud - on modern Samsung such methods do not work. The only legal way without data loss is the official service.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Samsung

❓ Is it possible to unlock Samsung without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

• 🔓 An account is linked on the phone Samsung and turned on Find My Mobile.
• 🔧 USB debugging mode is enabled (ADB).
• 📁 There is a backup copy in Smart Switch with security settings.

In all other cases it will be required Hard Reset.

❓ Why does the phone ask for the old PIN code after resetting?

This means that the function is activated on the phone Reboot protection. It requires you to enter a password after:

• 🔄 Reboot.
• 📴 Removing the SIM card.
• 🔋 The battery is completely discharged.

You can only get around this by ADB or resetting to factory settings.

❓ Does unlocking work through a call (method with 112)?

On Android 11+ this method does not work —Google has closed the vulnerability. On older versions (Android 8.0–10) it sometimes works, but:

• ⚠️ It may work emergency alarm services (don't call for real!).
• ⚠️ On Samsung s One UI 3.0+ the method is blocked.

❓ How to unlock Samsung if you forgot your Google account after resetting?

This is called FRP protection. Options: FRP protection data-i="356">🛠️ Contact the service center (proof of ownership will be required).

• 🔑 Remember your account details (check your email for emails from Google).
• 🖥️ Use ODIN to flash the phone firmware (skills required).
• 🛠️ Contact the service center (proof of ownership will be required).

Services like FRP Bypass work only on Android 9–10.

❓ Is it possible to restore data after a Hard Reset?

Depends on the model and settings:

• 📁 If it was encryption (by default on Android 10+) - data is destroyed irrevocably.
• 🔧 If there was no encryption, you can try apps like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (success ~30%).
• 💾 If there was a backup in Google Drive or Smart Switch —restore from there.