Unlock Your Samsung Galaxy with a previous screen lock method

Last Update date : Jun 27. 2024

Galaxy devices have a feature that allows you to unlock the screen by using a past screen lock method when you have forgotten or lost your current means (PIN, password, or pattern) for unlocking your device.

A pattern screen lock on a Galaxy device.

Notes:

  • The unlocking function using the previous screen lock method (PIN, password, or pattern) is supported on Galaxy models equipped with One UI 6.1 or later.
  • This function can be used once per screen lock type after changing your PIN, password, or pattern.
  • After changing your screen lock PIN, password, or pattern, the previous screen lock data is stored for 72 hours and then deleted.

The “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern” option on the lock screen is activated after 5 or more failed attempts to unlock the device. After using the "Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern" feature, if the previous lock method is entered incorrectly 3 times, no further attempts will be allowed.

Screen containing screen lock recovery link. Screen containing screen lock recovery link.

Step 1. Tap Forgot PIN? when the link appears.

* The link will refer to your screen lock type.

Lock screen number keypad. Lock screen number keypad.

Step 2. Enter a previous PIN > Tap OK.

Screen containing screen lock types. Screen containing screen lock types.

Step 3. To change your current screen lock, select a screen lock type.

Screen to create new PIN, password, or pattern. Screen to create new PIN, password, or pattern.

Step 4. Enter your new PIN, password, or pattern > Tap Continue.

Screen to verify new PIN, password, or pattern. Screen to verify new PIN, password, or pattern.

Step 5. Re-enter your new PIN, password, or pattern > Tap OK.

If you do not wish to save the previous lock method (PIN/password/pattern), please refer to the instructions to delete it.

Settings home screen Settings home screen

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Lock screen and AOD.

Lock screen and AOD screen. Lock screen and AOD screen.

Step 2. Tap Secure lock settings > Enter your PIN, password, or pattern.

* The Secure lock settings button appears only if you have set a pattern, password, or PIN for the lock screen.

Secure lock settings screen. Secure lock settings screen.

Step 3. Tap Delete previous pattern.

* The Delete option for the old pattern, password, or PIN appears differently depending on the screen lock method currently set up.

Popup window with option to delete the previous screen lock pattern. Popup window with option to delete the previous screen lock pattern.

Step 4. Tap Delete.

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