If you forget your Secure Folder PIN, you intentionally type a wrong code until the Forgot PIN / Pattern (or Reset) option appears. At that point, the phone will ask you to log in with your Samsung account to prove ownership before letting you create a new Secure Folder PIN
Method 1: The Forgot PIN/Password Option (If recently changed)
If your S24 is running One UI 6.1 and you changed your PIN or password within the last 72 hours, you can revert to the old one:
Enter incorrect PINs/passwords until the Forgot PIN? or Forgot Password? option appears at the bottom of the screen. Tap Forgot PIN / Password. You will be prompted to enter your previous lock code. Once verified, you can set a new PIN or password immediately.
Method 2: Remote Factory Reset via Google Find My Device:
1. Go to the Google Find My Device page on a browser or another device.
2. Log in with the same Google Account synced to your Galaxy S24.
3. Select your Galaxy S24 from the list of devices. Click Factory reset device (or Erase Device).
Once complete, power on the phone and set it up again. You can restore your data during setup using a recent Google or Samsung Cloud backup.
Method 3: Hard Reset via Android Recovery Mode
If the phone is offline or Google Find My Device isn't working, you can manually trigger a factory reset using the physical buttons:
Important requirement: Modern Samsung phones (including the S24 series) require a USB connection to enter Recovery Mode. Plug your S24 into a computer (or USB-C headphones/another powered USB port) using a USB cable before trying these steps.
Force Shutdown / Restart: Press and hold the Power (Side) button + Volume Down button simultaneously for about 7–10 seconds until the screen turns completely off. Switch to Recovery: As soon as the screen goes black, immediately release Volume Down and hold down Power + Volume Up. Release both buttons once the Samsung logo appears. The phone will boot into the Android Recovery screen. Use the Volume Down button to highlight Wipe data / factory reset. Press the Power button to select it. Highlight Factory data reset using Volume Down and press the Power button to confirm. Once finished, select Reboot system now. What happens after resetting? (FRP Guardrail)
After a factory reset, Android's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) will prompt you to sign in with either:
The Google account credentials previously associated with the device, or the Samsung account credentials.
Once logged in, you can restore your photos, apps, and settings from Samsung Cloud or Google Drive backups if you have backups there.
Unfortunately, you have to lose data if you haven't made backups.
