Samsung Tightens Security With Forced Factory Reset After 13 Wrong Lock Screen Attempts

Samsung is introducing a significant security update with its upcoming One UI 9 software, which will enforce stricter lock screen protections on Galaxy smartphones. Unlike previous Android versions that allowed up to 20 incorrect password attempts, Samsung will limit users to only 13 wrong tries of a password, PIN, or pattern. After 12 consecutive failed attempts, the device will lock for 24 hours, and the 13th incorrect entry will trigger an automatic factory reset, erasing all data on the phone.

To mitigate accidental data loss, Samsung has implemented a smart counting system that ignores repeated attempts of the exact same wrong code in a row, preventing those from counting toward the limit. The device will also clearly display the remaining number of attempts before the reset is triggered. Following the forced reset, users will need to re-enter their Google and Samsung account credentials to reactivate the phone.

Samsung advises users to memorize their lock codes carefully and not rely solely on biometric authentication, as Android requires manual code entry at least once every 72 hours for security reasons. The first devices to ship with One UI 9 pre-installed will be the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and Galaxy Z Flip 8, expected to arrive in Israel in early August 2026.