So most of you know what Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is – it’s that new feature introduced in Android Lollipop that requires you to enter the account details of the last Google account used on any device after it has been factory reset. This serves as protection for your phone so that it can’t be used easily after it has been stolen from you. On a Samsung Galaxy S7 (and S7 edge), we’ve just found out that this can be bypassed.


Firstly though, why would you want to bypass FRP? First, you might have stolen the device you’re targeting and this gets in the way of you using it. In this case, may you get what’s coming to you. But there are legit reasons for bypassing it – like buying a phone off someone and they forgot to remove FRP before handing it over to you. In that case, see the video below done by XDA member “RootJunky.

Most of this will have you jump from one settings menu to another, so be patient and follow the instructions to the hilt. The bypass is really “fooling” Android into giving you access to its menus. The gateway really is – as it has been with other FRP defeating processes – is the “Google Terms and Conditions” window that pops up when you sign in.

We do hope that Samsung patches this vulnerability so this method can’t be used. As everything in the internet can be used for good things and bad, we know this video can be used for malicious reasons as well. So Samsung, get in the game and patch this quick.

VIA: XDA

8 COMMENTS

  1. Nothing more obnoxious than looking up info and reading through an article where the journalist is determined to preach their obnoxious anti-freedom views on locked down technology.

  2. Hi I get to the page where you are supposed to select “UPGRADE DATA SERVICES” my phone has not used any data so there is no upgrade tab/button. What can I do from this point in order o keep going?

  3. Looks like its been fixed. I’ve managed to reach to terms of use statement and when I select “share” it pops up a new screen that says “all apps associated with this action have been turned off, blocked, or are not installed”. On with the research

  4. I followed the instructions and I got to the terms and condition portion, however the phone is not connected to a phone service so I cannot enter into the terms and conditions to share to move forward to the next step what can I do to move forward?

  5. Yup, just tried after recovering a stolen phone and get the “all apps associated with this action have been turned off, blocked, or are not installed” also. Anyone find another work around. I contacted Samsung support who said I had to reset gmail password and then wait 24hrs before I can unlock device. 🙁

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.