You’ve just performed a factory reset on your Android phone to get a fresh start, but instead of the home screen, you are greeted by a stubborn message: “This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account that was previously synced on this device.”
This is Google’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP), and while it can be frustrating, it serves a critical security purpose.
Here is everything you need to know about why your phone is locked and the legitimate ways to get back in.
What Is Factory Reset Protection (FRP)?
Introduced with Android 5.1 (Lollipop), FRP is a security feature designed to deter phone theft. It ensures that even if a thief steals your phone and manages to factory reset it, they cannot use the device without your original login credentials.
Basically, a standard Factory Reset does not remove the Google account association from the device’s security chip.
How It Gets Triggered
FRP is automatically enabled when you add a Google Account to your Android device. It is triggered when the device is reset using an “untrusted” method, such as:
- Resetting via Recovery Mode (holding down volume/power buttons).
- Resetting via Android Device Manager (Find My Device).
- Repairing the software via a computer.
Note: If you reset your phone through the standard Settings > System > Reset Options menu, you usually have to enter your PIN or password first. This is considered a “trusted” reset and typically removes FRP automatically.
Method 1: The Standard Recovery (Google Credentials)
The only intended way to pass the FRP lock is to prove ownership.
- Enter the Email: When prompted, enter the email address of the primary Google account that was synced to the phone before the reset.
- Enter the Password: Input the corresponding password.
- Two-Factor Authentication: If you have 2FA set up, you may need to approve the login from another device or enter a code sent to your backup number.
If you have multiple accounts: If you had three different Google accounts on the phone, usually the credentials for any of those accounts will work to unlock it.
Method 2: Recovering a Forgotten Password
If you know the email address but have forgotten the password, you must recover your Google Account to proceed.
- Visit accounts.google.com/signin/recovery on a different device (computer or another phone).
- Enter the email address synced to the locked device.
- Follow the steps to reset your password. This may involve answering security questions or receiving a code via email or SMS.
Important Warning: After resetting your Google Account password, you may need to wait 24 hours before you can use that new password to unlock an FRP-locked device. This is an additional security measure to prevent hackers from resetting your password and immediately stealing your phone.
Method 3: Handling Second-Hand Devices
A common scenario for getting stuck on FRP is buying a used phone from eBay, Craigslist, or a local marketplace, only to find the previous owner didn’t remove their account.
You cannot remove this lock yourself without their help.
- Contact the Seller: Reach out to the previous owner immediately.
- Remote Removal (Best Method): The previous owner does not need to give you their password. They can remove the device remotely:
- They log into their Google Account.
- Go to Security > Your Devices > Manage Devices.
- Find the phone they sold you.
- Select Sign Out.
- In-Person Unlock: If they are local, meet them (in a safe, public place) and have them enter their credentials on the device to unlock it, then go to Settings and properly remove the account.
A Note on “Bypass Tools”
A quick web search will reveal dozens of “FRP Bypass APKs” or “Unlock Tools.” You should be extremely cautious with these for several reasons:
- Security Risks: Many of these tools require you to install unverified software on your computer or the device, which often contains malware or spyware.
- Scams: Many services ask for payment upfront to “unlock” your device and then fail to deliver or vanish with your money.
- Device Damage: Attempting to flash unofficial firmware or manipulate the bootloader to bypass security can permanently “brick” your phone, rendering it useless.
The safest route is always recovering the original credentials or contacting the original owner.
