S21+ Pin Code Changed After Software Update

[Cloudy13]

My S21+ phone's PIN code got switched out after I did a software update few days ago. I can't afford to do a factory reset as I need the data in my phone since they haven't been backed up on my Samsung cloud (photos and vids). Tried find my phone but remote unlock hasn't been toggled on the phone. It's currently locked for 4 hours, tried the correct PIN code, even 000000 to see if they would set a default PIN but still can't get it to unlock. 

Have been doing force restart, but I can't get to the Recovery screen, so I can't use the 'clear cache' method. 

If anyone knows a way to get it to unlock without clearing my data it would definitely be of great help, please do let me know. I don't want to have to go down to the service centre for a blame session. 

[JP19]

Hey, do u remember ur PIN code has how many digits before the update? After the software update, they may have limited the maximum number of digits. This has happened before to one of the members back in 2022.

https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s/locked-out-of-my-s21-ultra-5g-after-updating-to-android...

[Cloudy13]

Hi, it's 6 digits, I set it to be the max no. of digits.

[JP19]

Hmm.. maybe try with same PIN sequence, but instead with only 5 digits first, then 4. It's suspected that after update, ur PIN has been cut by 1 or 2 digits. This is just my suggestion.

[Cloudy13]

I have just tried it, and realised that my phone is set to only enter 6 digit pin codes. So, when I try with 4 or 5 digits, it won't allow me to press the OK button to continue. But thanks for your suggestion!

[JP19]

Ah okay.. hmm.. maybe I see if can find any other solutions in the meantime.

[Cloudy13]

I have combed Google down and a site recommended to use a software called Droidbit to unlock it (which also requires a data reset), then do a data recovery using the same software. Not too sure if this works, so if anyone has used it before pls comment and let me know!

[JP19]

Oh btw, I just reread ur original post, mentioning about to go to Recovery screen. U may need to connect ur phone to a computer via a cable.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-android-recovery-mode/

[Cloudy13]

Ooh okay, will try that out now 😊

[Cloudy13]

This method did get me to the recovery mode, I wiped out some cache, restarted my phone and pressed the pin code again but now it's locked for 8 hrs 🫠