How to enter Android settings if you forgot your Google account: all working methods

Forgotten password Google account can turn into a serious problem, especially if the smartphone is locked after resetting the settings or buying a used device. Android requires Google account confirmation to protect data, but what to do if access to mail is lost and you need to get into the settings? This situation is familiar to many users Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands.

In this article we will examine 5 proven methods bypass Google lock (FRP - Factory Reset Protection) and gain access to system settings. It is important to understand that some methods require technical skills, while others may result in data loss. We will describe each option in detail, indicate the risks and give security recommendations.

Before you begin, please note: modern versions of Android (starting from Android 11) have made it more difficult to bypass FRP protection. On new devices Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 7 the chances of success are lower than on older models like Redmi Note 8 or Galaxy A50. If your smartphone was released after 2021, get ready for additional difficulties.

1. Method: Using Safe Mode

The simplest and safest method is booting into Safe Mode (safe mode). It temporarily disables third-party applications, including some Google verification systems. This method works on most devices up to Android 10 and some models with Android 11/12.

How to do it:

• 🔄 Turn off the smartphone by long pressing the power button.
• 🔘 Hold the button Power until the brand logo appears, then immediately press and hold the button Volume Down.
• 📱 Hold Volume downuntil the device boots up. The message will appear at the bottom of the screen Safe Mode.
• ⚙️ Now try to go to Settings → Accounts and delete your Google account.

If you delete in Safe Mode account is available, reboot the device in normal mode. On some devices Xiaomi and Huawei after this procedure, you may need to re-link the manufacturer's account (Mi Account or Huawei ID).

⚠️ Attention: On new versions of Android (12+) Safe Mode is often blocks access to account settings. If after booting into safe mode the menu Accounts is not available, proceed to other methods.

2. Method: Bypass via Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode is a service mode that allows you to reset settings, install updates and sometimes bypass FRP. The method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader or older versions of Android. On new smartphones (Android 11+), this method often does not work without additional manipulations.

Instructions for most devices:

1. Turn off the smartphone.
2. Hold down the button combination:
   • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Bixby (or Home on older models)
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume Up
   • 📱 Google Pixel: Power + Volume down, then select Recovery Mode

In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (use the volume buttons to navigate, the power button to select).

After the reset, try setting up the device again, skipping the step with a Google account.

Brand	Combination for Recovery	Works on Android 11+?
Samsung	Power + Volume Up + Bixby	❌ No (ODIN required)
Xiaomi/Redmi	Power + Volume Up	⚠️ Partially (needs Mi Flash)
Google Pixel	Power + Volume down → Recovery	❌ No (FRP is not bypassed)
Huawei	Power + Volume up	⚠️ Only with old firmware

On devices Samsung with Android 9/10 sometimes the following trick in Recovery helps:

1. Select Wipe cache partition.
2. Reboot the device.
3. During the setup stage, connect to Wi-Fi, then quickly click on the field enter your email and insert any text (for example, 123@gmail.com).
4. On some firmware, this allows you to skip account verification.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting via Recovery deletes all data on the device, including photos, contacts and applications. If encryption is enabled on your smartphone, you may need a password to unlock after the reset.

3. Method: Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

ADB is a tool for debugging Android that allows you to send commands to the device from your computer. The method works if it was previously enabled on your smartphone. Developer Mode And USB debuggingIf these settings are disabled, the method will not work. data-i="108">Developer mode

Step-by-step guide:

• 🖥️ Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your computer (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• 📱 Connect your smartphone to the PC via a USB cable (original!).
• 🐍 Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
• 🔍 Enter the command to check the connection:

  adb devices

  If the device is displayed, proceed further.

• 🔑 Enter the command to delete the Google account:

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

  Or for new versions:

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

If the commands worked, reboot the device. At the setup stage, try skipping the step with a Google account. On some firmware, this allows you to access the settings.

Install drivers for your smartphone|Download ADB Tools from the official website|Enable USB debugging in the developer settings|Use the original USB cable|Check the connection with the command `adb devices`-->

For devices Samsung with Android 11+ an additional command may be required to bypass FRP:

adb shell am start -n com.samsung.android.fmm/unlock.FmmUnlockActivity

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses block ADB as potentially dangerous software. Disable protection while working with the tool, but download files only from the official website. Android Developers.

4. Method: Using special FRP applications

There are applications and scripts specifically designed to bypass FRP. They work through vulnerabilities in firmware and often require connection to a PC. Popular tools:

• 🛠️ FRP Hijacker - works with most Samsung i LG.
• 🔓 D&G FRP Tool - supports Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo.
• 📱 SamFirm - for firmware Samsung without FRP.
• 🖥️ GSMTool - a universal tool for many brands.

How to use (for example FRP Hijacker):

1. Download the archive with the tool (for example, from the forum XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Unzip the files to your computer.
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot (press Power + Volume Down when turning on).
4. Run the file FRP_Hijacker.bat and follow the on-screen instructions.

These tools are updated frequently as Google and manufacturers close vulnerabilities. On devices with Android 13 and newer, chances of success are minimal - most tools require an unlocked bootloader.

Risks of using FRP tools

Many FRP tools contain malicious code or mining scripts. Always check the files on VirusTotal before using them. In addition, unofficial firmware can lead to a “brick” of the device (complete inoperability). smartphones with a locked bootloader (for example, most Samsung and Xiaomi models for the Russian market).

5. Method: Contacting a service center

If all the previous methods did not work, you just have to contact the official service center manufacturer. This is the most reliable, but also the most expensive method. Most brands provide an FRP unlocking service upon presentation of evidence. ownership:

• 📄 Receipt or sales contract.
• 🆔 Owner's passport.
• 📧 Device box with serial number (IMEI).

The cost of the service varies:

Brand	FRP unlocking cost (≈)	Completion period
Samsung	1 500 — 3 000 ₽	1–3 days
Xiaomi	1 000 — 2 500 ₽	1 day
Huawei	2 000 — 4 000 ₽	2–5 days
Google Pixel	3 000 — 5 000 ₽	3–7 days

Unofficial service centers can offer unlocking cheaper (from 500 ₽), but there are risks are high:

• ⚠️ Installation of unofficial firmware (loss of warranty).
• 🔄 Possible “brick” of the device in case of an error.
• 🕵️ Data theft if the smartphone is sent for unlocking.

⚠️ Attention: In 2023 Google tightened the FRP policy. Some service centers refuse to unlock devices without the original box or receipt, even if you have a passport. Check the conditions in advance.

6. Method: Alternative methods (for advanced users)

If you are ready to experiment, you can try more complex methods. They require technical knowledge and do not guarantee success.

Method 1: Firmware via Fastboot

Suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader. You will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (on most brands this erases all data!).
• 📦 Stock or custom firmware for your model.

Commands for firmware (example for Google Pixel):

fastboot flash bootloader [file_name].img
fastboot reboot-bootloader
fastboot flash radio [file_name].img
fastboot flash boot [filename].img
fastboot flash system [filename].img
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot reboot

Method 2: Using an OTG cable and a file manager

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy A50), you can connect an OTG cable with a flash drive containing the APK file of the file manager (for example, FX File ExplorerNext:

1. Connect the OTG cable with the flash drive at the setup stage.
2. Install the file manager through Explorer.
3. Go to /data/system/ and delete the files:

   gesture.key
   password.key
   locksettings.db
   locksettings.db-wal
   locksettings.db-shm

4. Reboot the device.

Method 3: Exploiting vulnerabilities through the browser

On some firmware (for example, Android 8/9 on LG or Samsung) you can:

1. At the setup stage, connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go back and open the browser (for example, through Emergency Call → dial ##4636##).
3. Download APK to bypass FRP (for example, QuickShortcutMaker).
4. Run through the app Settings and delete your Google account.

⚠️ Attention: Methods with flashing firmware and deleting system files may lead to to total loss of performance devices. Without experience, it is better not to risk.

What to do if nothing helps?

If all of the above methods do not work, you have several options:

1. Buy a device from an official seller with a guarantee.

If the smartphone was purchased second-hand and the previous owner did not delete the account, it is almost impossible to return the money via Avito or Yulu In the future, buy used equipment only with a full reset and check.

2. Use the device without Google services.

On some firmware (for example, Huawei without GMS) you can skip the step with a Google account and use a smartphone with alternative ones services:

• 📧 Mail: Yandex Mail, ProtonMail.
• 🗺️ Maps: 2GIS, Osmand.
• 📱 Application store: Aurora Store, APKMirror.

3. Sell the device for spare parts.

If unlocking is impossible, you can profitably sell the working components:

• 🔋 Battery.
• 📸 Camera.
• 🖥️ Display (if intact).
• 📡 Antenna module.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to bypass FRP without a computer?

On older devices (Android) 8–10) sometimes methods through Safe Mode or vulnerabilities in the browser help. On new smartphones (Android 11+) it is almost impossible to bypass FRP without a PC. The exception is some models Xiaomiwhere you can use Mi Account to unlock.

Why after resetting via Recovery everything Is a Google account required?

This is the work of a mechanism Factory Reset Protection (FRP)that is tied to the device's hardware identifier. Even a full reset does not remove this binding. FRP was introduced in Android 5.1 Lollipop to protect against theft.

Is it possible to delete a Google account through engineering menu (##4636##)?

No, the engineering menu (Test menu) does not provide access to account management. It is intended for diagnosing the network, battery and sensors. However, on some devices you can use it to launch a browser to download APK files (see the OTG method).

What is a “brick” of a device and how to avoid it?

"Brick" (from English brick - "brick") is a condition when the smartphone stops turning on or boots only to the logo. This happens when:

• Incorrect firmware is installed through Fastboot or ODIN.
• Removing critical system files.
• Interrupting the firmware process.

To avoid a brick:

• Use only official firmware for your model.
• Do not interrupt the firmware process (even if it is frozen).
• Check the compatibility of custom firmware on the forums XDA or 4PDA.

Is it possible to recover data after bypassing FRP?

If you have completed reset via Recovery or flashed the device, the data is permanently deleted. However, if you used methods without resetting (for example, ADB or Safe Mode), there is a chance of recovery. Try:

• 🔍 Recovery apps: DiskDigger, Recuva (require root access).
• ☁️ Check the backups in Google Drive (if synchronization was enabled).
• 📱 Remove the memory card (if there was one) and scan it on your PC.

Please note that restoring data after a reset is a complex procedure, and success is not possible guaranteed.