Samsung got some flak for implementing a region lock for the Galaxy Note 3 in some regions but the reactivation lock which is showcased here is a good thing and could effectively turn the device as good as a brick, in case of a theft. The reactivation lock can be activated when you setup the Galaxy Note 3 or can turn it on anytime from the security menu in settings after the first setup. Reactivation lock basically tries to thwart unsolicited attempts to reset the device to factory settings.
So in case someone tries to reset the device, the phone will ask for the Samsung account password to proceed with a factory reset. The trickier part is when the factory reset is performed via the Android recovery. This is where reactivation lock kicks in and even though the reset will be successful, the setup boot will detect an “abnormal factory reset” that will require login details of the Samsung account that was used prior to the reset. If one fails to do so, the phone will be stuck at the same screen.
This obviously, isn’t a foolproof method but nonetheless a good feature. Now if Samsung could add a remote tracking feature after an abnormal reset!
TMobile version doesn’t have it. Sucks!
Damn Tmobile …they have lookout security which provides these features for a premium amount and so they decided to remove this from their ROMs….so they can make more money out of customers for a feature which comes out for free!!!!
here is the proof….. http://support.t-mobile.com/thread/64850
Sprint version doesn’t seem to have it, either. I can’t imagine why carriers would want a feature like that removed…
hi ido factory reset and when the phone start it say (the device is locked for abnormal factory reset) ask for samsung account i put my email and password but always give me processing failed, what is this
You should try accessing your Samsung account from a desktop PC to see if the credentials are correct. If yes, then make sure Wi-Fi or 2G/3G data is On on the device to allow the Note 3 to verify it. If it still persists, head to the nearest Service Center.
i have the same problem, i change the password and it didnt fix it. dont know what to do please help!!!
Not sure if this will work but this link (http://repairandunlocking.blogspot.in/2014/03/note-3-is-locked-at-samsung-account.html) claims to bypass it. Let me know if it worked for you.
1) Click accessibility option on the First screen
2) Select language ,then click text to speech option
3) Click settings click install voice data
4) Download any language
5) Add your samsung account details enter samsung account details
6) When download is complete goto screen where it was showing abnormal factory reset then enter your samsung account. it will work
Well done Thanks got me out of trouble
That didnt Work. I Solved it by reinstalling Kit kat. 😀
did you fix it? if so how you do it?
If the Samsung sign in doesn’t come up, go to install the language, and then report the install on the app store. The report needs your credentials to log in.