How to Factory Reset Samsung Phone When Locked Without Password

Forgot your Samsung password, PIN, or pattern? This guide explains when a password is needed, how to factory reset a locked Samsung phone in 4 ways, and what to do if Google account verification appears after reset.

Author Avatar Roger Smith Last Updated: May. 14, 2026

Factory resetting a Samsung phone can help remove a forgotten screen password, PIN, or pattern, clear old data from a second-hand phone, or fix certain system issues. But when the phone is already locked, you cannot simply open Settings and tap Factory Reset.

The good news is that you can still factory reset a locked Samsung phone without the screen password by using Recovery Mode, Google Find My Device, Samsung Find My Mobile, or a guided unlock tool. Before you start, remember that factory reset will erase data and settings on the phone. After reset, your Samsung may also ask for the previously synced Google account because of Factory Reset Protection.

Quick Answer: Can You Factory Reset Samsung Without Password?

Yes, you can factory reset a locked Samsung phone without the screen password by using Recovery Mode, Google Find My Device, Samsung Find My Mobile, or a guided unlock tool like DroidKit. These methods can help when you forgot the Samsung password, PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock.

However, factory reset is not the same as FRP bypass. The reset can remove the screen lock, but after the phone restarts, it may still ask for the previously synced Google account. If you remember the Google account, sign in to finish setup. If not, you may need a separate Samsung FRP bypass solution after the reset.

Important: Factory reset will erase personal data, apps, settings, and files on your Samsung phone. If your data is not backed up, check whether you can recover important files after a reset before continuing.

Choose the Best Way to Reset a Locked Samsung

Different reset methods work in different situations. Use the table below to choose the safest path for your locked Samsung phone.

Situation Best Method PC Needed? What to Know
You can power off the phone and use buttons Recovery Mode No Free, but will erase data and may trigger FRP
Buttons do not work or Recovery Mode fails DroidKit Screen Unlocker Yes Guided process for locked Samsung phones
The phone is linked to your Google account Google Find My Device Optional Remote erase requires account access and internet connection
You signed in with a Samsung account before Samsung Find My Mobile / SmartThings Find Optional Official Samsung remote erase option
Google verification appears after reset Use original Google account or FRP bypass Depends This is FRP, not the same as screen lock

1. Factory Reset a Locked Samsung in Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is the most common free method to factory reset a locked Samsung phone without password. It is useful when you cannot open Settings because the phone is locked by PIN, password, or pattern.

Before using this method, make sure the phone has enough battery. If the phone cannot be powered off normally, wait until the battery runs out, charge it again, and then try entering Recovery Mode.

Steps to Samsung Factory Reset without Password in Recovery Mode

Step 1. Turn off your Samsung phone.

Step 2. Press and hold the required button combination. On many newer Samsung models, use Volume Up + Power. On older models, you may also need the Home button.

Step 3. When the Recovery Mode screen appears, use the volume keys to select Wipe Data/Factory Reset.

Step 4. Press the Power button to confirm the option.

Step 5. Select Yes to delete all user data.

Step 6. After the reset finishes, choose Reboot system now.

It may take a few minutes to complete the reset. After rebooting, your Samsung phone should no longer have the old screen lock. If Google verification appears, go to the FRP section below.

  • If the Recovery Mode screen does not appear, check the button combination for your exact Samsung model.
  • If the phone is connected to a Google account before reset, Factory Reset Protection may appear after the reset.

2. Reset Samsung Without Password with DroidKit

If Recovery Mode is not available, your Samsung phone will not power off, or button combinations do not work, DroidKit can provide a guided screen lock removal process on a computer. It is useful for users who want step-by-step instructions instead of trying hardware buttons repeatedly.

DroidKit’s Android screen unlocker can help remove screen locks such as PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, and face unlock on supported Android phones. It can also help users handle other Android issues such as system repair and FRP lock in related modules.

Key Features of DroidKit

  • Provides a guided process for removing screen locks on supported Android devices.
  • Works with Samsung phones and tablets as well as other Android models.
  • Useful when Recovery Mode is difficult to enter or button combinations do not work.
  • Runs on a computer and gives on-screen instructions during the process.
  • Also includes other Android utility features, including FRP bypass and system repair.

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Steps to Factory Reset Locked Samsung with DroidKit

Step 1. Download and launch DroidKit on your computer. Choose Screen Unlocker.

Choose Screen Unlocker

Choose Screen Unlocker

Step 2. Connect your locked Samsung phone to the computer and click the Start button.

Connect Your Android Phone

Connect Your Android Phone

Step 3. Wait while DroidKit prepares the configuration file. When it is ready, click Remove Now and select your device brand.

Confirm your Device Brand and Continue

Confirm your Device Brand and Continue

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions. DroidKit will provide different operation paths depending on your Samsung model and button layout.

Finish Settings on Samsung

Finish Settings on Samsung

Step 5. Wait for the screen lock removal process to complete. Your Samsung phone will be reset to factory settings.

Lock Screen Removal Completed

Lock Screen Removal Completed

After factory resetting your Samsung device, restart it and set it up again. If the FRP lock is enabled, you may need to verify the previously synced Google account. If you do not know the account information, check the FRP section below.

3. Reset Samsung Remotely with Google Find My Device or Samsung Find My Mobile

If your locked Samsung phone is connected to the internet and linked to your account, you may be able to erase it remotely. This is useful when you cannot access the phone directly, but you still remember the Google account or Samsung account used on the device.

Option 1. Use Google Find My Device

Google Find My Device, previously known as Android Device Manager, can help locate, lock, or erase an Android phone remotely. This method only works if the locked Samsung phone is connected to your Google account and has access to the internet.

Step 1. Go to Google Find My Device on another phone, tablet, or computer.

Step 2. Sign in with the Google account used on the locked Samsung phone.

Step 3. Select your Samsung phone from the device list.

Step 4. Choose the erase option to reset the device to factory settings.

Unlock Samsung with Android Device Manager

Unlock Samsung with Android Device Manager

After the reset, the Samsung phone may still ask for the Google account used before the reset. This is a normal FRP security step.

Option 2. Use Samsung Find My Mobile / SmartThings Find

Samsung also provides an official remote service called Find My Mobile or SmartThings Find. If you signed in with a Samsung account on the locked phone before, this method may help you erase the device remotely.

Step 1. Go to Samsung Find My Mobile and sign in with your Samsung account.

Step 2. Select your locked Samsung phone from the device list.

Step 3. Click Erase Data to factory reset the device remotely.

Erase Data on Samsung Remotely

Erase Data on Samsung Remotely

After erasing, restart your Samsung phone and check whether you can set it up. You may need to verify the Samsung account or Google account linked to the phone before the reset.

What If Samsung Asks for Google Account After Reset?

If your Samsung phone asks for a Google account after factory reset, it means Factory Reset Protection is active. This is different from the screen lock. The screen password may be removed, but the phone still needs to verify the previously synced Google account before setup can continue.

The safest way is to sign in with the Google account that was used on the phone before reset. If you forgot the account or password, try Google account recovery first. If you bought a second-hand Samsung phone and cannot contact the previous owner, you may need a supported Samsung FRP bypass method.

For more FRP-specific help, read this guide on how to unlock a Google-locked phone.

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Steps to Bypass FRP on Samsung with DroidKit

Step 1. Launch DroidKit on your computer and choose the FRP Bypass option. Then connect your Samsung phone with a USB cable.

DroidKit FRP Bypass

DroidKit FRP Bypass

Step 2. Choose Samsung from the brand list and follow the instructions to prepare your device.

Select Correct Brand

Select Correct Brand

Step 3. When all settings are done, start the FRP bypass process in DroidKit and wait until it finishes.

FRP Bypass Complete

FRP Bypass Complete

What If Samsung Factory Reset Does Not Work?

Sometimes factory reset may fail because the phone cannot enter Recovery Mode, the button combination is wrong, remote erase is not available, or FRP appears after reset. Check the common issues below.

Problem Possible Reason What to Try
Recovery Mode does not appear Wrong button combination or phone not fully powered off Check your Samsung model’s button combo and try again
Phone will not power off System is frozen or lock screen blocks shutdown Let the battery drain, recharge, then try Recovery Mode again
Remote erase does not work Phone is offline or account was not linked before Use Recovery Mode or a guided unlock tool
Google verification appears after reset Factory Reset Protection is enabled Sign in with the previous Google account or use FRP bypass
You are considering flashing the phone Firmware flashing is more technical and risky Use reset or unlock methods first unless you understand flashing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I factory reset a Samsung phone without the password?

Yes. You can use Recovery Mode, Google Find My Device, Samsung Find My Mobile, or a guided unlock tool like DroidKit to factory reset a locked Samsung phone without the screen password.

Q2. Will factory reset remove the Samsung screen lock?

Yes, a factory reset can remove the screen lock, but it will also erase data and settings on the phone. After reset, Google account verification may still appear if FRP is enabled.

Q3. How do I factory reset Samsung with buttons?

Turn off the phone, enter Recovery Mode with the correct button combination, choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset, confirm the reset, and reboot the device.

Q4. Can I reset a locked Samsung phone remotely?

Yes, if the phone is linked to your Google account or Samsung account and has an internet connection, you can try Google Find My Device or Samsung Find My Mobile to erase it remotely.

Q5. Why does Samsung ask for Google account after factory reset?

This happens because Factory Reset Protection is enabled. You need to sign in with the previously synced Google account or use a supported FRP bypass method if you cannot access the account.

Q6. Can flashing a Samsung phone unlock it?

Flashing may fix some software issues, but it is not always the best way to remove a screen lock or FRP. Use Recovery Mode or a guided unlock method first unless you understand Samsung firmware flashing.

Conclusion

There are several ways to factory reset a Samsung phone when locked. Recovery Mode is the most common free method, while Google Find My Device and Samsung Find My Mobile can help if the phone is linked to your account and online. If buttons do not work or you want a guided process, DroidKit can help reset a locked Samsung phone on a computer.

After any factory reset, remember that Samsung may still ask for the previously synced Google account because of FRP. If that happens, use the original Google account first or follow a Samsung FRP bypass method if account recovery is not possible.

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Author Avatar
Roger Smith Twitter Share Facebook Share

Roger Smith is a senior technical writer with years of experience in providing Android solutions. He loves to help users solve various problems such as Android unlock, Android data recovery, and Android system repair.

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