Remove uninstallable malware with device admin permissions (reddthat.com)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by limerod@reddthat.com to c/askandroid@lemdro.id

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So, an acquaintance of mine has a malware which shows an ad every once a while especially when you install apps.

It's hiding in settings with an icon and name called "Settings". It has no icon in the launcher. It cannot be uninstalled. It has acquired device admin settings and even that cannot be revoked. Google play protect warns of this malware but even play protect does not have enough permissions to actually remove it for good.

I tried to enable developer options to nuke it via adb. Unfortunately, developer options are blocked with a pop-up saying Device managed by your organization.

Outside of official service center visit. Or reflashing the stock firmware. Are there any ways the malware can be deleted?

I have advised to get it fixed from the place he bought.

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[-] SpikesOtherDog@ani.social 5 points 1 week ago

You could try a device reset, but last time I had an issue like this I was forced to reflash.

this post was submitted on 24 Mar 2025

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