Factory Reset without FRP

[Android Central Question]

As a company, we give out phones to a group of our employees. When the employee is no longer working for us and we get the phone back, it is often later than employee's transition. As such, all e-mail accounts have been suspended or deleted. Often the phone (and other gear) is brought in by a 3rd party. The phones are almost always locked with no code given and when asked they don't remember.

I understand FRP. But in this case it is a barrier to getting the phone back in production. I now have a box of half a dozen phones worth $500 ea. that are only good for pond skipping.

My only conclusion is that there must be something to do in the original setup that will help me recover the phone after the assigned user has locked and left. Anybody fought this beast before?

Most all phones are Pixel 2, 3 running Android 10.

Thanks in advance!
Todd

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Do you use some kind of enterprise device management software? I don't have intimate knowledge of those kinds of solutions, but I would guess that they would prevent this kind of issue.

Please register on this forum, which will allow you to engage in discussion more easily, as well as post images. https://forums.androidcentral.com/ask-question/409154-join-android-central-community.html

 

[Rukbat]

We don't discuss bypassing the FRP lock (for obvious reasons), but if you're dealing with that many phones, you must have a tech department with at least one person. (If you don't, you're being penny wise and pound foolish.) And that person, if you hired someone qualified, will know how to do what you need. (It's not really a big mystery to anyone who knows the technical aspects of cellphones.)

(Or bring the box of phones to your carrier, find their tech department [every carrier has one], and proof of identity of the person in charge of the account, and they'll unlock the phones for you.)

And you really should revise your separation policy. In order to receive his or her last pay check, the employee is required to unlock the phone, do a factory reset and remove the Google account. No unlocking, and the pay check buys a new phone. (It's legal - the employee is refusing to return company property in usable condition, so you have the right to charge the employee to replace it.)

 

[Mooncatt]

And you really should revise your separation policy. In order to receive his or her last pay check, the employee is required to unlock the phone, do a factory reset and remove the Google account. No unlocking, and the pay check buys a new phone. (It's legal - the employee is refusing to return company property in usable condition, so you have the right to charge the employee to replace it.)

I agree with this, but would add that you should have employees sign an agreement to this new policy and check your state laws for additional guidance. When it comes to withholding pay, states can be picky on how to correctly set up a policy. I went through something very similar with a policy change at my employer years ago. I was questioning it with the state labor commission and they verified it was proper in my scenario. I had to sign an agreement on pay withholding for damages, and they were required to give 30 days notice before putting the policy in place. They couldn't just spring it on us over night with no warning.

 

[Rukbat]

I guess I should have added a legal disclaimer. Of course you're correct.

 

[Mooncatt]

I guess I should have added a legal disclaimer. Of course you're correct.

Disclaimer: You should always use a disclaimer for legal advice.