How to turn on Samsung if you forgot your password: complete guide for unlocking an Android phone

Forgot your password Samsung Galaxy and can’t unlock your phone? The situation is familiar to many - especially if the device has been idle for a long time or the password was entered automatically using a fingerprint. Luckily, even without access to the lock screen, there are several ways to take back control of your smartphone. In this article we will analyze all working methods of unlocking, from the simplest (through an account Google) to the radical (full reset).

It is important to understand: not all methods will save your data. For example, hard reset will delete all information from the phone, including photos, contacts and messages. Therefore, before you act, evaluate what is more critical for you - access to the device or the safety of files. If synchronization with Google Drive or Samsung Cloudis enabled on your phone, some of the data can be restored later.

The instructions in the article are relevant for most models Samsung on Android 10–14, including series Galaxy S23/S22/S21, A54/A34/A14, Note 20/10 and older devices. However, some functions (for example Find My Mobile) may differ depending on the firmware version and region. If your phone was released before 2018, check for the presence of a button Home —this affects the reset combinations.

1. Unlocking via Google account (for Android 4.4–9.0)

This method works for outdated versions of Android (up to 10th inclusive) and allows you to reset the password without losing data. If your Samsung was updated after 2020, most likely, this method will not work - Google removed the "Forgot your password?" function. from the lock screen for security reasons.

How to check the Android version on a locked phone? Try calling up the emergency call menu (usually the button Emergency call at the bottom of the screen) and enter *#1234#. On some models this will display firmware information. If the version is lower Android 10, follow the instructions:

• 🔹 Enter any password 5 times in a row until the message "Try again in 30 seconds" appears.
• 🔹 A button will appear at the bottom of the screen Forgot your graphic key? or Forgot pattern? —click on it.
• 🔹 Enter the data from the account Googlethat was linked to the phone (login and password).
• 🔹 Follow the system instructions to create a new password or graphic key.

⚠️ Attention: If two-factor login was enabled on your phone Google (for example, confirmation by SMS or application Authenticator), you will need access to a backup code or a second device for authorization. Without this, unlocking is impossible.

If the "Forgot your password?" button does not appear, it means:

• 📱 You Android 10+ (method does not work).
• 🔒 The phone was not linked to the account Google.
• 🛠️ The device administrator (for example, corporate policy) has blocked this function.

2. Using the Find My Mobile service (official method from Samsung)

Find My Mobile is a proprietary service from Samsungthat allows you to remotely manage a lost or locked phone. To unlock you will need:

• 🌐 Access to a computer or another phone with the Internet.
• 🔐 Account Samsunglinked to the locked device.
• 📶 The phone must be connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the website findmymobile.samsung.com (open in a browser).
2. Login using the same account Samsungas on your phone.
3. In the left menu, select a locked device.
4. Click on the option Unlock (Unlock).
5. Confirm the action with your account password Samsung.

After a few seconds, the phone will unlock and you can set a new password. This method saves all data on the device, but only works if the function Find My Mobile has been activated in advance in the phone settings.

⚠️ Attention: If the option is enabled on the phone Reset protection (Factory Reset Protection, FRP, after unlocking via Find My Mobile you may need to enter your account information Google, which was on the device before blocking. Without this, the phone will not activate.

Check whether Wi-Fi/mobile data is turned on on the phone

Make sure your Samsung account is linked to the device

Phone battery charge is at least 20%

There are backup codes at hand for two-factor authentication (if enabled)-->

3. Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If the previous methods did not work, the only option left is radical method a full reset. This will delete all data from the phone, including applications, photos and settings, but will restore access to the device. Samsung offers two reset options:

Method 1: Through the Recovery menu (for most models)

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds).
2. Press the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode:
   • 📱 Galaxy S/A/Note (2018–2023): Volume up + Bixby + Power.
   • 📱 Old models (before 2018): Volume up + Home + Power.

Release the buttons when the logo appears Samsung.

Use the Volume buttons to select Wipe data/factory reset, confirm with the Power button.

Select Yes and wait for the process to complete.

Reboot the phone (Reboot system now).

Method 2: Through the boot menu (for new models with One UI)

On Galaxy S21/S22/S23 and other devices with One UI 4.0+ the path is slightly different:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold Volume up + Power until the menu appears.
3. Use the volume buttons to select Recovery Mode, confirm with the button power.
4. When the logo Android with an exclamation mark appears, press Power + Volume up for 1 second, then release.
5. Select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.

Samsung model	Combination for Recovery	Notes
Galaxy S23/S22/S21	Volume up + Power	After the logo select Recovery Mode
Galaxy A54/A34/A14	Volume up + Power	Hold until vibration, then release
Galaxy Note 20/10	Volume up + Bixby + Power	Bixby - left side button
Old models (before 2018)	Volume up + Home + Power	Home - central button under the screen

After After resetting, the phone will turn on like new. You will need to go through the initial setup, including logging into your account Google (if it was enabled FRP).

What should you do if, after resetting, the phone asks for an old Google account?

This is called Factory Reset Protection (FRP) - anti-theft protection. To bypass it, you need:

1. Enter the account data Googlethat was on the phone before the reset.

2. If you don’t remember the password, restore it via accounts.google.com.

3. If the account is deleted, contact support Google with proof of ownership of the device. (receipt, box).

Without this, the phone will not activate!

4. Unlocking via ADB (for advanced users)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) —a debugging tool that allows you to control the phone via a computer. This method is suitable if:

• 🔧 The phone was equipped with. enabled USB debugging (in Settings → About phone → Build number).
• 💻 You have access to a computer with installed drivers Samsung i ADB.
• 🔌 The phone can be connected via USB (even in a locked state).

Instructions:

1. Download and install Platform Tools from the site Google (search by request "SDK Platform Tools").
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
4. Go to the folder with ADB (for example, cd C:\platform-tools).
5. Enter the commands in order:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed)

   adb shell

   su

   (if the phone is rooted, a request for access will appear)

   rm /data/system/gesture.key

   or for the password:

   rm /data/system/password.key

6. Reboot the phone (adb reboot).

After reboot, the lock screen should disappear. If not - repeat the steps or try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.ChooseLockGeneric

⚠️ Attention: Method with ADB does not work on all firmware Samsung, especially on new models with One UI 5.0+. If USB debugging was not enabled in advance, this method is useless. It may also not work correctly on phones with. data encryption.

1. Install drivers Samsung USB Driver from the official website.

2. Use an original USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

3. Restart the computer and phone, then reconnect.-->

5. Contacting the Samsung service center

If all independent unlocking attempts fail, you just have to contact the official service center Samsung. reliable, but also the longest way. Advantages:

• 🔧 Guaranteed data preservation (if possible).
• 🛡️ Official guarantee for work.
• 📄 Providing unlocking documents (may be needed to sell the phone).

What you will need:

• 📄 Receipt or warranty card for the phone (proof of purchase).
• 🆔 Owner's passport.
• 📱 The device itself (preferably with a charge of at least 30%).

The cost of the service varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and complexity of unlocking. In some cases (for example, if the phone was purchased on credit and not paid), the service center may refuse to unlock without the bank's consent.

How to find the nearest service center:

1. Go to the website samsung.com/ru/support/service-center.
2. Enter your city or allow access to geolocation.
3. Select a center marked Authorized (avoid unofficial workshops!).
4. Check by phone whether they do unlocking by password.

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial workshops may offer “unlocking in 5 minutes” while saving data. This is often a scam - after such a procedure, the phone can turn into a “brick” (a completely inoperable device) or lose its warranty. Official centers Samsung do not guarantee the preservation of data during hardware resets.

6. Alternative methods (with caution!)

On the Internet you can find dozens of "secret" methods of unlocking Samsung, from using ODIN to flashing firmware via Fastboot. Most of them:

• ⚠️ Require deep technical knowledge (risk of “bricking” the phone).
• 🔓 Work only on older models (before 2016).
• 🚫 Violate the terms of the warranty.

Some relatively safe options:

Method 1: Deleting the password file via TWRP

If you have custom recovery installed on your phone TWRP, you can manually delete files with the password:

1. Boot into TWRP (similar to Recovery Mode, but with holding other buttons).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /data/system/ and delete files:
   • gesture.key (pattern),
   • password.key (password),
   • locksettings.db (lock settings).

Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Bypass FRP through a call combination

On some models (for example, Galaxy J-series) you can bypass Factory Reset Protection through the emergency call screen:

1. On the lock screen, press Emergency call.
2. Enter #0# or *#9900# (test codes).
3. If a menu appears, try to find the option to reset Googleaccount.

Warning: These methods may not work on new firmware or lead to unstable operation of the phone. Use them only if other methods are not available!

1. Automatic updating is disabled on the phone (otherwise the lock may return after a reboot).

2. You have made a backup copy of your important data (if the phone somehow responds to connecting to a PC).

3. We are prepared for the fact that the phone may require re-activation through a Google account.-->

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to unlock Samsung without losing data?

Yes, but only if:

• 🔹 On the phone is turned on Find My Mobile and it is linked to the account Samsung.
• 🔹 The device runs on Android 9.0 or older and you remember the data from Googleaccount.
• 🔹 You have previously enabled USB debugging and can use ADB.

In all other cases, resetting the settings is inevitable.

What to do if you forgot the password for the Google account linked to the phone?

Restore access via support Google:

1. Go to accounts.google.com.
2. Select "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions.
3. If a backup email or phone is linked, confirmation will be sent there.
4. If the account is deleted, it is impossible to restore it - you will need proof of purchase of the phone to bypass FRP.

Does unlocking work through a call to a blocked phone?

No, this is a myth. Previously, it was possible to deceive the system through the call screen, but in modern firmware this vulnerability is closed. A call to a blocked one Android 5.0–6.0 it was possible to deceive the system through the call screen, but in modern firmware this vulnerability is closed. Call to blocked Samsung will not give access to menus or settings.

How much does unlocking cost at a Samsung service center?

The cost depends on the model and the reason for blocking:

• 💰 1,000–2,500 rubles — password reset while saving data (if possible).
• 💰 3,000–5,000 rubles —unlocking with bypass FRP (requires proof of ownership).
• 💰 Free — if the blocking occurred due to the fault of the firmware (warranty case).

Check the price in advance - some centers charge only for diagnostics.

Is it possible to unlock Samsung via iCloud or other services?

No, iCloud is a service Apple, it does not work with Androiddevices. Likewise, services like Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi) or Huawei IDare useless. For Samsung there are only two official tools:

• 🔹 Find My Mobile (from Samsung).
• 🔹 Remote device control (from Google, but without the unlocking function).