Remove a Device Administrator App on Android

Device administrator apps on Android can lock your screen, wipe your phone, or enforce security policies. If you want to remove one — for privacy, to stop it from controlling your device, or because you no longer need it — you must first deactivate its admin privileges. This guide walks you through the exact steps to remove a device administrator app on Android, plus what to do if the option is greyed out or the app refuses to leave.

What You’ll Need

Your Android phone or tablet
The screen lock PIN, pattern, or password you use to unlock the device
If the app is a work or school profile app, you may need the credentials or permission from your IT administrator

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app in your app drawer.
Go to Security settings. The exact name varies by Android version and manufacturer. Look for Security, Security & privacy, Biometrics and security, or Lock screen and security. On some devices, it’s under Passwords & accounts or Device admin apps directly.
Find “Device admin apps� or “Device administrators.� This is usually under Advanced, More security settings, or in the Device management section. On Samsung phones, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Other security settings > Device admin apps. On stock Android (Pixel), it’s Settings > Security > Device admin apps.
Tap the app you want to remove. You’ll see a list of apps that have been granted administrator privileges. Tap the name of the app you wish to deactivate.
Tap “Deactivate� or “Turn off.� A confirmation dialog will appear, warning you that the app will no longer be able to enforce policies like screen lock or remote wipe. Confirm by tapping Deactivate (or Turn off).
Uninstall the app (optional). Once the app is no longer a device administrator, you can uninstall it like any other app. Go to Settings > Apps (or App management), find the app, tap it, and select Uninstall. If the app is a system app (pre-installed), you may only be able to disable it instead.

Common Mistakes

Not deactivating before uninstalling: Android will block the uninstall of an active device administrator app. You must deactivate it first, otherwise the uninstall button is greyed out or you get an error.
Looking in the wrong settings: The location of device admin settings varies by brand and Android version. Don’t assume it’s under “Apps� — it’s almost always under Security.
Confusing device admin with accessibility services: Some apps ask for accessibility permissions (like auto-fill or screen readers) which are separate from device admin. They are managed in Settings > Accessibility, not in the device admin list.
Forgetting work profile apps: If the app is part of a work profile (managed by an employer), you may not be able to deactivate it without removing the work profile entirely. That’s a separate process, usually under Settings > Accounts > Work profile.

Tips

Before deactivating, check if the app is required for security (e.g., a company mobile device management app). Removing it might cause you to lose access to work email or corporate apps.
If you’re removing an app because it’s misbehaving, also clear its cache and data after deactivating to ensure no residual settings remain.
On Samsung devices, you might need to disable “Find My Mobile� or “Secure Folder� if they appear as device admins — but be careful, as that could affect device tracking features.
If you’re using a third-party launcher or a security app that you no longer trust, deactivating admin rights is the first step to regaining full control.

Troubleshooting

“Deactivate� is greyed out or not tappable. This usually happens when the app is a system app or when the device is in a managed state (e.g., under a work profile). If it’s a system app, you can’t remove its admin rights without rooting the device — but you can often disable the app entirely via Settings > Apps > [App] > Disable. For work profile apps, you’ll need to remove the work profile from Settings > Accounts > Work profile (this will delete all work data).

You don’t see a “Device admin apps� option at all. On some Android versions (especially Android 10 and above), the option is hidden under “Security� but may be called “Device admin apps� or “Phone administrators.� If you can’t find it, use the search bar in Settings and type “device admin� or “device administrators.�

The app reappears after deactivation. Some apps are designed to re-activate themselves. Try the following: deactivate it, then immediately uninstall it. If uninstall fails, force stop the app first (Settings > Apps > [App] > Force stop), then uninstall. If it still persists, check if it’s a system app — if so, you may need to disable it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or contact the manufacturer.

You get a message that “the device admin is active� when trying to uninstall. This is the same as the first issue — you must deactivate it first. Follow the steps again, making sure you tap the app name and then the “Deactivate� button. If the button is unresponsive, restart your phone and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I uninstall a device admin app?

Android prevents uninstalling any app that is an active device administrator to stop malicious apps from being removed while they still have control. You must deactivate the admin permission first, then uninstall.

Will removing a device admin app delete my data?

No, deactivating admin rights does not delete any of the app’s data. It only revokes the special permissions. Uninstalling the app will remove the app and its data, but not your personal files unless the app specifically managed them.

What happens if I remove a device admin app that is a security app (like an antivirus)?

You lose the security features that rely on admin privileges, such as remote lock or wipe. The app may still function in a limited way, but it won’t be able to enforce device policies. If it’s your only security app, consider installing another before removing it.

Can I remove a device admin app from a work profile?

Only if you have permission from your organization’s IT admin. In most cases, you can’t deactivate a work profile device admin without removing the entire work profile, which deletes all work-related apps and data. Contact your IT department for assistance.

Is it safe to remove a device administrator app?

Yes, if you know what the app is and you no longer need its features. However, be cautious — some apps like “Find My Device� are system apps that help you locate your phone if lost. Removing their admin rights may disable those features.

How do I know which apps are device administrators?

Go to Settings > Security > Device admin apps. You’ll see a list of all apps with admin privileges. Tap each one to see what permissions it has and what app it belongs to before deciding to remove it.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →