I can't unlock my Samsung Galaxy device

There are several screen lock options available on Samsung devices. These will vary depending on your specific devices but can include:

• Swipe
• Pattern
• PIN
• Password
• Facial recognition
• Fingerprint recognition

Find out more about which lock methods you can use on your Samsung Galaxy device.

If you can unlock your device using your biometric method (fingerprint or face recognition) but can't change your screen lock type because you've forgotten your PIN, pattern or password, use Find My Mobile to reset the unlock methods. This will remove all unlock data including PIN, pattern, password, and biometric methods so that you can reset them again.

The first step is to check whether your device is having trouble recognising your fingerprint. Fingerprint performance may be affected by some of the below conditions:

• Using different fingers. Make sure you use the same finger that you used to set up the lock.
• If you bend your fingers or only use the tip. Make sure the fingerprint spreads over the fingerprint area if your fingerprint sensor is scratched or damaged.
  
• If you have are using a non-Samsung protective screen protector, or a Samsung screen protector that is dirty or scratched.
• Fingertips that are too dry or too damp. Let your fingers dry out if they have been submerged in water or use moisturiser if they are dry then try again.
• Fingers affected by scars.

Find out how to set up, register or remove fingerprints.

Find My Mobile can help you find your device, or to lock or wipe it if it has been lost or stolen. You can also use it to unlock your device.

In order to unlock your device remotely:

• your device must be connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• your device must be signed into your Samsung Account.
• remote control and remote unlock settings must be enabled.
• you will need to enter your Samsung Account username and password.

Smart Lock lets you set your phone to stay unlocked when it's in a trusted location or if it detects a trusted device nearby. For example, if you have Smart Lock set up with a trusted device, such as a smartwatch, it will remain unlocked while these devices are connected.

Find out more about Smart Lock and how to use it.

On certain devices, if you swipe from the right-hand edge of the lock screen, you will open the Dynamic Lock screen menu. To avoid this, unlock your phone by swiping from another part of the screen.

If you want to remove a network lock, you will need to contact your network or your retailer. Some service providers may allow you to unlock the device for a small charge or for free. This will depend on your device and contract with the network.

If you wish to remove a regional lock (i.e. you want to use your phone in a different country to the one it was purchased in), you will need to make a phone call lasting at least five minutes in the country of origin to disable the regional lock. If you are not able to do this, please get in touch with us using the contact details at the bottom of this page.