Google has announced further improvement of Android safety aimed at preventing the use or resale of stolen smartphones. The focus is on strengthening the factory reset Protection (FRP) mechanism - protection after resetting the device to factory settings.
These innovations have been announced during Android Show: I/O Edition, and the launch of functions is expected in the near future, probably with an upgrade of Android 16 QPR.
What is FRP and how works
Factory Reset Protection is activated when the device is reset through Android recovery menu or through Google Find My Device. After resetting, the system will require the user to confirm the ownership: Log in to the connected Google Account or entering an old PIN or graphic key.
If no confirmation is provided, the device becomes blocked and unsuitable for use, even for basic features such as phone calls.
Android 15 has already complicated bypassing protection
Android 15 Google has introduced a number of innovations that seriously complicated the ability to bypass FRP. In particular, even if the attacker manages to bypass the first setup master, he:
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will not be able to add a new Google Account;
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will not install a new lock screen;
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will not be able to install programs;
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will not disconnect FRP because of the developer parameters.
This means that bypassing does not access the functional device.
The new dialog will not allow the check
The update will add a system message that will notify the user every time about the failure of authentication. The message states that "this device has been reset, but the authentication has not succeeded," and it is suggested to repeat the reset and enter preliminary credentials.
This window will appear at every attempt to bypass the setup and actually makes any detours in vain until the real owner's real data is entered.
