Resetting the settings on an Android smartphone is a radical way to return the device to functionality, but it inevitably leads to the loss of all linked accounts. Without proper preparation, users are faced with by FRP locking (Factory Reset Protection), the requirement to enter a login/password from Google or Samsung, as well as loss of access to synchronized data. This article will help you figure out how restore access to accounts after a reseteven if you don’t remember the password or the device requires confirmation of the previous owner.

We will look at official recovery methods through backups, bypassing FRP locking for different Android versions (including Android 13/14), as well as alternative login methods - from using backup codes to resetting via ADB. Special attention is paid to security: how to protect data during future resets and what to do if the phone was stolen or purchased second-hand.

Important: the recovery procedure depends on the OS version, smartphone model (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) and account type (Google, Mi Account, Samsung Account). Some methods may not work on devices with custom firmware or corporate policies.

1. Why does Android require an account after a reset?

The requirement to enter account information after a reset is a security mechanism Factory Reset Protection (FRP)introduced by Google in Android 5.1 Lollipop. Its purpose is to prevent the device from being used after theft or unauthorized reset. FRP is activated automatically if on the phone:

  • 🔒 An account was linked Google (even if you did not actively use it).
  • 📱 The "Find device" function is enabled (Settings → Google → Security).
  • 🔄 Reset via Settings → System → Reset or Recovery Mode.
  • 🛡️ A password/pattern has been set (even if later is deleted before reset).

On devices Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei you may additionally need to enter data from branded accounts (Samsung Account, Mi Account, Huawei IDThis is due to proprietary security systems of manufacturers.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone was purchased. from your hands and the previous owner did not unlink the account, some methods of bypassing FRP may violate Google's terms of use. In this case, it is recommended to contact the seller to remove the block remotely.
📊 What type of blocking did you encounter after the reset?
Requires a Google account
Requires Samsung/Mi account
Requests old PIN/password
Another option

2. Official methods of account recovery

If you remember the data from your account, you can restore access using standard methods.

2.1. Restoring via Google Backup

If synchronization with Google Drivewas enabled on the device, after logging into your account the system will prompt you to restore the data. For this to work:

  1. On the welcome screen, select your language and connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Enter your data from Google accountwhich was linked before the reset.
  3. At the "Copying data" step, select Restore from backup.
  4. Indicate the latest copy (the date of creation can be seen in list).

The following will be restored:

  • 📱 Contacts, calendars, notes (from Google Apps).
  • 🎮 Data from some games (if the developer supports cloud saving).
  • ⚙️ Wi-Fi settings, wallpaper, shortcuts applications.
  • 📁 Files from the folder Backup to Google Drive.

⚠️ Attention: Backup copies of applications (APK and their data) are restored only if they were saved via Settings → System → Backup → Application backup. On most devices, this function is disabled by default.

2.2. Login using backup codes or two-factor authentication

If you use two-factor authentication (2FA), but don’t remember the password, try:

  • 📧 Recover the password via email (accounts.google.com).
  • 🔑 Use backup codes (if you saved them when setting up 2FA).
  • 📱 Confirm login via Google Authenticator or SMS to a trusted number.

On the account login screen after resetting:

  1. Click Forgot your password?.
  2. Select a recovery method (email/SMS/backup code).
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Make sure the device is connected to Wi-Fi|Check the battery charge (at least 50%)|Prepare backup codes or access to email/SMS|Disable VPN (may block Google servers)-->

2.3. Account / Mi Account

On devices Samsung and Xiaomi after entering Google account additional authentication through proprietary services may be required.

Brand Service Recovery link Additional actions
Samsung Samsung Account account.samsung.com Confirmation via Samsung Knox or SMS may be required.
Xiaomi Mi Account account.xiaomi.com Binding to a phone number is required. Restoration only via SMS.
Huawei Huawei ID id5.cloud.huawei.com Requires a linked email or phone number in China (+86).

If you do not remember the data from your corporate account, try restoring access through official websites (links in the table on some devices Xiaomi after). 3 unsuccessful attempts, the system blocks the ability to enter for 24 hours.

3. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) without account data

If you do not remember the account data or bought the phone second-hand, you can try to bypass FRP, depending on the version of Android and the device model. On devices with Android 12+ and a security patch after March 2022, most of the "holes" are closed, but for older versions. The following methods work:

3.1. Bypass through Wi-Fi settings (Android 5–9)

On some devices with Android 5–9 You can bypass FRP through the Wi-Fi setup menu:

  1. On the account entry screen, click Add Wi-Fi network.
  2. In the network name field, enter arbitrary text, select it and click Share.
  3. Select Gmail or Messages —this will open access to settings.
  4. Go to Settings → Reset → Delete all data (again).

After resetting again, the device may skip the FRP check.

Why did this method stop working on new Androids?

Starting with Android 10 Google has tightened control over access to system settings through "backdoors". Now, when trying to open settings from unauthorized applications (for example, through the Wi-Fi menu), the system requires confirmation of access rights, which blocks FRP bypass.

3.2. Using an OTG cable and file manager

For devices with support OTG (For example, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi):

  1. Connect the OTG cable and a flash drive with the file FRPBypass.apk (can be downloaded on another device).
  2. On the FRP screen, select View files (if there is such an item).
  3. Install the APK file and follow the instructions of the application.

Popular utilities for bypassing:

  • 🛠️ FRPBypass (works on Android 5–8).
  • 🔓 QuickShortcutMaker (allows you to run settings bypass blocking).
  • 📱 Test DPC (for devices with Android for Work).

⚠️ Attention: Installing APK from unknown sources can harm the device. Before use, check the files for viruses via VirusTotal.

3.3 Bypass via ADB (for advanced users)

If not device is turned on USB debugging (which is unlikely after a reset), you can try to remove FRP via ADB:

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/

adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/secure --bind name:s:user_setup_complete --bind value:s:1


adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR_NOTIFICATION


adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.Settings

These commands simulate the completion of the initial setup. The method works on Android 7–9 and requires:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • 🔌 USB cable (original, for a stable connection).
  • 🛠️ Enabled USB debugging (otherwise access will be blocked).
💡

If USB debugging is disabled, try holding down the key combination to enter Fastboot Mode (usually Power + Volume Down) and flash custom recovery (TWRP) to reset FRP manually.

4. Restoring data after successful login

After bypassing FRP or logging into your account, you need to restore user data. Here's what you can do:

4.1. Restoring contacts and media files

If backup was not configured, try:

  • 📞 Contact: Restore via Google Contacts (contacts.google.com) or export from the SIM card (if saved there).
  • 📷 Photo/video: Check the folder DCIM on the memory card or connect the phone to the PC in MTP.
  • 🎵 Musicmode: If you used Google Play Music or YouTube Music, the data is synchronized automatically.

To recover deleted files (if they have not been overwritten), use utilities like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required).

4.2. Transferring data from another device

If you have a second smartphone or a backup on a PC, transfer the data via:

  • 🔗 Google Drive: Download the backup from another device.
  • 📱 Smart Switch (for Samsung): Transfer via cable or Wi-Fi.
  • 🖥️ Wired connection: Copy files via MTP or ADB pull.

For applications that do not support cloud saving (such as some games), try copying data folders from /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/ (requires root).

💡

The most reliable way to avoid data loss is regular backups via Settings → System → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (for root).

5. How to avoid problems with FRP in the future

To avoid being blocked after a reset, follow these recommendations:

5.1. Correct account deletion before resetting

Before selling or resetting the device:

  1. Delete all accounts through Settings → Accounts.
  2. Disconnect Find device (Settings → Google → Security).
  3. Reset via Settings → System → Resetnot via Recovery Mode.

On devices Samsung additionally disable Samsung Find My Mobile.

5.2. Setting up backup login methods

Add alternative authentication methods to Google account:

  • 📧 Backup email.
  • 📞 Phone number for SMS codes.
  • 🔑 Backup codes (save them in a safe place).
  • 🔐 Hardware security key (for example, YubiKey).

This will help restore access even if you forget the password.

5.3. Using alternative methods unlock

Set up additional ways to unlock the screen:

  • 🔢 PIN code (easier to remember than a pattern key).
  • 👆 Fingerprint or facial recognition (if supported).
  • 🔑 Smart Lock (unlocking in trusted places).

Avoid using only a pattern key - it is easier to forget it, and it is not restored through a Google account.

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When restoring an account, users often make mistakes that complicate the process.

6.1. "Unable to connect to Google server"

If a connection error appears when logging into your account:

  • 🌐 Check your Wi-Fi connection (try restarting the router).
  • 🕒 Set the correct date and time manually (Settings → System → Date and time).
  • 🚫 Disable VPN or proxy (they can block Google servers).
  • 🔄 Reboot the device and try again.

If the problem persists, try connecting via mobile data (insert SIM card).

6.2. "Account not found" or "Incorrect password"

If the system does not accept your data:

  • 🔍 Make sure you enter same accountthat was linked before reset.
  • 🔤 Check the keyboard layout (for example, English "Y" and Russian "N" on the same key).
  • 🔄 Try resetting the password via accounts.google.com.
  • 📧 If the account is corporate (for example, from work/study), contact the administrator.

On devices Samsung c Knox you may be required to enter the password from Samsung Accounteven if Google account entered correctly.

6.3. The device requires the old PIN/password after resetting

Some devices (for example, Xiaomi, Huawei) even after resetting. remember: last used PIN/password even after reset. If you don't remember it:

  • 🔢 Try frequently used combinations (date of birth, 1234, 0000).
  • 📱 On Xiaomi you can try entering 123456 or 888888 —sometimes it works.
  • 🔧 If all else fails, you will need firmware via Fastboot or EDL Mode (for experienced users).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with a locked bootloader (for example, Huawei or some models Sony), flashing firmware via Fastboot may lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability).

7. Features for different brands

The account recovery procedure may differ depending on the manufacturer. Let's consider the nuances for popular brands.

7.1. Samsung: Knox and Samsung Account

Devices data-i="272">use Samsung use Samsung Knox a security system that makes it difficult to bypass FRP Features:

  • 🔒 After entering Google account you may need to confirm via Samsung Account.
  • 📱 On new models (Galaxy S22, S23), bypassing FRP via OTG or ADB is almost impossible.
  • 🔧 To reset FRP, you may need official software Samsung Smart Switch or visiting a service center.

If you forgot data from Samsung Account, restore them via account.samsung.com. On some devices, you can reset your account via Settings → Cloud and accounts → Samsung account → Delete account (before resetting!).

7.2. Xiaomi: Mi Account and regional restrictions

On smartphones Xiaomi (for example, Redmi, POCO) additional restrictions apply:

  • 🌍 Account Mi Account is tied to the region. If the device was purchased in China, a Chinese phone number (+86) may be required for recovery.
  • ⏳ After 3 unsuccessful login attempts, the system blocks the possibility of recovery for 24 hours.
  • 🔓 Bypassing FRP is possible through Fastboot using utilities Mi Flash Tool, but requires an unlocked bootloader.

To unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi you need to submit an application via en.miui.com/unlock and wait for confirmation (can take up to 720 hours).

7.3. Google Pixel: pure Android and strict FRP

Devices Google Pixel have minimal Android modifications, but the most strict implementation of FRP:

  • 🔒 Bypass via OTG or Wi-Fi settings does not work on Pixel 4 and newer.
  • 📱 The only official way is to enter data from Google accountthat was linked before the reset.
  • 🔧 Firmware may be required to reset the FRP via Fastboot with complete clearing of the partition frp.

On Pixel there is also a limitation: if the device was purchased from an operator (for example, Verizon), resetting the FRP may require a SIM card from this operator.

7.4. Huawei: HMS and the absence of Google Services

On devices Huawei without Google Mobile Services (for example, Mate 40, P50):

  • 🔑 Instead Google account required Huawei ID.
  • 🌐 Recovery is possible only through id5.cloud.huawei.com.
  • 📱 Bypassing FRP is complicated due to proprietary firmware EMUI.

If you have forgotten the data from Huawei ID, contact support via consumer.huawei.com. In some cases, proof of purchase (receipt or serial number) will be required.

8. Checklist: what to do if nothing helps

If none of the methods worked, follow this algorithm:

Contact the previous owner (if the phone was purchased second-hand)|Contact the service center of the official manufacturer|Try to flash the device via Fastboot/EDL (for experienced users)|Check the warranty - some manufacturers remove FRP free|Buy an official unlock code (for example, for Samsung through sammobile.com)-->

If the device has been stolen, do not try to bypass FRP - this may be considered unauthorized access. In this case, contact the police and provide proof of purchase.

For devices purchased second-hand, ask the seller to delete the account remotely via:

  • Google Find My Device (google.com/android/find).
  • Samsung Find My Mobile (findmymobile.samsung.com).
  • Xiaomi Cloud (i.mi.com).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to bypass FRP on Android 13 without losing data?

Currently, bypassing FRP on Android 13/14 without data loss is almost impossible. All known methods require a reset or flashing, which leads to the deletion of user files. The only way to save the data is to restore access to the original account or use a backup copy.

What if after resetting the phone asks for the old PIN, but I don’t remember it?

If the device requires last used PIN/password (for example, on Xiaomi or Huawei), try:

  1. Enter frequently used combinations (1234, 0000, 1111).
  2. Connect the device to the PC and try to reset the password via ADB (if debugging is enabled).
  3. Flash the device via Fastboot or EDL Mode (requires unlocking the bootloader).

On some devices Xiaomi input helps 123456 or 888888.

How to find out which account was linked to the phone before the reset?

If you don’t remember which Google account was linked, try:

  • Check email in notification emails from Google (for example, “New device added”).
  • Look at the authorization history in myaccount.google.com/device-activity.
  • If the phone was synchronized with a PC, check the saved passwords in the browser.

For Samsung Account or Mi Account Similar information can be found in your personal account on official websites.

Is it possible to restore data after a reset if there was no backup?

Without a backup, the chances of restoring data are minimal, but you can try:

  • 📱 Connect the phone to the PC and scan the memory with utilities like DiskDigger or Recuva (root required).
  • 🔍 If the phone had a memory card, check it on another device.
  • 📧 Check your email for automatically saved files (for example, photos from Google Photos).

Important: Do not write new data to the device - this will reduce the chances of recovery.

What to do if the phone requires the account of the previous owner after resetting?

If the device was purchased secondhand and requires the data of the previous owner:

  1. Contact the seller and ask to delete the account via Find My Device or branded services (Samsung Find My Mobile, Xiaomi Cloud).
  2. If contact is impossible, contact the service center with a purchase receipt.
  3. On some devices (for example, Samsung), you can reset the FRP through official utilities (for example, Samsung Smart Switch), but this requires proof of ownership.

Purchasing phones with a linked account is risky. Always check whether the account is unlinked before purchasing.