Samsung warns: The risks of forgetting your lock code
Samsung's upcoming One UI 9 software update introduces stricter security measures for screen unlocking. After 13 failed attempts, the device will automatically trigger a factory reset, wiping all stored data.
We are all familiar with the stressful moment when a smartphone fails to recognize our unlock code. Until now, the Android operating system has been relatively lenient regarding failed entry attempts. However, Samsung's next software update, One UI 9, is set to change the rules of the game, making security protocols significantly more rigorous. A simple lapse in memory could now lead to the complete erasure of all data on your device.
13 attempts until data wipe
According to an official support document released by Samsung following their annual launch event in London, the company has decided to tighten lock screen security. While Google limited the number of attempts in Android 17 to 20, Samsung is taking a stricter approach, allowing only 13 incorrect attempts for a password, PIN, or pattern.
If you enter an incorrect code 12 times in a row, the system will lock for 24 hours. The 13th incorrect attempt will automatically trigger a forced factory reset, wiping all information.
Samsung has integrated a smart counting mechanism: the system ignores repeated attempts of the same incorrect code, so they do not count toward your limit. The device will display clear instructions and the number of attempts remaining. Note that after a forced reset, you will need to re-enter your Google and Samsung account credentials to reactivate the phone.
Recommendations for users
Samsung strongly advises users to memorize their lock codes. Even if you rely on biometric identification, Android requires a manual code entry every 72 hours for security. The first devices to ship with this software will be the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Ultra version, and the Z Flip 8, arriving as early as the beginning of August.
