Update: Added one section on device protection on Android Lollipop 5.1. You will be asked to verify the ownership using your Google account after factory data reset.
Update 2: the OTG method to bypass factory data reset on Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and Note 5 without knowing old Google account were added in this page.
What is factory data reset for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge?
Factory data reset is a feature in Android devices. It allows you to erase all your data and settings so that the device returns to the original factory state.
Galaxy S6 and S6 edge fully support factory data reset, i.e., you can clean your Galaxy S6 and S6 edge with factory data reset.
When your settings are erased, the default settings, or factory settings, will be applied until you set up the phone again.
All apps, except pre-installed apps, are removed as well once you perform a factory data reset on Galaxy S6 or S6 edge.
So, it is extremely important to backup your Galaxy S6 or S6 edge before resetting the phone. Please read this guide on how to backup Galaxy S6 and S6 edge.
When you need reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge?
If you think you never need reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, you are very likely wrong.
In the following scenarios, you very likely have to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge:
- When your phone is stolen.
- When you pass Galaxy S6 to your kids or sell it (because you get a new phone),
- When you are locked out of your Galaxy S6 and you cannot use Find My Mobile to unlock the phone either.
- When Galaxy S6 or S6 edge refuses to work.
- When you messed up your Galaxy S6 or S6 edge.
- When an update messed up your Galaxy S6 or S6 edge.
- When Galaxy S6 or S6 edge is getting slower and slower for no reasons.
The purposes to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge include:
- to erase your personal data and apps. Removing an account usually is not sufficient for cleaning your personal data.
- to solve problems on Galaxy S6 or S6 edge caused by you, or by some system apps, or by some nasty apps, or by some system update.
How to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge when you can use the phone?
There are many ways to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
The most simple way to reset Galaxy S6 is through Settings menu.
In Galaxy S6 Settings —Backup and reset, tap Factory data reset as shown below.
Now, you will get detailed info on factory data reset. It tells you what will be removed. This is your last chance to backup your Galaxy S6 or S6 edge.
If you are sure all your data are backed up, tap Reset Device as shown below.
That’s all.
The phone will reboot and give you a “new” Galaxy S6 (or S6 edge) after a few mins.
How to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge when you are locked out of the phone?
If you cannot access the Galaxy S6 Settings menu, e.g., Galaxy S6 or S6 edge refuses to accept your PIN, password and fingerprints, you have at least three (3) options to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge depending on availability of internet connections on the phone:
- If Galaxy S6 is connected to internet, you can use Android Device Manager to erase all data on the phone (factory data reset)with your Google account.
- If Galaxy S6 is connected to internet and you added a Samsung account to Galaxy S6 already, you can use Find My Mobile to unlock Galaxy S6 or reset Galaxy S6 (or S6 edge) with your Samsung account.
- If Galaxy S6 is not connected to internet, you can boot the phone into Galaxy recovery mode to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
1. Use Android Device Manager to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge
As explained in this page, Android Device Manager currently does not reset the screen lock. But you can use Android device manager to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
You can access Android device manager with your Google account here.
Once logged in, you can find your Galaxy S6 or S6 edge as shown below. You can tap the arrow shown in green box in the screenshot to see all devices if Galaxy S6 or S6 edge is not shown.
Now click Erase as shown below to factory reset Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 edge.
Google also released the Android Device Manager app in Google Play store. You can use the app on other devices to reset Galaxy S6 or S6 edge. The function and usage are identical to those on a PC.
2. Use Find My Mobile to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge
Please refer to this page on how to use Samsung’s Find My Mobile to reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
3. Reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge in recovery mode
If your Galaxy S6 is not connected to internet, and you cannot access the Galaxy S6 Settings menu, you have to boot into Galaxy S6 recovery mode by following this guide.
Once you are in the Galaxy S6 recovery console, you can choose Wipe data/factory reset as shown below with volume keys, then press power key to confirm.
After pressing power button to confirm, your Galaxy S6 will be reset immediately. It will take a few mins, Once it finish resetting Galaxy S6 or S6 edge, your phone will be rebooted into normal mode and you get your “new” Galaxy S6 (or S6 edge).
Can I reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge to roll back the update?
Unfortunately, there is no way to rollback an Android update in Galaxy S6 or S6 edge.
When you reset Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, the factory state is for the latest ROM installed on the phone. This means it will NOT rollback Galaxy S6 to the state you got the phone first time.
If you really need the old versions of Android on Galaxy S6 or S6 edge, you need check with local Samsung service center. Flushing an inappropriate ROM (e.g., not for your region) may make your phone useless and may void the warranty in some regions.
Why Galaxy S6 asks for Google account that added to the phone before factory data reset?
Android Lollipop 5.1 introduced a new feature: device protection (anti theft). You have to verify you are owner of the device using your Google account. You cannot bypass this step, unlike the setup for a new Galaxy S6.
This feature is enabled by default if:
- there are one or more Google accounts on Galaxy S6 before you do the factory data reset, and
- Galaxy S6 lock screen security is NOT “none” or “swipe” before you do the factory reset.
If you change the Google account, that Google account cannot be used to verify your identity within 72 hours.
Please refer to this guide on how to bypass device protection on your Galaxy S6 when you plan to do a factory data reset.
Can you reset Galaxy S6 or reset Galaxy S6 edge now?
If you have any questions or encounter any problems to reset Galaxy S6 or reset Galaxy S6 edge, or have questions on using Android device manager and Find My Mobile, please let us know them in the comment box below.
The community will try to help you find a solution.
For other features of Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 online manual page.
For detailed guides on how to use Samsung Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 how-to guides page.
For detailed guides on how to use Galaxy S6 camera, please check Galaxy S6 camera guide page.
renuka says
WILL FACTORY DATA RESET HELP IF PHONE IS GOING DEAD ? have s6 duos and phone gone dead twice. bothe occurances after the android 5.1.1 update. once phone was on charging and once it was not on charging (94% charge on phone) and phone was not being used as in was simply kept aside for 5 hours- got back to phone and it was dead
simon says
Not sure. but you can try. you may also visit Samsung service center to check the phone.
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Joyce Raye says
Hi I need help so about a week or two ago I decided I wanted to use my fingerprint to get into my galaxy s6 edge plus and then a couple of days ago it didn’t recognize my thumb so I thought okay I’ll just put in the back up password, well I forgot it so I was pissed then it asked me for my google account and I’ve only signed into this phone with one google account but I forgot the password to that, I know I’m an idiot, so then I went and I erased everything off the phone which wasn’t much because I just got the phone like month before all this happened. Now the phone turning back on I’m setting it up putting my wifi password back in and agreeing to the terms thinking okay I can just start over, it’s all good… 🙁 .. NO the google account comes back up and I don’t know the password so it’s been a whole week and the phone is just sitting on my dresser because I don’t know what to do, and I really wanna use it. And by the way my phone isn’t on I was gonna go to straight talk and turn it on but then this happened so I guess it doesn’t matter anymore, I just lost all hope and it really sucks, but if anyone ANYONE can help me out, I would greatly appreciate it!
simon says
This is device protection, a new feature in Android Lollipop 5.1.
There are no easy ways to bypass it. We are still evaluating a solution using usb OTG with a special app. We will post it if we get more than 75% success rate.
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Andy says
Hi i got the same problem on my phone and i can’t use it now.so please help me to sort it out.
simon says
You may try this guide to bypass factory data reset protection with a USB OTG cable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ8_qbj1DPQ
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sebastian espinoza says
I use wipe data/factory reset on my galaxy s6 edge demo and nothing happened… Help me :(?
simon says
Did you apply the selection? You need use power button to confirm the selection.
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Kamindu says
Are u sure about this unlocking methods
Kamindu says
Yes this methods of unlocking are true
100% sure
Tree says
Don’t know previously sync Google account
simon says
Is it your phone?
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Joe says
Dont know previously sync Google account. Have followed all the steps but still asking for my gmail account I previously used.
simon says
Did you add Google account on the phone before resetting? If not or is you delete the Gmail account before resetting, it should not ask you to provide it.
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Joe says
I did have a google account there before resetting.
simon says
Then you have to log in with that Google account. If you change the details of that Google account, you have to wait 72 hours before you can use that account to unlock the phone after the change. This is a new security feature in lollipop 5.1.
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Joe says
Thats where the problem is. The phone doesn’t recognise that google account. Is there a way to resett the phone and use another google account if it keeps rejecting the initial one?
simon says
Did you change the details of the Google account in last 72 hours? If yes, wait and relax.
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Joe says
Thanks alot buddy.
Joe says
Over 72 hours now. The phone wont allow me to use the new gmail.
simon says
You must use the Google account that was on the phone before resetting. You can check whether the phone is registered under your Google account.
Anyway, you can always check with local Samsung service center to see whether they can help.
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Sam says
I fucked up my friends s6 edge plus, after 5 fails at the unlock screen with fingerprint, it locked the homebutton sensor. So my friend had to unlock with a security password but he forgot it and it comes even better, he doesnt have his google account information. We did a factory reset but the phone is asking for the google account of this device. Is there any way to solve this problem ?
simon says
The device protection (anti theft) in lollipop 5.1 should not activated if you didn’t add an Google account on the phone. You cannot bypass the Google account if you are asked for it. This is the purpose of the device protection.
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Mary says
So, do you have to have the same password that was used when the Google account was added to the phone? Because it just asks for email then password then continues this cycle and does not go any further then this whole email/password verification.
simon says
It should be your current Google account password which you use to log into your Google account NOW.
If you change your Google account details, you cannot use this account to reactivate the phone after a factory reset within 72 hours (from the time when you make changes to your Google account). Please read this guide for details of device protection feature in lollipop 5.1 http://gadgetguideonline.com/android/lollipop/how-to-bypass-device-protection-in-android-lollipop-5-1-when-you-do-a-factory-data-reset/
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Oliver Loeb says
My Samsung S6 edge was in airplane mode. I was using fingerprint mode security.My big surprise was; unable to unlock the screen with my fingerprint; then password was required-no luck; I tried over 50 times…..Reading the different tips in the excellent “Gadget Guide Online”. I got lucky by pressing the volume up button, the home button & the power off button holding all three buttons down until a screen with several options appeared one of which was turn off the airplane feature-(which I did immediately). I was then able to use my gmail.com account and log on which permitted me to be verified and finally, change my security settings; I set my phone to swipe-(no security)- No more fingerprint-or-password to get my S6 to work. I always have my phone with me & it is never misplaced. Now, I know, I can activate the screen with no problems. It was a frustrating experience-(I feared that I would have to do a factory rest). I hope that this information will be of help.
simon says
To turn off airplane mode, just press and hold the power button (when screen is on, but screen is still locked), then follow the power options. It is not necessary to press other buttons.
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Angie says
Bought new phone but guy had set up finger print … I added my google then held three buttons and factory reset … Not it is asking for original samsung account into … Called guy he said he would give it to me…. But now he stopped paying his phone bill. How can I unlock without the original samsung account so my new phone doesn’t become a paper weight!? Help please!
simon says
There are two anti-theft features in s6. One is sim card lock. You need the original Samsung account to unlock the phone if you change or remove sim card or reset.
The other one is device protection in Android lollipop 5.1. If you user factory data reset, you need the original Google account to activate the phone. You may check this page on factory reset protection http://gadgetguideonline.com/android/lollipop/how-to-bypass-device-protection-in-android-lollipop-5-1-when-you-do-a-factory-data-reset/
What’s the phone is asking? Samsung account or Google account?
Anyway, you need the original account to activate the phone. This is the purpose of the anti theft protection.
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margaret de koning says
Hi,
My samsung galaxy s6 has locked itself after I charged it. Its only a few months old and I DO KNOW my back up password which it wont accept. I am not tech savy at all and do not have a google account on the phone, as didnt see the point as I only use my general email account. Please can amyone help me as I have been off line with the phone for three days? I dont care of I have to go back to factory settings, as apart from phone numbers and text messages and a few photos there is nothing to important that I would be concerned about loosing. Many tanls
simon says
You probably have to reset the phone. This means you will lose all data and settings on the phone. Theonly official easy to bypass the Galaxy S6 lock screen is through Samsung find my mobile service. But it requires internet connection and a Samsung account.
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sue says
oh my word cant actually believe i did that. i locked my phone followed your instructions and it worked. cheers 😉
simon says
it is always better to remember your lock screen password/pin.
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Doug Dewar says
I did a factory reset after the galaxy S6 edge locked. I had the original gmail account and password, but it states the creds do not agree. I have a samsung account but not until after the phone locked. I have asked for technical help but they were unable to help me. I still have my S4 and it is working well. Gmail creds are fine. What to do? btw I have tried all the information in the blog.
simon says
You need use the Google account that was existing on the phone before the phone is reset. I don’t think Google server can be wrong on your password. You can test your Google account on a PC. Please do NOT change the password. If you change the account, you have to wait for 72 hours before you can use that account to activate the phone.
Anyway, neither Google nor Samsung will help you activate the phone. But Google should be able to help you on your account issue.
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resder says
Any news about the Otg cable way you are working on? It seems to be only way to get it done. I would really appreciate if u can tell us about the method. I would like to try even if there is a chance lower than %75 you were talking about^^
simon says
We are still testing it.
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resder says
hope it works in near future im not willing to get my phone reset and all my data lost for being unlucky to have both wifi and 3g connection off preventing me from using google account to fix probem:(
resder says
Btw I really wonder if there is a way to access internet via otg cable or any other stuff. It would surely make me a pretty happy man
simon says
Yes, Galaxy S6 supports USB OTG. You can use USB OTG Ethernet adapter (just a few dollars) to access wired network.
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simon says
Backup it if it is important. The storage can also fail…
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resder says
Hmm how can I back up since I cannot pass the screenlock? twrp or anything else? So it seems like once I access to Internet I can use google account to pass the screenlock. Seems perfect 🙂 Thank you so much
simon says
The purpose of screen lock is to prevent unauthorized access to your data even if the person holds your phone. It’s understandable we prefer a backdoor. But due to legal reasons, most vendors remove such backdoors apparently.
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Grace says
My younger son trying to unlock my oldest son’s s6 by using his finger print. And now my oldest son’s s6 is lock. Asking for Samsung ID and password. Can’t remembered which I put, so I tried to put my yahoo and my Gmail ID, it didn’t work. I had to change the password for both of them still doesn’t work. When I keep trying it say “processing failed”. I also tried to bypassed it still showing the Samsung ID. Can anyone help me, what do I need to do?
simon says
It should ask for backup password, not Samsung account, if fingerprint fails. Did you actually reset the phone?
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Claire says
My Samsung Galaxy S6 is locked. I don’t recall what email I listed on the Samsung email address. I have tried resetting the Samsung password 3 times and waited over a week. I did a hard reboot not realizing that it had a security feature linked to your email address,. I can prove that the phone belongs to me I just bought it from ATT. What options do I have just stopped by the field location in Best Buy.. Those guys knew very little.. How do I get this firmware reset.? Thanks
simon says
Does it asks you Samsung account or Google account?
If it is asking for Google account, you must use a Google account that existed on the phone before it was reset. You can NOT bypass this even if you can prove you are the owner in other ways. This page explains the details of this device protection (factory data reset protection).
If it is asking for Samsung account, you also need use the Sasmung account used on the phone before it is reset. You can check whether you can use the account at https://findmymobile.samsung.com/login.do
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DJKleinksSA says
My S6 Efge got stolen, I used the find my mobile to wipe the device and also make sure they can’t activate any new accounts on the phone, but now I got a nee S6 Edge again, can I use my old samsung account that was on the stolen phone with the reactivation lock on being on the stolen phone????? Thanks in advance…..
simon says
Of course you can. Reactivation and other security settings are for individual devices. Device settings don’t affect each other.
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Marina says
Can I reset my email and password if I forget the password to my phone ?
simon says
These two passwords are independent. Resetting email password will not help you to unlock the phone.
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Carry Van Der Linde says
Hi would like to know my phone Galaxy S6 stolen about a month ago had finger print on…tried to trace it via Android Device Manager keeps saying unavailable frustrating aswell as on Samsung. How do I know my phone not used and being reset is there anyone who can run a proper trace or give some insight?
simon says
Android device manager and Samsung find my mobile rely on internet connection to track phones.
You should report it to police. In your S6 box, there are some sticks. You can find the IMEI number. Technically, when the phone connects to any mobile network, it can be tracked by this IMEI number. But it depends on local regulations whether the police can help. Also if the phone is used in other countries, it can be very complicated.
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Nurqiara diediea Alias says
Hi there..i just lose my s6 edge+ phone 3 day ago. And i couldn’t locate it using findmobile cause the phone been switch off. I just wondering if the thief can reset all setting and wipe the phone as new..can he use the phone? I have samsung n goggle account register on the phone..
simon says
You cannot track the phone when it’s not connected to internet.
The thief can reset the phone without issues. But S6 edge+ can only be reactivated with your Google account technically if you set lock screen security to anything except none or swipe. In other words, if the phone screen is locked by PIN, password or pattern or fingerprint, the user must reactivate the phone with a Google account existed on the phone before the factory data reset.
But to get your phone back (unlikely in most regions), you have to report the case to police.
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Nurqiara diediea Alias says
Yes I use pattern n fingerprint..and already report the case to the police. So after the thief wipe the phone thats mean I’m not able to track it anymore and the phone will be just new but he can’t use it..findmymobile will no longer have access to my device right? What about imei number? How people track it using imei?
simon says
Yes, after a factory data reset, you cannot track it through find my mobile or Android device manager. But the thief cannot activate the phone without your Google account.
IMEI number is the id of the phone on mobile network. It’s supposedly to be unique. Almost all carriers requires a IMEI number of the device on their mobile network. Police can track the devices through this number. The problem is most stolen phones are found in other countries. The police cannot do much unless for a few high profile cases. Jurisdiction can be a complicated issue. Also, it’s not easy, but it’s possible, to fake or tamper the IMEI number.
Factory data reset protection should stop most thieves to use your phone. But organized criminals may still have methods to bypass it.
Anyway, your data should be safe unless they can guess your lock pattern. It’s better to use password next time so that nobody can guess.
Also, in Marshmallow update, you also have the option to turn on auto factory data reset if number of failed unlock attempts exceeded certain number. But use it with cautious.
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Nurqiara diediea Alias says
Okey i understand now..thank you very much for your responding 🙂
Dante says
I got sold a galaxy s6 without sim card and it was factory data reset and the ppl at the store said it was stolen so i couldnt do nothing and its saying that i have to enter the samsung id and password from owner of phone. But idk the owner it was sold to me without sim card and idk how to get in the phone
simon says
If it is a stolen phone, you may be in trouble when using it.
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Morgan says
Okay so I have factory reset my phone but it won’t let me on cause there was a previous google account synced to it so how do I get into work,
simon says
You should have the Google account if it is your phone. This is security feature to deter phone stolen since Lollipop as explained in this page.
If it is a used phone, you should contact the seller. Using a stolen phone may bring you into trouble, and some carriers may block the device.
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Helena Steel says
I upgraded to a Galaxy S6 edge from a Galaxy S5. I kept my old number and was advised by my provider it would take up to 48 hrs before I could use the phone. After 4 days my number still had not been activated. I telephoned my provider and they advised me that the SIM card sent with my new phone needed activating before transfer of my old number could happen. They agreed to do this and after a while I was advised that it had been done but would take 2 hrs. It is now 24 hrs and my phone is still showing ’emergency calls only.’ When I dial my mobile number from my landline the line is dead. I would be grateful if you could advise me how to rectify this….Thankyou
simon says
Only your carrier has the control of your sim card and number. Usually it sound just take a few hours to activate a new SIM card. Anyway, call your carrier and they should solve the issue.
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Dexter says
Need help. I bought a second hand Galaxy S6 edge frim a resller. I accidentally factory reset it and now it is asking for the samsung account. The seller tols me she doesn’t know the account because it was only sold to him by a second hand seller. Is there a way to by-pass the gaamsung account?
simon says
If it asks you for the Samsung account during setup, you can skip it. But if it asks for it before you can set it up, you cannot bypass it.
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Jay says
Hi
(I need help)
Last night I made a new password and double checked it if it unlocked my s6 edge and it did. However this morning the same password I put in is not recognised. Believe me I’ve tried multiple times, times a gazillion it doesn’t unlock 🙁
So I decided to give in and factory reset it (I’d lose everything but I would be able to use my phone again)
Imagine my surprise when after I pressed the power button it told me “Enter password to power off”
Can someone please help.
Jay
simon says
You can force to power off Galaxy S6 and S6 edge (and S7, S7 edge) without unlocking the phone follow these two-step method:
Step 1: Connect Galaxy S6 to a wall charger. It should charge normally.
Step 2: Press and hold Volume down button + Power button (2 buttons in total) for about 7 seconds.
You Galaxy S6 should be powered off (the screen should only show battery button if you wake up the screen).
If you do not connect the phone to the charger, the phone will reboot. So, step 1 is required.
In step 2, you also need to release power button before releasing volume down button. Otherwise, if you release power button too late, it may still reboot.
You can also unlock Galaxy S6 with your Samsung account through Find my mobile.
Good luck.
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Sal Riggione says
I’m in need of help. My Galaxy s6 Edge + was the best phone I ever owned, until recently the phone started malfunctioning and powering down by it self. It started after the most resent update around 3 back. I cleaned the cashe several times, but this last time during a random shut down, the phone factory reset itself and implemented limitations on what functions I can do . Thought maybe a software issue, b/c my functions are limited to signing on to Google, only. The drop down menu is absent and the phone not accepting recently changed passwords implemented by Google, several times, even after manditory verifications via secondary cell number. This is very bizzar.
simon says
Random shutdown can be caused by hardware or apps. If you still get the issue after a factory days reset, very likely, there are some hardware issues with the phone. But it’s hard to diagnose.
For Google accounts, what’s exactly the issue?
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Leo Moale says
bought a sumsung galaxy S6 edge plus from a friend, but was unable to contact him for his google verification identification info for his phone. any possibility of bypassing that?
simon says
No workarounds.
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