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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes, you can erase a Google-locked Android phone, but a factory reset does not reliably remove Google Account verification. If setup asks for the Google Account previously used on the phone, you’ll need to recover access to that account or contact the organization that manages the device. A reset also erases data stored locally on the phone.
First, identify which lock you’re dealing with
“Google locked” can mean different things, and each calls for a different solution:
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- Forgotten screen PIN, pattern, or password: You can erase a locked phone using its physical buttons, following the manufacturer’s instructions, or remotely if Google’s requirements are met. Erasing removes local data; it does not guarantee that setup will let you in without the associated Google Account. Google’s locked-device erase guidance explains the available routes.
- Forgotten Google Account credentials: Use Google Account recovery. A factory reset cannot recover your username or password.
- Setup asks for the account previously used on the phone: This is Google Account verification after a reset. Sign in with that account; if you can’t, recover it through Google. Resetting again is not a supported way to bypass verification.
What a factory reset does—and doesn’t do
Google says, “A factory reset erases all your data from your phone.” Data stored in your Google Account may be restored if it is available and you can sign in, but information held only on the device is erased. Google’s Android factory-reset instructions cover the consequences and preparations.
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Account verification is separate from erasing data. Android Enterprise says that in most cases, resetting by another method—such as through Recovery—when a Google Account is present triggers Factory Reset Protection (FRP). That means a phone can be successfully erased and still require the account previously associated with it during setup. The exact experience can vary by device and management configuration. Android Enterprise’s FRP guidance explains the managed-device case.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Before you reset, check the account and protect your data
- Confirm the Google Account. If you can still access the phone, check which account is signed in. Make sure you know its username and password, and try signing in on another device before erasing the phone.
- Back up what matters. A factory reset erases data stored on the phone. Confirm that important content is backed up or synced before proceeding, if you can still access the device.
- Wait after a password change. If you recently changed the Google Account password, Google advises waiting 24 hours before factory resetting.
- Use the maker’s model-specific instructions. Button combinations and recovery steps differ by phone. Follow the manufacturer’s official guidance for your exact model rather than assuming one sequence works on all Android devices.
How to erase a locked Android phone
Reset with the phone’s physical buttons
If you can’t unlock the screen, consult the phone manufacturer’s official instructions for resetting that specific model with its power and volume buttons. This erases the device; it does not promise to remove Google Account verification. After the reset, be ready to sign in with the Google Account previously used on the phone.
Erase remotely with Google’s service
A remote erase is available only if the phone meets Google’s conditions: it has power, is connected to a network, is signed in to a Google Account, has Find Hub enabled, and is visible on Google Play. If those conditions are satisfied, follow Google’s instructions for erasing a locked Android device. Remote erase also deletes data on the phone and does not bypass account verification at setup.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
If setup asks for the Google Account, recover access
Use Google’s account recovery process if you can’t sign in with the account previously used on the phone. Follow the prompts and provide the information requested; recovery options depend on your account and the details you previously configured.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf you use 2-Step Verification and can’t complete the usual check, Google may offer alternatives you already set up. Depending on your account, these can include a trusted signed-in phone, another registered phone number, a saved backup code, a security key, or a passkey. Not every option is available to every account; see Google’s 2-Step Verification recovery guidance.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Google says you can’t call it for help signing in and warns against services that claim to provide account or password support. Don’t share your password or verification codes with anyone claiming they can unlock the account for a fee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.For a work- or school-managed phone
Contact your workplace or school administrator rather than repeatedly resetting the device. An organization may configure Enterprise Factory Reset Protection (EFRP) for company-owned devices; that configuration affects which account can be used after a reset. Android Enterprise advises contacting the device manufacturer if a phone is already FRP-locked and EFRP was not configured. The administrator or manufacturer can advise on the options for that specific device and setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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