What Is Google Factory Reset Protection or FRP

Google introduced a new security mechanism in its Android operating systems starting from Android 5.1. It prevents access to an Android phone or tablet if you cannot log in with the last used Google account and its password.

Before this security system, mobile snatchers simply factory reset the device to access and use the phone. That changes now with FRP. You don’t have to do anything to activate Google FRP. Google Lock self-activates when you set up a mobile phone or tablet for the first time using a Google account. It should only trouble you through the device life cycle once you factory reset the device in an untrusted environment.

For example, if you factory reset the device by visiting the Android Settings app > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset), FRP won’t get activated once the device restarts.

But, if you use the Recovery Options of Android to factory data reset the device, you’ll face Google FRP for device ownership verification. You can successfully pass this verification by logging in with any Google account you’ve previously used on the device.

How to Bypass Google FRP on Any Android Phone and Tablet

There are a few ways in which you can try to remove the Google FRP lock. Let’s go over all of them. You can try each method one after the other to see which one works for you.

Disclaimer: FRP lock is a security feature that prevents misuse if a phone is factory reset forcefully. These methods to bypass FRP should only be used on your own device if you have forgotten the Google account password and not for other purposes.

Method 1: Disable FRP Before Factory Reset

The best and most effortless way to bypass Google Lock is to disable this feature before factory resetting your mobile phone or tablet. This option is highly recommended if you buy a pre-owned Android device.

When buying, ask the owner to remove their Google account from the device to disengage the factory reset protection lock. Follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on the phone and navigate to the Accounts and Backup section. Here, select Manage Accounts.

Step 2: Select the Google account you wish to remove from the list of accounts. Then, tap on Remove Account.

Repeat the process for all the Google accounts signed into the phone to completely eliminate the risk of FRP. The above process has been carried out on a Samsung phone but is applicable to all Android devices.

Method 2: Reset Google Account Password

If you’ve forgotten the password to the Google account that was logged in, you can always reset it via the FRP screen. Select the Forgot Password? option at the bottom-left corner and follow the on-screen steps to recover your account.

Once you’ve reset the password, you can log in to your account to remove the FRP lock.

Method 3: Remove the Device from Your Google Account

Google maintains a repository of all the devices you’re signed in to using your Google Account. You can access this list and delete the device from your account. This should ideally get rid of FRP. Here’s how to go about it.

Step 1: Head to the Security section of your Google account.

Step 2: Scroll down to the Your Devices section. Click on Manage all devices.

Step 3: Select the phone you wish to remove from the list of devices.

Step 4: Click on Sign Out to remove the device from your Google account.

Allow 24-48 hours for Google’s servers to sync your devices. After that, you should be able to set up your phone without the FRP lock.

Method 4: Using a Loophole in the Google Keyboard

This FRP Google bypass trick utilizes a loophole in the Google Keyboard. It has a shallow success rate and might not work on many updated Android phones and tablets. However, if you’ve forgotten your Google email and password and none of the above methods work, give it a try by following these steps.

Note: This method only works on select older versions of Android.

Step 1: Head to the Verify your account screen. Type @ in the email field.

Step 2: The Google Keyboard will show up. Tap Settings or the Cogwheel icon.

Step 3: Tap the three dots menu. Then, select Help & Feedback.

Step 4: Now, tap on Search Google & Send Result.

Step 5: A guide will then follow. Long-press on any word.

Step 6: Tap on Web Search. You’ll find it in the top-right corner.

Step 7: On the Google App search field, type Settings. Select the Settings app.

Step 8: It’ll show up in the Android Settings option.

Step 9: Select Settings and then factory reset again from Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).

Your phone should now reboot into the setup process without the FRP restriction.