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Ask HN: Bricked Pixel 7a

7 pointsby merek6 months ago
Hi HN,<p>I purchased a Pixel 7a for work several months ago. On the initial setup, I created a new Google account and PIN. The phone was intended for occasional use and the data on the phone was not important, so I didn&#x27;t think to record the new account details.<p>Several months later I cannot remember the PIN or account. I&#x27;ve tried a hard factory reset however it requires either of these proceed.<p>The retailer referred me to Pixel support, Pixel support (in 4 separate conversions) essentially concluded that were no options available.<p>I understand the reasons for the phone behaving like this, and perhaps it thwarts theft and black market sales in the majority of cases, however surely there are a growing number of folks like me who are rightful owners locked out of their devices.<p>Importantly, I have the original box with the IMEI, as well as proof of purchase (receipt from the retailer and bank statements), which Pixel support never asked for despite my mentioning it.<p>Have you been in a similar situation, and did you have any success with unbricking the phone?

1 comment

titaniumtown6 months ago
You should be able to go from fastboot mode (hold power button and volume down on bootup) to recovery mode and reset the phone that way.