July 29, 2026, 8:43 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The PIN of a smartphone is often rarely used in everyday life. Many users unlock their devices with a fingerprint or facial recognition instead. However, after a restart or in certain security situations, the device still requires the stored PIN. If users no longer remember it and try several combinations, they might hit limits faster with future Galaxy smartphones than before.
Wait Times Increase with Each Failed Attempt
As Samsung announces on its website, the company is significantly tightening the security rules for the lock screen with One UI 9. After five incorrect entries, the device initially blocks unlocking for one minute. Subsequently, the pauses extend gradually after each further failed attempt. Initially, the wait time increases to a few minutes, later up to one and a half hours. Then follow lock times of four, twelve, and finally 24 hours.
The system informs users on the lock screen about how many attempts are still possible. If someone enters the same incorrect code twice in a row, the system counts it as only one failed attempt. However, the limit at the 13th incorrect attempt is particularly important. After that, the smartphone can no longer be unlocked by waiting and remains permanently locked.
Only a Factory Reset Lifts the Lock
Once this limit is reached, only a complete reset to factory settings remains. This deletes all locally stored data that was not previously backed up.
According to Samsung, there is no alternative way to remove the lock. The company cannot view or remotely restore stored PINs, patterns, or passwords. After the reset, users must also use the previously used Samsung and Google accounts before setup is possible again.
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Google Has Already Introduced Stricter Guidelines
The new rules do not originate solely from Samsung. Already with Android 16 QPR2, Google tightened the guidelines for consecutive failed attempts at unlocking. The more often an incorrect PIN, pattern, or password is entered, the longer the device remains locked.
With Android 17, this approach continues. Additionally, Google adds notes on wait times and possible ways to restore the device. According to Google standards, after a total of 20 incorrect entries, no further unlocking attempts are possible. However, Samsung sets the final limit in One UI 9 significantly earlier.
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These Galaxy Devices Receive the New Rule
According to Samsung, the change initially affects smartphones that are already delivered with One UI 9. These include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
Samsung introduced the three foldable smartphones on July 22, 2026. All models are shipped with Android 17 and One UI 9. Whether the new rule will later be extended to older Galaxy smartphones that receive One UI 9 via update has not yet been announced by the company.