Google is tightening the screws on smartphone theft with a major update to Android’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP) — and it’s forcing even determined thieves to think twice. Starting later this year, devices running Android’s 2025 security update will require a second factory reset to fully bypass FRP, a move designed to shut down loopholes exploited by criminals.
What Is FRP — And Why Does It Need a Fix?
For years, FRP has been a critical line of defense against stolen Android devices. When a phone is factory reset, FRP locks the device until the original owner’s Google account credentials are entered. But as anti-theft tech evolves, so do thieves’ tactics. Hackers and illicit repair shops increasingly use tools to bypass FRP, leaving victims vulnerable even after a remote wipe.
“Thieves found ways to manipulate the system after a single reset, creating a false sense of security for users,” explains mobile security researcher Carla Ruiz. “Google’s response is a logical escalation.”
How the New ‘Double Reset’ Works
The updated FRP, detailed in Google’s 2025 Security and Privacy Blog Post, introduces a two-step hurdle. After an unauthorized factory reset, the device will appear functional until a thief attempts to set it up. At that point, FRP will demand the original owner’s credentials. If bypassed (e.g., via a hacked tool), the system will require a second factory reset — but this time, FRP remains active, perpetuating the cycle until legitimate authentication is provided.
Google claims this “reset loop” makes stolen devices “virtually unusable” without significant time, effort, or technical skill. “The goal is to make theft economically unviable,” the company stated.
Will This Affect Legitimate Users?
For everyday owners, the update is mostly invisible. If you factory-reset your own device through settings (or via Find My Device), FRP deactivates normally. The double reset only triggers when unauthorized tools or bootloader exploits are detected.
However, the change could complicate secondhand phone sales. “Users selling their devices must properly remove their accounts first,” warns tech analyst Mark Lin. “Otherwise, buyers might hit a wall.” Google is reportedly working with manufacturers to streamline resale verification processes.
A Growing Arms Race in Device Security
This update underscores the cat-and-mouse game between tech giants and thieves. Apple’s Activation Lock has long been a gold standard, but Android’s fragmented ecosystem poses unique challenges. With the double-reset FRP, Google aims to level the playing field.
Critics argue the measure could inconvenience legitimate repair shops, but Google insists safeguards are in place. Authorized service centers will still bypass FRP using certified tools, provided they verify ownership.
The Bottom Line
As smartphone thefts surge globally, Google’s aggressive stance signals a shift toward “security through persistence.” Whether this deters thieves or merely delays them remains to be seen — but for now, the message is clear: stealing Androids just got a lot harder.
For full technical details, visit Google’s official announcement here.
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