How to Turn Off Google Lock: A Step-by-Step Guide
Google Lock, also known as Factory Reset Protection (FRP), is a security feature on Android devices that prevents unauthorized access after a factory reset. This feature is designed to protect your device and personal data, but there are instances where you might need to disable it, such as when selling or giving away your phone. Here’s a detailed guide on how to turn off Google Lock.
Important Note
Before proceeding, ensure that you have the necessary credentials (Google account username and password) for the device, as these are required to disable FRP.
Steps to Turn Off Google Lock
1. Remove Google Account from the Device
The most straightforward way to disable Google Lock is to remove the Google account from the device before performing a factory reset.
For Android 8.0 (Oreo) and above:
Open Settings:
- Go to your device’s home screen and tap on the Settings app.
Navigate to Accounts:
- Scroll down and select “Accounts” or “Accounts and Backup.”
Select Google Account:
- Tap on “Google” and then select the Google account you want to remove.
Remove Account:
- Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Remove account.”
- Confirm your choice by tapping “Remove account” again if prompted.
For Android 7.0 (Nougat) and below:
Open Settings:
- Go to your device’s home screen and tap on the Settings app.
Navigate to Accounts:
- Scroll down and select “Accounts.”
Select Google Account:
- Tap on “Google” and then select the Google account you want to remove.
Remove Account:
- Tap on the account and then tap on the three dots in the top-right corner or “More” button, and select “Remove account.”
- Confirm your choice by tapping “Remove account” again if prompted.
2. Perform a Factory Reset
After removing the Google account, you can proceed with a factory reset to ensure the Google Lock is disabled.
Open Settings:
- Go to your device’s home screen and tap on the Settings app.
Navigate to System:
- Scroll down and select “System” (this option might be labeled differently on some devices).
Select Reset Options:
- Tap on “Reset” or “Reset options.”
Factory Data Reset:
- Select “Factory data reset” or “Erase all data (factory reset).”
Confirm Reset:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm and complete the factory reset.
3. Verify FRP is Disabled
After the factory reset, set up your device to ensure that the FRP lock has been successfully disabled.
Set Up Device:
- Turn on your device and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
Check for Google Account Request:
- If FRP is disabled, the device should not prompt you to enter the Google account credentials that were previously associated with the device.
Alternative Method: Using the Web
If you cannot access your device directly, you can remove your Google account from the device using a web browser.
Visit Google Account Management:
- Open a web browser and go to myaccount.google.com.
Sign In:
- Sign in with the Google account associated with the device.
Navigate to Security:
- Click on “Security” from the left-hand menu.
Manage Devices:
- Scroll down to “Your devices” and click on “Manage devices.”
Remove Device:
- Find the device you want to remove and click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the device box, then select “Sign out” or “Remove.”
Confirm Removal:
- Confirm your choice to remove the account from the device.
Conclusion
Disabling Google Lock (FRP) is essential when you plan to sell or give away your Android device. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that the new owner will not face any issues during the setup process. Remember to always remove your Google account from the device before performing a factory reset to avoid any complications.
If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, consider visiting a professional technician or contacting your device’s support service.