What is Google FRP (Factory Reset Prevention) and What Do You Need to Know About It?

If you’ve come here wondering “What is Google FRP”, you’ve come to the right place. Google Factory Reset Protection (Google FRP) is a security feature introduced by Google in Android 5.1 Lollipop and above. 

It’s designed to protect your device and personal information. Google FRP is crucial to understand, especially when buying pre-owned phones, as it can significantly influence the functionality and usability of your device. So, let’s dive in and learn all about it, starting with “What is Google FRP”.

What is Google FRP?

Google FRP is essentially a layer of security that prevents unauthorised users from accessing your device. Suppose your phone is lost or stolen, and the thief tries to perform a factory reset to make it their own. In that case, Google FRP will demand the Google account username and password that was previously used on the device. 

Without these details, the device remains locked and inaccessible, therefore, protecting your personal information.

What do I need to know about Google FRP?

Understanding Google FRP becomes particularly important when purchasing pre-owned phones. A phone with Google FRP activated and not properly reset can result in a situation where the new owner cannot use the device. 

This is because, after a factory reset, Google FRP will require the credentials of the last Google account used on the device. If these aren’t available, the phone will be unusable. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that Google FRP has been correctly disabled before purchasing a used phone.

Google FRP and used phones

Knowing about Google FRP is also beneficial for sellers of pre-owned phones. They can ensure that they’ve correctly disabled Google FRP, thus protecting the privacy of their own data and ensuring that the new owner can use the device without issues. The disabling process is simple: one must remove their Google account from the device before performing a factory reset.

Having a clear understanding of Google FRP will help you ensure the security, privacy, and usability of your pre-owned phone. It is a valuable tool for protecting your personal data and a critical consideration when buying a used device.