To factory reset a locked Samsung phone, you can use the remote erase features of Samsung Find My Mobile or Google Find My Device, or fall back to the local Recovery Mode. These methods permanently delete all data on the device, which is the only way to regain access when you are locked out without a PIN, password, or pattern.
Prerequisites for remote reset
For Samsung Find My Mobile to work, the locked phone must be signed in to a Samsung account and currently online. For Google Find My Device, the phone must be linked to a Google Account and online. If the device is offline, the erase will occur the next time it connects to the internet.
Method 1: Use Samsung Find My Mobile
- On a computer or another device, go to the SmartThings Find or Find My Mobile page.
- Sign in with the Samsung account that was on the locked phone.
- Select the locked device from the list.
- Choose Erase data, then select Erase. Samsung's support pages use slightly different wording by region: one says 'Erase data' then 'Erase', another explains 'Erase Data function'.
- Enter the Samsung account password and confirm with OK.
If the device is offline, the erase happens when it next goes online. After the erase, Find My Mobile is no longer available on that device because the Samsung account is also deleted. Samsung Find My Mobile 'Erase data' deletes the Samsung account on the device, making the Find My Mobile service no longer available after the reset. This method is one way of bypassing phone lock screens when you have the account credentials.
Method 2: Use Google Find My Device
- On a computer or another device, go to android.com/find.
- Sign in with the Google Account that was on the locked phone.
- Select the locked device from the list if you have more than one.
- Choose Erase device (older pages may say "Tap Factory reset {device name}"). Google's older support page wording says 'Tap Factory reset {device name}' to erase an Android device.
This erase may not delete data on an SD card. Google Find My Device erase may not delete SD cards. After the erase, Find My Device will not work on that device. After Google Find My Device erase, Find My Device will not work on that device.
Method 3: Use Recovery Mode (local fallback)
If the phone cannot be reached remotely, Recovery Mode is the documented local fallback. The exact button sequence and menu labels vary by Samsung model and are not provided here; check Samsung support for your specific device to perform the factory reset from Recovery Mode.
What to expect after a factory reset
The device restarts to the initial setup screen. All data, including lock screen credentials, is erased. Both the Samsung account and Google Account are removed from the device, so Find My Mobile and Find My Device will no longer function on that phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove the lock screen?
Yes, performing a factory reset removes the lock screen because it erases all data and settings, restoring the phone to its factory state.
Does a factory reset unlock a network-locked phone?
No, a factory reset only erases user data and settings. It does not remove network locks; you must contact your network provider or use a third-party unlocking service for that. FAQ: Can a factory reset unlock a network-locked Samsung phone? No, it only erases user data and settings, not network locks.
Should I back up first?
Yes, if possible, back up your important files before resetting. However, since you are locked out, backup may not be feasible; the reset will permanently delete all data.
What if I forgot my Samsung account password?
You cannot use Samsung Find My Mobile without the Samsung account password. You will need to use Google Find My Device or the local Recovery Mode fallback instead.
