Locked Out of Your Phone? Here’s What You Can Do

Photo by Andrew M on Unsplash

Imagine this scenario: you reach for your phone, eager to check a message or make a call, only to find yourself staring at the dreaded screen asking for your PIN, pattern, or password — none of which you can recall!

It’s a sinking feeling, one of panic and frustration that can leave you feeling disconnected and vulnerable.

Recently, I experienced this firsthand when I forgot my phone’s PIN and found myself locked out for what felt like an eternity — five long hours of uncertainty.

Step 1: Take a Deep Breath

The first thing to do when you realize you’re locked out is to stay calm.

Panicking won’t help, and it might even make it harder to think clearly. Take a moment to collect yourself before proceeding to troubleshoot.

Keep in mind that excessive failed attempts to unlock your device can lead to extended lockouts for security reasons.

Step 2: Try Alternative Methods

If restarting your device doesn’t resolve the issue, you can explore alternative methods like Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature.

This requires that your device is connected to the internet and you have a Samsung account set up.