Samsung Locks Devices Permanently After 13 Failed Unlock Attempts in One UI 9

Samsung has introduced a stricter security policy in its One UI 9 lock screen to better protect users from password guessing attempts. Under the new rules, after 13 consecutive incorrect attempts to enter a password, PIN, or pattern, the device will lock permanently. The only way to regain access will be a full factory reset, which will erase all locally stored data that has not been backed up.

To reduce accidental lockouts, the system will implement a progressive delay mechanism starting from the fifth failed attempt. Users will face increasing wait times between attempts, reaching up to 24 hours after the 12th failed try. Samsung clarified that repeatedly entering the same incorrect code will count as a single attempt, and users will receive clear notifications about how many attempts remain before permanent lockout.

This new security policy is expected to apply initially only to devices that come pre-installed with One UI 9, rather than to existing devices updated to the new version. Early models to feature this mechanism include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8.