How to remove Samsung Reactivation Lock

Samsung Reactivation Lock is Samsung's equivalent of iCloud Activation Lock — it ties the device to the previous owner's Samsung account, and a factory reset doesn't clear it. Combined with Google's FRP, Galaxy phones have two account locks to clear before resale.

Reactivation Lock vs FRP — they're separate

Galaxy phones can have two account locks active simultaneously:

• Samsung Reactivation Lock — bound to the Samsung account associated with the device.
• Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) — bound to the Google account signed into Android.

Both must be cleared before resale. This guide covers Reactivation Lock; see how to remove Google Activation Lock (FRP) for the other.

Path 1 — Previous owner removes the device from their Samsung account

Have the previous owner do this on any browser:

1. Go to findmymobile.samsung.com and sign in.
2. Select the device from the list.
3. Click "Unregister" — removes the Reactivation Lock.
4. Optional: also "Erase data" to wipe the device remotely.

If the previous owner is in front of you, they can do it directly on the phone: Settings → Lock screen and security → Find My Mobile → toggle off, enter Samsung password.

Path 2 — Samsung removes it on proof of ownership

Same as Apple's process, but contact Samsung Support directly with:

• Original retail receipt with IMEI / serial.
• Government-issued ID matching the receipt.
• The device itself.

Samsung's process is slower than Apple's — expect 5–10 business days. You'll usually need to ship the device to Samsung's service center for verification.

What doesn't work

• "Samsung Reactivation bypass" services: the same scams as iCloud bypass — stolen credentials, IMEI swaps, or outright fraud. Samsung has closed most known bypass methods on Galaxy S20+ and Note 20+.
• Aftermarket firmware flashes: reflashing stock firmware doesn't remove the Reactivation Lock — the lock is stored in a secure partition that survives reflash.
• "Just sign in with my Samsung account": same problem as the iPhone equivalent. The seller can re-lock at any time.

Knox warranty bit — the secondary issue

While inspecting Galaxy phones, also check Settings → About phone → Status → Knox warranty void. 0x1 means the device was rooted or had its bootloader unlocked at some point. Knox-tripped devices can't run Samsung Pay or Secure Folder, and resale grade drops a tier. The bit is one-way and cannot be reset.

Pre-purchase verification

On any used Galaxy phone, before paying:

1. Settings → Accounts → Samsung account. Should show "Sign in" if cleared, or the previous owner's account if not.
2. Settings → Lock screen and security → Find My Mobile. Should be off.
3. Settings → About phone → Status → Knox warranty void. Should be 0x0.
4. Run an IMEI blacklist check.

If you bought a locked Galaxy

Same options as a locked iPhone: contact the seller and walk them through the unregister process; refund through the platform if applicable; or part out the device. Samsung parts have a smaller aftermarket than Apple parts, so part-out value is typically 25–35% of working-unit price (vs 30–40% for iPhone).