Bypassing Google's FRP Lock on Android: 5 Working Methods

Introduction / Why This Is Needed

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is an Android security system that automatically activates after a factory reset. It requires you to enter the email and password of the last synchronized Google account to prove you are the legitimate owner of the device.

The purpose of this guide: to help a user who has become the owner of a device (e.g., bought a used phone) or has forgotten their account credentials, legally bypass the FRP lock and restore full access to the Android device. After completing the instructions, you will be able to use the phone without being tied to the old Google account.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, ensure:

1. The device is booted to the Google account entry screen after the reset.
2. You have a stable Wi-Fi or mobile internet connection for some methods.
3. For ADB methods:
   • ADB and Fastboot are installed on your computer (included in Android SDK Platform-Tools).
   • USB drivers for your device are installed (especially important for Windows).
   • Important: ADB methods only work if USB Debugging was enabled in Developer Options on the device before the reset. If not, these methods will fail.
4. For firmware methods (Samsung):
   • Odin (Windows) or Heimdall (Linux/macOS) is installed.
   • The required firmware (e.g., combination firmware for Samsung) is downloaded.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Official Method — Recover Access to Your Google Account

This is the simplest and most legitimate method if you remember the account was yours but forgot the password.

1. On the Google account entry screen, enter your email in the Email field.
2. Tap "Forgot password?" or try entering any incorrect password several times — the system will offer recovery.
3. Follow the instructions: verify your identity via SMS, backup email, or security questions.
4. After resetting the password, log in to the device with the new password.

⚠️ Important: If you don't remember the email, try to recall which email was used for app purchases on Google Play or for linking to the device.

Step 2: Bypass via Service Menu (For Samsung and Some Other Brands)

Many users report this method working on older Samsung models (J-series, A-series before 2018).

1. On the Wi-Fi network selection screen, connect to any available network (or select "No network").
2. After connecting, tap "Next" — the Google account entry screen will appear.
3. In the Email field, enter any text (e.g., test@test.com).
4. Tap the Password field and bring up the keyboard.
5. A long press on the "@" key (or other keys) sometimes opens the keyboard settings or a context menu, which can lead to the device Settings.
6. In Settings, open "Apps" → "Show system apps" → find "Google Play Services" or "Google Accounts" → Clear data.
7. Reboot the device. The FRP may disappear.

💡 Tip: If that didn't work, try on the dialer screen (accessible after tapping "Emergency Call") entering codes:

• *#*#4636#*#* (debug menu)
• *2767*3855# (full reset — caution, will delete all data!) These codes do not work on all firmware versions and models.

Step 3: Bypass via ADB (If USB Debugging Was Enabled)

If you activated Developer Options → USB Debugging before the reset, this method has a high chance of success.

1. Connect the device to the computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and navigate to the folder containing adb.exe.
3. Check the connection:

   adb devices
   

   Your device should appear in the list (if not — install the drivers).
4. Execute the commands:

   adb shell
   pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gms
   

   This command removes Google Play Services for the current user, which often bypasses the FRP check.
5. Reboot the device:

   adb reboot
   

6. After reboot, the device may skip the Google account entry screen.

⚠️ "device unauthorized" error? A prompt to allow USB debugging should appear on the device. Without it, this method will not work.

Step 4: APK Installation via Recovery and ADB Sideload

A universal method that works on many devices, even if USB debugging was not enabled.

1. On your computer, download the APK file for an FRP bypass tool (e.g., FRP Hijacker, Bypass FRP APK — look for the latest versions on XDA Developers).
2. Boot the device into Recovery Mode:
   • Usually: Power off the device → hold Volume Up + Power (for Samsung — Volume Up + Bixby + Power).
   • Release the buttons when the logo appears.
3. In the Recovery menu (navigate with volume buttons, select with power button), choose:
   • "Apply update from ADB" (or "Update from ADB").
4. On the computer in the command prompt:

   adb sideload path_to_file.apk
   

   For example:

   adb sideload C:\Downloads\frp_bypass.apk
   

5. After installation, in the Recovery menu select "Reboot system now".
6. After reboot, find the installed app (it may be hidden) and launch it. Follow the app's instructions to remove FRP.

Step 5: Flashing Without Google Apps (Samsung, Some Xiaomi/Huawei)

Warning: This method is advanced and risky. Incorrect flashing can "brick" the device. Works mainly on Samsung.

1. Determine the device model (e.g., SM-G991B for Galaxy S21).
2. Download to your computer:
   • ADB and Fastboot (if not already present).
   • Odin (for Windows) or Heimdall (for Linux/macOS).
   • The required firmware (combination firmware) for your model. Combination firmware are service firmwares from Samsung that often do not require Google account entry. Look for them on sites like SamMobile or Frija.
3. Boot the device into Download Mode:
   • Power off → hold Volume Down + Bixby (if present) + Power (Samsung) or other combinations for your model.
4. Launch Odin, connect the device. A blue Added! port should appear.
5. In Odin, load the firmware files:
   • BL → file marked BL_...
   • AP → file marked AP_... (the largest)
   • CP → file marked CP_...
   • CSC → file marked CSC_... (choose HOME_CSC to keep data, but for FRP removal a regular CSC is usually needed).
6. Uncheck "Auto Reboot" (just in case).
7. Click Start. After completion (green PASS), disconnect the device.
8. Power on the device normally. The FRP should be removed.

⚠️ Important: After such a flash, the device may not have the Google Play Store. You may need to install GApps separately.

Verifying the Result

After reboot:

1. If you see the standard Android setup screen (language selection, Wi-Fi connection) — FRP has been successfully removed.
2. If the "Sign in to Google account" or "Verify your account" screen appears again — the method failed, try another one.

Possible Problems

FAQ

Q: Can FRP be removed without data loss?
A: No. The FRP removal process itself (especially via flashing or Recovery) implies data wiping. If you have important data, try to back it up first via ADB (if debugging is enabled) or via TWRP if it is installed.

Q: Why doesn't Google Play Store work after FRP removal?
A: After removing Google Play Services (ADB method) or flashing without GApps, Google services may be missing. Install the necessary GApps (OpenGApps, MindTheGapps) via Recovery.

Q: Is a computer always necessary?
A: For most effective methods (ADB, sideload, flashing) — yes. There are device-only ways (via service menu or special APKs run through a launcher), but they are less reliable and work on a limited set of models.

Q: What to do if I bought a device with FRP enabled?
A: Require the seller to disable FRP before the sale. If the seller cannot — it may be a sign of theft. In that case, contact a service center with a receipt or document proving purchase. They may be able to remove FRP through official channels.