Galaxy S7 Edge, factory reset, phone locked. "FRP"

[Papamalo]

Hello all.
I recently received a used at&t Galaxy S7 (variant SM-G935A) that hadn't been used in over a year, and was looking forward to using it. The previous owner, was elderly, didn't like smart phones to begin with, and doesn't remember any password. I factory reset it, and was preparing for a lifetime of joy and happiness with my new S7 Edge, When I encountered this message:

"This device was reset, To continue, sign in with a google account that was previously synced on this device"

I tried numerous sign in's all to no avail, and the previous owner doesn't even remember the password, (Probably why I was given this phone) so now I am stuck with a beautiful looking brick. After the factory reset, I assumed it would be blank and that I could sign in with my google account, but that is not working. I've seen a few "FRP" solutions, that include downloading apk's, but some of the sources look questionable.
I was thinking maybe I'd have to re-familiarize myself with the ODIN panel, or something else like that, but for now I appear stuck.

Does anyone know how to overcome this problem?
thanks!
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[Deleted User]

Well sad news to tell you FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a security to protect a previous owners data, however you can try downgrading the device to a lower firmware and possibly reset and erase FRP to sign in using odin, but theirs still a chance frp is still tripped, id love to say good news but unless you know the last owner(s) google login info you basically just have a paper weight thats built as a phone

 

[mikedt]

Someone else was enquiring same thing this morning about a Galaxy S7 and FRP. And basically it's a security feature to try and stop thieves and fences, and so no easy bypass.

I know Samsung service can reset it, but you must prove legitimate ownership of course.

 

[Papamalo]

I think I will quiz them for a while and try to get them to remember.
If I do find the proper log in, can I later remove their account info and replace it with my own, or am I stuck with their info on my phone no matter what I do?
Thanks.
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[ocnbrze]

Yes once logged in. You can do a factory reset within the phone via your phone's setting. Then you can add your account to it.

 

[MoodyBlues]

I wonder if the previous owner, with your assistance, could do an account recovery through Google. You know, where they have to verify themselves, and then get a password reset link.

 

[Papamalo]

Thanks you guys! They got a password reset, and I used new password and now it works!
PM

 

[MoodyBlues]

Thanks you guys! They got a password reset, and I used new password and now it works!
PM

Yay! I'm glad it worked!

 

[Papamalo]

And yet I was surprised to see that massive AT&T bloatware on the phone.Also the oppressive AT&T overlords logo is on everything.
I guess I need to root it. been years since I've done that.
Any suggestions?
Thanks again. really looking forward to a Samsung! (again)

 

[ocnbrze]

And yet I was surprised to see that massive AT&T bloatware on the phone.Also the oppressive AT&T overlords logo is on everything.
I guess I need to root it. been years since I've done that.
Any suggestions?
Thanks again. really looking forward to a Samsung! (again)

yep i always go to xda for root guides, recoveries, and custom roms. it is a great developers forum.

here you go:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-root-android-8-0-oreo-t3840271