Usually, no. For most modern Android phones, Google’s official recovery guidance says to erase the device and set a new screen lock. The narrow exception is an eligible Samsung Galaxy running One UI 6.1 or later: if you changed its lock within the past 72 hours, you may be able to unlock it with the previous PIN, password, or pattern.
When a Samsung Galaxy may let you use the previous lock
Samsung’s previous-screen-lock recovery feature applies to supported Galaxy models running One UI 6.1 or later, and only within 72 hours of changing the lock method. It is a recovery option for the device owner, not a general way to bypass Android security. Samsung’s UK guidance says menus and availability vary by model and software version, so confirm the instructions for your model and region.
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- After at least five unsuccessful attempts on the lock screen, look for the relevant “Forgot PIN,” “Forgot password,” or “Forgot pattern” option.
- Choose that option and enter the previous lock method when prompted.
- Stop if you enter the previous method incorrectly three times; Samsung says further attempts are then unavailable.
These limits matter: the feature will not help if the lock was changed more than 72 hours ago, the phone is not eligible, or you cannot recall the previous method. See Samsung’s previous-screen-lock instructions.
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For other current Android devices, Google’s guidance is direct: “If you can’t unlock your phone, you’ll need to erase it.” Erasing removes the screen lock by resetting the device, but also deletes data stored on the phone, including apps, photos, and music.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Before erasing, check your backups and account access
- Confirm that you can sign in to the Google Account associated with the phone. If you plan to restore backed-up Google Account data, Google says you need the PIN or pattern that was in use when the backup was made.
- For a Galaxy, Samsung says to sign in to the same Samsung account to restore data backed up there.
- If important files may exist only on the locked phone, pause before resetting. Contact the manufacturer’s official support for guidance specific to the model; do not assume a reset can recover local, unbacked-up data.
Choose an official erase route
Google describes two routes: erase remotely through Find Hub, or erase the phone using its power and volume buttons according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remote erasure depends on the phone having power and connectivity, the relevant Google Account, Find Hub being enabled, and the device being visible on Google Play. The exact button sequence for a manual reset is manufacturer- and model-specific; follow the device maker’s instructions rather than guessing.
Google’s Android unlock guidance explains the erase options and their prerequisites. Samsung also provides model-focused steps in its Galaxy screen-unlock support guidance.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Does the old “Forgot pattern” Google Account option still work?
Google’s instructions for resetting a forgotten pattern through a Google Account specifically apply to Android 4.4 or lower. They require the Google Account previously added to the phone. This is legacy guidance, not a general recovery method for modern Android releases. See Google’s instructions for older Android versions.
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Why remote-finding tools are not a replacement-PIN shortcut
The Google guidance reviewed describes Find Hub as an option to erase a locked phone, not to set a new screen PIN remotely. Samsung’s current support guidance describes its limited prior-lock recovery feature or reset paths. Do not count on a remote device-finding service to unlock the phone without erasing it; check the official support instructions for the exact device and region.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Quick decision guide
- Eligible Galaxy, One UI 6.1 or later, lock changed within 72 hours: Try Samsung’s previous-lock recovery prompt, respecting its attempt limit.
- Android 4.4 or lower with a pattern lock: Follow Google’s legacy Google Account instructions if the option appears.
- Any other forgotten lock: Check backup and account access, then use the official erase instructions for the phone. If data may not be backed up, seek model-specific manufacturer support before resetting.
Samsung Electronics Service Korea separately says its service center or consultant cannot remove a forgotten screen lock and that removal requires a full reset. That guidance is specific to Korea; consult Samsung Korea’s service guidance for its regional details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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