Your Galaxy phone will soon force a factory reset if you forget its PIN

Samsung is changing how security works on your Galaxy device with the upcoming One UI 9 update. If you use a PIN, password, or pattern to lock your phone, you should know that the system is becoming much stricter regarding failed entry attempts.

Recent documentation confirms that One UI 9 limits users to 13 total failed attempts. If you hit 12 incorrect entries, the system requires a 24-hour wait. Once you hit the final limit, the device triggers a factory reset. This approach goes beyond the standard Android 17 security protocols, which offer a slightly higher threshold.

Samsung mentions that the software includes smart counting. This feature prevents consecutive attempts with the same incorrect PIN from stacking up against your total tally. The goal is to provide a security buffer while ensuring users remain locked out if they cannot verify their identity.

Because of Factory Reset Protection, losing access to your device means you will need to re-verify your Google and Samsung credentials after the reset is complete. Even if you rely primarily on fingerprints or face recognition, remember that the device forces a PIN entry every 72 hours. Samsung advises all users to keep their credentials secure and memorable to avoid an accidental wipe of their phone data.

These changes arrive with the new Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 series, which feature this software out of the box. Be aware of your lock settings before the update rolls out to your existing hardware in the coming weeks.