Parental controls on Android are a useful feature for limiting children's access to inappropriate content, but sometimes it becomes a problem. For example, if you bought a used smartphone with restrictions already configured, forgot the password for the administrator account, or inherited the device from relatives. In such cases, a standard reset via Settings may not work: the system will require you to enter a PIN code or account information that you do not know.

In this article we will look at 5 working methods formatting an Android device with active parental controls - from official methods to workarounds ways for difficult cases. Important: some actions can lead to data loss or device blockingif performed incorrectly. We will explain in detail the risks and nuances of each option so that you can choose the best one.

If you are not confident in your technical skills, it is better to contact a service center - especially when it comes to devices with FRP protection (Factory Reset Protection) or corporate profiles. But for most home scenarios, our instructions will help you cope on your own.

1. Standard reset via Recovery Mode (without password)

The most reliable way to reset Android with parental controls is to use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works on most devices, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei other brands, but the sequence of login buttons may differ.

Main advantage: you do not need to know your account password or parental control PIN. However, after the reset, you may need to confirm the data Google accountif the device has FRP protection activated (more on this below).

  • 🔄 Step 1. Turn off the device. To do this, hold the power button for 10–15 seconds.
  • ⚙️ Step 2. Hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery Mode (depending on the model):
Brand Button combination Notes
Samsung Power + Volume up + Home (or Bixby for new models) On Galaxy S22 and later: Power + Volume Up.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Power + Volume Up Hold until the logo appears Mi.
Huawei/Honor Power + Volume up On some models you need to release Power after vibration.
Google Pixel Power + Volume down, then select Recovery Mode Use the volume buttons to navigation.

After entering Recovery Mode use the volume buttons to select item Wipe data/factory reset (or similar), then confirm the action. The process will take 2–5 minutes. On devices with Android 9 and later, after a reset, you may be prompted to enter data from the Google account that was linked before the reset (FRP).

⚠️ Attention: If you do not know the login and password for your previous Google account, the device may remain locked after the reset. In this case, additional actions will be required (see section 4).

Turn off the device (hold the power button for 10+ seconds)|

Check the button combination for your model (see table above)|

Connect the charger (the battery must be charged at least 30%)|

Prepare your Google account information if FRP is activated

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2. Reset through settings (if you know the parental control PIN)

If you know PIN code or password from the parental controls, you can try to reset the device in the standard way through the settings menu. This method saves some data (for example, files on a memory card), but deletes all applications and settings.

The instructions are relevant for devices with Android 8.0 and newer, where parental controls are configured through Settings → Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls or third-party applications like Google Family Link.

  • 📱 Step 1. Open Settings → System → Reset (on some devices: General settings → Reset).
  • 🔓 Step 2. Select Reset settings or Delete all data.
  • 🔢 Step 3. Enter the parental control PIN if the system requests it.
  • ✅ Step 4. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (5-10 minutes).

If after resetting appears request to enter data Google account, which means the device has activated FRP protection. In this case, proceed to section 4.

⚠️ Attention: On devices c MIUI (Xiaomi) or EMUI (Huawei) may require additional confirmation via SMS or email, even if you know the parental control PIN. This is due to the manufacturer's security policy.

Samsung|

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco|

Huawei/Honor|

Google Pixel|

Other brand

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3. Bypass parental controls through safe mode

If parental controls are configured through third-party application (for example, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Norton Family or Qustodio), it can be temporarily disabled by booting into safe mode. mode, only system applications work, and third-party applications are blocked.

The method is suitable for devices where parental control is implemented at the application level, and not at the system level. After disabling the application, you can perform a standard reset.

  • 🛡️ Step 1. Turn off. device.
  • 🔄 Step 2. Hold the button Poweruntil the manufacturer logo appears, then immediately press and hold the button Volume downuntil the device boots.
  • 📱 Step 3. The message should appear in the lower left corner of the screen Safe Mode.
  • ⚙️ Step 4. Go to Settings → Applications, find the parental control application and remove it.
  • 🔄 Step 5. Restart the device in normal mode and reset through settings (see. section 2).

If, after deleting the application, parental controls are still active, then it is configured at the system level (for example, through Google Family LinkIn this case, safe mode will not help - proceed to other methods.

What to do if safe mode does not work). turns on?

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21+ and newer), safe mode is turned on differently:

1. Hold the button Powerto open the shutdown menu.

2. Press and hold the item Turn off —you will be prompted to switch to safe mode.

3. Confirm the action.

4. How to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after resetting data-i="157">If after resetting through

If after resetting after Recovery Mode the device requires you to enter the data Google accountthat was linked before the reset, then it is activated FRP protection (Factory Reset Protection). This is a standard security feature on Android 5.1 and later that prevents the use of the device after theft.

You can bypass FRP in several ways, but some of them require technical skills or special software. Below we will consider 3 legal methodsthat do not violate Google's terms of use:

  • 📧 Method 1. Restore access to your previous Google account If you know your email but have forgotten your password, use recovery form (link for example, do not indicate in the real article).
  • 📞 Method 2. If the device was purchased secondhand, contact the previous owner and ask him to delete the account from the device via Google Settings → Security → Your devices.
  • 🔧 Method 3. For devices Samsung you can use the official tool Samsung Find My Mobile (if the previous owner did not delete the device from his account).

If none of the methods are suitable, the only option left is FRP bypass via ADB (for advanced users) or contacting a service center. Using unofficial methods (for example, flashing firmware via Odin or Fastboot) may lead to loss of warranty or device damage.

⚠️ Attention: Purchasing “bypass” services on the Internet (for example, FRP code generators) is often associated with fraud. Google regularly updates its security mechanisms, and most of these services either do not work or distribute malware.
💡

If you buy a used device, always ask the previous owner to delete his Google account in front of you. This will eliminate problems with FRP in the future.

5. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, and parental controls are configured at the system level, you can perform full reset via Fastboot. This method requires unlocking the bootloader (bootloader) and is only suitable for users with experience with ADB i Fastboot.

We warn: incorrect actions can lead to data-i="197">(complete inoperability) of the device. Before you begin, check whether your model is supported by official firmware. "briku" (complete inoperability) of the device. Before you start, check if your model is supported by official firmware.

  • 💻 Step 1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer (instructions for Windows, macOS and Linux are on the website Android Developers).
  • 🔌 Step 2. Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode (usually press Power + Volume down with the device turned off).
  • 📝 Step 3. Enter a command to unlock the bootloader (example for Google Pixel):
fastboot flashing unlock

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache


fastboot reboot

For devices Xiaomi an additional command may be required fastboot oem unlock, and on Samsung — use Odin instead of Fastboot. Look for detailed instructions for your model on forums like XDA Developers.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings and deletes all data, including files on the internal memory On some devices (for example, Huawei) unlocking requires an official code from the manufacturer.
💡

Fastboot reset is a last resort method that should only be used if other methods have not worked. Always make a backup copy of important data before starting the procedure.

6. helps

If none of the above methods worked, there remain alternative solutions:

  • 📄 Contact the service center. Official centers Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei can reset the device using a document confirming ownership (receipt or warranty card).
  • 🔄 Flashing via official software. For Samsung this is Odin + stock firmware, for Xiaomi — Mi Flash ToolRequires downloading proprietary software and. drivers.
  • 📱 Using a second device. If parental controls are configured via Google Family Link, you can try to remove restrictions from the second phone (where you are logged into the same administrator account).

For devices with Android 12 and newer, Google has tightened the security policy, so bypassing FRP or parental controls becomes more difficult. If the device is blocked due to corporate profile (for example, through Android Enterprise), it is almost impossible to unlock it yourself - you will need the help of an organization administrator.

As a last resort, you can consider selling the device "as is" (indicating in the description that it is locked) or using it as "brick" for spare parts.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android with parental controls

❓ Is it possible to reset parental controls without losing data?

No, a standard reset via Recovery Mode or settings deletes all data on the device is if you know the parental control PIN and can manually copy the data to a PC or memory card before. reset.

❓ What to do if after resetting the device asks for an old Google account?

This is FRP protection. Try to restore access to the account via Google recovery form or contact the previous owner. If this is not possible, contact the service center.

❓ Does a reset via Recovery Mode work on all devices?

Yes, but the button combinations for logging in Recovery are different on some devices. (for example, OnePlus) may require additional confirmation via ADB.

❓ Is it possible to bypass parental controls through flashing?

Technically yes, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). the device may fail.

❓ Is it legal to bypass parental controls on someone else's device?

No, if you are not the owner of the device or do not have permission from the administrator (for example, the parents of a child). (without password)