Every new Samsung owner should know about this change. One UI 9 tightens lock screen security

A forgotten PIN or a curious child trying one code after another on the phone – until recently, this was at most a temporary annoyance. However, with new Samsung phones running One UI 9, the same situation can end much worse. The system introduces tiered locking, which, after thirteen incorrect attempts, locks the phone completely and irreversibly.

What happens after incorrect attempts?

Previously, Samsung was relatively lenient after a series of incorrect attempts – it waited a bit and let you keep trying. One UI 9 reverses this approach, becoming stricter with each subsequent mistake. The time delay between attempts increases according to a fixed scheme.

• 5 attempts – 1-minute lock
• 6 attempts – 5 minutes
• 7 attempts – 15 minutes
• 8 attempts – 30 minutes
• 9 attempts – 90 minutes
• 10 attempts – 4 hours
• 11 attempts – 12 hours
• 12 attempts – 24 hours
• 13 attempts – permanent lock

After the twelfth attempt, you wait a whole day before you can try another code. And the thirteenth incorrect entry is final.

Thirteenth incorrect entry locks the phone permanently

The thirteenth incorrect entry locks the phone permanently, and the only way back is through a factory reset. However, this erases all data stored on the phone – photos, messages, apps, and their settings, unless you have them backed up elsewhere. After the reset, you must also log in to the original Samsung and Google accounts to which the device was linked. The Factory Reset Protection feature prevents a thief from simply resetting and using a stolen device. Samsung also warns that it cannot remotely restore or bypass a forgotten lock – no service shortcut exists.

Do you unlock with a fingerprint? This applies to you too

Those who normally unlock their device with a fingerprint or face might dismiss this. However, the catch is that the new rules require you to enter your backup PIN, pattern, or password at least once every 72 hours.

Every new Samsung owner should know about this change. One UI 9 tightens lock screen security Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

However, the manufacturer has added a safeguard against unfortunate accidents. If you enter the same incorrect code twice in a row, it counts as a single attempt – the counter only advances for truly different incorrect entries. Furthermore, as you approach the limit, the phone will clearly show you how many attempts you have left.

Changes currently apply only to new models

This will reassure many. The strict mode currently applies only to phones that were launched with One UI 9 – meaning models that have it from the factory. Currently, these are the recently introduced foldables Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra, and Flip8. Conversely, devices that will only upgrade to One UI 9 from an older version, according to available information, do not need to worry about stricter security for at least some time.

Every new Samsung owner should know about this change. One UI 9 tightens lock screen security Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

Samsung advises owners to regularly back up data to the cloud or via Smart Switch and to calmly double-check the code before each entry. Especially with a phone you occasionally lend to children, a few incorrect taps can add up faster than it seems.

Do you find thirteen attempts and irreversible locking a reasonable safeguard, or an unnecessarily harsh punishment?

Sources: SamMobile, Notebookcheck, Samsung