An method for releasing a lock of an electronic device including a touch screen and an electronic device using the same is provided. The electronic device includes a touch screen display and a processor configured to receive two or more touch inputs in a locked state of the electronic device and to release the locked state when the two or more touch inputs coincide with a pattern stored in advance. The processor is further configured to receive a first touch input through the display in the locked state of the electronic device, receive a second touch input through the display after receiving the first touch input, determine whether the second touch input is within a selected region with respect to one or more imaginary axes passing through a position of the first touch input, and determine whether the second touch input coincides at least partly with the stored pattern, based on whether the second touch input is within the selected region.