Remove google lock on a reset phone

[bicky]

I have been given a Vodafone N8, which at the moment is useless. A factory reset has been done, and we are now stuck trying to get past the Google lock. We don't want to use the device as a phone, but purely get access to the internet to use the GSM Mapping facility - to replace our Tom Tom. We can get access to the internet but that is all. Can anyone guide us on how to get this device up and running - if a firmware update will solve the problem, how do we do this - we have USB connections, computer, and Windows 10. If required we have a Sim card, but the phone is locked so will require an unlock, but if we don't want the phone facility is this necessary. -

 

[The_Chief]

This is the result of a previous owner not logging out and removing all their accounts from the device before getting rid of it. The reset protection is not something you can get around: it's there for owner security. No one can steal your phone, reset it and use it as their own... not as long as your Google credentials are logged in on the device. That's a 2-edged sword - if you acquire a phone that was reset while still logged in, you won't be able to use it until the previous owner either logs in, logs out and removes their account; or goes to their device page on the Google website and deletes it from their device list. Even then, I'm not sure the phone will know that.

 

[svim]

How did you obtain this phone? Instead of trying to hack into it if you can just get a replacement this will be less of a hassle.
Or can you contact the previous owner and have them unlock it and remove their Google account from this phone?

 

[bicky]

Got this phone from a charity shop - guess it's for the bin

 

[svim]

Instead of dumping it, any chance you can take it back to get something else? Make sure they label this phone as locked and secured so the next potential owner will know this phone is just for for parts, or even just the charger.

 

[The_Chief]

If it's a carrier-branded phone, you might possibly contact the carrier to see if they can track down the previous owner using the IMEI. That's a wild stab in the dark, and the only thing I can think of at 6:30 in the morning...

 

[bicky]

Hi Guys, thank's for your input, problem is I bought this whilst on holiday over Christmas in Portugal - so no chance of any of your suggestions !!!!!!!!. As a total last resort, is it feasible to flash a new Android system on to the device, if so HOW ????

 

[svim]

Don't have any previous experiences with Vodafone phones and don't see a lot of relevant info on stock or custom ROMs for a N8 so hopefully those who are familiar with this phone will chime in.

But how did you do that initial Factory Reset? If you did so via the Settings menu, try doing this again by booting the phone into its Recovery mode. Details on the process here:
https://www.hardreset.info/devices/vodafone/vodafone-smart-n8/

 

[bicky]

The reset was done when I got the phone - now when I power as a new installation - all goes well until we get to the Google Mail bit !!!!