Resetting the settings on an Android smartphone should return the device to its factory state - clean, without personal data. But often users are faced with an unpleasant surprise: after hard reset the phone requires you to enter data Google accountthat was linked earlier. This lock, known as Factory Reset Protection (FRP), protects the device from theft, but can be a headache if you forget the password or buy a used device. In this article, we will look at all the legal and technical ways to bypass the protection and to completely delete a Google account from Android after resetting the settings, including methods for devices on Android 12+ with enhanced protection.

It is important to understand: the procedure differs depending on the version Android, smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei etc.) and even whether it was enabled OEM Unlock in the developer settings. We will consider options for both beginners (through official services) and for advanced users (using workarounds). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center so as not to turn your phone into a “brick.” Google), and for advanced users (using ADB, Fastboot and workarounds). If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center so as not to turn your phone into a “brick”.

📊 What model of smartphone do you have?
Samsung (Galaxy A/S/Note)
Xiaomi (Redmi/POCO)
Huawei/Honor
Google Pixel
Another brand
I don’t know

Why does Android ask for the old Google account after resetting?

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security feature introduced Google in Android 5.1 Lollipop and tightened in subsequent versions. Its purpose is to prevent the use of a stolen phone after a reset. The mechanism works like this:

  • 🔒 When you turn on the smartphone for the first time, the system checks whether a Google account was previously added.
  • 📱 If so, it requires you to enter the login and password for this account, even after a complete reset.
  • 🔄 Without the correct data the phone does not activate, remaining locked.

FRP is triggered if:

  1. The device was enabled lock screen protection (PIN, pattern, fingerprint).
  2. Was added although one Google account.
  3. Reset through Recovery Mode or system settings (and not through Fastboot with complete cleaning).

Starting with Android 11, Google tightened requirements: now to bypass FRP often requires physical access to USB debugging or special tools from the manufacturer (for example Samsung Frp Tools). On Android 13+ some methods stopped working due to the closure of vulnerabilities in QuickShortcutMaker and other utilities.

💡

If you buy a used smartphone, always ask the seller to delete your Google account BEFORE resetting the settings. After a hard reset, it will be more difficult or impossible to do this without a password.

Method 1: Official bypass through Google services (if you remember the data)

If you remember the login and password from Google account, but the phone does not accept them, the problem may be:

  • 🔄 Outdated password (it was changed after the last synchronization).
  • 📵 Lack of Internet (FRP requires verification through servers Google).
  • 🛡️ Two-factor authentication (code from SMS/applications Google Authenticator).

What to do:

  1. Connect your phone to stable Wi-Fi (mobile data may not work).
  2. On the account entry screen, tap on the field Email and enter your Gmail.
  3. If the password does not work, go to the page on your computer accounts.google.com, restore access and try again.
  4. When requesting a two-factor code, use backup codes or authenticator application.

If you do not remember the passwordbut your account:

Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery|Indicate the last known password or answer security questions|Confirm ownership through the linked phone number or backup email|Create a new password and log in again on your smartphone-->

⚠️ Attention: If the account was deleted more than 20 days ago, it cannot be restored. In this case, you will have to use alternative methods (see the following sections).

Method 2: Bypass FRP through settings (for Android 8–10)

On devices with Android 8 Oreo–10 (for example, Samsung Galaxy S8/S9, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7/8), you can bypass FRP through screen. settings, using vulnerabilities in the interface. This method does not require a PC, but does not work on all firmware.

Instructions:

  1. On the input screen Google account click on the field Email and enter any text (for example, 123).
  2. Select the entered text and select in the context menu Search in Google (or Assist).
  3. In the browser that opens, go to: 
    https://accounts.google.com/AddSession

    and log in with your account (if you have access).

  4. Return to the phone settings - the FRP lock should disappear.

If the browser does not open:

  • 🔧 Try another way to call the menu: long tap on the input field → Share → Gmail → Add account.
  • 📱 For some Samsung the combination works: Emergency call → dial ##4636## → Usage statistics → Settings (the system menu will open).
Why did this method stop working on new Androids?

Starting with Android 11, Google has closed the ability to call the browser or settings through the context menu on the FRP screen. Now, to bypass it, you need either physical access to USB debugging (via ADB) or special tools from the manufacturer (for example, Samsung Frp Tools).

Method 3: Deleting an account via ADB (for Android 11–13)

If you have a computer and enabled USB debugging (before reset!), you can remove FRP via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on most devices, including Google Pixel, OnePlus And Xiaomi on Android 11–13.

What you will need:

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download and unzip platform-tools to a folder on your computer.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC, holding Volume up + Power to enter in Fastboot Mode (on some models - Volume down + Power).
  3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and run: 
    adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/global --bind name:s:frp --bind value:s:""

    or for new versions:

    fastboot erase frp
  4. Restart the device: 
    fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung s Android 12+ this method may not work due to blocking OEM UnlockIn this case, an official one will be required. utility Samsung Frp Tools or visiting a service center.

Device model Supported ADB method Notes
Google Pixel 4–7 fastboot erase frp Requires an unlocked bootloader
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11 adb shell am start -n com.google... Works only with debugging enabled
Samsung Galaxy S20–S23 Partially (only on older firmware) On One UI 5.0+ required Samsung Frp Tools

Method 4: Using special utilities (for Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi)

Smartphone manufacturers release official and unofficial tools for bypassing FRP. They are often updated to bypass new versions of protection. Let's consider the most reliable ones:

For Samsung: Samsung Frp Tools

Utility Samsung Frp Tools works with most models on Android 9–13 (including Galaxy S22, A53). You can download it from the forums XDA-Developers or 4PDA.

Instructions:

  1. Download and unpack the archive with the utility.
  2. Connect your phone in mode Download Mode (hold Volume down + Power + Bixby).
  3. Run SamsungFrp2020.exe and select the device model.
  4. Follow the app instructions (usually you need to enter a confirmation code).

For Xiaomi: Mi Account Unlock Tool

On Xiaomi In addition to Google FRP there is its own lock - Mi AccountTo remove it:

  • 📲 Use the official one. utility Mi Unlock Tool (en.miui.com/unlock).
  • 🔓 You will need a linked phone number and wait 72–360 hours (depending on the model).
  • 🔧 An alternative is flashing the firmware via Fastboot with deletion frp i mi_account.

⚠️ Attention: Use of unofficial utilities (for example, FRP Bypass APK) can lead to account blocking. Google suspicious activity. We recommend giving preference to official tools or service centers.

Method 5: Reflashing the device (as a last resort)

If no methods help, all that remains is full flashing via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung). This method will delete all data, including FRP, but requires technical skills.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with drivers for your model.
  • 📁 Official firmware (stock ROM) for your device.
  • 🛠️ Tools: Fastboot (for most brands) or ODIN (for Samsung).

General algorithm:

  1. Download the firmware from the official website (Samsung — samfw.com, Xiaomi — xiaomifirmwareupdater.com).
  2. Start the phone in mode Fastboot (Volume down + Power).
  3. Connect to PC and run the commands: 
    fastboot flash system system.img

    fastboot flash boot boot.img
    

    fastboot erase frp
    

    fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Flashing will void the warranty and may lead to brick device failure if the wrong software version is selected. For Samsung s Knox this will also reset the counter. Knoxwhich blocks access to Samsung Pay i Secure Folder.

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Flashing is the only reliable way to remove FRP on devices with a locked bootloader (OEM Lock ON), but requires strict adherence to instructions for specific model.

What to do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods did not work, you have three options:

  1. Contact the service center - official centers Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei can remove FRP using purchase documents (receipt or warranty card). The cost of the service is from 500 to 2000 rubles.
  2. Provide proof of ownership - if the phone was purchased secondhand, ask the seller:
    • 📄 Receipts or contract purchase and sale.
    • 📧 A letter confirming the transfer of rights (can be drawn up in free form).
    • 📱 A box with a serial number (must match the IMEI phone).

With these documents you can contact support Google (support.google.com) for unlocking.

  • Buy a new phone — if the device is old (for example, Samsung Galaxy J5 2016), the cost of repair may exceed its price on the secondary market.

    • 💡 Tip: Before buying a used one check your smartphone for FRP lock. To do this:

    1. Ask the seller to reset the settings for you.
    2. After reboot, try to go through the initial setup - if the phone requires an old account, refuse the purchase.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting a Google account on Android

    Is it possible to bypass FRP without a computer?

    On Android 8–10 —yes, through vulnerabilities in the interface (see Method 2On Android 11+ it is almost impossible to bypass the blocking without a PC). impossible, since Google closed most of the spoons. The exception is some models Xiaomiwhere you can use Mi Account Unlock Tool through the browser.

    Why after resetting the phone asks for the account of the previous one owner?

    This works Factory Reset Protection (FRP) —a security function tied to the last added Google accountIt is activated if the device has a lock screen (PIN, pattern) and a reset via the settings menu or Recovery.

    What happens if you enter your Google password incorrectly 10 times?

    There are no restrictions on the number of attempts on the FRP screen - you can enter the password as many times as you like. However, if you are trying to restore access to your account through the browser, Google it may temporarily block login attempts (1-24). hours) after several failures.

    Does FRP bypass via a SIM card work?

    No, this is a myth. Previously, on some Samsung it was possible to call the menu through an emergency call, but since Android 9+ this vulnerability is closed, the SIM card does not help here. tied to the firmware, and not to the telecom operator.

    Is it possible to delete a Google account from your phone remotely?

    Yes, if you have access to another device with the same account. Go to myaccount.google.com, find your smartphone in the section Security → Your devices and delete it. from there. However, this will not remove FRP —for this you need to physically interact with the phone.