On a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, open Settings → Lock screen → Screen lock type, enter your current PIN, pattern, or password, then choose None or Swipe. None removes lock-screen authentication; Swipe keeps a swipe screen but does not provide meaningful security. Labels can differ slightly between S20 FE 4G/5G variants, carriers, Android releases, and One UI versions.
Before removing the lock
Disabling a secure lock means anyone holding the unlocked phone may be able to read messages and photos, open email, payment and banking apps, access password managers, or use authentication codes. Google classifies None and Swipe as providing no protection (Android Help).
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- Back up important photos, documents, and authenticator data before changing security settings.
- Expect fingerprint or face data to be removed when Samsung changes the phone to an unsecured method; you may need to enroll biometrics again after restoring a PIN, pattern, or password (Samsung support).
- This procedure changes the phone’s local screen lock. It does not disable a SIM PIN, unlock the carrier, remove app locks, or remove Google/Samsung account protections.
How to turn off the S20 FE screen lock
- Open Settings.
- Tap Lock screen.
- Tap Screen lock type. Samsung’s S20 FE documentation identifies this as the control for changing the lock method (S20 FE manual).
- Enter the current PIN, pattern, or password. Android requires the existing credential before it allows the lock to be changed or removed (Android Help).
- Select None to remove the lock-screen authentication, or Swipe to retain a swipe gesture without a secure credential.
- Accept any warning, then press the Side key or let the display turn off. Wake the phone and test the result.
If the menu wording is different, use the Settings search field for Screen lock type. The exact path can change with software and regional firmware.
None, Swipe, and secure methods compared
| Choice | What happens | Protection |
|---|---|---|
| None | The phone opens without a lock gesture or credential. | No screen-lock protection. |
| Swipe | You swipe to reach the Home screen. | No meaningful authentication. |
| PIN | A numeric code is required. | Secure; Android describes four or more digits and recommends six for additional security. |
| Pattern | A drawn pattern is required. | Secure. |
| Password | An alphanumeric credential is required. | Generally the strongest standard method. |
| Fingerprint or face | Biometric access is available, backed by a secure credential. | Convenient, but a PIN, pattern, or password remains necessary. |
Why None or Swipe may be missing
Do not assume the phone is faulty. Unsecured choices can be restricted by policy or by the phone’s current configuration.
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- Search Settings for Screen lock type and open the result.
- Confirm that the phone is fully unlocked and that you know the current credential.
- Look for a work profile or organization-management app. Company or school administrators can require a secure lock.
- Review Settings → Biometrics and security for device-administrator, credential, certificate, or security-policy controls. Do not remove business-management software without authorization.
- If the phone is company-owned, ask the administrator to change the policy.
- For a personal phone where the option remains unavailable, contact Samsung support with the exact model and software build (Samsung S20 FE support).
Carrier firmware, region, Android version, and One UI version can change labels and available choices. Samsung’s documentation also notes that controls depend on the configured security method (Samsung support).
What happens to fingerprint and face unlock?
Samsung requires a secure PIN, pattern, or password alongside fingerprint or face recognition. Switching to None or Swipe may delete the enrolled biometric data. If you later restore a secure lock, register fingerprints or face recognition again. Even with biometrics enabled, the secure credential can be required after a restart or power-on (Samsung support).
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If you forgot the PIN, pattern, or password
The normal settings procedure cannot remove a lock when you do not know the current credential. Avoid repeated guesses and unverified “unlocker” software. Official recovery or a factory reset may be required, and a reset erases locally stored data. Before resetting, back up what you can and verify the Google account credentials that were previously used; Factory Reset Protection may request that account afterward (S20 FE documentation). Use Samsung’s official support or an authorized service route rather than promising a data-preserving bypass.
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- SIM PIN or PUK: protects the SIM card. A PUK request is a carrier/SIM issue, not the phone’s screen lock (AT&T S20 FE guide).
- Carrier unlock: determines whether another carrier’s SIM can be used.
- Google Factory Reset Protection: can require the previous Google account after a reset.
- Samsung account authentication: is separate from the local lock screen.
- App locks: protect individual apps, not the system lock screen.
Safer ways to reduce unlocking friction
- Keep a memorable PIN and use fingerprint unlock for routine access.
- Increase the screen timeout if frequent lockouts are the problem.
- Use Samsung/Android Smart Lock or trusted-device features only where your software supports them. They provide conditional automatic unlocking and still require a secure screen lock; they are not equivalent to selecting None (S20 FE manual).
- Choose Swipe only when you accept that anyone with the phone can pass the lock screen.
Quick decision guide
- Choose None: only when convenience outweighs protection.
- Choose Swipe: when you want a conventional lock screen but no credential.
- Keep PIN plus fingerprint: the practical convenience/security compromise for most owners.
- Keep a secure lock: if the phone contains work data, banking apps, passwords, travel documents, or authentication tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the lock without knowing the PIN?
No. Android requires the current credential to change or remove the screen lock. If it is forgotten, official recovery or a reset may be necessary, and a reset can erase data.
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Why is None missing on my Galaxy S20 FE?
A work profile, device administrator, certificate, security policy, or software/firmware variation may restrict unsecured methods. Contact the organization administrator or Samsung support if the restriction is unexpected.
Will removing the PIN delete fingerprints?
Samsung documents that changing to an unsecured method may remove stored biometric data. Re-enroll fingerprints or face recognition after restoring a secure lock.
Is Swipe secure?
No. Swipe has no meaningful authentication; anyone holding the phone can pass it.
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Is this the same as unlocking my carrier?
No. Screen-lock settings affect access to the phone. Carrier unlocking affects which mobile network’s SIM can be used.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charger and charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Why does the phone still ask for a PIN after a restart?
A secure credential can be required after reboot or power-on, especially when biometric unlocking is enabled. A SIM PIN, work profile, or app can also generate a separate prompt.
Does this work on S20 FE 4G and 5G models?
The general path is the same, but labels and available choices vary by model variant, carrier, region, Android version, and One UI version.
What should I do before a factory reset?
Back up data, confirm the Google account and password previously used on the phone, and use official Samsung support. Factory Reset Protection may still request that account after the reset.
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