Reset Samsung Secure Folder PIN, Pattern or Password

If you’ve forgotten the PIN, pattern, or password for Samsung Secure Folder, you can reset it, but only if you have access to the Samsung account linked to the device. This guide walks you through the two official reset methods and what to do if neither works.

What You’ll Need

• The Samsung account email and password that was used when Secure Folder was first set up.
• A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• Your phone’s lock screen PIN, pattern, or password (to unlock the phone itself).
• Optional: a computer or another phone to reset the Samsung account password if you’ve forgotten it.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Reset Using the “Forgot?” Option on the Phone

1. Open the Secure Folder app on your Samsung phone. If you can’t find it, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Secure Folder icon in the quick settings panel.
2. On the lock screen, enter any random PIN, pattern, or password (it doesn’t matter what you type).
3. After a few wrong attempts, you’ll see a “Forgot?” or “Reset” link appear near the bottom of the screen. Tap it.
4. You’ll be asked to sign in with your Samsung account. Enter the email and password associated with the phone.
5. After signing in, you’ll be prompted to set a new authentication method for Secure Folder. Choose a new PIN, pattern, or password and confirm it.
6. Tap Done or OK. Secure Folder will unlock with your new credentials.

Method 2: Reset Using the Samsung Account Website

1. On a computer or another device, go to samsung.com/account and sign in with the Samsung account credentials linked to your phone.
2. Once signed in, look for a section called “Secure Folder” or “Find My Mobile”. The exact location can vary by region.
3. If you see an option to “Reset Secure Folder” or “Unlock Secure Folder”, click it. This will remotely reset the lock on the Secure Folder app.
4. On your phone, open Secure Folder. You should now be able to set a new PIN, pattern, or password.
5. If the website doesn’t offer this option, you’ll need to use Method 1 or the backup reset described below.

Method 3: Reset Using Backup PIN (If You Set One)

1. On the Secure Folder lock screen, tap “Forgot?”.
2. Instead of signing in with your Samsung account, look for a “Use backup PIN” or “Reset with backup PIN” option.
3. Enter the backup PIN you created when you first set up Secure Folder. If you don’t remember it, this method won’t work.
4. After entering the backup PIN, you’ll be able to set a new lock method.

Common Mistakes

• Typing the wrong Samsung account password. Double-check for typos, especially if you use a password manager. If you’ve forgotten it, reset the Samsung account password first.
• Assuming the phone’s lock screen PIN works. Secure Folder has its own separate lock, even if you set it to the same numbers. You must use the Secure Folder-specific credentials.
• Not waiting for the “Forgot?” link to appear. It only shows after several failed attempts. Be patient and keep trying random inputs.
• Using a Samsung account that isn’t linked. Only the account that was active when Secure Folder was first set up will work. If you’ve since removed that account, the reset won’t proceed.
• Resetting the Samsung account password from the phone’s settings. That changes your Samsung account login, but it does not reset the Secure Folder lock. You must use the “Forgot?” flow inside Secure Folder.

Tips

• Set a backup PIN during initial setup. This gives you a second way to reset without needing your Samsung account.
• Keep your Samsung account credentials in a password manager. This is the most reliable recovery path.
• Use a pattern or PIN you don’t use elsewhere. Secure Folder is meant to be private, so avoid reusing your phone’s main unlock code.
• Test the “Forgot?” flow while you still know the PIN. Go to Secure Folder settings, change the lock type, and see where the backup PIN option is. This way you’ll know what’s available if you ever forget.
• If you have a Samsung account with two-factor authentication, keep your backup codes handy. You may need them to sign in during the reset process.

Troubleshooting

“Forgot?” link doesn’t appear

If you’ve made several attempts and no link shows up, close the Secure Folder app completely (swipe it away from recent apps) and reopen it. Try again with a few more wrong attempts. If it still doesn’t appear, restart your phone and try again.

You don’t remember the Samsung account password

Go to the Samsung account login page and click “Forgot password?” or “Reset password.” Follow the instructions sent to your recovery email or phone number. Once you’ve reset the Samsung account password, return to Secure Folder and use the “Forgot?” flow.

The Samsung account is not accepted

Make sure you’re using the account that was logged in on the phone when Secure Folder was first set up. If you’ve changed Samsung accounts since then, the old one won’t work. In that case, the only option is to back up and reset the phone, which will erase Secure Folder data.

You’ve exhausted all reset options

If you can’t sign in to your Samsung account and don’t have a backup PIN, the only remaining option is to back up your phone (excluding Secure Folder) and perform a factory reset. This will erase all Secure Folder contents. After the reset, set up Secure Folder again with a new lock. Note that this is a last resort and will delete all files, photos, and apps inside Secure Folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Secure Folder PIN delete my files?

No. Resetting the PIN, pattern, or password using the Samsung account or backup PIN method will not delete any data inside Secure Folder. Your files remain intact and accessible after you set a new lock.

Can I reset Secure Folder without a Samsung account?

Only if you set a backup PIN during initial setup. If you didn’t, and you don’t have the Samsung account, there is no way to reset the lock without a factory reset, which will erase Secure Folder data.

Does resetting the phone’s lock screen affect Secure Folder?

No. The phone’s lock screen and Secure Folder have separate locks. Changing or resetting the phone’s PIN does not affect Secure Folder’s lock.

Can I use my fingerprint to unlock Secure Folder if I forgot the PIN?

If you previously enabled fingerprint unlock for Secure Folder, you may still be able to use it to enter the app. Once inside, go to Secure Folder settings to change the PIN. If the fingerprint option isn’t available on the lock screen, you’ll need to use the reset methods above.

What if I reset my Samsung account password and it still doesn’t work?

Wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the account sync takes a moment. Also, make sure you’re using the correct email address. If it still fails, try signing in to the Samsung account website on a computer to verify the credentials work.

Is there a way to bypass Secure Folder lock without resetting?

No. Samsung does not provide a backdoor to bypass the Secure Folder lock. The only official methods are the ones described above. Attempting to bypass it through third-party tools may compromise your data and void your warranty.

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