How to Remove Screen Lock on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (Forgot PIN/Pattern)

Forgetting your screen lock on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is stressful, but there are several ways to regain access. Whether you want to simply disable an existing lock you remember, or you are completely locked out after forgetting your PIN, pattern, or password, this guide covers every method — from the simple Settings toggle to remote unlock and factory reset.

Part 1: Disable Screen Lock (If You Remember It)

If you know your current lock and just want to remove or change it:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Screen lock type.
2. Enter your current PIN, pattern, or password.
3. Select None to remove the lock entirely, or choose a different lock type.
4. If Secure Startup or biometrics are active, you may be warned that removing the lock also removes fingerprints and face unlock — confirm to proceed.

Note: If a work profile, VPN, or certificate is installed, the "None" option may be greyed out. This is common on company-issued devices — see our Knox Guard / MDM guide.

Part 2: Locked Out — Forgot Your PIN/Pattern/Password

If you cannot get past the lock screen, you have several recovery options. These are listed from least destructive (keeps data) to most destructive (wipes data).

Method 1: Samsung Find My Mobile (Keeps Data if Lucky)

This is the best first option because it can remove the lock without wiping data — but it only works if you set up a Samsung account and enabled Find My Mobile beforehand.

1. On a PC or another phone, go to smartthingsfind.samsung.com.
2. Sign in with the Samsung account that is on the locked S26 Ultra.
3. Select your device from the list.
4. Choose Unlock.
5. Confirm your Samsung account password.
6. The screen lock is removed remotely — the phone unlocks without a data wipe.

Method 2: Google Find My Device (Erase Only)

Google's Find My Device can locate and erase your phone, but it cannot remove the lock while keeping data:

1. Go to android.com/find on any browser.
2. Sign in with the Google account on the device.
3. Select your S26 Ultra.
4. Choose Factory reset device to wipe it (this removes the lock but erases everything).

Method 3: Factory Reset via Recovery Mode

If the above methods are unavailable, a hard reset removes the lock by wiping the device:

1. Power off the phone (hold Power + Volume Down for 20 seconds if frozen).
2. Connect via USB-C to a PC or charger.
3. Hold Power + Volume Up until the Samsung logo appears.
4. In Recovery, select Wipe data/factory reset.
5. Confirm and reboot.

For full step-by-step details, see our hard reset guide.

The FRP Consideration

If you factory reset to remove the screen lock, the phone will ask for the previously synced Google account after reboot (Factory Reset Protection). Make sure you know those credentials.

If you forgot the Google account too, or bought the device second-hand, you will need our FRP bypass guide to get past the verification.

Method 4: Third-Party Unlock Tools

Various PC tools claim to remove Samsung screen locks. Be cautious: most modern tools still trigger a factory reset (they cannot bypass encryption on Android 16 without wiping), and many free tools are unreliable or bundled with malware. If a tool promises to remove the lock without any data loss on a current Samsung device, be skeptical — Samsung's encryption makes this nearly impossible without the credentials.

Preventing Future Lockouts

• Set up Samsung Find My Mobile (Settings → Security and privacy → Find My Mobile) — this enables the data-preserving remote unlock.
• Register multiple fingerprints and face unlock as backups.
• Keep your Google and Samsung account credentials saved somewhere secure.
• Use a memorable but secure PIN, and consider writing it in a password manager.

Troubleshooting

Find My Mobile Unlock option missing: Find My Mobile was not enabled beforehand, or remote controls are off. You will need to factory reset instead.

Fingerprint sensor stopped working: Your backup PIN/pattern/password always works even if biometrics fail. Use it, then re-register fingerprints in Settings.

Secure Startup asking for PIN on boot: This is the encryption unlock, separate from the regular lock. See our Secure Startup guide.

Guide by XDA Unlocker Team. Last updated: July 2026.