How to Unlock Your Galaxy Using a Previous Screen Lock
How to unlock Samsung Galaxy with a previous lock method
If you forgot your current lock screen method, you can unlock your Samsung Galaxy using a previous PIN, password, or pattern. This feature is available on devices running One UI 6.1 or later and must be used within 72 hours of changing your lock.
1. Supported Samsung Galaxy devices
This feature is compatible with the following Samsung Galaxy devices:
- Galaxy S24, S25, S26 series
- Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series
- Galaxy A series (select models)
2. Why the previous lock method works
- Samsung stores your last used lock method temporarily for security recovery purposes.
- This allows users to regain access to their device if they forget their current lock within 72 hours.
- The feature is designed to prevent permanent lockouts while maintaining device security.
3. When the previous lock method won't work
- More than 72 hours have passed since you changed your lock method.
- Your device is running a software version older than One UI 6.1.
- You previously disabled the "Previous lock" recovery option in settings.
4. How to unlock your Samsung Galaxy with a previous lock method
- Enter an incorrect lock pattern, PIN, or password five times to trigger the "Forgot pattern/PIN/password" option.
- Tap "Forgot pattern/PIN/password" on the lock screen.
- Enter your Samsung account credentials when prompted.
- Select "Unlock with previous lock" from the options provided.
- Enter your previous lock method (PIN, password, or pattern) to unlock your device.
5. Additional things to check
- Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data network during the process.
- Verify that your Samsung account is linked to your device in Settings > Accounts and backup.
- If the option doesn't appear, restart your device and try again.
6. Related Samsung support topics
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