Not all People are happy with Samsung Knox, Especially Android Developers. In most, if the situations when flashing firmware and rooting process, this Knox can make some issues. Yes, It is purely for your mobile security. But, If you want to go further in your mobile limit, This can be a barrier to you. It can also stop you from booting your mobile. So, We are going to disable the Samsung Knox and Pre-Installed Bloatware apps, using ADB commands. The root access in your mobile not required for this process. Using simple Installation and commands, we are going to achieve this.
Table of Contents
What is Samsung Knox?
Samsung Knox is a security feature available in some Samsung smartphones (mostly older models launched between 2013 and 2017). Knox comes as part of the bloatware apps you will find on Samsung smartphones running on Android 4.3 up to 8.0. However, the feature has been discontinued. For some Galaxy smartphones which support the function is deactivated by default. Nevertheless, if your Samsung Galaxy has this feature activated by default, you can still uninstall it totally without rooting your device. The main reason Samsung integrates Knox into its devices is to ascertain users’ security/privacy.
Previously, Samsung’s “My Knox” was available on Playstore. Thus, it is possible to uninstall the app from Playstore. But at the moment, you won’t see My Knox on Playstore. The App becomes a great concern to people using Galaxy smartphones/know launched between 2013 and 2017 (Know was introduced in 2013 in Galaxy Note 3 launch and discontinued in 2017 with Galaxy S6 launch).
Samsung smartphones such as the Galaxy S7, S8, or S9, A series, M series, and other newer models do not come with My Knox. In place of “My Knox,” Samsung introduced “Secure Folder.”
How to uninstall Knox without root
Rooting a smartphone tends to grant you unlimited access to tweak and modify a lot of aspects of the smartphone. If your Samsung Galaxy device is well-rooted, it is straightforward to disable Knox or even uninstall it from the device. On the other hand, if your device is not rooted, here is how you to disable the app so that it does not consume generous space on your device.
Method-1: Using App Settings
To remove this app from your Samsung device, follow the detailed steps below. This method does not require rooting your Samsung smartphone. You also do not have to install any third-party app or run an Android script in this method.
- This method will work on some old Samsung devices. Before going to Method 2, try this simple method.
Open your app drawer and click on the “settings” gear icon. Alternatively, you can slide down the notification panel and click on the settings icon. Whichever way, you need to get into the settings menu.
On the setting menu, scroll down and click on the “Knox settings” row.
Now, select “Uninstall Knox.”
You’ll get a message asking you whether you’d love to back up your Knox data; the option to select is left for you. If you want to backup your data, then select “Backup Now.”
For the backup to run, you’ll be prompted to enter your Knox password after which you should click on the “continue” option.
Wait for the uninstall process to complete; your Knox data will be saved in your device root storage with the folder name “Knox.”
- In some devices, you can disable app using Disable Option.
Method-2: Using ADB Commands
- Download Samsung USB driver and install it in your PC.
- Also, download the ADB drivers. Install it in your PC.
- Enable USB Debugging Mode and OEM Unlock; you’ll find these options at Settings >>> Developer options. If you didn’t see the developer options on your settings menu, then go to about >>> build number. Click on the “Build Number” row for about ten times regularly to activate “Developer Option” on your device.
- Connect your mobile with PC and unlock your mobile (Screen Lock).
- Open a command prompt as Administrator and type below command to check the ADB status.
- adb devices
- The above command will display some code for device detection. If you didn’t receive any response, Check with the USB Cable. If you get a response, move to the below commands.
- I listed a lot of ADB Commands to disable Knox and Bloatware apps in the Excel sheet. Based on your needs, you can disable the apps. Don’t Disable apps that you are not sure about them; It may affect your mobile.
- ADB commands to Disable Knox and Bloatware apps.
- You can enter the commands one by one, Or All commands and Hit Enter.
Wrap Up
That’s all! There is no other action to do; Knox and other Bloatware apps will be removed from your device even though it is not rooted. While there are different possible ways to remove/uninstall/disable Knox on Samsung Galaxy devices, this is the best method.
Alternatively, you can download Samsung’s “Secure Folder” which is meant to replace Knox in the newer Galaxy series/models. If you think, the root is the only way to remove Pre-Installed apps; this is one of the best ways to remove those apps. One of the Main success for Samsung is, they are always replacing the failure with the Success One. You can also refer our Samsung Success Story.
Selva Ganesh is a Chief Editor of this Blog. He is a Computer Engineer, An experienced Android Developer, Professional Blogger & addicted Web Developer. He runs Android Infotech which offers Problem Solving Articles around the globe.
I have a Samsung galaxy note 8 sm-n950n Korea version. I am in PAK Region. GSM SIM can not be used on this phone on official firmware. I have a few custom ROMs for that purpose. Still, unfortunately, I had locked Knox guard in one of my attempts to flash custom firmware. I booted directly into the system instead of booting into the twrp recovery after flashing. Now the phone is on kg state prenormal. Now It saying “only official binaries are allowed to be flashed boot ” error appears every time I try to install any firmware other than official. I can’t run SIM with data for seven days to remove this lock. Kindly guide me solution from your experience.
SM-N950N model number is not carrier-locked. You can use any GSM SIMs. If you face any issue, You can flash the SM-N950F model official firmware using ODIN. Don’t root and flash Custom ROMs, If your purpose is only using GSM SIMs.
It is carrier-locked because, on official status firmware, it is showing cross/stop sign on SIM signal. If It is not carrier locked, it is still not allowing me to flash anything, no sm-n950f firmware no twrp. The main problem is kg state prenormal, I guess. And yes, I don’t want to root I just wanted to use it usually if it is possible with any of sm-n950n or sm-n950f official firmware.
To Disable KG Prenormal. Flash, the N950N Firmware using ODIN. Boot into your mobile. Don’t Sign in With your Google Account. Disable Auto-Date and Time. Set it to back for 8 Days. Reboot your mobile.
After everything becomes normal, flash unlocked firmware within the N950N Firmware. If you can’t do that, you have to contact some unlock Services.
Unlock services like because, my Knox guard is pre-normal, and that eight days method no longer works.
What is your model number?
Hey, I need help. I’m not able to get into settings
I think you missed Bixby and disable the complete settings. Enable them using this command. samsung.android.app.settings.
Hey Selva, I have note 9 is it possible to unlock the Knox pin using Odin to flash it with unlocked firmware. Tq
It depends on your model number and Android version. Can you mention those details?
Hi Selva,
I bought an S10 from a guy who said he needed money urgently in July 2019, and it was working fine till Nov 2019 when it got locked by Knox Security. Now I can only unlock the phone with a password that can only be obtained from the admin of the company which installed the Knox security.
Is there any possible method of unlocking it? The developer mode is not activated. I cannot put the phone to download mode as it is not allowed through MDM.
Thanks in advance for your help.
You bought the Industrial version, Which has high-Level Knox Security. How that guy sold you the Business phone? Ok. Leave it. Even If we flashed the other firmware, The Default apps will come again. What is your Current Build Number?
Hi, I have g398FN ( xcover4s) MDM locked – Knox cloud cant enter in download mode no developer option all function is limited by mob control cant uninstall this mob control ou deactivate it, no safe mode cant do anything help me there is a solution, please.
Probably your mobile is Industrial Edition. You should disable the Knox. Even if We Disable all the apps, If you hit with the Update, They will come again.
I bought a Galaxy S7 on eBay, and Knox locks it. What is the best way to get this to be usable? Please provide detail because I am new to phone tinkering.
Can you mention your model number?
sm-g891a
Your model is AT&T carrier Bootloader locked. The commands may or may not Work.
How do I re-enable Knox or check its integrity?
I previously fiddled around with it, and like disabled or uninstall some parts of Knox.
Now I am trying to enable MDM on the Samsung S10+.
The MDM software is tailored to Samsung and will not install citing some EULA from the Samsung website I need to accept, but it just fails to reach that particular web page. This does not happen for my Samsung Note8.
So I suspect it has to do with the Knox integrity on the Samsung S10+.
Please help if you can. Thanks.
You can re-enable all the systems using pm enable command. Which Knox apps you block, use the enable command.
How can I use the enable command of my S10+?. It has an issue that I can’t open any apps on my phone. It is saying security policy preventing hardware key. How can I remove it permanently? I think its partake with Knox. Can you help me?
Can you access Knox? It is like a settings. So, You can open the Knox app. Disable and remove Knox access. I think it is accidentally encrypted the apps.
By the way, Selva, I am looking to completely disable wifi on the Samsung devices, which is why researching into MDM software. But if there are any other ways you can suggest doing this, I will much appreciate it.
Sorry to have to leave this somewhat unrelated note on this thread, but can’t seem to find an email to contact you.
Thank you very much.
No problem. We always treat our users, like friends. When your problem solved, We will be happier than you.
Hello, Selva Ganesh. You seem to know this phone well. I have an SM-G955N (Korean) with KNOX GUARD in PRENORMAL state. Is the seven days stuff (SIM card inside the phone and no reboot or power off for seven days) still working at this moment (Mar 2020)?
And could You please correct my steps with instructions on how to do it?
– Power off phone
– Enter download mode
– Flash stock rom (official) via ODIN
– Reboot, insert sim card, get signal, set up the phone, and let it connected to the carrier for seven days.
After this period, the KG state will be back to normal in Odin download mode.
Is there something I’m missing, or is the process correct?
Thank you very much
As per my knowledge, I think you flashed the different firmware manually, probably different model numbers or regions. When you flash the firmware within the same model number, there will be no issues. But, in your current situation, I advise you to wait for the period and check what happens. Based on the result, We can do further process.
Thank you for your reply. Sir! I will come back here for feedback as sons as uptime is complete.
Hello. After 171 hours and several reboots, KG State remains PRENORMAL. I think I’m stuck with this state unless someone has a trick for this.
Lesson: never forget to flash RMM Bypass and OPT no verify after TWRP :(((
I assume you have a live mobile condition. I don’t know; this method will work on all mobiles. But, We resolve this issue in one of our mobiles by using this method.
1. Disable Auto Date and Time. Change time and date to 30 Days from the current date.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi and Check with the Software update option. It should say no update available. If you get the update, install it.
3. Restart your mobile.
Good morning Sir.
1- What do you mean by “live mobile condition”?
2- Should I change the date to 30 days back or after the current date?
3- Without changing the date, when I check updates manually, I find one (G955NKSU4DTb2-Jan 1st 2020 security patch). I am currently on (G955NKSU4DTa2), BUT I’m scared to update because I can be stuck with this KG STATE PRENORMAL
Thank you very much for trying helping me, Sir
Live Mobile condition- You can access your regular phone apps like that. For example, you can make a call.
Change After 30 Days.
When you make the update, you will lose root access if you have. Your mobile will back to the normal stage.
When you can get what you want by changing the date, don’t make the update.
Slt
On vient de m’envoyer un samsung galaxy s7 active vennant des Etats-Unis
En insérant ma carte sim
Apres quelques temps le mode knox s’active en me demandant d’entrer nom d’utiliser et mot de passe
Je ne sais plus quoi faire
Stp aides moi
Avez-vous essayé la méthode ci-dessus? Quelle réponse avez-vous reçue de votre mobile?
Hi, I have a problem.
I wanted to disable Knox on G973F, but adb says that “Unknown command: block.”
Can you help?
Check with adb devices. Your mobile should be detected. After that, launch the command prompt from the ADB folder.
Hola Selva la verdad estoy desesperado y creo que usted es un experto en el tema, tengo un S8+ (g955fd) el kg state se encuentra en prenormal he intentado de todo lo de esperar los 7 días y los dos métodos que indicaste en este hilo a una persona que pregunto lo mismo y no me ha funcionado, tengo conocimientos del tema root, y el problema que en ese estado no me permite instalar TWRP,
CABE RECALCAR QUE EL OEM ESTA ACTIVADO todo el tiempo, estoy en binario 8 y mi parche de seguridad es del 1 de abril del 2020 he intentado hasta hacer un downgrade del bottloader y nada da resultado ayúdame por favor.
Puede descargar RMM_Bypass_v3_corsicanu.zip desde XDA. Destello usando ODIN. Durante este tiempo, es mejor no probar sus móviles principales. Cuidate.
when I type the code to block in the command prompt, it says that pm is not recognized as internal or external command, operable program or batch file
Install ADB driver as an Administrator.
I need help removing Knox from my phone
You can disable Knox using the above commands.
When i shift + right click
Its not running as administrator
Hey, thanks for this help, but it didn’t quite get the job done. I have an unrooted s10 that when I try to delete Knox, it merely returns, and I can’t disable it as a device admin. I tried the CMD fix using adb driver and such, but my device won’t show up as connected, so I can’t get past that step. Any help would be appreciated.
My apologies, I found my problem. For anyone in the future like me for android 10 you have to go to Settings -> About Phone -> Software Information -> Tap on Build Number 7 times to enable developer mode -> go back one page on the menu, at the bottom should now be Developer Options -> enable debugging
Did you enable USB debugging? When you can get device details in ADB, you are good to go.
Hi selva, does this method work for device admin apps?
Can we disable device admin apps, like find my device, and Samsung finance plus?
Yes. But it is wise to leave find my device.
Does this work on android 10
Yes, it will work.
Hi,
I have a Galaxy A71, and google pay does not work on it, has used all the tips and tricks, and still does not work. Contacted Samsung and the bank, saying they have no problem with either the mobile or the bank card.
Contacted google, and they say I need to turn on HCE and disable Knox.
Thank you in advance!
Did you sign up for the beta program in Samsung? Google Pay will not work with beta firmware.
No, no beta version. I have Android 10 official version.
Can you mention your firmware version and current region you are using your phone?
Android 10.
Ine UI 2.1.
Region Norway.
Create new user or profile and log in with different Gmail account and setup Google Pay and check whether it is working or not.
i have done it before and it did not work unfortunately.
Unfortunately, disabling Knox may not help you. Since it is an extra protective layer that gives security for transactions. 99% of Samsung mobiles work well with Konx on Pay related apps. Try with Samsung SmartSwitch and Repair the firmware.
Hi Selva,
I need some help regarding the Samsung Finance Plus app…
It locked me out when I upgraded to UI 3.0 (Android 11)
I had to go to the service center to flash it as I didn’t have developer options or the guts to flash ODIN on a new device …
But after flashing, I tried disabling apps; after successfully doing around 14 apps, including KNOX. The mobile got locked only for emergency calls saying Samsung Finance App is not found hence locked …
If you have already dealt with these cases, need support, please…
Since it is not related to root, you can enable the app using the same command.
Hey, I have Samsung galaxy sm01 model industrial phone. I want to remove the kc client, and Knox plz help me with it because I’m pissed by seeing company wallpaper and all their restrictions.
Most of the Industry version Knox may not be removed. Even after you flash the firmware, They will push the update from the server due to the serial number registration. Contact your Admin and remove your device.