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You can erase a locked Samsung Galaxy A20 without entering its screen PIN, pattern, or password by using Recovery mode. This is a factory reset, not a way to recover the forgotten password or keep the phone’s local data. Afterward, Google may require the account previously used on the device to verify ownership.
Before you reset the A20
A factory reset deletes personal data stored on the phone, and data that was not backed up may not be recoverable. If you can still access the device through an authorized method, first check whether you can back up important files or use Samsung’s supported account-recovery options. For Samsung’s explanation of reset consequences and Factory Reset Protection, see Samsung’s factory-reset guide.
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If you cannot access the phone, the available reset methods below erase its data; the sources do not establish a way to preserve inaccessible local files by forcing a reset.
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Samsung Members community guidance for the Galaxy A20 describes this Recovery-mode sequence. It is community guidance, not a model-specific official Samsung procedure. Samsung cautions that button combinations vary by device, and its A20 support listing covers SM-A205 variants and manuals for Android 9, 10, and 11. The exact combination may therefore differ by carrier or software build.
#1 Best Overall
- Item Package Dimension: 6.649999993217L X 3.4599999964708W X 1.9299999980314H Inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.7495716908 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - Cellular Phone
- Power off the phone.
- Press and hold Volume Up and Power until the Recovery menu appears.
- Use the volume keys to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power to select it.
- Confirm the factory reset when prompted.
- When the process finishes, select Reboot system now.
Samsung’s general recovery-mode instructions describe connecting a locked Galaxy phone to a computer with a USB cable before entering Recovery. That page says hardware combinations vary; it does not establish that a computer connection is required for every A20 variant.
If the A20 does not enter Recovery with the described combination, avoid repeatedly trying unverified button sequences. Check support for your exact SM-A205 model and carrier, or contact Samsung.
Rank #2
- Samsung Galaxy A20 A205U for T-Mobile
- Main Display Size: 6.4"
- Camera resolution (Rear): 13.0 MP + 5.0 MP | Camera resolution (Front): 8.0 MP
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Erase the phone remotely with SmartThings Find
If the A20 is registered to your Samsung account and remote erasure is available, you can use Samsung’s SmartThings Find instructions:
- Sign in to SmartThings Find with the Samsung account associated with the phone.
- Select the A20 from your devices and choose Erase data.
- Confirm the erase.
This permanently deletes the phone’s data. If the device is offline, Samsung says the erase will take place the next time it comes online. Remote erase requires access to the relevant Samsung account; it does not bypass ownership checks.
Rank #3
- 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.
What happens when the phone restarts
Android Factory Reset Protection (FRP) may ask you to sign in with a Google account previously added to the phone. Samsung says FRP can activate after a reset performed by a method other than the Settings menu. A factory reset removes the screen lock’s local data, but it is not an ownership-verification bypass.
If you cannot complete account verification during setup, contact Samsung support or an authorized service center for help. Be prepared to provide the information needed to verify ownership.
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
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- 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
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Which reset route fits your situation?
| Method | What you need | Connectivity | Data impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery mode | Physical access to the phone and its buttons | The A20 community-described button method does not specify a network requirement | Erases user data |
| SmartThings Find | Samsung account access and the A20 registered for remote management | An offline phone is erased when it next comes online | Permanently erases user data |
| Settings reset | Access to the phone’s Settings | Not stated in the cited instructions | Erases user data |
Settings is the ordinary factory-reset route when you can use the phone, but it does not solve the immediate problem of a forgotten screen lock. Samsung’s Settings reset guidance explains that method.
Quick Recap
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- Amazon Renewed Condition: May has few minor scuffs or scratched, NO cosmetic damages on it, the item may have signs of handling such as minor scratches or minor marks.
- This device is GSM unlocked and will work with T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T, Not compatible with Cricket and any other CDMA network. To ensure this phone will work with your carrier please check to make sure the frequencies your carrier uses are supported by this phone.
- Clean IMEI. Ships in non-original box with premium aftermarket charger and USB cable. NO any other accessory!
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