Mobile News & Updates

The Discovery: Flashing to Android 16 Removes FRP?

Lately, I've been experimenting with devices locked on Android 15. Surprisingly, I've found that flashing these devices with the lowest available binary (or even the latest builds) of Android 16 firmware completely bypasses the Google account requirement. Instead of asking for the previous credentials after the flash, the devices boot straight to the setup screen and allow me to skip the account sign-in.

It appears that the transition to Android 16 might be triggering a reset of the persistent partition or that the new OS handles the FRP flag differently than its predecessor.

Confirmed Devices and Firmware Builds

I have personally tested and confirmed this "glitch" or behavior on the following devices using specific firmware files:

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (A536B)
Firmware used: SM-A536B_EUX_A536BXXSIGYK3_fac

Samsung Galaxy XCover7 (G556B)
Firmware used: G556B_EUX_G556BXXUBDYIA_fac

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (A546B)
Firmware used: SM-A546B_EUY_A546BXXUFEYI4_fac

Motorola Moto G34 (XT2363-3)
Method: Processed via Software Fix (Rescue and Smart Assistant), which likely pulled the latest Android 16 build.

Is this a "Feature" or a Bug?

In all these cases, the devices were FRP-locked on Android 15. After a clean flash to the Android 16 builds mentioned above, the lock was gone.

This suggests a significant change in the locking mechanism between the two OS versions. It is possible that the way the "Persistent Data Block" is read during the initial setup of Android 16 has been overhauled, leading to this unintentional bypass when upgrading from a locked Android 15 state.

Final Thoughts

Whether this is a temporary oversight by developers or a permanent change in security architecture remains to be seen. For now, if you are struggling with a stubborn Android 15 FRP lock on these models, a jump to Android 16 might be your easiest solution.

Stay tuned as I continue to test more models and brands to see how deep this Android 16 behavior goes.

1. Octopus FRP Tool (Combined with Samsung & Huawei Tools)

I have a long history with Octopus. I purchased the Octopus FRP Tool almost immediately after it was released—back when digital licenses weren't even an option. I started with a physical dongle for FRP and Huawei, and later added the Samsung Tool to my setup.

Safety First: In my experience, this is one of the safest tools on the market. The risk of "bricking" or killing a device is significantly lower compared to other software.

User Interface: It features one of the most user-friendly interfaces I've encountered, making the workflow smooth and intuitive.

The Dongle Factor: There are pros and cons to the hardware. I can switch between computers as many times as I want without activation delays, but I have to make sure the dongle is always in my pocket.

2. UnlockTool

The other heavy hitter in my shop is UnlockTool. It is arguably the most universal tool available today.

Frequent Updates: Generally, they are very consistent with updates. However, it's worth noting that the last update was released on December 21st, and as of today (January 14, 2026), we are still waiting for a new one.

Portability: I love being able to use it at different locations without carrying hardware keys.

The Limitation: The main trade-off is the 6-hour cooldown period between switching computers, which can be a bit restrictive if you move between workstations frequently.

Secondary Tools for Specific Tasks

While Octopus and UnlockTool do most of the heavy lifting, I rely on several other tools for specialized scenarios:

Infinity CM2: I still own the Infinity CM2, though I use it much less frequently for FRP these days. Its real value for me now lies in maintenance tasks, specifically for reading and writing NVDATA, where it remains very reliable.

Z3X Box: I keep my Z3X active mainly for older Samsung models. Since I don't currently subscribe to Z3X SamsTool Online, its use is limited for newer security patches, but I still find it incredibly useful for its built-in firmware downloader, which is very convenient for sourcing official files.

EFT Pro (Legacy Use): I used to pay for EFT Pro, and it was an absolute lifesaver back in the day. It had fantastic options for removing screen locks on older software versions without data loss—a feature that was gold for specific customer requests.

Final Thoughts

No single tool is a "magic wand" for every device. A successful technician knows that a diverse toolkit is key. While Octopus provides the safety I need for premium brands and UnlockTool offers modern versatility, having legacy tools like Z3X and CM2 ensures that no phone leaves the shop unserviced.

Having the right tools for the right job is what separates a professional technician from someone who just tries random software. Invest wisely, stay updated, and always have a backup plan.

What's Actually Changed

From what I can tell after dealing with about a dozen devices this week, Google closed some of the older workarounds that were still functional on December patch level. The verification process now takes longer, and some of the "quick tricks" that worked before are completely dead.

The FRP lock seems to kick in faster now, too. I had a Galaxy A54 that reset itself after a failed update, and boom—instant FRP lock before the user even realized what happened.

What This Means for Regular Users

Look, I get it—Google is doing this to prevent theft. But honestly, it's becoming a nightmare for legitimate owners who simply forgot their password or bought a second-hand phone from someone who "forgot" to remove their account.

My advice? Before you do ANY factory reset:

• Write down your Google email and password. Seriously, on paper.
• Go to Settings → Accounts and manually remove your Google account FIRST
• If you're selling a phone, remove your account before handing it over

For Technicians

If you're using older methods, expect more failures. I'd recommend updating your tools if you haven't already. Some boxes haven't released updates yet (looking at you, UnlockTool), so we're in a bit of a waiting period.

Bottom line: FRP is getting harder every month. Keep your credentials safe, and if you're buying used—check for FRP BEFORE paying.

1. Know Your Google Login (For Real)

I can't tell you how many people come in and say "I think it's this email..." or "My password is something with my dog's name." That doesn't work with FRP. You need the EXACT email and EXACT password.

What I do personally: I keep a small notebook at home with all my important logins. Yeah, it's old school, but it works. Password managers are great too, but make sure you actually remember the master password.

2. Remove Your Account BEFORE You Reset

This is the big one. If you're planning to factory reset your phone for any reason, go to Settings → Accounts → Google and remove it first. Takes 10 seconds and saves you hours of frustration.

I've seen people skip this step because they're in a hurry or someone on YouTube told them to "just reset it." Don't be that person.

3. Selling Your Phone? Do This First

If you're selling or giving away your phone, remove your account while you're still holding it. I've had people come back to me weeks later saying "the buyer wants their money back because the phone is locked."

Trust me—remove the account, THEN reset, THEN hand it over. In that order.

4. Buying Used? Check for FRP First

Before you pay for a used phone, turn it on and go through the setup. If it asks for a Google account that isn't yours, walk away. I don't care how good the deal is.

A "great deal" on a FRP-locked phone is just an expensive paperweight.

5. Write Down Your IMEI

Dial *#06# and write down that number somewhere. If you ever need professional help unlocking your phone, we'll need it. Also useful if your phone gets stolen.

The Reality: Phone Theft Is Still a Problem

I've met people who lost their phones and got them back because FRP made the device useless to the thief. That's the whole point of this technology, and it works. Yeah, it makes my job harder, but I'd rather deal with that than see someone lose their expensive phone for good.

What's Actually Changing

Google isn't just making FRP stronger for fun. Every patch closes exploits that thieves were using. The problem is, these same exploits are what we (legitimate technicians) rely on when helping customers who genuinely forgot their password.

From what I've noticed in 2026:

• Verification takes way longer now (sometimes 10+ minutes)
• Old workarounds from YouTube? Most are dead
• Some manufacturers added their own extra layers on top of Google's FRP
• Knox on Samsung is basically Fort Knox now (see what I did there?)

The Tools Are Playing Catch-Up

Here's the frustrating part: every time Google updates FRP, all the major tools need to update too. Sometimes that takes days, sometimes weeks. I've had periods where I couldn't unlock certain models at all because my tools weren't updated yet.

That's why I keep multiple tools active. If one doesn't work, maybe another one does.

My Honest Take

Look, I make money from FRP unlocking. Technically, stricter FRP means more business for me. But I'd rather people just remembered their passwords or properly removed their accounts before resetting.

The real losers here are people buying used phones without checking for FRP first. That's where most of my \"difficult conversations\" come from—explaining to someone that the \"great deal\" they got isn't actually usable.

Security and convenience will always be a trade-off. FRP is annoying, but it's doing its job. Just be smart: know your login, check before buying used, and you'll never have to deal with any of this.