Unlock Samsung Galaxy S21: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re locked out of your Samsung Galaxy S21—whether you forgot your PIN, pattern, or password—this guide walks you through the official methods to regain access. You’ll learn how to unlock your phone using your Google account, Samsung’s Find My Mobile service, or a factory reset as a last resort. Before starting, ensure your phone has some battery charge and, if possible, remember your Google or Samsung account credentials.

What You’ll Need

• Your Samsung Galaxy S21 with a charged battery (at least 30% recommended)
• Your Google account email and password (the one linked to the phone)
• Your Samsung account credentials (if you plan to use Find My Mobile)
• A computer or another device with internet access
• A USB cable (only if you need to use Smart Switch for backup before reset)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Unlock with Your Google Account (If You Forgot Your PIN/Pattern/Password)

1. On the lock screen, enter any wrong PIN, pattern, or password five times. After the fifth attempt, a message will appear: “Try again in 30 seconds.”
2. Tap the “Forgot PIN” or “Forgot pattern” option that appears on the screen. (On some versions, you may need to tap “Forgot” after the lock screen shows the message.)
3. You’ll be prompted to enter your Google account credentials. Type the email and password associated with the Google account that was set up on this phone.
4. Tap “Sign In.” After verification, you’ll be able to set a new lock screen method. Choose a new PIN, pattern, or password and confirm it.
5. Your phone will unlock, and you can use it normally. Remember the new credentials.

Method 2: Unlock Using Samsung Find My Mobile (If You Have a Samsung Account)

1. On a computer or another phone, go to the Samsung Find My Mobile website (findmymobile.samsung.com).
2. Sign in with the same Samsung account that is logged into your Galaxy S21.
3. Once logged in, you’ll see a map showing your device’s location. Select your Galaxy S21 from the list of devices on the left.
4. In the device control panel, look for the “Unlock” option. It might be under “Lock” or “Security” depending on the interface.
5. Click “Unlock.” Confirm the action when prompted. The phone will receive a command to remove the current lock screen.
6. Wait a few minutes. Your phone should unlock automatically, and you’ll be able to set a new lock screen method if you wish.

Method 3: Factory Reset (Last Resort – Erases All Data)

1. Back up your data if possible. If you can’t access the phone, skip this step. If you have a backup via Samsung Cloud or Google, you’re fine.
2. Turn off your Galaxy S21 completely.
3. Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Side (power) button simultaneously.
4. Release both buttons when the Android logo appears. The phone will boot into the recovery menu.
5. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset.” Press the Side button to select it.
6. Navigate to “Factory data reset” and press the Side button to confirm.
7. After the reset completes, select “Reboot system now.” The phone will restart and may take a few minutes to boot.
8. Set up your phone as new. You’ll need your Google account credentials to bypass the factory reset protection (FRP) if you had a Google account set up.

Common Mistakes

• Entering the wrong Google credentials repeatedly: If you’re unsure of your Google password, use the “Forgot password” option on the sign-in screen, but this may take time.
• Skipping the backup before a factory reset: This permanently erases all photos, contacts, and apps. Always try to back up first.
• Using the wrong button combination for recovery: The Galaxy S21 uses Volume Up + Side, not Volume Down. Make sure you’re pressing the correct ones.
• Assuming Find My Mobile works without a Samsung account: You must have previously enabled “Remote unlock” in Settings > Biometrics and security > Find My Mobile.

Tips

• Always keep your Google and Samsung account passwords saved in a secure password manager.
• Enable “Smart Lock” (in Settings > Lock screen) to keep your phone unlocked when you’re at home or when it’s on your person, reducing the chance of getting locked out.
• Regularly back up your phone to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive so a factory reset isn’t devastating.
• If you’re selling the phone, always perform a factory reset and remove all accounts to avoid FRP issues for the new owner.

Troubleshooting

What if the “Forgot” option doesn’t appear after 5 attempts? On some Android versions, you may need to wait until the lock screen shows “Try again in 30 seconds,” then tap the clock or swipe up to reveal the “Forgot” link. If it still doesn’t appear, try restarting the phone and attempting again.

What if I don’t remember my Google account password? Use a computer to go to Google’s account recovery page and follow the steps to reset your password. Once reset, wait a few minutes and try again on the phone.

What if Find My Mobile says “Unlock failed”? Ensure your phone has an internet connection (via Wi-Fi or mobile data). Also, verify that “Remote unlock” was enabled before you got locked out. If not, you’ll need to use the factory reset method.

What if the factory reset doesn’t remove the lock screen? This usually happens if the phone has a Google account and FRP is active. After the reset, you’ll be asked to enter the Google account credentials that were previously on the phone. If you don’t have them, you’ll need to use the “Forgot email” option or contact Samsung support (though they may not help without proof of purchase).

What if the phone is completely unresponsive (black screen)? Charge it for at least 30 minutes using the original charger. If it still doesn’t turn on, try a forced restart by holding Volume Down + Side for 10 seconds. If that fails, the issue may be hardware-related, and you should contact a repair professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I unlock my Galaxy S21 without losing data?
A: Yes, if you use the Google account or Find My Mobile method, your data remains intact. Only a factory reset erases data.

Q: What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP) and will it block me?
A: FRP is a security feature that requires the Google account previously used on the phone to be entered after a factory reset. If you know that account’s credentials, you’re fine. If not, you’ll be stuck.

Q: How long does a factory reset take on the S21?
A: The reset process itself takes about 5–10 minutes, but the phone may take an additional 10–15 minutes to boot up and set up.

Q: Will unlocking my phone void the warranty?
A: No, these are official methods provided by Samsung and Google. They don’t void your warranty.

Q: Can I use my fingerprint or face unlock to bypass the PIN?
A: No, after a restart or after 24 hours without unlocking, the phone requires the PIN, pattern, or password. Biometrics won’t work.

Q: What if I bought a used S21 and it’s locked to a previous owner’s account?
A: You’ll need to contact the previous owner to remove the account from the device. Samsung or Google cannot remove it without proof of purchase and the original owner’s cooperation.

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