How to reset Samsung J2 Core when locked?

Quick Overview

If your Samsung J2 Core is locked and you forgot the unlock pattern, PIN, or password, you can reset it to gain access again. The easiest way is to perform a factory data reset, which will wipe all your personal data but allow you to reuse the phone. You can reset through recovery mode or by entering your Google account details if you had previously set one up.

Symptoms of a Locked Samsung J2 Core

There are a few key signs that indicate your Samsung J2 Core is locked:

• You are prompted to draw your unlock pattern or enter your PIN/password when turning on your phone or waking the screen, and it does not unlock even when entering the correct credentials.
• You see a message saying something like “Too many pattern attempts” or “Device locked for 30 seconds.”
• Pressing the power button simply shows the lock screen.
• You cannot access your home screen or apps.
• Incoming calls go directly to voicemail instead of ringing through.

Before Resetting

Before resetting your Samsung J2 Core, it’s a good idea to:

• Ensure you do not have any physical damage, as this could impact the reset process or your ability to use the phone afterwards.
• Back up any personal data you want to keep, such as contacts, photos, music, documents, etc. A factory reset will wipe all data from your device.
• Make sure you have your Google account username & password, as you will need this for some reset methods.
• Have your Samsung J2 Core plugged into a power source or have at least 50% battery charge.

Method 1: Reset from Recovery Mode

Here are the steps to factory data reset your Samsung J2 Core from recovery mode:

1. Start by turning your J2 Core off completely.
2. Next press and hold the Volume Up key and Power button at the same time. Hold them until you feel a vibration and see the Samsung logo appear on screen.
3. Use the volume keys to navigate and select the ‘Wipe data/factory reset’ option.
4. Select ‘Delete all user data’ on the confirmation screen.
5. Select ‘Reboot system now’ after the reset completes.

This will reboot your phone and restore it to factory settings, while deleting all your personal files and data in the process.

Important Notes on Recovery Mode Reset

• Do not interrupt the reset process or turn off your phone before it completes booting up normally.
• If your phone does not turn on after resetting from recovery mode, you may need to charge it more before powering it back on.
• The hardware keys needed for accessing recovery mode can vary by J2 Core model or carrier. Consult Samsung support if you cannot get into recovery.

Method 2: Perform External Factory Reset Using Hardware Keys

Many Samsung J2 Core devices allow you to do an external factory reset by accessing Download Mode and using hardware key combinations:

1. Start by fully powering off your J2 Core.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons at the same time until you feel a vibration and see the Samsung logo on screen.
3. Once you are in Download Mode, press the Volume Down key to navigate to the ‘Factory reset’ option.
4. Press Power button to select ‘Factory reset’.

This will reset your phone to factory settings. After completion, select Reboot System Now to restart your device.

Important External Reset Notes

• This factory reset method deletes all personal data without option for backups.
• Use hardware buttons carefully to properly navigate and select options in Download Mode.
• If you have trouble entering Download Mode, try holding Volume Down + Power for 30+ seconds.
• Not all devices support external factory reset from Download Mode.

Method 3: Reset Using Your Google Account

If you had previously set up a Google Account on your Samsung J2 Core:

1. Enter your lock screen credentials incorrectly until the “Forgot password?” link appears.
2. Tap the “Forgot password?” prompt.
3. You will be prompted to enter the Google Account email and password you last used on this device.
4. Enter your account details correctly to fully reset your device.

By signing in with your Google Account you used on this phone, you can reset your device after several failed unlock attempts.

Considerations for Google Account Reset

• Only works if you had an active Google Account on the device.
• Resetting via Google Account allows you to keep and restore any associated data from Google services.
• Your phone must have an active internet connection to access your Google Account and reset successfully.

Method 4: Reset Hardware Using Button Combination

The Samsung J2 Core has a hardware reset option that combines pressing multiple buttons at once:

1. Make sure your J2 Core is powered off.
2. Press and hold the Power Button + Volume Down + Home buttons simultaneously.
3. Keep holding the keys for 10-12 seconds until you feel a vibration, then release them.
4. This will launch the device into recovery mode to complete a factory reset.

Use this method when your normal reset options are inaccessible due to system errors or lock screen issues.

Key Notes on Hardware Reset

• No confirmation prompts are provided, so be prepared to fully erase data.
• Buttons must be pressed at exactly the same time for it to work.
• May not work if device is unresponsive or has physical button damage.

Reset Network Settings

You can also reset your network settings without needing to factory data reset your entire device:

1. Go to Settings > General Management.
2. Tap Reset > Reset network settings.
3. Enter your device unlock code if prompted.
4. Select Reset settings.

This can help fix issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular data if your device is still accessible past the lock screen.

Conclusion

Hopefully by following one of the reset methods above you are able to regain access to your Samsung Galaxy J2 Core if it ever gets locked or stuck at the lock screen. Just remember to backup your files first, and be prepared to wipe your device when factory resetting.

Utilize your Google Account details, recovery mode, download mode, external hardware keys, or network settings reset to get your phone working again after it is locked out.