How to Unlock a Samsung Galaxy Watch

Unlock your device to access functions or unlock it from a network carrier

By
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Senior News Editor, Fact Checker
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Gulf Coast Community College
Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others.
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Updated on December 1, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
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Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Unlock from carrier: In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Find My Watch > Set Security; turn on Reactivation Lock.
  • Next, enter a PIN, tap OK, and turn off Reactivation Lock. Unlock a watch to access functions: swipe or press Home.
  • Disable PIN or lock: Press Home; tap Settings > Security and Privacy > Lock > Type; tap None to disable the lock.

This article explains how to unlock your Samsung Galaxy Watch. We'll also share how to turn off Screen Lock so you won't need to enter a PIN or pattern when you want to access the device's apps.

How Do I Unlock a Samsung Galaxy Watch?

Unlocking a Samsung Galaxy Watch can mean two things: unlocking the device from its network carrier or unlocking the device to access its functions.

Unlock a Samsung Galaxy Watch From the Network Carrier

Samsung Galaxy Watches are not carrier-locked. However, your watch may be administrated by a specific carrier, typically the one to which your smartphone is attached. If you change providers, you'll need to turn on the Reactivation Lock to connect your Galaxy Watch.

  1. On your phone, open the Galaxy Wearable app and tap Find My Watch or Find My Gear.

  2. Tap Set Security.

  3. Tap the Reactivation Lock to enable it.

  4. Enter your PIN and tap OK.

  5. Tap the Reactivation Lock again to turn it off.

If this process worked, your Galaxy Watch should reregister with the carrier network you're currently using for your smartphone. If it doesn't work, you'll need to reach out to your carrier or Samsung to have the watch reset using a reset code.

If you experience difficulties resetting the network carrier on your Samsung Watch, it may be because you're connecting to a device "locked" to a specific network. If this is the case, you'll only be able to use the Watch with that carrier unless you reach out to the carrier or Samsung to get the watch "released."

Unlock a Galaxy Watch to Access Its Functions

If you're just trying to unlock your Samsung Galaxy Watch to access its functions, all you have to do is swipe the screen or press the Home button. If you've enabled a PIN or pattern security, you must input the requested information to complete the unlock process. Once you do, you'll have full access to your Galaxy Watch functions.

How Do I Take the Lock off My Samsung Watch?

If you don't want to input a PIN or trace a pattern every time you want to access your Galaxy Watch's functions, you can deactivate this requirement. Afterward, when you lift your arm or swipe your watch face, you'll go straight to the Watch screen instead of the security lock.

  1. Press the Home button on the side of the watch to open the Apps screen.

  2. Tap Settings.

  3. Tap Security and privacy and select Lock.

  4. Tap Type.

  5. You should see options to set up a PIN, Pattern, or None. To disable the lock screen, tap None.

Now you can use your Watch without using the PIN code or Pattern Lock each time you want to access one of its functions.

FAQ
  • Can you use a Galaxy Watch to unlock a Samsung phone?

    Currently, that is not an option. However, if you download and install Samsung Flow, you can pair your watch to your PC or tablet. Once your watch is paired, you can use it to unlock your PC or tablet.

  • How do I unlock my Galaxy Watch if I forgot my password?

    If you can't remember the password for your watch, you will need to reset the watch. To reset any version, hold down the Power/Home and Back Button simultaneously until it reboots, and then press the Power/Home button quickly until Select Reboot Mode appears. Finally, select Recovery or Wipe data/Factory reset > Factory data reset, depending on the watch.

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