This Device Was Reset? Meaning & Fixes

If you see “This device was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google account that was previously synced on this device,” it means the phone or tablet was wiped and the factory reset protection (FRP) lock is now active. You can unlock it only by entering the Google account credentials that were last used on the device before the reset. This article explains why the message appears, how to get past it legitimately, and what to do if you bought a second-hand device with this screen.

What Is Factory Reset Protection (FRP)?

FRP is a security feature introduced by Google on Android 5.1 Lollipop and later. It is designed to stop someone from using your phone if it is stolen or lost and then wiped. When a device is reset without removing the Google account first, the phone locks itself and asks for the previous account’s password. This is not a bug; it is intentional. The feature is also present on many other platforms, like Apple’s Activation Lock, but the exact wording “This device was reset” is specific to Android.

The lock is tied to the device’s hardware identifiers, so simply reinstalling the system or flashing a new ROM does not always remove it. The only reliable way to clear it is to prove you own the account that was on the device.

Why Does This Message Appear?

The message appears after a factory reset when the Google account was still present on the device. Common scenarios include:

You reset your own phone but forgot your Google password.
You bought a used phone that was not properly signed out by the previous owner.
A repair shop reset the device without removing the account first.
You are trying to bypass the lock on a device you found or received, which is not allowed.

If you are the original owner, the fix is straightforward: enter the correct email and password. If you cannot remember the password, use Google’s account recovery process on another device. If you bought the phone second-hand, you must contact the seller and ask them to remove the device from their Google account remotely.

How to Unlock It (Legitimate Methods)

Here are the steps that work for the vast majority of users. Do not try unofficial bypass tools; they often fail, can brick the device, or may be malware.

Enter the last Google account email. If you see a list of accounts, tap the correct one. If you do not see it, type the full email address.
Enter the password. If you do not know it, go to google.com/recovery on a computer or another phone and follow the prompts. You may need access to a recovery email or phone number.
Wait for verification. After a successful sign-in, the device will finish setup and you can use it normally.
If you bought it used, ask the seller to remove it. The seller can go to myaccount.google.com > Security > Manage devices, or use the Find My Device page, and remove the device from their account. This can take a few minutes to propagate.

If the previous owner is unresponsive or refuses, you have no legal way to bypass the lock. The device is effectively a brick until the account is removed.

Common Misconceptions About FRP Bypass

Many online videos and forums claim you can bypass FRP by changing the date, using a special dialer code, or flashing a custom ROM. These methods worked on very old Android versions (5.x to 7.x) but have been patched for years. On current Android 10 and later, the only reliable bypass is the account credentials. Some third-party paid services claim to unlock FRP, but they often require you to send the device to them or use exploit-based software that may not work on your specific model and may void your warranty. Treat any “free bypass” with extreme suspicion; it is usually a scam or a way to install malware.

Another misconception is that a hard reset (via recovery mode) will clear the lock. It will not. FRP is stored in a protected partition that is not erased by a normal factory reset. Even flashing the official firmware via Odin or Fastboot does not always clear it, because the lock is tied to the device’s serial number and the Google account database.

What to Do If You Bought a Used Phone

Buying a phone with this screen is a red flag. It may be stolen, or the seller simply did not know how to sign out. Before purchasing any used Android device, ask the seller to do the following:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Google and remove the account.
Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory reset (this is optional, but it proves the account is gone).
Show you the phone booting to the home screen after a reset.

If you already bought it and the seller is not helping, you have limited options: contact the seller, request a refund, or use the device for parts. Some carriers or manufacturers may help if you have a receipt, but they cannot remove the Google account lock without the account owner’s consent.

How to Prevent This on Your Own Device

To avoid getting locked out of your own phone, do these simple things before you reset or sell it:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Google and remove your account.
If you are selling, also sign out of all other apps (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi, or manufacturer accounts).
Turn off FRP? You cannot turn it off completely, but removing the account disables the lock.
Write down your Google password or use a password manager. You will need it after any reset.

If you are resetting your own phone and you have already removed the account, the “This device was reset” message will not appear. You will go straight to the normal setup wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bypass FRP without the previous account?

No, not on modern Android versions. The only legitimate way is to enter the previous account’s password. Any method that claims otherwise is outdated, unreliable, or illegal. If you are the original owner, use Google’s account recovery to reset your password.

Will a factory reset remove the FRP lock?

No. A factory reset is what triggers the lock. The FRP data is stored in a separate partition and is not erased by a standard reset. You must remove the Google account before resetting to avoid the lock.

How long does it take for the seller to remove the device from their account?

It usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. The seller can go to google.com/device-manager or myaccount.google.com, find the device, and remove it. After that, you can restart your phone and the lock should be gone.

What if I bought a phone and the seller is not responding?

If the seller is unresponsive, you have no legal way to unlock the device. You can try to contact the platform where you bought it (e.g., eBay, Swappa) to file a dispute, but the phone itself cannot be unlocked without the account. Consider it a loss and avoid buying from that seller again.

Is it legal to bypass FRP on a phone I own?

If you are the original owner and you have proof of purchase, it is legal to use any method that does not involve hacking Google’s servers. However, the only official method is to use your account credentials. Unofficial bypass tools are often illegal or violate the device’s terms of service, and they may not work.

Does FRP apply to tablets and other Android devices?

Yes, FRP applies to any Android device with Google Play services, including tablets, Chromebooks, and even some smart TVs. The same rules and steps apply.

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