How to change an account on a Samsung Android smartphone: all methods

Changing an account on smartphones Samsung is a procedure that every user faces when selling a device, transferring it to another person, or simply wanting to use a new account Google or Samsung Account. Unlike devices from other brands, phones Galaxy have a double link: to Google services and Samsung's own services, which complicates the process. Errors when deleting or adding accounts can lead to blocked functions, loss of access to purchases in Galaxy Store or even the inability to use the device.

In this article we will look at all the current methods of changing an account - from simply adding a new profile to a complete reset of settings by bypassing factory protection. FRP (Factory Reset Protection). We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions Android (from Android 10 to One UI 6.0) and models Samsung (including Galaxy S23, A54, Z Fold 5). You will also learn how to save data before changing your account and what to do if the device requires confirmation from the old owner.

1. Preparing to change your account: what you need to do in advance

Before you delete or add accounts, there are several critical steps you need to take. Neglecting them can lead to losing access to purchases on Google Play, deleting photos from the Galaxy Cloud, or blocking the device after resetting.

Firstly, create a backup copy all data. Even if you plan to just add a new account, synchronization may not work correctly. Use:

• 🔄 Samsung Smart Switch —to transfer contacts, messages, photos and applications to a PC or another phone.
• ☁️ Google Drive —to backup settings, call history and data of some applications (enable the option in Settings → Accounts and archiving → Data backup).
• 📁 Local copy - copy files from internal memory to an SD card or computer (folders DCIM, Downloads, Documents).

Secondly, check linked services:

• 💳 Samsung Pay - remove bank cards in application, otherwise they will remain tied to the old account.
• 🎮 Game achievements —if you use Game Launcher or Xbox Cloud Gaming, export your saves.
• 📺 Subscriptions —cancel automatic payments in Google Play i Galaxy Store (check in Settings → Accounts → [your account] → Payments and subscriptions).

Create a backup via Smart Switch|Unlink bank cards in Samsung Pay|Export data from applications (WhatsApp, Telegram)|Check active subscriptions on Google Play|Download important files from internal memory to PC-->

If you are selling or transferring a phone be sure to log out of all accounts before resetting. Otherwise, the new owner may be asked for a login/password from your Google account after. factory reset (protection FRP).

Once a year|Only when selling the phone|Never changed|After purchasing a used device-->

2. Ways to change your Google account to Samsung

Account Google is the basis of the operation of an Android device. It can be added, deleted or replaced without a complete reset, but with some restrictions. Let's consider all the options.

2.1. Adding a new Google account (without deleting the old one)

If you need to use a second account (for example, to work), follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Account management.
2. Click Add account → Google.
3. Enter the details of the new account or create one.
4. Confirm the synchronization of data (contacts, calendar, Gmail, etc.).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ i One UI 4.0+ you cannot add more than 4 Google accounts. If the limit is reached, you will have to delete one of them. existing ones.

2.2. Deleting an old Google account

To delete an account:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Management accounts.
2. Select the account Googlethat you want to delete.
3. Click Delete account (in some versions - Delete account).
4. Confirm the action with a password or pattern.

Action	Consequences	How to avoid problems
Deleting the main Google account	Reset settings applications, loss of access to purchases in the Play Market	Transfer purchases to a new account via Google Family Link (if possible)
Deleting an account with synchronization enabled	Deleting contacts, calendar events and notes from the device	Disable synchronization before deleting or make a backup copy
Deleting an account on the phone from FRP	Locking the device after resetting (requires entering old account data)	Disable FRP in Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Factory protection

🔹 Important: If you delete the account that was used to set up the phone after purchase, the device may require its data after the next reset. This is part of the protection FRPthat must be disabled before selling.

2.3. Replacing the main Google account (data transfer)

If you want to make another account main (for example, when changing your personal mailbox), do:

1. Add a new Google account (as described in clause 2.1).
2. Transfer purchases and data:
   • For applications: use the function Family Library in Google Play.
   • For contacts: export them to a file .vcf and import into a new account.
   • For photographs: use Google Photos with the function Partner library.

Delete the old account (clause 2.2).

What will happen if not transfer purchases?

When you delete your Google account, you will lose access to purchased applications, movies and books. The new account will not be able to download them, even if you log in on the same device. The only way to regain access is to restore your old account or contact Google support with proof of purchase.

3. Working with a Samsung account: adding, deleting, resetting data-i="139">The account

Account Samsung Account is responsible for the operation of branded services: Galaxy Store, Samsung Cloud, Find My Mobile and others. Changing it has its own characteristics.

3.1 Adding a new Samsung Account

To add an account:

1. Open Settings → Accounts and archiving → Account management → Add account → Samsung account.
2. Enter the details of an existing account or register a new one.
3. Confirm synchronization (backup is enabled by default c Samsung Cloud).

⚠️ Attention: You can only use one Samsung accounton one device. Adding a second one will automatically log you out of the first one.

3.2. Account

To delete:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung account.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Delete account.
3. Confirm the action with the device password.

🔹 What will happen after deletion:

• 📱 Loss of access to Galaxy Store (you will not be able to install or update applications from Samsung).
• ☁️ Deleting backups from Samsung Cloud (if not saved locally).
• 🔒 Disabling the function Find My Mobile (you cannot find or block the phone remotely).

3.3. Resetting Samsung Account when selling a phone

If you are transferring the device to another user, simply deleting the account is not enough. You need to:

1. Log out of your account in Settings → Accounts and archiving → Samsung account → Log out.
2. Disable Find My Mobile in security settings.
3. Perform a factory reset (see section 5).

🔹 Important: If you do not disable Find My Mobilethe new owner will not be able to log into his Samsung account on this device - the system will require the old owner's data.

4. How to change the account on a locked Samsung phone

If you bought a used phone Samsungthat requires old account information after resetting (FRP Lock), or forgot the password for your account, additional steps will be required. Workaround methods depend on the model and firmware version.

4.1. Bypassing FRP (Factory Reset Protection) on new models (Android 11+)

On devices with One UI 3.1+ bypass FRP is complicated, but possible through:

• 📞 Calling an emergency number:
  1. On the lock screen, dial the number 112 (or another emergency number).
  2. In the emergency call menu, open the browser through the button Emergency information.
  3. Download FRP Bypass APK and install it manually.

🔌 OTG cable + flash drive:

1. Connect the OTG cable with the flash drive on which the file is located FRP_Bypass.apk.
2. Install the application and follow the instructions to reset FRP.

⚠️ Attention: Using unofficial bypass methods FRP may lead to locking the device via Knox (if the security trigger fires). On devices with Knox 3.7+ (all models after 2020) this will irreversibly disable some functions (Samsung Pay, Secure Folder).

4.2. Reset via Recovery and Download Mode

For experienced users, deeper methods are available:

• 🔧 Reset via Recovery:
  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press Volume Up + Power + Bixby (or Volume Up + Power for new models).
  3. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.
  4. After reset FRP may remain - a bypass will be required (see section 4.1).

🖥️ Firmware via Odin:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the website Sammobile.
2. Install Odin on your PC and flash the phone in the mode Download Mode (hold Volume Down + Power + USB cable).
3. After flashing FRP it will be reset automatically.

🔹 Important: Firmware via Odin resets the counter Knox and may void the warranty. Use this method only if other methods have not helped.

What is Knox and why should it not be triggered?

Knox is a Samsung security system that monitors the integrity of the firmware In case of unauthorized changes (root, firmware, FRP bypass), a trigger is triggered Knox 0x1which leads to to:

- Blocking Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.

- Loss of warranty (even if you return stock firmware).

- Inability to use some corporate functions (for example, Knox Workspace).

5. settings: when necessary

If you transfer the phone to another user or want to completely clear it of old account data, run hard reset. This method deletes all data, including:

• Accounts Google and Samsung.
• Installed applications and their data.
• Photos, videos and documents in the internal memory.
• System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wallpaper, etc.).

🔹 How to reset:

1. Open Settings → General management → Reset → Reset data.
2. Select Reset and enter the PIN code.
3. Wait 5-10 minutes (the phone will reboot several times).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9+ after the reset, you may be required to enter the details of the last used account Google (FRP Lock). To avoid this, be sure to delete all Google accounts and disable FRP in the security settings before resetting.

Samsung model	Keyboard shortcut for Recovery	Shortcut for Download Mode
Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23	Volume Up + Power	Volume Down + Volume Up + USB cable
Galaxy A52/A53/A54	Volume Up + Power	Volume Down + Power + USB cable
Galaxy Z Fold/Flip (all models)	Volume Up + Power (hold 10 sec)	Volume Down + Volume Up + Power
Galaxy Note 10/20	Volume Up + Bixby + Power	Volume Down + Volume Up + USB cable

💡

If after resetting the phone asks for an old Google account, but you don’t remember the data, try restoring access via Google recovery page. If the device is used, request data from the previous owner or use FRP bypass methods (see section 4).

6. Transferring data between accounts

When changing accounts, many users are faced with the problem of transferring data: contacts, photos, notes and purchases. Let's look at how to save important information.

6.1. Transferring contacts and calendar

Contacts synchronized with Google contacts are automatically transferred when you add a new account. If they are saved locally:

1. Open the application Contact.
2. Click on the three dots → Manage contacts → Import/export.
3. Export contacts to a file .vcf on SD card or internal memory.
4. Import the file into a new account.

6.2. Saving photos and videos

Use Google Photos or Samsung Gallery:

• ☁️ Google Photos:
  1. Open the application and enable backup.
  2. Wait for synchronization to complete.
  3. In the new account, sign in to Google Photos - all media files will be available.
• 📁 Local copy:
  1. Connect your phone to the PC and copy the folders DCIM and Pictures.
  2. Use Smart Switch to transfer to a new device.

6.3. Transferring purchases from Google Play and Galaxy Store

Purchased applications and movies are linked to your account and are not transferred automatically. Possible solutions: Not transferred automatically about purchases - they can transfer licenses.

• 🛒 Google Play:
  • Use Family library for shared access to purchases (up to 5 people).
  • Contact Google support with your receipts and they may be able to transfer your licenses.
• 📱 Galaxy Store:
  • Purchases are tied to the device, not to the account. After the reset, they can be reinstalled without payment.
  • If you sell the phone, the new owner will be able to use the purchased applications without your account.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Netflix, Spotify) link subscriptions to the account Google. After changing your account, you may need to reconfigure payments.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When changing accounts, users often encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common of them and how to eliminate them.

7.1. "Unable to delete account" (gray text)

If the button Delete account is inactive:

• 🔒 The account is the owner of the device — delete it via Settings → Users (if you have administrator rights).
• 📱 The device is managed by the organization (for example, work phone) - contact the IT department administrator.
• 🔄 Synchronization error - restart the phone and repeat attempt.

7.2. After the reset, it asks for the old Google account (FRP Lock)

If the phone requires the data of the previous owner:

• 📧 Contact the previous owner — ask him to temporarily add your account to trusted devices in Google settings.
• 🛠️ Bypassing FRP —use the methods from section 4 (but remember risks of operation Knox).
• 📞 Samsung official service —in some cases you can provide proof of purchase and remove the blocking.

7.3. Samsung Pay does not work after changing the account

If Samsung Pay stopped functioning:

• 💳 Re-registration — delete and add bank cards again.
• 🔄 Reset the application:
  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Samsung Pay → Storage.
  2. Click Clear data and Clear cache.
  3. Reboot your phone and log in again.

📱 Knox check —if the trigger is triggered Knox, the function may be disabled forever.

🔹 Important: On devices with root access or modified firmware Samsung Pay does not work for security reasons.

8. Features for different Samsung models

The process of changing an account may differ depending on the model and version. One UI. Below are the key nuances for popular devices.

Model	One ​​UI version	Features of changing an account
Galaxy S23 Ultra	One UI 6.0	Requires fingerprint confirmation when deleting an account. Support Passkeys for authorization in Google.
Galaxy A54	One UI 5.1	No separate menu for FRP —disabled automatically when all Google accounts are deleted.
Galaxy Z Fold 5	One UI 6.1	Double authentication on reset (requires PIN + pattern). Support Samsung Wallet instead of Pay.
Galaxy M33	One UI 4.1	No function Smart Switch in some regions - use Google Drive for backup.

🔹 For older models (before 2019):

• On Galaxy S8/S9 and Note 8/9 bypass FRP is possible through Samsung Find My Mobile (if you know the login/password of the old account).
• On Galaxy J-series menu may be missing Samsung Cloud —backup via Google only.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 8 Oreo and older (for example Galaxy S7) after Reset may require data entry Samsung Accountrather than Google. Make sure you delete both accounts before resetting.

💡

On new models (S22/S23, Z Fold 4/5), Samsung has implemented additional protection - Samsung Knox Vaultwhich stores account data in an isolated environment. This makes it more difficult to bypass FRP, but increases security.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I use the phone without a Samsung account?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• You cannot install applications from Galaxy Store.
• Functions disabled Market. Find My Mobile, Samsung Cloud And Secure Folder.
• Some system applications (for example, Samsung Health) may not work correctly.

Account Google however, it remains required for the operation of Play Market services.

How to transfer data from Secure Folder when changing an account?

Secure Folder linked to account Samsung. To save data:

1. Open Secure Folder and export the files to the phone's regular memory.
2. Make a backup via Settings Secure Folder → Backup and reset.
3. After changing the account, restore the data from the copy (re-setup will be required Secure Folder).

⚠️ If you do not make a backup copy, all data in Secure Folder will be deleted when you reset or delete your Samsung account.

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