How to Unlock Samsung S21 Without Password

If you forgot the screen lock on your Samsung Galaxy S21, the right solution depends on what kind of “unlock” you mean. A forgotten PIN, pattern, or password is a screen lock problem. A phone that asks for the previous Google account after a reset is an FRP or Google verification problem. A phone that will not accept another SIM card is a carrier or network unlock problem.

This guide focuses first on the screen lock problem because that is what most users mean when they search for how to unlock Samsung S21. You will also find a separate section for SIM/network unlock near the end so you do not mix it up with screen lock removal.

Before You Unlock Samsung S21

Before you start, confirm what is actually stopping you from using the Galaxy S21. This matters because screen lock removal, FRP removal, and network unlock are different tasks. Using the wrong method can waste time or erase data unnecessarily.

• Forgotten PIN, password, or pattern: You cannot pass the lock screen. Try Samsung’s own recovery options first, then reset-based or tool-assisted options.
• Fingerprint or face unlock not working: Use the backup PIN, pattern, or password. Biometrics alone cannot replace the primary screen lock after restart or security timeout.
• Google verification after factory reset: This is Factory Reset Protection. You may need the Google account previously synced to the phone.
• SIM network unlock code: This is about using another carrier’s SIM card. It does not remove the screen password.

Important: Many Samsung S21 unlock methods will erase device data. If you can still access the phone with biometrics or a backup method, back up photos, contacts, messages, WhatsApp data, and files before making changes.

Which Samsung S21 Unlock Method Should You Choose?

Method	Best For	Data Loss	Requirements
Previous screen lock method	You recently changed the PIN, password, or pattern	No, if it works	Galaxy model with One UI 6.1 or later; option appears after failed attempts; usually within 72 hours of changing the lock
SmartThings Find / Find My Mobile	Remote unlock or reset option is available for your account and region	Depends on the available action	Samsung account, remote features enabled before lockout, internet connection
Google Find Hub	You want to erase a lost or inaccessible S21 remotely	Yes	Google account on the phone, internet connection, Find Hub enabled, device visible in Google Play
Recovery Mode factory reset	You cannot use account-based methods	Yes	Physical access to the phone; Google account may be required after reset
DroidKit Screen Unlocker	You prefer a guided desktop tool for screen lock removal	May erase data depending on model and system	Windows or Mac computer, USB cable, supported Samsung model and Android version

Method 1. Try the Previous Screen Lock Method

If your Galaxy S21 has been updated to a recent One UI version, you may see a Forgot PIN, Forgot password, or Forgot pattern option after several failed unlock attempts. Samsung explains that on supported Galaxy models with One UI 6.1 or later, the previous screen lock data may be stored temporarily after you change the lock. If the option appears, you can use the old PIN, password, or pattern to set a new one.

This is the best first method because it can recover access without wiping the phone. It is especially useful if you recently changed your Samsung S21 PIN and then forgot the new one.

1. On the lock screen, enter the wrong PIN, pattern, or password several times.
2. If a Forgot PIN?, Forgot password?, or Forgot pattern? link appears, tap it.
3. Enter the previous screen lock that you used before the current one.
4. If accepted, choose a new PIN, password, or pattern.
5. Unlock the Galaxy S21 with the new screen lock and back up your data immediately.

Limitations: This option is not available on every S21 software version or in every situation. It usually applies only for a limited time after changing your lock. If the option does not appear, continue with the next methods.

Method 2. Try Samsung SmartThings Find / Find My Mobile

Samsung’s Find My Mobile and SmartThings Find features can help locate, lock, erase, or manage a Galaxy device remotely. Depending on your region, software version, Samsung account status, and whether remote features were enabled before the lockout, you may see an unlock or lock-reset option. Some Samsung support pages still describe remote unlock, while other regions note that remote unlock availability has changed, so treat this method as conditional rather than guaranteed.

This method is worth checking because it uses your Samsung account and may avoid a manual factory reset if the unlock option is available.

1. On a computer or another phone, open the SmartThings Find or Find My Mobile website.
2. Sign in with the same Samsung account that was added to your Galaxy S21.
3. Select your Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, or S21 Ultra from the device list.
4. Check whether an Unlock, Lock, or other recovery option is available.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to verify your Samsung account password.

If the Unlock button is missing: Do not keep trying random services. Samsung may have removed or limited remote unlock in your region or account setup. Use Google Find Hub, Recovery Mode, or a guided screen unlock option instead.

Method 3. Erase Samsung S21 with Google Find Hub

Google Find Hub, previously known as Find My Device in many user guides, can help locate, secure, or erase a lost Android device. It does not reveal or recover your forgotten Samsung S21 password. Instead, it removes the screen lock by remotely erasing the phone.

Use this method when the phone is connected to your Google account and you accept full data loss. It is also useful if the S21 is lost and you want to protect personal data.

1. Go to Google Find Hub from a browser.
2. Sign in with the Google account used on the locked Galaxy S21.
3. Select your Samsung S21 from the device list.
4. Choose the erase option and confirm your choice.
5. After the erase finishes, set up the phone again.

Requirements: The phone must be powered on, connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, signed in to a Google account, have Find Hub enabled, and be visible in Google Play. If those conditions are not met, the erase command may not work until the phone reconnects.

FRP warning: After erasing the device, Samsung S21 may ask for the Google account previously synced to the phone. This is normal Factory Reset Protection. If you bought the phone second-hand, contact the previous owner before resetting it.

Method 4. Factory Reset Samsung S21 in Recovery Mode

If remote methods do not work, you can reset the Galaxy S21 from Recovery Mode. This removes the lock screen but also deletes data stored on the device. Use it only when you have a backup or when data recovery is no longer possible.

Samsung button combinations can vary by model, software version, and whether the phone is connected to a computer or charger. If the phone does not enter Recovery Mode, try connecting it to a computer with a USB cable before pressing the buttons.

1. Power off your Galaxy S21. If the phone will not power off because it asks for the lock screen, hold Side key + Volume Down until it restarts, then switch to the recovery key combination as the screen goes black.
2. Press and hold Volume Up + Side key until the Samsung logo appears.
3. Release the keys when the Recovery Mode menu appears.
4. Use the Volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
5. Press the Side key or Power key to confirm.
6. Select Factory data reset if prompted.
7. After the reset finishes, choose Reboot system now.

After rebooting, complete setup with the Google account or Samsung account previously associated with the device if prompted. If you cannot pass account verification, the issue is no longer the screen lock; it is an FRP or account verification issue.

Method 5. Unlock Samsung S21 with DroidKit

If you want a guided desktop workflow instead of manually navigating Recovery Mode, DroidKit Screen Unlocker can be considered as a tool-assisted option for removing Android screen locks on supported devices. It is designed to help with PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, and face lock problems, but compatibility and data handling depend on the Samsung model and Android version.

Use this method when manual methods are confusing, buttons are difficult to operate, or you want a step-by-step interface on Windows or Mac. Before using any unlock tool, check device compatibility and understand whether the process will erase data.

1. Download and install DroidKit on your Windows PC or Mac.
2. Launch DroidKit and choose Screen Unlocker.

3. Connect your locked Samsung S21 to the computer with a USB cable.

4. Click Start. DroidKit will prepare the device configuration file.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions for your Samsung model.

6. Wait for the process to complete. Then set up the phone again.

Important: Do not present any third-party tool as an official Samsung or Google method. DroidKit is a tool-assisted option, not a Samsung account or Google account recovery service. If the phone asks for Google verification after the process, you may still need the previously synced Google account.

How to SIM Unlock Samsung S21 to Any Carrier

SIM unlock or carrier unlock is different from screen lock removal. It lets a Samsung S21 accept another carrier’s SIM card, but it does not remove a forgotten screen password. If your phone shows a message such as SIM network unlock PIN, Network locked, or Invalid SIM, contact your carrier first.

1. Check whether the Galaxy S21 is fully paid off and not reported lost or stolen.
2. Contact the original carrier and request a network unlock code or unlock approval.
3. Power off the S21 and insert a SIM card from another carrier.
4. Power on the device and enter the unlock code if prompted.
5. Restart the phone and test calls, SMS, and mobile data.

Be careful with third-party carrier unlock websites. Some are legitimate services, while others may be unreliable or may not support your exact carrier variant. Carrier unlock rules also vary by country and network.

What If Samsung S21 Asks for Google Verification After Reset?

If your Galaxy S21 asks for the previously synced Google account after a factory reset, that is Factory Reset Protection. It is designed to prevent someone from wiping and using a lost or stolen phone. Enter the Google account that was used on the phone before the reset.

If you purchased the device second-hand, ask the previous owner to remove the device from their Google account and Samsung account before handing it over. If you are the owner but forgot the Google password, use Google Account Recovery first. After changing a Google password, there may be a waiting period before you can use the new password for device setup.

FAQs About Unlocking Samsung S21

Can I unlock Samsung S21 without losing data?

Sometimes, but only in limited cases. If the previous screen lock method appears and you remember the old PIN, password, or pattern, you may regain access without wiping data. If you need Google Find Hub, Recovery Mode, or many screen unlock tools, the phone is usually erased.

Can Samsung unlock my Galaxy S21 if I forgot the password?

Samsung can guide you through available recovery options, but modern phone security prevents Samsung from simply revealing your password. Depending on your region and device setup, Samsung account features may help. If those are unavailable, a factory reset may be required.

Does SmartThings Find still unlock Samsung phones?

It depends on the region, model, account settings, and software version. Some Samsung support pages still describe remote unlock or lock reset options, while others say remote unlock is no longer available. Check SmartThings Find with your Samsung account; if the unlock option is missing, use another method.

Will a factory reset remove the Samsung S21 lock screen?

Yes. A factory reset removes the lock screen password, PIN, or pattern, but it also deletes data from the phone. After the reset, the device may ask for the Google account or Samsung account previously used on the phone.

Is SIM unlock the same as screen unlock?

No. SIM unlock lets the Samsung S21 work with another carrier. Screen unlock removes or resets the phone’s lock screen password. A carrier cannot remove your forgotten screen PIN, and a screen unlock tool cannot give you a carrier network unlock code.

Can DroidKit unlock Samsung S21?

DroidKit Screen Unlocker is designed to remove Android screen locks on supported devices, including Samsung models in supported cases. The exact result depends on the device model, Android version, connection status, and the instructions shown in the software. Check compatibility before relying on it.

What should I do before resetting a locked Samsung S21?

If you can still access the phone through biometrics or another method, back up data first. Also confirm the Google account and Samsung account used on the device. These accounts may be required after reset due to device protection and FRP.

The Bottom Line

To unlock a Samsung S21 without the password, start with the least destructive option. Try the previous screen lock method if it appears, then check Samsung SmartThings Find or Google Find Hub if your accounts were set up before the lockout. If those options are unavailable, Recovery Mode factory reset or a tool-assisted workflow such as DroidKit can remove the screen lock, but you should expect possible data loss and account verification afterward.

If your goal is to use the Samsung S21 with another carrier, do not use screen lock methods. Request a network unlock from the original carrier instead.