7 Techniques to Uninstall a Device Administrator App That Won’t Deactivate
*An in-depth guide to tackle the persistently sticky problem of uninstalling a stubborn device administrator app*
Picture this: You’ve downloaded a *device administrator app* that starts causing troubles, and now you want it gone. But, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to deactivate it. Sounds familiar? Indeed, it’s a common predicament for many software experts.
In this article, we will dive into seven techniques on *how to uninstall a device administrator app that won’t deactivate*. We are specifically focusing on overcoming the challenges of deactivating persistent apps, which can make the uninstallation process difficult.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a toolbox full of effective strategies to ensure seamless deactivation and uninstallation of problematic device administrator apps. Let’s get started!
1. The Direct Approach: Uninstall Through Device Settings
The first method of uninstallation is the most straightforward one: accessing the device settings. Here’s how:
1. Navigate to your device’s “Settings” menu.
2. Go to “Security” (or “Lock screen and security” or “Device administrators” depending on your device).
3. Locate the device administrator app in question.
4. Deselect the checkbox next to the app name.
5. Confirm deactivation by tapping “Deactivate” in the pop-up window.
6. Head back to “Settings” and go to “Apps” (or “Application manager”).
7. Find the app, tap on it, and select “Uninstall.”
However, not all apps will comply so easily. So let’s explore other options.
2. Safe Mode: Catch Them Off Guard
Booting your device in *Safe Mode* disables third-party apps, allowing you to make changes without interference. Follow these steps:
1. Restart your device.
2. Press and hold the “Power” button until the logo appears.
3. Immediately press and hold the “Volume down” button (for some devices, it’s “Volume up”).
4. Continue to hold the volume button until the device finishes restarting.
5. You’ll see “Safe Mode” in the bottom-left corner.
Now perform the uninstallation process through device settings as detailed in Technique 1. Once done, reboot the device to exit Safe Mode.
3. App-specific Deactivation: Specialized Solutions
Certain apps have built-in settings to disable their device administrator status. Look for an “Administrator Settings” or similar option within the app. Disable it, and then proceed with uninstallation through device settings.
4. Application Management Tools: Expert Assistance
For those proficient in Android Debug Bridge (ADB) or similar tools, you can use these resources to forcibly deactivate and uninstall apps. Remember, this method requires expertise and may not be suitable for all users.
1. Install ADB on your computer and connect your device.
2. Run the command `adb devices` to verify connection.
3. Execute `adb shell pm list device_admins` to list the device administrators.
4. Identify the problematic app by its package name.
5. Run `adb shell pm disable-user –user 0 ` to disable the app.
6. Finally, execute `adb uninstall ` to remove it.
5. Factory Reset: Clean Slate
A factory reset should always be the last resort, since it wipes all data from your device. However, if other methods fail, it might be the only solution.
1. Back up your data before proceeding.
2. Go to “Settings” and find the “Backup & Reset” option.
3. Select “Factory Data Reset,” followed by “Reset Device” or “Erase Everything.”
4. Confirm your decision and wait for the process to finish.
5. Restore your data after the device boots up.
6. Root Access: Absolute Control
If you have root access, you can leverage its power to uninstall persistently defiant apps. Use a root file explorer, such as ES File Explorer, and manually delete the app’s files after disabling it as a device administrator.
7. Third-Party Uninstallers: Extra Firepower
If all other methods fail, resort to third-party uninstallers that specialize in removing difficult-to-deactivate apps. These tools often come with advanced features to bypass stubborn administrator restrictions.
In conclusion, knowing *how to uninstall a device administrator app that won’t deactivate* requires a mix of persistence, expertise, and creativity. If you follow these techniques, you’re bound to find an effective way to tackle even the most unyielding apps.
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How to Uninstall or delete Hidden Apps / Delete Spying apps from your phone
How to deactivate a device administrator app that won t Deactivate?
If you’re trying to uninstall an app that is set as a device administrator and it won’t deactivate, follow these steps to resolve the problem:
1. Check for updates: Make sure your device is up-to-date with the latest software and security patches. You can check for updates in your device’s settings menu.
2. Reboot your device: Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve minor issues like this. Turn off your device, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
3. Go to Settings: Open your device’s settings menu, and head to the “Security” or “Lock Screen and Security” section, depending on your device’s model.
4. Device Administrators: Find the “Device Administrators” or “Device Admin Apps” option and tap on it. This will show you a list of apps that have device administrator privileges.
5. Deactivate the app: Locate the troublesome app you want to uninstall, and toggle the switch or uncheck the box next to it to deactivate the app as a device administrator.
6. If the app still won’t deactivate, try force stopping the app. Go to “Settings” > “Apps” or “Application Manager,” find the app, tap on it, and select “Force Stop.” After that, return to the “Device Administrators” section and try deactivating the app once more.
7. Once the app has been deactivated as a device administrator, you can now uninstall the app through your device’s app settings or by dragging the app icon to the “Uninstall” option on your home screen.
If these steps don’t help and you still can’t deactivate the device administrator app, it may be necessary to perform a factory reset on your device, which will erase all data and installed apps. Before doing so, make sure to back up any important files, contacts, and other information.
How do I force delete a device administrator app?
To force delete a device administrator app, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Deactivate the app as a device administrator: Before uninstalling the app, you first need to disable its device administrator privileges.
– Go to Settings on your device.
– Scroll down and tap on Security (or Security & Privacy).
– Look for Device administrators (or Device admin apps) and tap on it.
– Find the app you want to remove and uncheck the box next to it.
– Confirm by pressing Deactivate in the popup.
2. Uninstall the app: Now that the app is no longer a device administrator, you can uninstall it.
– Go back to your device’s Settings.
– Tap on Apps (or Application Manager).
– Find the app you want to uninstall and tap on it.
– On the app’s info page, press the Uninstall button.
– Confirm the action by pressing OK in the popup.
In case the app still cannot be uninstalled, you may need to use an alternative method such as safe mode or factory reset (please note that factory reset will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding).
Remember to always exercise caution when dealing with device administrator apps, as giving an app this level of access can pose security risks if it is from an untrusted source.
How do I force an Android device to remove an administrator?
In order to force an Android device to remove an administrator, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Security” or “Security & Location”, depending on your device model.
3. Look for “Device Administrator” or “Device Admin Apps” and tap on it.
4. You will see a list of apps that have device administrator privileges. Find the app you want to remove as an administrator and uncheck the box next to it.
5. A pop-up window may appear warning you about the effects of removing the app’s administrator privileges. Tap on “Deactivate” to confirm your action.
6. Once the app is removed as a device administrator, you can now uninstall the app by going back to your home screen or the app drawer, pressing and holding the app icon, then dragging it to the “Uninstall” option that appears on-screen.
Remember that some apps may require you to first remove their administrator rights before uninstalling them, so following these steps will help you achieve this task.
How do I override a device administrator?
To override a device administrator in the context of uninstalling apps, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and select Security & Location or Security, depending on your device model and Android version.
3. In the Security menu, tap on Device administrators or Device admin apps.
4. You will see a list of apps with device administrator privileges. Look for the app you want to uninstall and deselect the checkbox next to it. If prompted, confirm that you want to remove the device administrator access.
5. Once the device administrator privilege is removed, you can now uninstall the app as usual. Go back to your device’s home screen, open the app drawer, and find the app you want to uninstall.
6. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears. Select Uninstall and confirm the action.
Please note that some apps with device administrator access may be essential for your device’s functionality, so be cautious about overriding and uninstalling them.
How can I safely remove a device administrator app that refuses to deactivate during the uninstallation process?
To safely remove a device administrator app that refuses to deactivate during the uninstallation process, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings: First, open your device’s Settings menu to access the Device Administrator options.
2. Access Security/Privacy Settings: Navigate to the “Security” or “Privacy” section within the Settings menu, depending on your device’s specific configuration.
3. Find Device Administrators: Within the Security or Privacy Settings, look for the “Device Administrators” or “Device Admin Apps” option and select it.
4. Locate the App: In the Device Administrators list, find the app that you want to remove.
5. Deactivate the Device Administrator: To the right of the app’s name, there should be a checkbox or toggle button indicating its administrator privileges. Uncheck the box or toggle the button to deactivate the app’s device administrator status.
6. Confirm Deactivation: A warning prompt may appear, asking you to confirm the deactivation of the app as a device administrator. Select “Deactivate” or “OK” to proceed.
7. Return to Settings: Once you have successfully deactivated the app’s device administrator privileges, go back to the main Settings menu.
8. Navigate to Apps or Applications Manager: Find the “Apps” or “Applications Manager” section within the Settings menu.
9. Find the App in the List: Locate the app that you want to uninstall within the list of installed apps on your device.
10. Uninstall the App: Select the app and tap on “Uninstall” to remove it from your device. Confirm the uninstallation if prompted.
By following these steps, you can safely and successfully remove a device administrator app that was previously refusing to deactivate during the uninstallation process.
What are the top troubleshooting steps to follow when attempting to uninstall a stubborn device administrator app?
When attempting to uninstall a stubborn device administrator app, follow these top troubleshooting steps:
1. Disable Device Administrator permissions: Before uninstalling any app with device administrator privileges, you must first disable its device administrator permissions. To do this, go to Settings > Security > Device Administrators, select the app and deactivate it.
2. Force Stop the app: Before uninstalling, force stop the app to ensure it is not running in the background. To do this, go to Settings > Apps, locate the app, click on it, and select the ‘Force Stop’ option.
3. Clear Cache and Data: Clearing cache and data can help to resolve any issues related to app uninstallation. To do this, go to Settings > Apps, find the app, tap ‘Storage,’ and select ‘Clear Cache’ and ‘Clear Data.’
4. Uninstall the app: After completing the previous steps, try uninstalling the app from the device. Go to Settings > Apps, find the app, and click the ‘Uninstall’ button.
5. Use Safe Mode: If the app still refuses to uninstall, boot your device into Safe Mode. This disables third-party apps, allowing you to uninstall any problematic apps without interference. To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the power button until the ‘Power off’ option appears. Press and hold ‘Power off’ until the ‘Reboot to safe mode’ prompt appears, then tap ‘OK.’
6. Factory Reset: As a last resort, consider performing a factory reset on your device. This will erase all data and apps on your device, so be sure to back up essential data before proceeding. To factory reset your device, go to Settings > Backup & Reset > Factory data reset, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Remember to always exercise caution when uninstalling device administrator apps, as they often have critical functions related to the device’s security and performance.
Are there any recommended third-party tools or methods to effectively uninstall a device administrator app that won’t deactivate?
Yes, there are recommended third-party tools to effectively uninstall a device administrator app that won’t deactivate. One such tool is Malwarebytes, which helps remove potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and malware from your device. Another tool you can use is CCleaner that assists in cleaning residual files left behind by uninstalled apps.
To remove a stubborn device administrator app, you can try the following methods:
1. Safe Mode: Boot your device into Safe Mode, which disables third-party apps temporarily. This may allow you to deactivate and uninstall the problematic app.
2. ADB (Android Debug Bridge): A more advanced method involves using ADB to uninstall the app through command lines on a connected computer.
3. Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset to remove all apps and return your device to its original settings. Keep in mind that this process will erase all your data and installed apps, so be sure to back up your device before proceeding.
Remember to always download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store and avoid installing suspicious or unknown apps to minimize security risks.