Note 9 lock screen PIN isn't recognized

[Android Central Question]

Bought note 9 just 4 months ago. Suddenly, after I charged the phone yesterday, lock screen PIN isn't recognized. Upon entering the PIN screen goes dark for one second then returns to lock screen. I know I enter the right PIN because if I enter the wrong one phone tells me it's the wrong one. Cannot restart or turn off device because PIN is required, therefore unable to clear cache, etc. Tried unlock from Samsung account but doesn't work (neither does locate). Can locate and play sound from Google account but I don't see an unlock feature. Finally, I have intentionally entered the wrong PIN over 30 times today hoping it would trigger a PIN reset but all it does is ask me to wait 30 seconds. Erasing phone from Google account is the next option, assuming it does a factory reset, but I would rather avoid that. Anyone has any other idea? Very annoying issue with such an expensive new device.

 

[QualifiedNoob346]

Have you installed any APKs (apps from unknown sources)? Sounds like malware to me.

 

[mustang7757]

Bought note 9 just 4 months ago. Suddenly, after I charged the phone yesterday, lock screen PIN isn't recognized. Upon entering the PIN screen goes dark for one second then returns to lock screen. I know I enter the right PIN because if I enter the wrong one phone tells me it's the wrong one. Cannot restart or turn off device because PIN is required, therefore unable to clear cache, etc. Tried unlock from Samsung account but doesn't work (neither does locate). Can locate and play sound from Google account but I don't see an unlock feature. Finally, I have intentionally entered the wrong PIN over 30 times today hoping it would trigger a PIN reset but all it does is ask me to wait 30 seconds. Erasing phone from Google account is the next option, assuming it does a factory reset, but I would rather avoid that. Anyone has any other idea? Very annoying issue with such an expensive new device.

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