How do I recover a Google account after resetting a locked phone?
Answer
Many Android phones require the last Google account signed in before a reset to be entered again as an anti-theft check. Recovering that account's password through Google's official account recovery page usually resolves this.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- If the phone was reset intentionally to remove all data, confirm nothing important was lost in that reset.
Follow these steps
Go to the official Google account recovery page
On another device or computer, open Google's account recovery page directly rather than through a link from a text or email.
You should see: A sign-in screen asks for the Gmail address to recover.
Enter the exact Gmail address used before the reset
Type in the same Gmail address that was signed in on the phone before it was reset, since a different address will not match the device's lock.
You should see: Google prompts for identity verification, such as a code sent to a phone number or recovery email.
Complete the verification step
Enter the verification code sent to the linked phone number or recovery email, then follow the prompts to reset the account password.
You should see: A new password is set for the Google account.
Sign in on the phone with the new password
On the locked phone, enter the same Gmail address and the newly reset password when prompted.
You should see: The phone unlocks and continues to normal setup or the home screen.
Not sure this is the right page? Check here
0 of 5 checked
Extra tips
What to look for: A screen asking to sign in with a previously used Google account before the device can be used, sometimes shown as part of Factory Reset Protection
Before you change anything: Confirm the exact Gmail address that was used on the phone before the reset. Check for access to a phone number, recovery email, or another signed-in device that could help verify the account. Confirm you are on the official Google account recovery page, not a link from a text or popup. Never share your password or verification codes with anyone.