Can't set up Android tablet - asking for previous account details.

[TwistedHelixis]

I was handed one of the schools Android tablets that had somehow been reset by someone. Normally I just enter Wi-Fi then enter an account for whoever I will be handing it to, but this time after entering the Wi-Fi it wants the account of the previous user, but nobody seems to know who had this tablet.

 

Any ideas how I can get this thing setup?

[AlwaysDNS]

If it was protected by a pin/pattern or biometrics and it wasn't signed out before the factory reset, it's bricked.

 

New(ish) Google policy.

 

From Google themselves:

"You can sign in with any Google Account previously added and synced to the phone as an account or user, but not as a guest. If you can't give this information during setup, you won't be able to use the phone at all after factory reset."

 

We had many issues with staff returning devices before leaving the business, not unlocking or signing out before they factory reset the devices... now just a pile of plastic in a box.

Edited February 4, 2022 by AlwaysDNS

[TwistedHelixis]

OH :-(

 

Wonder if I can find out who was logged into from its serial number via Google admin site. I'll go take a look.

[TwistedHelixis]

Managed to workout is was a teacher that had left in the summer.

 

Luckily I suspend accounts for a year before deleting them.

[Frodo_Baggins]

Depending on the model there might be a way to bypass the lock, reset a few LG phones that were locked like this. Best bet is to to try YouTube "Model FRP Bypass" or XDA in case there's a tool you can use (might have to search a bit till you find one that works as they often get patched.)

[KevinB]

We managed to get a Galaxy Tab reset by sending it to Samsung with proof of ownership. Maybe try the manufacturer of your tablet to see if they can do the same?

[TwistedHelixis]

I did manage to sort this one out. I re enabled the old users account in our Google admin system, then used that account on the tablet to log in.

 

Luckily I had suspended the account and not deleted it, or it would have been a lot more complicated.