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What to do if you forget your pattern lock on the Galaxy S3 or S4

AndroidPIT S4 Lockscreen Bypass 1
© nextpit

Everyone forgets their Galaxy S4, but the same process works on many other Samsung devices too. 

sicherheit schloss
If you've locked yourself out of your Galaxy, Android provides a simple way to let you back in. / © Gerd Altmann / pixelio.de

Try, try, try again

Perhaps not surprisingly, once you use up your attempts to unlock your device it doesn't self-destruct or automatically wipe its contents. It simply prompts you to unlock it another way – with a backup PIN you would have already set up or with the Google account information on the device. Once you've used up your pattern attempts, you'll see a popup window telling you to wait to retry along with the bypass prompts at the bottom, so either use your PIN or enter your account details and sign in. Your Galaxy will unlock and you'll be taken to your lock screen options page!

Note: The bypass prompts only appear for a pattern lock. If you are using a password or PIN you just have to wait thirty seconds and retry. Thanks to @Philipp Junghannß for pointing this out!

AndroidPIT S4 Lockscreen Bypass 1
When you first set a pattern lock you'll be prompted to add a backup PIN. / © NextPit
AndroidPIT S4 Lockscreen Bypass 2
If you try too many times you'll see bypass options at the bottom (left) and the popup message (right) to try again in 30 seconds. / © NextPit
AndroidPIT S4 Lockscreen Bypass 3
If you remember your PIN, use it (left) but if not, enter your Google account info (right). / © NextPit
AndroidPIT S4 Lockscreen Bypass 4
You will bypass the lock screen and be prompted to select a new one (left) which will then replace your old one on the lock screen (right) / © NextPit

Have you ever locked yourself out of your smartphone? How long did it take you to remember your password?

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Go to comment (10)
Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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10 comments
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  • 1
    San Ett Jun 6, 2016 Link to comment

    I too have this problem. I have not forgotten my pattern, just several hurried attempts sent me to the PIN screen, where I am stuck. Please explain how to move/select between your 5th and 6th screens (PIN or Google Sign In) OR to get back to an additional pattern attempt. I have the PIN displayed but need to access the Google sign in screen.


  • My1 37
    My1 Feb 14, 2014 Link to comment

    change the title. only works when using pattern. when I have a PIN set, than then I just get the 30 sec. block on the 5th fail...


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 14, 2014 Link to comment

      Correct as always @Philipp! Edited and credited, thanks.


      • My1 37
        My1 Feb 14, 2014 Link to comment

        but maybe you can introduce the stock recov wiping option as the final attempt, but also set a warning for the reactivation lock...


  • Ann Droid 6
    Ann Droid Feb 13, 2014 Link to comment

    Not 'everyone' forgets their unlock/password. It's never happened to me in 59 years.

    Good article though, thanks.


    • Kris Carlon 35
      Kris Carlon Feb 13, 2014 Link to comment

      Maybe I should just tell you mine and then call you when I forget it!


      • Ann Droid 6
        Ann Droid Feb 14, 2014 Link to comment

        Okay! Wait, do you use Google Wallet :)


    • 2
      metz2000 Feb 26, 2014 Link to comment

      What phone did you own 59 years ago? :-p


      • My1 37
        My1 Feb 27, 2014 Link to comment

        I dont think that this was phone related rather than being general and stating that (s)he never forgot his/her passwird/pin WTF-ever in his/her 59year life...


      • 2
        Carel de Nysschen Mar 11, 2014 Link to comment

        Yet. Watch this space.

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