AndroidTutor2018- Samsung Knox is a security system that was included in the official update to Android 4.3 on Samsung devices. It's an opt-in affair these days, and is disabled by default on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, but some older devices still have Knox installed and activated. Here's how to uninstall Knox from Galaxy devices.
Best antivirus and security apps for Android
Is antivirus actually necessary on Android?
What exactly is Knox?
Samsung launched Knox in September 2013. The purpose of this security system was to bring full protection for devices and make it easier to use devices for both work and play in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments.
The idea behind BYOD is to use the same phone for work and private use. / © ANDROIDPIT
BYOD provides the tools necessary to eliminate the risks of confidential data leaks and combat espionage. Initially, it was launched with the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition, but was later incorporated into other Samsung devices with the update to Android 4.3.
Why is there controversy surrounding Knox?
Applications that run outside of the realm of Knox have limited access to stored data. While many people wouldn’t bat an eyelid at this information, a number of developers would, including the likes of Chainfire, which created the popular TriangleAway app, designed for resetting the flash counter to zero on your device, and SuperSU.
The problem is that the Knox security system prevents access to multiple applications when your root your device, and can cause problems with your warranty because modifications to your phone will trip the flash counter (and prevent it from being reset).
Best root apps for Android
Best custom ROMs for the Galaxy S6
Apps found outside of the Knox container have less access to stored data. © Samsung
The reason this is controversial is because Knox works with an eFUSE (autoconfiguration technology), used to keep track when a device has been altered. This means that Samsung can use Knox data to reject requests for user support during the warranty period, because it would deem that the device had been damaged by the user.
Samsung had already incorporated a counter in the bootloader, which keeps track of the number of times you have modified to the OS. The problem is that, as I mentioned, applications that run outside of the Knox container have limited access to the stored data, and consequently, the apps developed by modding community legends such as Chainfire are negatively affected.
One of the biggest issues with Knox is that it limits the access that root apps like SuperSU have. / © ANDROIDPIT
How does Knox affect the system?
In reality, and by law, no one can cancel a guarantee because the user has modified an Android OS. The OS is free open source software, so it’s completely legal to modify it. However, Samsung can refuse to repair your device if the damage was caused by an unofficial modification that has altered the factory state of the handset.
That's where the app TriangleAway came into play. If you experienced errors during any unofficial modifications, it allowed you to return your device to factory conditions by installing official firmware, resetting the flash counter to zero and eliminating root access.
This way, you would erase any trace of modifications that Samsung could use as an argument to void your warranty. Unfortunately, TriangleAway has now died a natural death.
The good news is that Samsung relaxed its forced Knox platform on later Galaxy devices and it is now an opt-in feature. You need to go into your device's security settings to enable Knox, even if the deeper requirements are hard-wired into every Galaxy device.
Newer Galaxy devices come with Knox as an opt-in feature. / © ANDROIDPIT
How to disable Knox
There are several methods for disabling Knox, which will also permit you to use applications such as SuperSU or RootChecker again.
However, you cannot return the flash counter to zero because the "set bit warranty" included in the official Android 4.3 update prevents you from conducting a bootloader downgrade.
The Samsung support page provides the following explanation, which is only valid for devices running Android 4.3, such as the Galaxy S3:
Find the Knox app, launch it and tap on Settings.
Choose Knox Settings.
Select Uninstall Knox.
When uninstalling Knox, you will be asked if you want to back up your Knox data. If you say yes, it will be saved in your device’s Knox folder during the uninstall process. To back up this data, select Backup Now, and then OK.
Pressing the soft key to bring up the menu, in which the Knox settings are found. © Samsung
Note: Personal data, such as photos, music files, contacts and calendar events are copied during de-installation. However, email and application data are not.
Enter your Knox password and hit Continue.
Choose Next. Your data will be saved before the uninstallation process is complete.
Select OK to uninstall Knox.
Tap on Menu > My Files > All > Knox. There will be a zip file with all your personal content from Knox. If you have a microSD card, select All > Storage Device > Knox instead.
If the option provided by Samsung doesn’t leave you convinced, you can perform the following steps (which require root access):
Install Root Explorer.
Run Root Explorer and in the magnifying glass search function, type Knox.
Select all files with the name Knox.
Remove them and reboot your Samsung device.
Root Explorer
In Root Explorer, simply search for and delete all files associated with Knox. © ANDROIDPIT
If these methods don't work or you still aren’t satisfied, the XDA Developers forum also provides a file to delete Knox via recovery:
Perform a backup of all the data from your device.
Flash the following file provided by XDA Developers: KNOX removerV2.1.zip. (Go to page: XDA-Developers).
Delete all files labeled Knox.
Restart.
What are your thoughts on Knox? A positive security solution or an annoyance? Share your views in the comments.
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34 comments
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Write new comment:
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2 Elliott Mehrbach 9 months ago Link to comment
Try uninstalling from Google App Store.
1 jett
Reply
2 jett 4 months ago Link to comment
That work for me , Ha Ha
0
Reply
3 Achdya Kusumah 11 months ago Link to comment
easiest way to delete knox just root the phone, install custom recovery such as twrp, and install the custom rom. or root the phone, install apps like lucky patcher and disable it, no need to uninstall the knox. it will be permanently disabled
0
Reply
10 WickedSweet28 11 months ago Link to comment
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and I really don't like or want Knox. So I am always clearing the cache and data and I force stop every Knox related app every now and then plus I don't have it set up as a device administrator. The thing is, I just tried to do what this article recommended by going to the Knox app and it said I had to install it. I'm confused because since it still seems to be running, why would it say that? Shouldn't it already be disabled totally if it's not even installed? (BTW, my phone is not rooted nor do I have any idea why it's basically saying it's not installed.) My phone came unlocked though, so I'm curious as to if that makes any difference at all. I would like to remove all Knox related apps entirely but am aware that I can only do that if I root my phone. Which is an idea I have entertained for a while but have been hesitant to try. Any feedback would be appreciated.
0
Reply
2 Fernando Lipschitz 11 months ago Link to comment
This only works with root...which is easy. If I can root, anyone can.
I did the following, so do the following:
Install Terminal Emulator for Android.
Open app, type "Su" then enter.
Then, when a new command line appears, type "pm disable com.sec.knox.seandroid"...and enter.
Done....Knox is frozen/disabled.
To make it toast, I used System App Remover. Easy. Open the app, click on "System app"> then search for "knox". If the search box doesn't show, hit the 3 dots on the upper right to enable.
The search yielded six files associated with knox, I selected them all...and deleted. I've kept them in System App Remover's recycle bin for safety, but from what I've read on 6 online articles, deleting knox has zero negative effect on the phone.
..........................
Rooting:
1st, avoid kingoroot.
I didn't, and it put adware on lock screen, and installed an unknown battery saver. If using their PC rooting method, the software is set to change one's browser homepage if one doesn't select custom install. They're slime. Fortunately, uninstall of the root and Kingoroot, was very easy.
May they have their eyes pried open ("A Clockwork Orange"), and then be subjected to nude photos of Hillary Clinton and Rosie O'Donnell for 3.47 minutes. Any longer would be inhumane.
Moving on.
I installed three things on PC:
1>Odin
2>The appropriate USB driver for my phone...directly from Samsung
and
3>The appropriate rooting file (I don't know the correct term) from CF Root for my phone.
This how to root video was excellent...I'm new, so don't have permissions set to post links. "How To Root Any Samsung Phone || Complete Guide (2016)" by the android guy on youtube.
The only thing he doesn't go into enough, the USB driver. No biggie. Do a google search for your model along with "USB driver" and "Samsung". Find, download, and install. Easy.
Worked amazingly well and fast...15 minutes total...for my Galaxy S3 AT&T (I use Straight Talk now, and save over 50% monthly)
0
Reply
1 Ready 11 months ago Link to comment
Hi Alejandro, do you know whether it is possible to reset the Knox counter for Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (SM-T715) with Android 6.0.1? Cheers, ready
0
Reply
27 storm 11 months ago Link to comment
Outside of limited corporate appeal, Knox is otherwise user hostile.
0
Reply
1 Nenad Apr 1, 2016 Link to comment
Hi
I was able to root Note 4 SM-N910C, currently with version 5.0.1. First I used ROM Toolbox Lite for a back up. Upon this SuperSU did the job withhout any problem. At the end I used Root Cheker Basic just to see if everithing is fine.
Upon this I seached on play store and I located Hotspot software for adndroid. Nice thing is that can control bandwdith and it can be used with Facebook. You can find the same app at play store with search for starthotspot
0
Reply
2 Rakesh Feb 24, 2016 Link to comment
got bootloop after deleted.
0
Reply
1 Dana Butler Feb 16, 2016 Link to comment
I recently bought an S3 like new a few months ago to tide me over til I pay off some devices. I rooted my device last week and KNOX even though not "installed" was giving me message about Towelroot. I deleted and luckily found that I still had root access but I wanted to get rid of any app I didn't want so I looked up how to get rid of and Google brought me here. I didn't use Root Explorer but enabled root access via ES Explorer and it seems to have done the job!
0
Reply
1 Beny Hauta Jan 24, 2016 Link to comment
an annoyance
0
Reply
4 Spyros Fakiridis Jan 5, 2016 Link to comment
Hi, I am using a rooted Galaxy J5 running android 5.0.1 and when i went to settings/applications/knox the "disable" option was grey!!! i then proceeded with method #2, using the root explorer and using this method i managed to delete almost all items that contained the term "knox" but a couple. I thought this would be a random error and tried again with no success. i then rebooted my device hoping this would "free up" the items i wanted to delete but my phone got stuck to a boot loop at the point where the samsung icon with all the stupid pink things flying around it appears. my recovery menu was not working and generally my device was kapput. I had to reinstall the whole (updated to 5.1.1) firmware to manage and reboot my device. When i go to the official samsung/knox page the first thing they suggest in order to remove knox is that we should go to the app settings and disable knox from there. are they trolling everyone twice? first by forcing us to have an extra and useless process tree on our expensive devices and second by giving totally wrong or incomplete instructions on how to remove that process bundle? also, in case some samsung employee is reading this, could they please bring back the letter ribbon on the side of the contacts list in the phone app and also allow apps to write in the external sd? i thought technology is moving (or trying to move) forward. i have been using a rooted note 3 with android 4.2 and after that i got my J5 with lollipop. i was intrigued by how much less customizable and unfriendly the UI is. and again: unable to write to external SD? get out of here!!!
0
Reply
4 Spyros Fakiridis Jan 5, 2016 Link to comment
P.S. It is also impossible for me to find the knox app on my phone. The process does exist but i just wish i could launch the app and enter that password (dont even know how to obtain one) 20 times..
0
Reply
2 jett 4 months ago Link to comment
Try uninstall it from google playstore , it work for me XD
0
Reply
1 Ajay Tomar Dec 21, 2015 Link to comment
I am not able to find Knox setting in setting menu!!
0
Reply
9 Oscar Rodriguez Murphy Dec 13, 2015 Link to comment
Samsung Galaxy s5 can I remove it from my phone
0
Reply
16 Junaid Q. Dec 13, 2015 Link to comment
Thanks for this trick
really helped a lot
0
Reply
27 storm Dec 13, 2015 Link to comment
Knox is a disaster and highly user unfriendly.
0
Reply
23 Mark G. Jun 22, 2015 Link to comment
I guess if I'm not bothered about rooting my S5 that I should ignore the above article?
I haven't noticed any difficulties with Knox.
0
Reply
1 Richard Borgner Jan 8, 2015 Link to comment
I just kept entering a bad password, and it eventually uninstalled itself. Since I really hadn't used it, I didn't have anything to lose.
0
Reply
Show all comments
Write a comment!
Best antivirus and security apps for Android
Is antivirus actually necessary on Android?
What exactly is Knox?
Samsung launched Knox in September 2013. The purpose of this security system was to bring full protection for devices and make it easier to use devices for both work and play in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments.
The idea behind BYOD is to use the same phone for work and private use. / © ANDROIDPIT
BYOD provides the tools necessary to eliminate the risks of confidential data leaks and combat espionage. Initially, it was launched with the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition, but was later incorporated into other Samsung devices with the update to Android 4.3.
Why is there controversy surrounding Knox?
Applications that run outside of the realm of Knox have limited access to stored data. While many people wouldn’t bat an eyelid at this information, a number of developers would, including the likes of Chainfire, which created the popular TriangleAway app, designed for resetting the flash counter to zero on your device, and SuperSU.
The problem is that the Knox security system prevents access to multiple applications when your root your device, and can cause problems with your warranty because modifications to your phone will trip the flash counter (and prevent it from being reset).
Best root apps for Android
Best custom ROMs for the Galaxy S6
Apps found outside of the Knox container have less access to stored data. © Samsung
The reason this is controversial is because Knox works with an eFUSE (autoconfiguration technology), used to keep track when a device has been altered. This means that Samsung can use Knox data to reject requests for user support during the warranty period, because it would deem that the device had been damaged by the user.
Samsung had already incorporated a counter in the bootloader, which keeps track of the number of times you have modified to the OS. The problem is that, as I mentioned, applications that run outside of the Knox container have limited access to the stored data, and consequently, the apps developed by modding community legends such as Chainfire are negatively affected.
One of the biggest issues with Knox is that it limits the access that root apps like SuperSU have. / © ANDROIDPIT
How does Knox affect the system?
In reality, and by law, no one can cancel a guarantee because the user has modified an Android OS. The OS is free open source software, so it’s completely legal to modify it. However, Samsung can refuse to repair your device if the damage was caused by an unofficial modification that has altered the factory state of the handset.
That's where the app TriangleAway came into play. If you experienced errors during any unofficial modifications, it allowed you to return your device to factory conditions by installing official firmware, resetting the flash counter to zero and eliminating root access.
This way, you would erase any trace of modifications that Samsung could use as an argument to void your warranty. Unfortunately, TriangleAway has now died a natural death.
The good news is that Samsung relaxed its forced Knox platform on later Galaxy devices and it is now an opt-in feature. You need to go into your device's security settings to enable Knox, even if the deeper requirements are hard-wired into every Galaxy device.
Newer Galaxy devices come with Knox as an opt-in feature. / © ANDROIDPIT
How to disable Knox
There are several methods for disabling Knox, which will also permit you to use applications such as SuperSU or RootChecker again.
However, you cannot return the flash counter to zero because the "set bit warranty" included in the official Android 4.3 update prevents you from conducting a bootloader downgrade.
The Samsung support page provides the following explanation, which is only valid for devices running Android 4.3, such as the Galaxy S3:
Find the Knox app, launch it and tap on Settings.
Choose Knox Settings.
Select Uninstall Knox.
When uninstalling Knox, you will be asked if you want to back up your Knox data. If you say yes, it will be saved in your device’s Knox folder during the uninstall process. To back up this data, select Backup Now, and then OK.
Pressing the soft key to bring up the menu, in which the Knox settings are found. © Samsung
Note: Personal data, such as photos, music files, contacts and calendar events are copied during de-installation. However, email and application data are not.
Enter your Knox password and hit Continue.
Choose Next. Your data will be saved before the uninstallation process is complete.
Select OK to uninstall Knox.
Tap on Menu > My Files > All > Knox. There will be a zip file with all your personal content from Knox. If you have a microSD card, select All > Storage Device > Knox instead.
If the option provided by Samsung doesn’t leave you convinced, you can perform the following steps (which require root access):
Install Root Explorer.
Run Root Explorer and in the magnifying glass search function, type Knox.
Select all files with the name Knox.
Remove them and reboot your Samsung device.
Root Explorer
In Root Explorer, simply search for and delete all files associated with Knox. © ANDROIDPIT
If these methods don't work or you still aren’t satisfied, the XDA Developers forum also provides a file to delete Knox via recovery:
Perform a backup of all the data from your device.
Flash the following file provided by XDA Developers: KNOX removerV2.1.zip. (Go to page: XDA-Developers).
Delete all files labeled Knox.
Restart.
What are your thoughts on Knox? A positive security solution or an annoyance? Share your views in the comments.
158 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 158 Shares
More from the web
Monterey Park, California: This Company You May Not Have Heard Of Is Disrupting A $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
These 8 Supplements Will Strengthen And Grow Your PhysiqueBodybuilding.com
Say Goodbye to Phone Bills Forever With One Super-Low Wireless Payment Per Year!MintSim
Glasses-Lovers Are Going Crazy Over This SiteGlassesUSA.com
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
34 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
2 Elliott Mehrbach 9 months ago Link to comment
Try uninstalling from Google App Store.
1 jett
Reply
2 jett 4 months ago Link to comment
That work for me , Ha Ha
0
Reply
3 Achdya Kusumah 11 months ago Link to comment
easiest way to delete knox just root the phone, install custom recovery such as twrp, and install the custom rom. or root the phone, install apps like lucky patcher and disable it, no need to uninstall the knox. it will be permanently disabled
0
Reply
10 WickedSweet28 11 months ago Link to comment
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 and I really don't like or want Knox. So I am always clearing the cache and data and I force stop every Knox related app every now and then plus I don't have it set up as a device administrator. The thing is, I just tried to do what this article recommended by going to the Knox app and it said I had to install it. I'm confused because since it still seems to be running, why would it say that? Shouldn't it already be disabled totally if it's not even installed? (BTW, my phone is not rooted nor do I have any idea why it's basically saying it's not installed.) My phone came unlocked though, so I'm curious as to if that makes any difference at all. I would like to remove all Knox related apps entirely but am aware that I can only do that if I root my phone. Which is an idea I have entertained for a while but have been hesitant to try. Any feedback would be appreciated.
0
Reply
2 Fernando Lipschitz 11 months ago Link to comment
This only works with root...which is easy. If I can root, anyone can.
I did the following, so do the following:
Install Terminal Emulator for Android.
Open app, type "Su" then enter.
Then, when a new command line appears, type "pm disable com.sec.knox.seandroid"...and enter.
Done....Knox is frozen/disabled.
To make it toast, I used System App Remover. Easy. Open the app, click on "System app"> then search for "knox". If the search box doesn't show, hit the 3 dots on the upper right to enable.
The search yielded six files associated with knox, I selected them all...and deleted. I've kept them in System App Remover's recycle bin for safety, but from what I've read on 6 online articles, deleting knox has zero negative effect on the phone.
..........................
Rooting:
1st, avoid kingoroot.
I didn't, and it put adware on lock screen, and installed an unknown battery saver. If using their PC rooting method, the software is set to change one's browser homepage if one doesn't select custom install. They're slime. Fortunately, uninstall of the root and Kingoroot, was very easy.
May they have their eyes pried open ("A Clockwork Orange"), and then be subjected to nude photos of Hillary Clinton and Rosie O'Donnell for 3.47 minutes. Any longer would be inhumane.
Moving on.
I installed three things on PC:
1>Odin
2>The appropriate USB driver for my phone...directly from Samsung
and
3>The appropriate rooting file (I don't know the correct term) from CF Root for my phone.
This how to root video was excellent...I'm new, so don't have permissions set to post links. "How To Root Any Samsung Phone || Complete Guide (2016)" by the android guy on youtube.
The only thing he doesn't go into enough, the USB driver. No biggie. Do a google search for your model along with "USB driver" and "Samsung". Find, download, and install. Easy.
Worked amazingly well and fast...15 minutes total...for my Galaxy S3 AT&T (I use Straight Talk now, and save over 50% monthly)
0
Reply
1 Ready 11 months ago Link to comment
Hi Alejandro, do you know whether it is possible to reset the Knox counter for Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (SM-T715) with Android 6.0.1? Cheers, ready
0
Reply
27 storm 11 months ago Link to comment
Outside of limited corporate appeal, Knox is otherwise user hostile.
0
Reply
1 Nenad Apr 1, 2016 Link to comment
Hi
I was able to root Note 4 SM-N910C, currently with version 5.0.1. First I used ROM Toolbox Lite for a back up. Upon this SuperSU did the job withhout any problem. At the end I used Root Cheker Basic just to see if everithing is fine.
Upon this I seached on play store and I located Hotspot software for adndroid. Nice thing is that can control bandwdith and it can be used with Facebook. You can find the same app at play store with search for starthotspot
0
Reply
2 Rakesh Feb 24, 2016 Link to comment
got bootloop after deleted.
0
Reply
1 Dana Butler Feb 16, 2016 Link to comment
I recently bought an S3 like new a few months ago to tide me over til I pay off some devices. I rooted my device last week and KNOX even though not "installed" was giving me message about Towelroot. I deleted and luckily found that I still had root access but I wanted to get rid of any app I didn't want so I looked up how to get rid of and Google brought me here. I didn't use Root Explorer but enabled root access via ES Explorer and it seems to have done the job!
0
Reply
1 Beny Hauta Jan 24, 2016 Link to comment
an annoyance
0
Reply
4 Spyros Fakiridis Jan 5, 2016 Link to comment
Hi, I am using a rooted Galaxy J5 running android 5.0.1 and when i went to settings/applications/knox the "disable" option was grey!!! i then proceeded with method #2, using the root explorer and using this method i managed to delete almost all items that contained the term "knox" but a couple. I thought this would be a random error and tried again with no success. i then rebooted my device hoping this would "free up" the items i wanted to delete but my phone got stuck to a boot loop at the point where the samsung icon with all the stupid pink things flying around it appears. my recovery menu was not working and generally my device was kapput. I had to reinstall the whole (updated to 5.1.1) firmware to manage and reboot my device. When i go to the official samsung/knox page the first thing they suggest in order to remove knox is that we should go to the app settings and disable knox from there. are they trolling everyone twice? first by forcing us to have an extra and useless process tree on our expensive devices and second by giving totally wrong or incomplete instructions on how to remove that process bundle? also, in case some samsung employee is reading this, could they please bring back the letter ribbon on the side of the contacts list in the phone app and also allow apps to write in the external sd? i thought technology is moving (or trying to move) forward. i have been using a rooted note 3 with android 4.2 and after that i got my J5 with lollipop. i was intrigued by how much less customizable and unfriendly the UI is. and again: unable to write to external SD? get out of here!!!
0
Reply
4 Spyros Fakiridis Jan 5, 2016 Link to comment
P.S. It is also impossible for me to find the knox app on my phone. The process does exist but i just wish i could launch the app and enter that password (dont even know how to obtain one) 20 times..
0
Reply
2 jett 4 months ago Link to comment
Try uninstall it from google playstore , it work for me XD
0
Reply
1 Ajay Tomar Dec 21, 2015 Link to comment
I am not able to find Knox setting in setting menu!!
0
Reply
9 Oscar Rodriguez Murphy Dec 13, 2015 Link to comment
Samsung Galaxy s5 can I remove it from my phone
0
Reply
16 Junaid Q. Dec 13, 2015 Link to comment
Thanks for this trick
really helped a lot
0
Reply
27 storm Dec 13, 2015 Link to comment
Knox is a disaster and highly user unfriendly.
0
Reply
23 Mark G. Jun 22, 2015 Link to comment
I guess if I'm not bothered about rooting my S5 that I should ignore the above article?
I haven't noticed any difficulties with Knox.
0
Reply
1 Richard Borgner Jan 8, 2015 Link to comment
I just kept entering a bad password, and it eventually uninstalled itself. Since I really hadn't used it, I didn't have anything to lose.
0
Reply
Show all comments
Write a comment!
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