You can set your device to help prevent others from using it if it gets reset to factory settings without your permission. For example, if your protected device got stolen and erased, only someone with your Google Account or screen lock could use it.

Tip: If you don’t have a screen lock set, you might be able to lock your device remotely with Find My Device. Learn how to use Find My Device.

To turn off device protection, remove your Google Account from your device. Learn how to remove accounts.

If you have Developer options turned on, you can also turn off device protection from your device's Settings app. Tap System Developer options OEM unlocking. Then, enter your PIN and tap Enable.

To factory reset a protected device, you'll need to either unlock your screen or enter your Google Account password. This ensures that you or someone you trust is doing the reset.

Expect to unlock your screen or enter Google Account information if you:

Important: You can sign in with any Google Account previously added and synced to the device 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 device at all after factory reset. If you can't sign in to your Google Account, get sign-in help.