Updated on: August 26, 2024
Short on time? Here’s how to detect & remove hidden device administrator apps on Android:
- Open Settings. Access your Android’s settings and search for “admin apps”. The exact process will vary depending on which version of Android you’re using.
- Tap Device admin apps in the search results, then tap it again on the next page. Here, you’ll be able to see a list of all apps installed on your Android device that have administrator privileges and toggle off the privileges on the app/s you want to uninstall.
- Tap on the unwanted app and select Uninstall. Tap on the app to bring up a contextual menu, then tap Uninstall (note that some default apps like Find My Device and Link to Windows can’t be uninstalled).
- Use an antivirus app. Malicious apps can’t always be removed by simply tapping Uninstall — in these cases, you’ll need antivirus software (Norton is a great option).
Administrator apps on Android devices have special privileges that grant them extensive control over various functions. Your phone usually starts with a few pre-installed administrator apps, and you can always add more as needed.
While some admin apps can be helpful, dangerous ones present extraordinary threats. The fact that these apps are hidden and don’t always appear in your app drawer means you could have one installed without realizing it. For this reason, you should manually check for unfamiliar admin apps regularly.
The best way to protect yourself from malicious admin apps is to use antivirus software. Antivirus programs like Norton can scan your device for hidden threats, alert you to suspicious apps and activity, and help you remove harmful apps before they can cause damage. You can make sure your device stays secure and free from unwanted administrator apps and other threats by regularly running antivirus scans.
What Are Device Administrator Apps?
Device administrator apps can do a number of things that normal apps can’t. They can be used to manage your Android remotely, track its location, or fundamentally change its layout and appearance. There are many legitimate uses for these types of apps but, given their expansive capabilities, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Most modern Android devices will come with a couple of admin apps pre-installed. These include Find My Device (which, once set up properly, lets you let you track your phone or tablet) and Link to Windows (which allows for a degree of remote control).
Other admin apps come from third parties and need to be installed by the user. Popular examples include AirDroid and Nova Launcher. The former is similar to Link to Windows but grants the user a greater degree of control (including the ability to make phone calls), while the latter provides visual customization options and advanced tools, like the ability to create custom gestures.
What Makes Administrator Apps So Dangerous?
Due to their extensive permissions, admin apps pose a greater danger than regular apps. You should exercise extreme caution when it comes to admin apps because of these risks. They’re also harder to identify and remove. Admin apps don’t always show up in the app tray, so you need to know where to look. Even if you spot one, removing it isn’t always as simple as tapping Uninstall.
I recommend all Android users regularly check to see which admin apps are installed on their phones. When buying a phone, even if it’s being sold as brand new, you should always check to see which admin apps are installed. Cybercriminals have been known to sell phones with malicious admin apps preloaded to unwitting resellers.
Finally, I recommend using a high-quality antivirus app. These will automatically scan for malicious apps and remove them, including admin apps that are difficult to uninstall manually. This will ultimately save you time and lower your risk profile.
The Best Methods to Detect Hidden Device Admin Apps on Android
There are really only a couple of methods you can use to detect hidden device administrator apps on Android. Here’s the first method:
Method 1. Use Your Android’s Settings
- Open up your Android’s Settings menu, tap Apps, then tap the 3 vertical dots. When the new menu appears, tap Special access. Keep in mind that the phone and Android version you’re using could influence how the menu appears. In any case, the tried and true alternative is to use the search function. Click the magnifying glass icon and search for “admin apps” instead.
- Tap Device admin apps. Whether using the search function or going through the steps above, you should see a list of all apps on your device that have administrator privileges.
- Tap on any admin app that you don’t recognize. If the app is active, you’ll have to tap Deactivate before uninstalling it (you can bring this option up by moving the toggle next to the app’s name). Once that’s done, tap the app one more time, then select Uninstall.
Method 2. Use Antivirus Software
If the apps are legitimate, you’ll always be able to locate them using the first method. However, if your device has fallen victim to malware, this won’t always be the case — malicious admin apps can be hard to detect.
What’s more, while most decent antiviruses for Android can detect the majority of malicious apps, not all are good at finding malicious administrator apps. Rest assured, though, that there are many great antivirus apps for Android that will do the job. In this example, I’ll be using Norton.
Here’s how to install Norton and use it to find hidden malicious device administrator apps:
- Download and install Norton on your Android. Tap Activate Today, choose a plan, and activate your free trial by tapping Get Started.
- Launch Norton. You’ll need to set up some permissions for the app to work properly. Tap Get Started to begin the permission setup procedure and follow all the prompts to complete the process.
- Norton will automatically start a scan once you’ve initialized its permission settings. Allow the first scan to complete. If for some reason it didn’t launch a scan automatically, you can simply tap Scan Now on Norton’s main screen to start a scan anytime.
- Norton will then provide you with a list of anything suspicious that it has found. Using the app’s interface, you can easily remove any threats, including dangerous apps.
- I also recommend consulting your antivirus’s app management tool. Norton’s is called App Advisor, but many other security apps have a similar tool. App Advisor will show you a list of all apps on your phone, sorted by risk and permissions. It will flag any apps that require sensitive or unusual permissions (which will include malicious administrator apps) as potentially risky. I recommend using this tool regularly, so admin apps and others with too many permissions won’t escape your notice, and you can adjust permissions or uninstall accordingly.
What Can Malicious Administrator Apps on Android Do?
Malicious administrator apps on Android can wreak havoc on your device and compromise your personal information. These apps can exploit elevated permissions to gain more or less full control over your device, allowing them to perform several harmful actions. Among other invasive activities, malicious admin apps can:
- Steal Your Personal Information: Malicious apps can access your contacts, messages, call logs, and even banking information. This data can be used for identity theft or financial fraud, and it can be sold on the dark web.
- Track Your Location: With admin privileges, these apps can track your real-time location. This invasion of privacy can lead to stalking or other threatening activities.
- Send Expensive SMS: Malicious admin apps can send costly text messages from your device, resulting in unexpected charges on your phone bill. Premium SMS messages can often cost up to a dollar or more, significantly inflating your phone bill over time.
- Install and Remove Apps: These apps can install other malicious applications without your knowledge, further compromising your device’s security. They can also uninstall legitimate apps, leaving your device vulnerable.
- Bypass Security Measures: With admin rights, malicious apps can disable your antivirus software, bypass security settings, and prevent you from removing them. This makes it incredibly difficult to regain control of your device.
- Display Unwanted Ads: Adware-type malicious admin apps can bombard your screen with intrusive ads, slowing down your device and making it nearly unusable.
3 Best Antiviruses for Removing Hidden Device Administrator Apps
Quick summary of the best antiviruses for removing hidden device administrator apps:
- 🥇 1. Norton — Best Android antivirus for removing hidden device administrator apps.
- 🥈 2. Bitdefender — Good lightweight cloud-based antivirus scanner for Android.
- 🥉 3. TotalAV — Great easy-to-use mobile security app for Android.
How to Protect Your Android Device From Hidden Device Administrators
Here are some steps you can take to stay safe from the threat of malicious admin apps:
- Only Download Apps From Trusted Sources: Stick to the Google Play Store or other reputable app stores to minimize the risk of downloading malicious apps. Apps from trusted sources undergo security checks and are less likely to be malicious or request unnecessary permissions that could be exploited. This reduces the chances of installing a harmful admin app. Even when downloading from the Play Store, it’s always best to look into every app’s developer and reviews.
- Avoid Installing Unknown .APK Files: Avoid sideloading apps from unverified sources, as these are much more likely to be malicious. Sticking to the official app store ensures that the apps you install have been vetted for security. If you need to install an app via .APK file, verify its source and scan it with a security app first.
- Check App Permissions: Before installing any app, review the permissions it requests. Be cautious of apps that ask for administrator privileges without a valid reason. Ensuring that apps only have the permissions they need helps prevent them from gaining too much control over your device. Regularly reviewing and managing permissions can help you catch any unusual activity early on.
- Use a Reputable Security App: Install a well-known antivirus app like Norton that can detect and block malicious software, and regularly scan your device for threats. Security apps can provide real-time protection and alert you to any suspicious activity or apps. Features like malware scanning, phishing protection, and privacy audits help keep your device secure.
- Keep Your Device Updated: Regularly update your Android OS and apps to ensure you have the latest security patches and improvements. Updates often include fixes for security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious apps. By keeping your device up to date, you close potential entry points for malware.
- Review Device Administrator Permissions: Regularly check which apps have administrator privileges on your device and revoke permissions for any apps you don’t recognize (Norton’s App Advisor makes this process simple). This ensures that only trusted apps have the ability to perform critical system functions. Keep a habit of periodically checking your device settings for any unauthorized changes.
Other Fake Android Apps to Avoid
Malicious admin apps aren’t the only type of threat affecting Android devices. Even without administrator permissions, malicious apps can steal your data, track your activity, and compromise your device’s security.
Here are some common types of fake Android apps to be aware of — you can find out more in our guide to detecting and removing fake Android apps:
- Fake Security Apps: Some apps claim to protect your device but actually do the opposite. Fake security apps can steal your personal information, install additional malware, bombard you with ads, and more. Always download security apps from reputable developers and verify their authenticity through reviews and recommendations from trusted sources.
- Phishing Apps: Phishing apps disguise themselves as legitimate apps to trick you into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card details. These apps often look very similar to genuine apps, making them difficult to distinguish. To protect yourself, never enter personal information into an app unless you are certain it is legitimate. Be cautious of apps that request excessive permissions or seem suspicious in any way.
- Adware: Adware apps flood your device with unwanted ads, often making it difficult to use your phone. While some adware is merely annoying, more aggressive forms can track your browsing habits and collect personal data without your consent. These apps often come bundled with other software, so be vigilant about what you install and pay attention to user reviews and ratings.
- Spyware: Spyware apps secretly monitor your activities and collect information without your knowledge. They can track your location, record your calls, and access your messages and emails. Spyware is often hidden in seemingly harmless apps, so it’s crucial to regularly scan your device with a trusted security app to detect and remove any threats.
- Fake Utility Apps: These apps promise to optimize your device’s performance or offer useful features but instead compromise your security. Examples include fake battery savers, system cleaners, or Wi-Fi analyzers that install malware or steal data. Be cautious of utility apps that ask for unnecessary permissions or seem too good to be true.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are device administrator apps on Android?
Device administrator apps are applications granted special privileges to perform advanced system functions. These privileges allow the apps to enforce security policies such as password requirements, data encryption, and the ability to remotely lock or wipe the device.
Examples of device administrator apps include built-in tools like Find My Device and Link to Windows. Many of these are harmless and quite useful, while others are incredibly dangerous.
How do you find hidden device administrators on Android?
To find hidden device administrators on Android, start by navigating to your device settings. Go to Apps, then look for Special access → Device admin apps. Here, you can see a list of apps that have been granted administrator privileges on your device.
Review the list and deactivate any apps that you don’t recognize or trust by unchecking the box next to the app’s name. This helps prevent malicious apps from wreaking havoc by stealing your personal information, tracking you, and much else besides.
Are administrator apps safe?
Some are, some aren’t. Every modern Android phone comes with a few administrator apps pre-installed. Apps like Link to Windows are perfectly safe, as are some third-party offerings. But many are not, posing grave threats to Android users.
The best way to ensure an admin app is safe is to use a trusted security app to scan your device for hidden apps and malware. These tools can detect and alert you to any hidden threats, helping you to keep your device secure and free from malicious software. I also recommend manually checking your phone regularly to see which admin apps are active.
