Updated October 2026. Locked out of your Galaxy Watch because you forgot the PIN or pattern? There is no way to recover the PIN itself. The only fix is to reset the watch, which erases the data on it. The good news is that most of your data lives in your phone and Samsung account, so you can restore it after setup.
These steps apply to Wear OS Galaxy Watches: Galaxy Watch 4 and newer, including Watch 5, 6, 7, 8, the Classic models, FE and Ultra. Button names can differ slightly by model.
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Table of Contents
Before You Start
- Know your Samsung account password. After a reset, Reactivation Lock may ask for the Samsung account that was on the watch. Without it, the watch cannot be set up again.
- Charge the watch to at least 30 percent.
- Keep your phone nearby with the Galaxy Wearable app installed.
Method 1: Reset From Your Phone (Easiest)
If the watch is still connected to your phone, you can reset it without touching the lock screen.
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
- Tap Watch settings, then General.
- Tap Reset and confirm. You can choose to back up data first.
- Wait for the watch to restart. It will show the setup screen.
- Pair it again from the Galaxy Wearable app and restore your backup.
Method 2: Reset With the Watch Buttons
Use this if the watch is not connected to a phone.
- Press and hold the Home (top) button and the Back (bottom) button together until you see “Rebooting”.
- As soon as the Samsung logo or “Rebooting” appears, press the Home button repeatedly until the Reboot mode menu shows up.
- Press the Home button to move through the options until Recovery is highlighted.
- Press and hold the Home button to select Recovery. The watch will reset to factory settings.
- When the welcome screen appears, set it up again with the Galaxy Wearable app.
If you see an option called “Wipe data” in the recovery menu on your model, choose it and confirm. The exact menu depends on the software version.
After the Reset
- Sign in with your Samsung account if Reactivation Lock appears.
- Restore your backup in the Galaxy Wearable app, if you made one.
- Set a new PIN you will remember, or use a pattern.
- Turn on Unlock with phone (on supported models) so the watch unlocks automatically while it is connected to your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a forgotten PIN without a reset?
No. For security, Samsung does not provide a way to bypass or reveal the PIN. A reset is the only option.
Will a reset delete my apps and settings?
Yes, data stored on the watch is erased. Health data that already synced to Samsung Health on your phone stays safe, and you can restore watch settings and apps from a backup.
What if I do not know the Samsung account on the watch?
If you bought the watch used, ask the seller to remove it from their Samsung account. Otherwise contact Samsung support with proof of purchase.
How long does the reset take?
Usually a few minutes for the reset, and another 10 to 15 minutes to pair and restore.
Upgrading Instead?
If your watch is an older model and you are thinking of upgrading, the Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung’s current main watch, with a slimmer design, sleep coaching and running features. Pair it with a screen protector and a spare charger and you are set.
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As a professional trainer and a gadget lover, I’ve spent a lot of money and time buying wearable activity trackers, smartwatches, and gadgets, and checking them out. My site is focused on helping you with your activity tracking and smart technology journey. I try to provide the most helpful updated content on this subject. Hopefully, you will love my blogs and be a regular around here.
