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If your Galaxy Note20 rejects its screen-lock PIN or password, first make sure you are entering the screen lock—not a SIM PIN or a Samsung or Google account password. If you recently changed the lock, Samsung’s previous-lock recovery may let you regain access without erasing data, but its availability on Note20 models is not established. If that option is unavailable and you cannot remember the current lock, Samsung’s documented remote option is to erase the phone, which permanently deletes data that was not backed up.
Check what the phone is asking for
Confirm that the prompt is for the screen lock. A SIM PIN, Samsung account password, and Google account password are different credentials and will not unlock the screen. If you are sure the screen lock is correct but the phone still rejects it—or the touchscreen may be registering different characters—avoid repeated guesses and contact Samsung support. The cited Samsung guidance does not diagnose a Note20-specific touchscreen or keyboard fault.
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Try the previous screen lock if you changed it recently
Samsung’s previous-lock recovery is documented for Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later. After five or more failed attempts, a “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern?” option may appear. If you changed your screen lock within the last 72 hours and remember the previous credential, follow the on-screen recovery prompt. Samsung says the previous lock is retained for 72 hours, can be used once for each lock type, and allows only three incorrect attempts. Stop if the prompt is absent or you are unsure of the old credential; do not keep guessing.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Samsung’s general instructions do not establish that the Galaxy Note20 received One UI 6.1, so do not assume this recovery method is available on every Note20. Check the phone’s software history if known, and rely on whether the actual lock screen presents the recovery option. Labels and screens can vary by model and software version. See Samsung India Support’s previous-lock recovery instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- The Galaxy Note20 features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with Full HD+ resolution and HDR10+ support, offering bright, vibrant colors and sharp detail, making it perfect for productivity, streaming, and gaming.
If recovery is unavailable, understand the erase option
If you cannot use the old-lock prompt, the cited Samsung SmartThings Find guidance offers an “Erase data” route, not a data-preserving unlock. It factory-resets the registered phone and permanently deletes its local data; an offline phone may be erased when it next connects. Samsung India Support states: “This process will permanently delete all your data, which cannot be recovered.” Read the current Samsung India instructions carefully before proceeding.
Before requesting an erase
- Check whether the photos, files, and other important content you need are backed up.
- Make sure you can access the Samsung account required for the remote erase process.
- Confirm that you know the Google account previously registered on the phone. Samsung US warns: “Google device protection will be activated if you had a Google account registered.” After reset, Google may require that account before you can use the device.
Restoring data depends on backups and account access set up before the reset; erasing the phone does not create or guarantee a backup. Samsung’s regional reset guidance can help explain the process, but follow instructions for your exact model and region: Samsung UK factory-reset guidance and Samsung France guidance for a forgotten screen-lock code.
Rank #2
- 6.7", 2400 x 1080 (FHD+), Infinity-O Super AMOLED+ Display, 4300mAh Battery, Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7nm+), Octa-Core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.8 + 64MP, f/2.0, 3x hybrid zoom + 12MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: B1(2100),B2(1900),B3(1800),B4(AWS),B5(850),B7(2600),B8(900),B12(700),B13(700),B14(700),B18(800),B19(800),B20(800),B25(1900),B26(850),B28(700),B29(700),B30(2300),B38(2600),B39(1900),B40(2300),B41(2500),B46(5200),B66(AWS-3), 5G: 2/5/41/66/71/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Single SIM
- Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon and Sprint.
When to contact Samsung support
If you cannot use previous-lock recovery, are unsure about erasing, or suspect the phone is not registering your input correctly, contact Samsung or an authorized service center for model- and region-specific advice. Samsung recommends authorized service for reset assistance or suspected device issues. Do not assume a service center can decrypt or restore files from a locked phone; the cited guidance makes no such promise.
Samsung’s support pages do not document a supported third-party program or accessory that bypasses the Note20 screen lock. Avoid relying on claims that such tools can unlock the phone while preserving data. For recovery-mode button combinations or menus, use current instructions for your exact Note20 model and region rather than assuming one universal sequence.
Rank #3
- The Galaxy Note20 Ultra features a massive 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Quad HD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and HDR10+ support, offering incredibly smooth visuals, vibrant colors, and precise touch response, perfect for gaming, media, and professional work.
Why Note20 software history matters
Samsung’s One UI 5 with Android 13 upgrade schedule included Note20 models, but Samsung’s previous-lock recovery instructions require One UI 6.1 or later. The schedule alone does not establish that a Note20 received One UI 6.1. Rollout timing for the listed upgrade varied by market and carrier, according to Samsung Mexico’s schedule, last updated April 16, 2024. Check the device’s own software history and lock-screen options rather than inferring feature availability from the model name. See Samsung Mexico’s One UI 5 and Android 13 schedule.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Cellular Phone
- Connectivity Technology - Bluetooth
- Memory - 128. Gb
Rank #4
- S Pen & Samsung Notes: Pen precision meets PC power with S Pen & Samsung Notes; So responsive, it feels like you're using a real pen; Jot notes, sketch ideas, then convert into Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, save and sync across all your Galaxy devices
- Intelligent Battery & Super Fast Charge: Adaptive power that meets your needs with an all-day intelligent battery that learns from how you work and play to optimize battery life; Plus, Super Fast Charging boosts your battery in just minutes
- Gaming: Bringing the best Galaxy mobile gaming experience in the palm of your hand; With a breathtaking screen refresh rate, near-endless screen, Galaxy 5G support and an advanced processor, you get a smooth gaming experience with virtually no lag
- HyperFast Processor: Multitask with Samsung’s fastest Note processor yet; Hyperfast process speeds transform your gaming and binging with less interruption; Catch every idea, knockout work, score big and share all your moments without slowing down
- Link to Windows: Manage both mobile and Windows apps directly on your PC screen with seamless multitasking integration; Easily share files between your phone and PC with a simple drag and drop
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