How to reset Android data if you forgot your Google password: a complete guide

Forgotten password for Google account on an Android smartphone is one of the most common problems that users encounter after resetting the settings or buying a used device. The situation is complicated by the fact that modern versions Android (starting from 5.1 Lollipop) require you to enter account information Google after hard resetto confirm ownership. Without this, the phone turns into a “brick”: you cannot install applications, nor synchronize contacts, nor use services Google Play.

In this article we will analyze all current methods of bypassing protection - from official methods to technical loopholes that work on different versions. Android. It is important to understand that some solutions require unlocking the bootloader or root accesswhich may void your warranty or damage your data. We will also explain why reset via Recovery Mode does not always solve the problem, and what to do if the phone asks for the old account of the previous owner.

Why Android requires Google password after reset

Protection Factory Reset Protection (FRP) was introduced Google in 2015 as a measure against theft of smartphones. Its essence: after resetting the settings via Recovery or Settings → Reset the device requires you to enter the login and password from the last linked account Google. This complicates the use of a stolen phone, but creates problems for legitimate users who:

• 🔄 Bought a used smartphone with someone else's account linked.
• 🔐 Forgot the password for yours Google account after long break in use.
• 📱 Reset the settings via Recovery, without unlinking the account in advance.
• 🛠️ Restored the phone after flashing or repairing.

FRP is activated automatically if the device:

• 📌 Installed Android 5.1+ (there is no protection on older versions).
• 🔒 Screen lock is enabled in the settings (PIN, pattern, fingerprint).
• 🌐 At least one account is linked Google.

⚠️ Attention: Some devices Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei additionally have their own protection (for example, Samsung FRP or Mi Account). To bypass them, you may need separate tools.

Method 1: Restoring access to your Google account

The most legitimate and secure method is restore access to your account. This is the only method that does not require technical manipulations with the phone and does not violate the terms of use Google. Suitable if:

• 📧 You remember your email, but forgot your password.
• 📱 The phone is linked to your number or backup email.
• 🔗 You have access to another device (PC, tablet).

Instructions:

1. Go to the recovery page accounts.google.com from any device.
2. Enter the email associated with the locked phone and click "Forgot your password?».
3. Select a confirmation method:
   • 📱 SMS to the linked number.
   • 📧 Letter to backup email.
   • 🔑 Backup codes (if saved previously).

Create a new password and confirm login.

Return to the locked phone and enter the updated data.

If you do not have access to the number or backup email, try replying to security questions (date of creation account, last used devices, etc.). As a last resort, you can contact Google support with proof of identity (passport, phone purchase receipt).

Method 2: Bypass FRP through settings (for Android 5.1–8.0)

On devices with Android 5.1–8.0 (inclusive) there is a loophole that allows you to bypass FRP through the settings menu. The method does not work on all models, but it’s worth a try if the phone:

• 📱 Is connected to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
• 🔧 Has access to the screen settings (even if account entry is blocked).

Step-by-step guide:

1. On the input screen Google account click on the text field to make the keyboard appear.
2. Hold Settings icon (⚙️) on the keyboard (usually in the upper right corner) until the menu appears.
3. Select "Keyboard help" or "Keyboard settings».
4. In the window that opens, find three dots (⋮) → "Help" or "Help».
5. You will be taken to the browser. In the address bar, enter settings and click Enter.
6. The phone settings will open. Go to Recovery and reset → Reset settings.
7. Perform a reset - after rebooting, FRP will be disabled.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 9.0+ this method usually does not work due to the closure of the vulnerability. Also, some manufacturers (for example, Samsung) block access to settings through the keyboard.

Method 3: Using ADB (for Android 5.0–10.0)

Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a debugging tool that allows you to control the device via USB. With its help, you can delete the file responsible for FRP, but for this you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with ADB and Fastboot installed.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Enabled USB debugging (if it was not disabled earlier).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
2. Open command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.
3. Enter the commands queue:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed)

   adb shell

   cd /data/data/com.google.android.gsf/databases/

   sqlite3 accounts.db

   update main set authtoken=NULL where authtoken IS NOT NULL;

   .exit

   exit

4. Restart your phone. After enabling, FRP should be disabled.

If software debugging was disabled, try enabling it through USB was disabled, try to enable it via recovery mode:

• Turn off the phone.
• Hold Volume up + Power (the combination may vary).
• In the menu Recovery select "Advanced → Enable ADB».

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ access to /data via ADB limited. New versions will require unlocking the bootloader or root access.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Install drivers for your phone model (for example, Samsung USB Drivers or Mi PC Suite).

2. Check if the mode is enabled File transfer (MTP) on your phone.

3. Try a different USB cable or port.

4. In Windows Device Manager, update the driver manually by selecting ADB Interface.

5. Reboot your phone and PC.

Method 4: Firmware via Fastboot (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, the only option left is flash the phone through Fastboot. This is a radical method that:

• ✅ Removes FRP by 100%.
• ⚠️ Erases all data.
• ⚙️ Requires unlocking the bootloader (on some models this leads to resetting DRM keys, for example, on Sony Xperia).

What you will need:

• 🖥️ PC with installed Fastboot and drivers.
• 📁 Firmware (stock ROM) for your model.
• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (on Xiaomi —via Mi Unlock Tool, on Samsung —through the mode OEM Unlock).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the manufacturer's website (for example, SamFW for Samsung or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).
2. Unzip the firmware file into the folder with fastboot.
3. Turn off the phone and hold down Volume down + Powerto enter Fastboot Mode.
4. Connect your phone to the PC and enter in the terminal:

   fastboot devices

   (your device should be displayed)

   fastboot flash boot boot.img

   fastboot flash system system.img

   (and so on for all files from the firmware)

   fastboot reboot

Brand	Tool for unlock	Features
Samsung	Odin	Requires a file BL (bootloader) to bypass FRP.
Xiaomi	Mi Unlock Tool	You need to link an account Mi and wait 72 hours.
Google Pixel	Fastboot	Unlocking the bootloader erases all data.
Huawei	Huawei Multi-Tool	On new models, an authorization code is required.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Fastboot can lead to briku (breakage) of the device if the wrong version is selected firmware. Always check the compatibility of the files with your model!

💡

Before flashing the firmware, check the phone model in Fastboot Mode command fastboot getvar allLook for the lines product or model - this will help you choose the right firmware.

Method 5: Specialized tools (FRP Tools)

To simplify the process, there are apps for bypassing FRPthat automate the removal of protection. They are suitable for users who do not want to understand ADB or Fastboot. Popular tools:

• 🛠️ FRP Hijacker - works on Samsung, LG, Nokia.
• 🔧 GSM Flasher - supports MediaTek i Qualcomm.
• 📱 D&G FRP Tool is a universal tool for most brands.

How to use (using an example FRP Hijacker):

1. Download the app from the official website (avoid pirated versions!).
2. Connect your phone to the PC in Fastboot or EDL (for Qualcomm).
3. Select your phone model in the app.
4. Click "Remove FRP" and follow the instructions.
5. After completion, reboot the device.

The advantages of such tools:

• ✅ Does not require deep technical knowledge.
• ✅ Works even on new versions Android (up to 13).
• ✅ Supports most popular brands.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Risk of virus infection (download only from trusted sources).
• 💰 Some features are paid.
• 🔒 Registration or activation may be required.

💡

Specialized tools (for example, FRP Hijacker) - the fastest way to bypass FRP for inexperienced users, but require caution when downloading (risk of viruses).

What to do if the phone is purchased second-hand and linked to someone else's account

If you bought a used smartphone that is asking for previous owner's accountthe options depend on situations:

1. Contact the seller

• 📞 Ask him to enter your data on the phone and delete the account through Settings → Accounts → Google.
• 📧 If the seller is far away, ask him to send backup code from the account (can be used to log in once).

2. Return the phone (if the purchase was recent)

• 🛒 According to the protection law of consumer rights, you can return the product within 14 daysif it does not correspond to the description (for example, the seller claimed that the phone was unlocked).
• 📄 Save the correspondence and the receipt - this will help in the dispute.

3. Bypass FRP. yourself

Use the methods described above (for example, ADB or FRP Tools), but note:

• ⚖️ You can legally bypass the protection only on your device. stolen, this can be qualified as unauthorized access.
• 🔧 On some models (for example, Samsung s Knox), bypassing the FRP can lead to flag trigger, which will void the warranty.

⚠️ Attention: Buying a phone with someone else's account linked Google is a risky decision, even after bypassing FRP some functions (for example, Find My Device) may remain blocked.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android without Google password

❓ Is it possible to reset Google password without losing data?

No, if we are talking about bypass FRP after resetting the settings. All methods (except for account recovery) lead to the deletion of data. However, if the phone is simply locked (for example, the PIN is forgotten), you can try to unlock it through Smart Lock or Find My Device without resetting.

❓ Why after resetting through Recovery phone still asks for a Google password?

This is a protection FRPthat is tied to the device's hardware identifier. It is activated if an account has been linked on the phone Google and the screen lock is enabled in advance. The only way to disable it in advance is to delete the account Google before. reset.

❓ Do FRP bypass methods work on Android 12 and 13?

On new versions Android most of the "holes" are closed, but some tools (for example, FRP Tools or firmware via EDL) still work. Android 12+ often requires unlocking the bootloader or exploiting vulnerabilities in specific models (for example, Samsung Exynos).

❓ Is it possible to bypass FRP without a computer?

Yes, but the choice of methods is limited. For example, on some phones you can use emergency call or mode for the visually impairedto access the settings. They also help OTG cables with bypass files (but this does not work on all models).

❓ What is OEM Unlock and why enable it?

OEM Unlock —an option in the developer settings that allows you to unlock the bootloader. It is needed to flash the phone via Fastboot or install a custom one. data-i="333">. On some devices (for example Recovery. On some devices (for example, Samsung), turning it on resets Knox, which voids the warranty.