We reported about the ani-theft “reset protection” mechanism that has arrived with Windows Phone 8.1 update 2 aka GDR2 and with Build 10051 on Windows 10 for Phones. Now, we have much more info about this.
The Microsoft devices account page that one uses for “Find my Phone feature” has been updated with “reset protection” status check link. If you click on the link provided it takes you to the page shown in above screenshot, where you can check current status of your device’s reset protection. Though as per the official documentation, the reset protection feature is only available for new phones (May be Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 540) running build 8.10.15127.138Â (Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2).
How to use Reset Protection:
Read the details below from the official “How To page” about using reset protection, if you have bought a new phone running GDR2 out of box. One needs to put the protection off for transferring the device to others and if you are buying a reset protection enabled device (Lumia 640, Lumia 640 XL, Lumia 540) from someone already using it then it is better to check whether the seller has disabled reset protection.
Turn on Reset Protection:
When you set up your phone, just sign in with your Microsoft account and accept the recommended settings. That’s all you need to do to turn on Reset Protection. If you don’t turn it on during setup, you can always go to Settings 
> Find my phone later and do it there.
After you turn on Reset Protection, you’ll get a “Welcome to Reset Protection” confirmation sent to the email address associated with your Microsoft account.
To turn off Reset Protection before you sell or give away your phone:
Before you hand off your phone, remove all of your personal info and turn off Reset Protection—the recipient won’t be able to use the phone unless Reset Protection is turned off.
If you want to carry over things to your next phone, back up your stuff.
Tap Settings
> About > Reset your phone.If you’re ready to erase all of your personal content on your phone, tap Yes, and then tap Yes again to confirm.
Enter your Microsoft account password, and after a few moments Reset Protection will turn off.
To turn off Reset Protection when you no longer own the phone:
If someone has received your phone and you didn’t turn off Reset Protection, your recipient won’t be able to set up the phone. Here’s what you can do:
Go to account.microsoft.com/devices, click Phones, and then click the phone that has Reset Protection.
On the bottom of the Find My Phone page, click I don’t own this phone anymore.
Select the I’m ready to remove my phone check box, note the recovery key, and then click Remove. The recovery key will display on the page and will also be emailed to you.
When you’re certain that you have your recovery key saved, select the I’ve kept a copy of the recovery key check box, and then click Okay.
Forward the recovery key email to your phone recipient.
Your phone is no longer listed on account.microsoft.com/devices, and the recipient can remove Reset Protection during phone setup using the Disable using recovery key option.
Buying or receive someone else’s phone?:
Here are a few key points to consider when taking ownership of a previously owned phone:
- You can check the Reset Protection status of the phone at account.microsoft.com/resetprotection. On the Reset Protection Status page, enter the IMEI or MEID. Find it by dialing *#06# on the phone.
- If the phone is set up but locked, contact the previous owner. That person should have the password you need to unlock it so you can set up the phone.
- Of course, always know who you’re getting the phone from.
Microsoft devices account link
