The situation when a user forgets the lock screen password or Google account data is one of the most stressful in the world of mobile technology. The device turns into a “brick”, access to which is limited by the protective mechanisms of the FRP (Factory Reset Protection) security system. This feature, implemented to protect against theft, often becomes an obstacle for legitimate owners who have lost access to their accounts.
Complete data deletion and a factory reset is a drastic, but the only effective way to regain control of the device in most cases. The process involves completely formatting the internal memory, which will inevitably lead to the loss of photos, contacts and applications not saved in the cloud. However, if there is no alternative, knowing the correct combinations of keys and tools will allow you to bypass the lock.
In this guide, we will look at proven reset methods, from standard buttons to using engineering software. It is important to understand that modern versions Android 12, 13 and 14 have enhanced protection, so old methods may not work. We will analyze the nuances for different manufacturers and explain what to do if the standard Hard Reset requests the old password.
Preparing the device and assessing the risks before resetting
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to clearly understand the consequences of the procedure. Erasing data is irreversible unless you have a recent backup copy on an SD card or other cloud storage that is not associated with a suspended account. Make sure that the device is charged at least 50-60%, since a sudden power outage during formatting can damage the system partition and lead to complete failure of the smartphone.
It is also worth checking the physical condition of the volume and power buttons. To enter recovery mode (Recovery Mode), you need to press them simultaneously or sequentially. If the buttons are stuck or unresponsive, a hard reset may not be possible without repair. In some cases, especially on older models, connecting to a computer via a USB cable may be a prerequisite for starting the firmware mode.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings, FRP protection will work on devices with Android version 5.1 and higher. If you do not know the login and password for the last synchronized Google account, the phone may be blocked during the initial setup.
There is a myth that removing the SIM card or turning off Wi-Fi will help bypass account verification. In practice, this rarely works on modern firmware, since the protection is tied to the unique device identifier (IMEI) and Google servers. However, the lack of a network sometimes allows you to configure bypassing standard checks, using specific interface vulnerabilities that are quickly closed by manufacturers.
☑️ Ready to reset
Classic Hard Reset method via Recovery Menu
The most common way to return the phone to its factory state is to use the built-in recovery menu. This method does not require a connection to a computer and works on most devices, even if the system does not boot. The algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the brand, but the general logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android.
First, you need to completely turn off your smartphone. If the device is frozen and does not respond to a normal shutdown, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds until it forces a reboot, and then immediately proceed to the key combination. At the moment of switching on, when the manufacturer's logo appears, you need to hold down a certain combination of buttons. Most often it is Volume Down + Power or Volume Up + Power.
When you get to the Recovery menu, touch screen controls usually don't work. Navigation is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection of an item is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the item containing the words Wipe data/factory reset. Confirm your choice, after which the system may request additional confirmation of the action to avoid accidental deletion of data.
Features of the Recovery menu on different brands
On Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, to confirm the reset, you often need to press the power button and the volume up button at the same time. On Samsung devices with Android 10 and above, you may need to connect the USB cable to a switched off phone before entering recovery mode, otherwise the menu will not appear.
After the formatting process is completed, the menu will appear Data wipe complete. Now you need to select item Reboot system now. The first boot after the reset will take significantly longer than usual - from 5 to 15 minutes, as the system recreates the file structure. Don’t panic if your phone is stuck on the logo in the first minutes.
| Device brand | Button combination | Input features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Volume Up + Power (or Bixby) | Requires connection to a PC via USB on new models |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Volume Up + Power | Long hold (10-15 sec) until vibration |
| Huawei / Honor | Volume Up + Power | Sometimes you need to hold down both buttons volume |
| Google Pixel | Volume Down + Power | You need to select Recovery mode using the arrows |
| Sony | Volume Down + Power | Notification indicator blinks green |
Remote reset via the Find My Device service
If the phone is turned on, connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network) and geolocation is activated on it, you can erase the data remotely. This method is convenient because it does not require physical access to the device buttons, but it critically depends on the network state. The service Google Find My Device allows you to control the device from any browser on a computer or another phone.
Go to the official page of the service and log in using the same Google account that was the main one on the locked phone. Even if you don't remember your lock screen password, you can still sign in to your Google Account via the web interface if you remember your email login information. After authorization, the system will show a list of your devices on the map.
Select the desired device from the list and press the button Wipe the device (Erase Device). The system will issue a warning that all data will be deleted permanently. Confirm the action. The smartphone will receive a reset command, reboot and return to factory settings. Important: after this, the phone may require you to enter a password for your Google account during the first setup (FRP Lock).
⚠️ Attention: If the phone is in offline mode, the reset command will be saved on the server and will be executed automatically as soon as the device appears online. Until this moment, the screen lock will remain.
Manufacturers also have similar services. For example, Samsung has SmartThings Findwhich allows you to unlock your device without resetting your data if you have previously created a Samsung account there. Xiaomi has a service Mi Cloudthat has similar functionality. Checking these services can save your data if a standard Google account is not available.
Using ADB to reset settings
For more advanced users, there is a reset method via USB debugging (USB Debugging). This method will only work if this function was previously enabled in the developer settings, and you have previously authorized this computer to connect to the phone. If debugging was turned off, the method is not applicable.
You will need to install the package ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on your computer. Connect your phone to your PC with a cable and open a command prompt or terminal in the ADB utilities folder. Enter the command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf a device with status deviceappears in the list, then the connection is established. To perform a reset, enter the command:
adb shell recovery --wipe_dataOr an alternative option for some versions:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.FACTORY_RESETThe phone will automatically reboot and begin the cleaning process. This method is good because it allows you to bypass some software errors that prevent you from entering the Recovery menu using buttons. However, on modern versions of Android with an encrypted drive, ADB may require the screen to be unlocked before executing the command, making the method useless if the PIN is forgotten.
If ADB sees the device as "unauthorized", check the phone screen. There may be a window popping up asking for debugging permission that you can't click because it's blocked. In this case, the method will not work.
Specifics of resetting on Samsung devices
Smartphones of the South Korean corporation have their own characteristics of protection and entering recovery mode. Starting with the Galaxy S8 series and newer, as well as on all devices with Android 10+, you can enter Recovery Mode only when connected via a USB cable to a working computer or TV. Simply holding down the buttons on a switched off phone is no longer enough.
The procedure looks like this: turn off the phone, connect it with a USB-C cable to the PC (not to the charger!). Press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Samsung logo appears, then release. If you use a phone with a Bixby button, the combination may include it.
In the Samsung recovery menu, you often see the item Wipe data/factory reset. After selection and confirmation, the system will delete all data. Particular attention should be paid to protection Knox. If the Knox counter has been tampered with (for example, by attempting to root), some banking apps and security features may stop working permanently even after the reset.
⚠️ Warning: On newer Samsung models, after a reset you may be required to enter the PIN, pattern, or password that was used on the lock screen before the reset, not just your Google Account password. This is an additional level of protection.
Bypassing FRP protection (Google Account Lock)
The most difficult problem occurs after the reset, when the phone requires you to enter the Google account that was synchronized earlier. This is Anti-Theft Protection (FRP). If you have forgotten the password for this account, you must first restore access to it through the recovery procedure on the Google website using the associated phone number or backup email.
If account recovery is not possible, users often resort to FRP bypass methods. These methods are based on vulnerabilities in the initial setup interface. For example, connecting to Wi-Fi, calling emergency services, using TalkBack, or setting up accessibility features. However, these “holes” are constantly closed by security updates.
There are specialized utilities for PCs, such as SamFw Tool or UnlockToolthat allow you to remove account linking through engineering modes. Using such software requires caution: download apps only from the official websites of the developers so as not to infect your computer with viruses. Different processors (MediaTek, Qualcomm, Exynos) require different drivers and approaches.
The most reliable way to remove FRP is to restore access to your Google account through the recovery form on google.com. All other methods are temporary workarounds that may stop working after a software update.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the SD card when resetting the settings?
By default, the function Wipe data/factory reset only affects the internal memory devices. The data on the external memory card (photos, music, documents) should be preserved. However, some recovery menus have a separate item Format SD Card —it should be avoided if you want to save your files. Before resetting, it is better to remove the card to prevent accidental formatting.
What should I do if the phone asks for a password after resetting, but I don’t remember it?
It was the FRP protection that worked. You need to enter the username and password for the Google account that was on the phone before the reset. If you forgot exactly them, try restoring access via email or phone on another device. If this is not possible, you will need to use specialized software to bypass FRP or contact a service center with a purchase receipt.
Is it possible to reset the phone if it is completely discharged?
No, the device must have battery power to enter Recovery mode and perform the reset procedure. It is recommended to charge your phone for at least 30-60 minutes before attempting a Hard Reset. Trying to reset when the battery is low may interrupt the process and damage the operating system.
Will the phone reset if I remove the SIM card?
No, removing the SIM card does not affect the ability to reset or the FRP protection. The account is linked to the device itself (hardware), and not to the SIM card. The reset can be performed without a SIM card, but for the initial setup after the reset you may need it to confirm the number.
Is it safe to use password reset apps from third-party developers?
Using third-party software carries risks. Some apps may contain malware or require a paid subscription, which does not guarantee results. In addition, incorrect interference with system partitions can lead to a complete breakdown of the phone (bootloop). Use such tools only if standard methods do not help and you understand the risks.