3 Steps to Remove MDM from Android Without a Password

Mobile Device Management (MDM) software allows organizations to secure, monitor, and manage mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. While MDM is crucial for protecting corporate data, it can be frustrating for users who want more control over their personal devices. Fortunately, there are ways to remove MDM from Android devices without needing the administrator password. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to bypass MDM and regain full access to your Android phone or tablet.

Understanding MDM on Android

Before we dive into removing MDM, it’s important to understand how it works on Android devices. When an Android device is enrolled in an MDM solution, the MDM app is installed and given device administrator privileges. This allows the MDM software to enforce security policies, restrict certain features, and even remotely wipe the device if needed.

MDM solutions use Android’s built-in device admin APIs to gain elevated privileges on the device. As long as the MDM app is active as a device administrator, it maintains a degree of control over the device, even if you uninstall the MDM agent app itself.

Removing MDM from Android

There are a few different methods to remove MDM from an Android device without needing the administrator password. Keep in mind that these methods may not work for all MDM solutions, and some may require more technical skills than others.

Method 1: Disable the MDM Device Administrator

The most straightforward way to remove MDM is to disable the MDM app’s device administrator privileges. Here’s how:

1. Go to your Android device’s Settings app
2. Navigate to Security (or Biometrics and Security on some devices)
3. Tap on Device admin apps or Device administrators
4. Find the MDM app in the list and disable it
5. You may need to tap Deactivate to confirm

Once the MDM app is no longer a device administrator, you can uninstall it normally from the Apps section in Settings.

Method 2: Factory Reset the Device

If you’re unable to disable the MDM device administrator, your next option is to factory reset your Android device. This will completely wipe the device, removing all apps (including the MDM agent), settings, and data. Make sure to backup any important data before proceeding.

To factory reset most Android devices:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Go to System > Reset options
3. Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
4. Confirm and wait for the reset process to complete

After the reset, your device will no longer have the MDM software installed. Just be aware that your organization’s IT department will likely be notified of the reset and removal of MDM.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party MDM Bypass Tool

For more advanced users, there are third-party tools available that claim to be able to bypass MDM on Android without needing to reset the device. These tools typically require you to connect your Android device to a computer and run a script or application.

However, use caution with these tools, as they may not work with all MDM solutions and could potentially brick your device if used incorrectly. Always research and use reputable tools from trusted sources.

Preventing MDM Enrollment

If you want to avoid enrolling your personal Android device in an MDM solution altogether, there are a couple things you can do:

• When going through the device setup process, watch out for any steps that mention device management, MDM, or workplace enrollment. Be sure to skip these if you don’t want your device managed.
• If your organization allows it, consider using a separate work profile on your Android device instead of fully enrolling the device in MDM. A work profile creates a separate container for work apps and data while leaving your personal profile untouched.

Conclusion

Removing MDM from an Android device without the administrator password is possible with a few different methods. The easiest way is to disable the MDM app as a device administrator and then uninstall it. If that doesn’t work, factory resetting the device will remove MDM completely, but at the cost of wiping all data.

For most users, these standard Android methods should allow you to unmanage your device from an MDM solution. Just keep in mind that bypassing MDM may violate your organization’s security policies, so be sure to check with your IT department first.

With the steps outlined in this article, you should now have the knowledge needed to take control of your Android device and remove unwanted MDM software. Stay safe out there!