Forgot your pattern key, PIN code or password from Samsung Galaxy? The situation is familiar to many: the phone is blocked after several unsuccessful entry attempts, and access to data seems to be lost forever. Fortunately, Samsung Android devices has several official and non-obvious unlocking methods - from account recovery to using service modes. It is important to act carefully so as not to lose photos, contacts and other data. Google before using service modes. It is important to act carefully so as not to lose photos, contacts and other data.

In this article we will look at 7 working methodsincluding those that do not require a factory reset. Please note: the effectiveness of the method depends on the phone model (Galaxy S24, A34, Note 10 etc.), version Android (from 10 to 14) and the availability of backup copies. If the phone is linked to an account Samsung or Google, the chances of successful unlocking without data loss are much higher.

📊 What Samsung phone do you have?
Galaxy S (S23/S22/S21, etc.)
Galaxy A (A54/A34/A14, etc.)
Galaxy Note
Galaxy Z (folding)
Other model

1. Unlocking via Find My Mobile (official Samsung method)

The most reliable way for owners Samsung is to use the service Find My Mobile. It works even if the phone is not connected to the mobile network, but must be turned on Wi-Fi or Mobile data in the background. The method is suitable for devices with Samsung account and the function enabled Remote control.

To unlock the phone:

  • 🌐 Go to the site Find My Mobile from a computer or other device.
  • 🔑 Log in using the same account Samsungthat is linked to the locked phone.
  • 📱 Select yours in the list of devices Galaxy and press Unlock (English Unlock).
  • ✅ Confirm the action with your account password Samsung. The phone will unlock within 1-2 minutes.

Important: If on the phone is enabled Protecting factory settings (FRP), after unlocking you may need to re-enter your account data Google. This mechanism protects the device from theft, but sometimes makes it difficult to restore access.

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If Find My Mobile does not see your phone, check whether the function Remote management is enabled in the settings (Biometrics and security → Find My Mobile). On new models (Galaxy S23 and newer), it is activated automatically when you add an account. Samsung.

2. Password reset via Google account (for Android 9 and older)

If your phone has version Android 9 Pie or newer, and the device is linked to Google account, you can try to reset the password via Smart Lock or Google device management. This method does not work on all models Samsung, but often helps when blocking a pattern key.

Instructions:

  1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong password 5 times until a message will appear Forgot your password? (or Forgot pattern?).
  2. Click on this link and enter the data Google accountthat was synchronized with your phone.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new PIN code or password.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 10+ enabled Protecting factory settings (FRP), this method may not work to work. In this case, a full reset will be required (Hard Reset), but the data will be lost.

Why doesn't unlocking via Google work?

Starting Since Android 10, Google has tightened its security policy. If Factory settings protection (FRP) is enabled on the phone, password reset via Google account is blocked. This is done to protect against theft, but makes it more difficult to restore access if the password is lost.

3. Unlocking via recovery mode (Hard Reset)

If the previous methods did not help, it remains hard reset (Hard Reset). This method deletes all data from your phone, including photos, messages, and apps, but is guaranteed to unlock your device. Use it only as a last resort!

How to do Hard Reset on Samsung Galaxy:

  1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume down for 10 seconds).
  2. Hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode:
    • For Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23: Power + Volume up + Bixby.
    • For Galaxy A-series (A52, A72 and etc.): Power + Volume Up.
    • For older models (Galaxy S9, Note 9): Power + Volume Up + Home.
  • In the menu Recovery select Wipe data/factory reset (volume button control, confirmation - power button).
  • After reset, select Reboot system now.

    • ⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 11+ after Hard Reset you will need to enter data Google accountthat was synchronized with the device earlier. If you do not remember the login/password, the phone will remain locked (FRP Lock).

    Make sure that the phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)

    Save the phone's IMEI (on the box or in the receipt) - you will need it to restore your account

    Check if there is a backup copy of the data in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud

    Prepare the Google account data that was linked to the phone-->

    4. Unlocking via ADB (for advanced users)

    If your phone is enabled USB debugging (USB Debugging, you can try to unlock it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). lines. Suitable for Samsung Galaxy with Android 7–11.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools on your computer.
    2. Connect your phone to the PC via USB (use the original cable!).
    3. Open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.
    4. Enter the commands one by one: 
      adb devices

      (your device should be displayed)

      adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key

      or for new versions of Android:

      adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
    5. Restart your phone. After turning on, enter any password —it should work.

    Method limitations:

    • ❌ Does not work on Android 12+ due to changes in the security system.
    • ❌ Requires pre-enabled USB debugging (if it was not there, the method is useless).
    • ❌ May not work correctly on phones with encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption).
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    Method c ADB is the only way to unlock your phone without data loss, but it only works when USB debugging is enabled. If you have not activated it in advance, proceed to other methods.

    5. Using service codes Samsung (hidden menus)

    On some models Samsung (mostly up to Galaxy S10) you can bypass the screen lock through service codes. These combinations open hidden menus where password reset options are sometimes available. The method is not universal and may not work on new devices.

    Try the following codes:

    Code Description Suitable models
    #0# Display test (sometimes allows you to bypass the lock) Galaxy S8, Note 8 and older
    *#9900# System dump menu (may contain reset options) Galaxy S7, S6, Note 5
    *#0011# Service menu (rarely helps when blocked) Old models (Galaxy S5 and below)
    *#7465625# Checking the lock (for diagnostics only) All models, but does not unlock

    ⚠️ Attention: Entering service codes on new models (Galaxy S21 and newer) can lead to IMEI blocking or resetting the network settings. Use them at your own risk!

    6. Contacting Samsung service center

    If independent unlocking attempts are unsuccessful, all you have to do is contact official Samsung service center. This is the safest method, especially if you store critical data on your phone. Service engineers can unlock the device without losing information, but this will require:

    • 📄 Document confirming the purchase (receipt, warranty card).
    • 🆔 Owner's passport (to confirm identity).
    • 📱 IMEI of the phone (you can find out on the box or through the command *#06# on another device).

    The cost of the service varies from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles depending on the model and complexity of the blocking. On phones with FRP Lock (protection after reset), an additional payment may be required to bypass the protection.

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    Before visiting the service center, check if your phone is affected by extended warranty. On some models (Galaxy S22+, Z Fold 4), unlocking may be free during the warranty period.

    7. Alternative methods: ODIN and custom firmware

    For experienced users, there is a radical method - flashing the phone via ODIN (Samsung's official firmware utility). This method deletes all data, but is guaranteed to unlock the device. Suitable for models Galaxy S, A i Note series.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer with Windows.
    • 📥 Official firmware for your model (download on SamFW or Sammobile).
    • 🔌 Utility ODIN (version 3.14+).
    • 🔋 Phone charge at least 50%.

    Important: Firmware via ODIN will void the warranty and may lead to loss of IMEI if the wrong software version is selected. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact a service center.

    What to do if after flashing the phone does not turn on?

    If after flashing via ODIN the phone is stuck on the logo or does not turn on, try:

    1. Repeat the firmware with a different software version (for example, an older one).

    2. Run Wipe Cache Partition in Recovery Mode.

    3. ODIN (for example SM-G991B for Galaxy S21).

    If all else fails, contact the service - the memory (eMMC) may be damaged.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about unlocking Samsung

    Is it possible to unlock Samsung without losing data?

    Yes, but only if:

    • The phone is enabled USB debugging (method with ADB).
    • The device is tied to Samsung account i enabled Find My Mobile.
    • You remember the data Google account, and on the phone Android 9 or older.

    In all other cases, the data will be lost.

    What to do if you forgot your Google account password after a Hard Reset?

    This is called FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection). To unlock your phone:

    1. Enter the data Google accountthat was associated with the phone before the reset.
    2. If you don’t remember the password, restore it through recovery page Google.
    3. If the account is deleted or inaccessible, contact the service center - they can bypass FRP through special software (for a fee).
    Does unlocking work through a call to a locked phone?

    No, this method stopped working after Android 5.0 Lollipop. Previously, you could call a locked phone, open the call menu and access the settings through it. This vulnerability has now been fixed.

    Is it possible to unlock Samsung via Samsung Members?

    No, the application Samsung Members does not provide unlocking functions. It is intended for diagnostic and support purposes, but cannot bypass the lock screen. Use Find My Mobile or other methods from this article.

    How to avoid blocking in the future?

    To avoid losing access to your phone:

    • 🔐 Set up biometric unlocking (fingerprint or facial recognition) in addition to PIN code.
    • 📝 Write down the password in a safe place (for example, in Google Password Manager or 1Password).
    • ☁️ Enable automatic backup v Settings → Accounts and archiving.
    • 🔧 Activate Find My Mobile i Remote control in settings security.