Google Lock on Samsung A5 (2016): Unknown Error, Hard Reset & SD Card Data Recovery

If your Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) is stuck on Google Lock (FRP – Factory Reset Protection) after a factory reset, or if you’re facing an unknown error, here’s a step-by-step guide to bypass FRP, perform a hard reset properly, and recover data from an SD card.

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🔹 What is Google FRP Lock?

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security feature on Android devices that prevents unauthorized access after a factory reset. If your phone is asking for the previous Google account and you don’t know the credentials, you’ll need to bypass the FRP lock.

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🔹 Fixing “Unknown Error” & Hard Reset on Samsung A5 (2016)

If you’re trying to reset the phone but encountering an unknown error, follow these steps:

✅ Method 1: Standard Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

1. Turn off the phone.

2. Press and hold Volume Up + Home + Power buttons together.

3. Release all buttons when the Samsung logo appears.

4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe data/factory reset using the Power button.

5. Confirm by selecting Yes → Then choose Reboot system now.

If the phone boots up and asks for a Google account, FRP is still active. Continue to FRP bypass methods below.

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🔹 Bypassing Google FRP Lock on Samsung A5 (2016)

✅ Method 1: Bypass FRP Using WiFi & Google Chrome (Easy Method, No PC Needed)

1. Connect to WiFi and go back to the Google account verification screen.

2. Tap the keyboard field where it asks for the email, then press & hold “@” until the Settings menu appears.

3. Select Google Keyboard Settings → Tap 3 dots (⋮) or More → Choose Help & Feedback.

4. In the search bar, type “Use Morse Code” and open the first result.

5. Play the YouTube video, then tap Share and select Google Chrome.

6. In Chrome, go to FRP unlocking websites like:

   • frpbypass.net

   • techoxygen.com

7. Download FRP Bypass APK and install it.

8. Open Settings → Accounts → Add a new Google account.

9. Restart the phone and skip the Google lock screen.

👉 If this doesn’t work, try the next method.

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✅ Method 2: Bypass FRP Using Samsung SideSync (PC Method)

1. Download & install Samsung SideSync on your PC.

2. Connect the phone to the PC via USB cable.

3. A pop-up will appear on your phone asking to open Samsung Browser.

4. Go to frpbypass.net and download the FRP Bypass APK.

5. Install it, open Settings, and add a new Google account.

6. Restart the phone, and FRP should be removed.

👉 If you don’t have a PC, use the SIM trick (next method).

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✅ Method 3: Bypass FRP Using SIM Card Trick (No PC Needed)

1. Insert a locked SIM card (with a PIN code).

2. Restart the phone and enter the wrong PIN multiple times until it asks for the PUK code.

3. Remove the SIM tray quickly while on the PUK screen.

4. This will bring you to the Home Screen → Open Settings.

5. Go to Accounts → Add a new Google account.

6. Restart your phone, and FRP will be gone.

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🔹 Recovering Data from SD Card After Hard Reset

If you’ve lost data after resetting your Samsung A5 (2016), you can still recover files from an SD card using the following methods:

✅ Method 1: Use a PC & Data Recovery Software

1. Remove the SD card from the phone and insert it into a PC using a card reader.

2. Install and run data recovery software like:

   • Recuva (Free)

   • EaseUS Data Recovery

   • Wondershare Recoverit

3. Scan the SD card and recover lost photos, videos, and files.

✅ Method 2: Check for Hidden Files on the SD Card

Sometimes, files become hidden after a reset. To check:

1. Insert the SD card into a PC.

2. Open File Explorer → Click View → Enable Hidden items.

3. Look for hidden files and restore them manually.

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🔚 Final Thoughts: Fixing Google Lock & Data Recovery on Samsung A5 (2016)

If you’re locked out of your Samsung A5 (2016) due to FRP, the Google bypass methods above should help you regain access. For SD card recovery, using PC software is the best solution.