If you enabled Reset with Samsung account before you were locked out, you can use Secure Folder’s Forgot prompt to set a new lock after signing in to the Samsung account linked to the folder. If you did not enable that option, Samsung says the prompt will not appear; its documented fresh-start option deletes the folder’s contents rather than unlocking them.
Reset Secure Folder with your Samsung account
This is Samsung’s supported way to regain access without knowing the old PIN, pattern, or password. It works only if Reset with Samsung account was enabled when you configured the lock.
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- Open Secure Folder on your Galaxy device.
- Enter the PIN, pattern, or password you think is correct. If it is rejected, look for Forgot. Depending on the lock type or software version, the prompt may read Forgot PIN, Forgot pattern, or Forgot password.
- Tap Forgot, then tap Reset when prompted.
- Sign in to the Samsung account associated with Secure Folder.
- Follow the on-screen directions to create a new available lock credential.
Samsung’s US troubleshooting guide states that without prior activation of the reset option, the Forgot prompt will not appear and access cannot be recovered through this flow. A Samsung account by itself does not bypass the folder’s lock. Samsung US: Unable to access Secure Folder on Galaxy phone or tablet.
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Why the Forgot option may be missing
The most likely explanation in Samsung’s guidance is that Reset with Samsung account was not enabled before you forgot the credential. Samsung does not document another way to bypass authentication or retrieve the existing contents when that reset option is unavailable.
#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.
Do not uninstall Secure Folder if you still need files stored inside it. Samsung’s documented fresh-start route is to remove the folder and configure it again, which deletes its stored information; uninstalling and reinstalling is not a way to unlock the old folder or recover its data. Samsung’s US instructions give this settings path, though labels may vary by software version: Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder → More settings → Uninstall. The US guide describes an option to move media files out before removal, but it cannot make inaccessible files available. Samsung US: Manage Secure Folder; Samsung Mexico: Reset the Secure Folder password.
What repeated failed attempts do—and don’t—do
Samsung Mexico’s guidance, last updated August 5, 2026, says an uninstall option appears on the sign-in screen after 14 failed PIN or pattern attempts on Android U OS. That is a version- and region-specific statement, not a universal threshold for every Galaxy device or software version. The option leads to removal and setup again; it does not restore the locked folder’s contents. Repeated guesses are not a recovery method.
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.
Can you recover Secure Folder data from a backup?
Credential reset and backup restoration are separate. Samsung US says new Secure Folder backups are no longer supported, but data from previous backups may still be restorable if one exists. To check, open Secure Folder settings and look for Restore from backup; sign in to the Samsung account and follow the available restore prompts. This restores eligible data from an existing backup, not access to the locked folder, and Samsung does not guarantee that a backup exists or contains particular files. Samsung US: Manage Secure Folder.
If you also cannot access your Samsung account
Use Samsung’s account recovery or support options for the region where you live. Samsung India advises contacting Samsung Support when both the Secure Folder code and Samsung account password are lost. Availability of services and features can vary by device and region. Samsung India: What is Secure Folder and how to use it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
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