Unable to unlock Galaxy phone or tablet's screen

If your phone or tablet is not recognizing your PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or face unlock, rebooting the device or entering Safe Mode can help solve the problem. Sometimes you may be prompted to try an alternate method, like your password.

Screen lock type selection screen on a Galaxy S24 Ultra

Unable to unlock Galaxy phone or tablet's screen

Checkpoint

Some things to check first

Fingerprints are not working on a Galaxy Tab S9

If you are using a Samsung NotePaper or Samsung Privacy Screen cover with your Galaxy Tab S9 series tablet, the in-screen fingerprint reader will not operate with the cover closed. Open the cover to use the fingerprint reader, or use your PIN, pattern, or password to unlock the device.

Galaxy S24 or other One UI 6.1 device

One UI 6.1 devices can remember your previous unlock for 72 hours. If you have recently changed your lock, tap the Forgot option, and you will be able to enter your previous PIN or password if you did not choose to delete it.

Blank or black display on device

If your device displays only a blank or black screen, you may need to check the device, charger, and USB cable for damage. You can also try forcing a restart by pressing and holding the Power and Volume down buttons for 20 seconds, and then charging the device for at least one hour.

Cracked screen on device

Even if you cannot use the touchscreen on your device, you can access your data with a USB mouse and keyboard. Connect the mouse and keyboard to your phone or tablet using a USB adapter, and then navigate your device as needed. You can also back up your device’s data by connecting it to a monitor.

Exit Samsung Kids Mode

Entering a PIN is required to exit Samsung Kids. In the event you have entered the incorrect PIN five times in a row, you’ll be instructed to send a blank email to [email protected] using your registered email address. You will then receive a response with a temporary password. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the email response. You can use this temporary password to reset your PIN.

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Reset your device with SmartThings Find or Google

Go to the SmartThings Find website.

If you set up your device using a Samsung account, you can use SmartThings Find to reset your device. First, navigate to the SmartThings Find website and log in with the same Samsung account used on your locked device. Use the menu on the left side of the screen to choose your device from the list.

It may take a few seconds for SmartThings Find to locate your device. The device must be powered on in order to be located.

Reset your device.

Select Erase data. You may be required to verify your account by following the on-screen instructions. Select Erase. The device will be reset, and you will need to go through the initial setup. Be sure to sign in to the same Samsung account so that you can restore any backed up data.

Go to the Google Find My Device website.

If you set up your device using a Google account, you can use Google Find My Device to reset your device. First, navigate to the Google Find My Device website and log in with the same Google account used on your locked device. Wait until Find My Device locates your device. The device must be powered on in order to be located.

Reset your device.

Select Factory reset device. Review the information, and then select Next. Verify your account, and then select Reset when prompted. Select Erase. You can select Security Checkup to perform a device checkup if desired.

The device will be reset, and you will need to go through the initial setup. Make sure to sign into the same Google account so that you can restore any backed up data.

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Boot the device into Safe mode

Learn about Safe mode.

Certain downloaded apps can make your phone or tablet freeze, crash, or lag. Some apps can even affect camera functionality, cause audio issues, and affect network connectivity.

Using Safe mode disables all downloaded apps and loads only the original software that came with your phone or tablet, allowing you to determine if the issue is caused by an app or with the device itself.

If the issues do not appear while in Safe mode, the problem is caused by a downloaded app, and it should be uninstalled.

Important

If you have a security feature set up on the phone or tablet, you'll be required to enter your credentials once the phone or tablet reboots.

Reboot the phone or tablet in Safe mode.

First, open the Power menu:

On devices with a regular Power button, press and hold the Power button until the Power menu is displayed.
On devices without a dedicated Power button, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel. Tap the Power icon at the top of the screen.

Touch and hold Power off until the Safe mode icon is displayed. Tap Safe mode to start your device in Safe mode. If you've entered Safe mode successfully, you'll see “Safe mode” displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Check if the phone or tablet is still having the same problem.

Use the phone or tablet normally to see if the issue has been resolved. If the phone or tablet is operating normally, a recently installed app was most likely causing the issue.

If the issue is gone in Safe mode: One of your recently downloaded apps was likely the cause of the problem. Proceed to Step 4.
If the issue still exists: Downloaded apps may not be the cause of the problem. You may need to reset the phone or tablet to its factory setting.

Uninstall apps.

One by one, uninstall any apps you downloaded just before your phone or tablet began having the issue.

From your Home screen, swipe up to open the App drawer. Find the app you want to remove, and then touch and hold the app's icon until a popup menu appears. Tap Uninstall, and then tap OK to confirm.

After uninstalling each app, exit safe mode and check for normal operation.

After you uninstall the app that caused the issue, you can reinstall the other safe apps you just deleted.

Exit Safe mode.

First, open the Power menu:

On devices with a regular Power button, press and hold the Power button until the Power menu is displayed.
On devices without a dedicated Power button, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel. Tap the Power icon at the top of the screen.

Tap Power off to turn off the device. Wait until the phone or tablet completely turns off, and then press the Power button again to turn it on. Check if the issue has been resolved.

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Request service if you are unable to unlock your phone or tablet

If you are still unable to unlock your device, it may require service. You can contact us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (800-726-7864), complete an online service request, or visit a repair center close to you.