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ng1905
7y

Why does Google FRP even exist?!

For everyone who doesn't know what FRP is: FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a partition on an Android device that stores data about the last used Google account on the device. It "protects" the device to be used by a second person (or a thief) even AFTER a factory reset when executed via bootloader.

Last week I bought a HTC One A9 second-hand w/o any documents. I ensured it has been reset, so I took it home... I then wanted to set it up, as following message appeared on the screen: "This device has been reset. Please login using a Google account that has been synced with this device before."
I checked the IMEI for being blacklisted, but it wasn't. Unlocking the bootloader and erasing the frp partition is not an option, because on HTC devices you have to enable OEM unlocking in the settings first. Someone stated on a forum, that you can bypass the bootloader lock with a "RUU Image" (I'm not familiar with this so pls don't blame me for that statement). But since the phone has a branding from Vodafone Germany, I can't find a RUU Image that would flash the device without a CID mismatch...

Why the f*** does Google have to implement a feature that prevents to use the phone when bought from another person that you don't know?

rant

frp

google

android

fml

maybe i'm missing something
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Comments
  • 2
    7y
    I also had a problem with this lock and it sucks....
  • 1
    7y
    The phone works very effectively and excat as ir should. The protection prevents that a thief can easily sell stolen phones.. But in that case its just bad luck that you didn't test the phone before
  • 0
    7y
    Apple has it too, took my aunt's iPad and couldn't use it until she logged in with her account and then logout from settings. Was a close call 😒
    Even after reflashing latest update
  • 1
    7y
    IMO it does make sense. On the older ones, if you someone else got your phone, they could factory reset and remove the sim card and be happy. Google FPR makes it less lucrative, since they can't use the phone before it is unlocked by the owner.

    But yeah, I'm also pretty sure you can disable it. So kinda blame the owner of the phone.
  • 0
    7y
    Have you tried this: http://htc.com/us/support/... ? I mean the bottom part with manual update instructions.
  • 3
    7y
    The phone did as it should and I think it's a good feature. All you have to do is remove all Google accounts BEFORE resetting and you won't run into this problem after the reset
  • 1
    7y
    @Kimmax guess what? It already has been reset by the previous owner :)
  • 1
    7y
    I appreciate the comments from everyone, but I know that the phone is working "as it should", you don't have to tell me that 😂😂
  • 1
    7y
    @lithiex Google now told me that I can send the phone to them and they unlock it... For 50€... w/o any documents about my ownership 🤔
  • 0
    7y
    @ng1905 Wow. Ask the owner to unlock or pay. If he doesn't, I'd be pissed personally
  • 0
    2y
    I could not agree more.

    Have kids and stuff, and we have several tablets. I've made Gmail accounts for all of them. Over time they killed a few tablets. I bought two extra that they could share while I waited for new touch digitizers or new batteries from eBay etc.

    I made another Gmail account for these two devices. I did not want my search history and "tips" be filled with Sesame Street, Teletubies or what not. . so it was new random accounts.

    One tablet was left in a cabin during covid, and due to restrictions to move it was there for many weeks. When I got it back, I could not remember the password or account info. Did not find the note I wrote it on either..

    I thought.. I'll just factory reset the device.. just as I format a PC.. Yeah.,. that did not work, and now I have a tablet that is used for less then 2 hours and it is basically bricked.
  • 0
    2y
    part 2..

    FRP lock is just stupid. It should be an option for people with expensive device they bring with them. This is a fairly cheap tablet that is going to be used to stream media from Netflix etc.

    Imagine if Android start to brick smart TVs due to some kind of account problems.

    I have registered the purchase at a store. They should at least have made a reset device they could have in my local store so a non trained employee can reset the device they have sold, and have all purchase history on.

    Now I have to drive for 8-9 hours to a repair shop (being from Norway with expensive gas and toll roads .. this will cost $130-140 at least. not to mention the time. The store I bought it as takes less then 6 minutes to drive to.

    I can send it by mail. Repair + shipping is equal in cost to what I paid for it new.

    So now I have a device that is used for 2 hours that is trash. Way to to Google.
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