Android phone shows Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock

Symptoms

• Setup after a factory reset asks to verify a previous Google account
• Can't get past a 'verify your identity' screen
• Bought or received a used phone that won't finish setup
• Message specifically mentions Factory Reset Protection

Likely causes

• CommonPhone was factory reset without first removing the Google accountThis anti-theft feature triggers automatically whenever a reset happens without proper account removal first.
• CommonPurchased or received a used phone where the previous owner didn't do this stepThis is one of the most frequent causes when buying secondhand devices.
• PossibleDevice was reported lost or stolenThis lock is intentionally designed to make a stolen device unusable to a new owner.

What to do

1. If this is your own phone, enter the credentials for the Google account that was previously signed in.
2. If you don't remember it, use Google's account recovery process for that specific account.
3. If you bought the phone used, contact the seller and ask them to remove their Google account from the device or provide the login.
4. Ask for proof of purchase or a receipt if buying secondhand, as legitimate sellers should be able to help resolve this.
5. Never pay a third-party FRP 'bypass' service, since these are unreliable, may not work, and are commonly associated with stolen devices.
6. If you can't resolve it with the seller and have no proof of legitimate purchase, this is a sign the device may not be safe to use.
7. Contact the phone manufacturer's support for guidance on formal proof-of-ownership options.

When to call a pro

If the seller can't be reached and there's no receipt, contact the manufacturer directly; avoid third-party FRP bypass services since they don't legitimately work and can indicate a stolen device.

Safety