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How to Unlock a Samsung Galaxy Note20: Screen Lock and Carrier Options

A forgotten Note20 screen PIN and a carrier SIM lock need different solutions. See Samsung’s limited previous-lock recovery steps, reset risks, and carrier options.
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First identify what is locked: a forgotten screen PIN, pattern, or password is a device-security issue; a SIM rejected by another network is a carrier-lock issue. Samsung offers a limited way to use a previous screen lock on some recent software versions. If that does not apply, the documented screen-recovery option is to erase the phone. For a carrier lock, contact the carrier that originally locked the Note20.

Choose the right kind of unlock

What you see What it means Where to start
The Note20 asks for a PIN, pattern, or password you no longer know The screen lock is stopping access to the device. Check whether Samsung’s previous-lock recovery applies; otherwise, consider a reset.
A different carrier’s SIM is rejected or the phone requests a network unlock The original carrier may have applied a SIM/network restriction. Request an unlock from the original carrier and verify destination-network compatibility.
The display is cracked, blank, or not responding to touch This may be an input or display fault, not a forgotten credential. Try Samsung’s input or restart troubleshooting as appropriate; neither bypasses the screen lock.

These are separate processes: a carrier unlock does not remove the screen PIN, and resetting a screen lock does not establish carrier eligibility.

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If you forgot the screen PIN, pattern, or password

Try the previous lock only if Samsung’s conditions fit

Samsung says prior-lock recovery is available on Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 or later when you recently changed the PIN, password, or pattern. The former lock is retained temporarily for 72 hours. After five or more failed unlock attempts, a “Forgot PIN/Password/Pattern” option may appear; labels can vary by model and software version. See Samsung’s recovery instructions.

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  1. Check that the phone runs One UI 6.1 or later and that you changed the lock within the last 72 hours.
  2. On the lock screen, after the required failed attempts, select the Forgot option if it appears.
  3. Enter the immediately previous lock method and follow the prompts to set a new one.

Samsung allows the old method once per lock type, and three incorrect entries of that former method end further attempts. Do not keep guessing.

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If prior-lock recovery is unavailable

If you do not know the former lock or the option is not available, Samsung documents erasing the device through SmartThings Find. Sign in with the Samsung account associated with the phone, select the Note20, and choose Erase data. Samsung warns that this permanently deletes the device’s data. If the phone is offline, the erase takes place when it next connects to the internet. Follow Samsung’s erase instructions.

  • Before erasing, check whether photos, contacts, and other important files are backed up to a Samsung or Google account, computer, or other backup location.
  • Anything stored only on the phone may be lost. A reset is not a way to recover the forgotten PIN or retrieve unbacked-up local files.

If the screen is damaged or does not respond

Cracked screen with a working display

If the display works but touch input does not, Samsung says a mouse and keyboard connected through a USB adapter can help navigate the device. This supplies input only; it does not defeat authentication. For a wired setup, check that a USB-C OTG adapter supports OTG and has the connector needed for your mouse or keyboard. See Samsung’s Galaxy screen troubleshooting guidance.

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Blank or black display

Samsung suggests holding Power + Volume Down for 20 seconds to force a restart, then charging the phone for at least an hour. These are troubleshooting steps, not an unlock method or a guaranteed fix. If the problem persists, Samsung advises seeking help from an authorized service center: Samsung support.

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If another carrier’s SIM is rejected

Request a network/SIM unlock from the carrier that originally locked the Note20. Eligibility and request steps depend on that carrier, the device, and the account; a code from a generic online source is not a universal solution.

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AT&T

Use AT&T’s device unlock request route and check the current requirements for your account and device. AT&T says eligible Samsung devices on an AT&T Wireless plan may unlock automatically after requirements are met. Its criteria include account standing, applicable payment or contract completion, and no lost, stolen, or fraud report. The current page is the authority for whether a particular Note20 qualifies.

Verizon

Verizon publishes a separate device unlocking policy and device-unlocking FAQs. Check those current pages for the specific device and account; do not rely on an older fixed waiting period as a guarantee.

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Check compatibility before switching

An unlocked phone is not guaranteed to receive full service on every network. Confirm the exact Note20 model or variant against the destination carrier’s supported bands and features before switching. Samsung’s Galaxy Note20 support page identifies a model-specific support listing; your phone’s model number may differ.

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Which route fits your situation?

Question If yes If no
Do you remember the immediately previous screen lock, and did you change it within the last 72 hours on One UI 6.1 or later? Try Samsung’s lock-screen Forgot option, observing the limited attempts. Do not keep guessing; consider Samsung’s erase/reset route.
Can you accept losing data that is not backed up? A remote erase may restore access after setup. Check backups first and consider whether service assistance is appropriate before erasing.
Is the problem that a different carrier’s SIM is rejected? Ask the original carrier about unlocking eligibility. If the screen itself is locked, follow the screen-recovery guidance instead.
Do you know the exact Note20 model and destination carrier? Compare that model with the destination network’s bands and features. Find the model number and confirm compatibility before changing service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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