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10 Tech How-To

How to Unlock a Samsung Phone Without the Password

Guide 10-37666 · Updated · Step by step

Getting locked out of your Samsung phone can feel like losing your digital life, but there are several legitimate ways to get back in. This guide covers the official methods for bypassing a forgotten password, PIN, or pattern on current Samsung Galaxy devices, from using your Google account to factory resetting. You’ll need to know which method fits your situation and have access to a computer or another device for some options.

What You’ll Need

  • Your locked Samsung phone
  • A Google account login you previously used on the phone (for some methods)
  • A computer or another phone (for SmartThings Find or emergency call method)
  • A USB cable (for Smart Switch or Odin, if needed)
  • Your Samsung account credentials (for Find My Mobile)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Use Samsung’s Find My Mobile (Recommended)

  1. On a computer or another device, go to findmymobile.samsung.com and sign in with the Samsung account that was linked to your locked phone.
  2. If you have multiple devices, select your locked phone from the list on the left.
  3. Click on Unlock in the menu. This option may be under “Lock screen” or “More” depending on the interface.
  4. Follow the on-screen confirmation. Samsung will send a verification code to your registered phone number or email—enter it to proceed.
  5. Wait for the process to complete. Your phone should reset the lock screen, and you’ll be able to set a new PIN, pattern, or password.

Method 2: Use Google’s Find My Device (Android 5.0–7.0)

  1. On a computer, go to google.com/android/find and sign in with the Google account that was on your phone.
  2. Select your Samsung device from the list.
  3. Click Lock (not Erase). This will let you set a temporary password.
  4. Enter a new temporary password (at least 6 characters) and click Lock again.
  5. On your phone, you should see the new password prompt. Enter the temporary password to unlock it.
  6. Immediately go to Settings > Lock screen > Screen lock type and set a new permanent method.

Method 3: Factory Reset via Recovery Mode (Last Resort)

  1. Back up your data first if possible—this method erases everything. If you have a backup, proceed.
  2. Turn off your phone completely. If it’s stuck, press and hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds until it powers down.
  3. Press and hold Volume Up and Power simultaneously (for most models). On some older models, it’s Volume Up + Home + Power.
  4. Release the buttons when the Android logo or Samsung logo appears. You’ll see the recovery menu.
  5. Use the Volume keys to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to select.
  6. Navigate to Yes and confirm. Wait for the reset to finish.
  7. Select Reboot system now. Your phone will restart as if new.
  8. Set up the phone with your Google account. If you had Factory Reset Protection (FRP) enabled, you’ll need the previous Google account credentials to proceed past the setup screen.

Method 4: Emergency Call Trick (Older Android Versions)

  1. On the lock screen, tap Emergency call.
  2. Dial *#*#4636#*#* (or a similar code) and press the call button. This may open a hidden menu on some older Samsung devices.
  3. If the menu opens, tap Back repeatedly until you return to the lock screen. Sometimes this bypasses the lock.
  4. If it doesn’t work, try pressing the Home button or Power button after the call to see if the lock screen is bypassed.
  5. This method is unreliable on modern Android versions and is rarely successful. Use it only as a last resort.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong Samsung account—if you have multiple Samsung accounts, make sure you’re signed in with the one that was on the phone.
  • Assuming Google’s Find My Device works on newer Android—it only works on Android 5.0–7.0. On Android 8.0 and above, the “Lock” option won’t remove your existing lock screen.
  • Forgetting Factory Reset Protection (FRP)—after a factory reset, you’ll need the previous Google account password. If you don’t have it, the phone will be unusable.
  • Not backing up before a reset—you’ll lose all photos, contacts, and apps. Always back up if you can.
  • Using third-party software that claims to bypass the lock—most are scams, and some can install malware or void your warranty.

Tips

  • Set up Smart Lock before you get locked out—it lets you unlock with trusted devices, locations, or voice match.
  • Use biometrics as a backup—fingerprint or face unlock can get you in even if you forget your PIN.
  • Keep your Samsung account password updated—it’s your best chance for remote unlock.
  • Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager.
  • After unlocking, disable FRP by removing the Google account from the phone, or keep the credentials handy.
  • Check if your carrier offers unlock services—some carriers can help if you can prove ownership.

Troubleshooting

Find My Mobile says “Unlock” is unavailable

This usually means your phone is not connected to the internet, or the service is not enabled. Make sure the phone has a data connection. If it’s offline, you’ll need to use another method.

Google Find My Device doesn’t show the “Lock” option

If you’re on Android 8.0 or later, the Lock option is not available. You’ll need to use Samsung’s Find My Mobile or a factory reset.

Factory reset doesn’t work because of FRP

If you see “This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google account that was previously synced on this device,” you must enter the previous Google account credentials. If you don’t have them, you cannot bypass FRP legally. Contact Samsung support or your carrier for official assistance.

Phone is stuck in boot loop after reset

If your phone restarts repeatedly, try entering recovery mode again and wipe the cache partition (not just factory reset). If that fails, you may need to flash the official firmware using Smart Switch or Odin on a computer.

Emergency call trick doesn’t work

As mentioned, this is a very old exploit and is patched on virtually all modern devices. Don’t waste time on it—use another method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my data if I use Samsung’s Find My Mobile?

No, the Unlock feature only removes the lock screen. Your data remains intact. However, if you use the “Erase” option, it will delete everything.

Can I unlock my Samsung phone with my Google account?

Only on Android 5.0 to 7.0. On newer versions, Google’s Find My Device cannot remove your lock screen. Samsung’s Find My Mobile is the reliable alternative.

What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP) and why is it blocking me?

FRP is a security feature that requires the previous Google account after a factory reset. It prevents thieves from using a reset phone. You’ll need to enter the Google account that was on the phone before the reset.

Can I unlock my Samsung phone for free?

Yes, all the methods in this guide are free. Samsung’s Find My Mobile and Google’s Find My Device are free services. Factory reset is also free. Avoid paid third-party tools.

What if I don’t have a Samsung account?

If you never created a Samsung account, you can’t use Find My Mobile. Your only options are Google Find My Device (if on older Android) or a factory reset (which will trigger FRP).

How do I avoid this problem in the future?

Set up Smart Lock, use biometrics, and keep your Samsung and Google account passwords in a password manager. Also, regularly back up your data so a reset isn’t a disaster.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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