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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 ac​quain​tance 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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[-] davidgro@lemmy.world 7 points 1 week ago

Factory reset might do it. If you can't trigger that in the (real) settings, you might be able to by entering the wrong PIN to unlock it a bunch of times.

[-] Max_P@lemmy.max-p.me 6 points 1 week ago

Or find the key combo to get into recovery, and factory reset from there. All phones have it.

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

Usually, from power off, power plus volume down.

this post was submitted on 24 Mar 2025
17 points (100.0% liked)

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