As Android users, we often face issues where we are not able to access certain settings or features on our phones or tablets. This is usually because we do not have the necessary permissions to do so. One such permission is that of device administration. Device administration basically gives you the ability to perform certain actions on your device that a regular user cannot. For example, you can remotely wipe your device, set up password requirements, etc. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to become a device administrator in Android.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Becoming a Device Administrator in Android
Becoming a device administrator in Android can be a bit tricky, especially for those who are new to the platform. This is because the option to become a device administrator is buried deep in the settings menu, and is not easily accessible. Additionally, different versions of Android may have slight variations in how the device administration settings are accessed.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we get into the methods to become a device administrator, there are a few things you should do to prepare your device for the process.
Firstly, make sure your device is running on Android version 4.0 or later. This is because the device administration settings were introduced in this version of Android.
Secondly, make sure you have the necessary permissions to make changes to the device administration settings. Depending on the device and the version of Android you are running, this may require you to unlock the bootloader or root your device.
Lastly, make sure you have a clear understanding of the risks associated with making changes to your device’s administration settings. Improper changes or misuse of your device’s administrator permissions can lead to unintended consequences such as data loss or unauthorized access.
Method 1: Via Settings
The first method to become a device administrator in Android is via the settings. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your device.
2. Scroll down and select "Security."
3. Under the "Security" menu, select "Device administrators."
4. Here, you will see a list of all the apps that have device administrator access on your device. To add a new app to this list, tap on the "Add device administrator" option.
5. You will now see a list of all the apps that have requested device administrator access. Select the app you wish to grant access to, and tap "Activate" or "Enable."
6. Once you have enabled device administrator access for the app, you will be prompted to set up any additional settings or permissions that may be required.
Pros:
– Easy and accessible
– No need to download any third-party apps
Cons:
– Limited options in terms of which apps can be granted device administrator access
– May require rooting or unlocking the bootloader
Method 2: Via Third-Party Apps
Another way to become a device administrator in Android is through third-party apps. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Download and install a third-party app that has device administrator capabilities. Some popular options include NoRoot Firewall, Cerberus, and Prey Anti Theft.
2. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to grant device administrator access to the app.
3. Once you have granted device administrator access, you will be prompted to set up any additional settings or permissions that may be required.
Pros:
– More options in terms of which apps can be granted device administrator access
– May not require rooting or unlocking the bootloader
Cons:
– Some third-party apps may not be trustworthy and could potentially compromise your device’s security
– May require a subscription or payment for certain features
Method 3: Via ADB Commands
The last method we will discuss for becoming a device administrator in Android is via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands. This method is more advanced and requires some knowledge of the command line interface. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
2. Connect your Android device to your computer via USB.
3. Type the following command: adb shell dpm set-active-admin
4. Replace "
5. Press enter to execute the command.
6. Once you have granted device administrator access to the app, you will be prompted to set up any additional settings or permissions that may be required.
Pros:
– Advanced and customizable
– No need to download any third-party apps
Cons:
– Requires knowledge of the command line interface
– Potentially risky if not executed properly
Why Can’t I Become a Device Administrator?
There could be several reasons why you are unable to become a device administrator on your device. Here are a few common reasons, along with their fixes:
1. Rooted devices: If your device has been rooted, some system settings may prevent you from becoming a device administrator. To fix this, you will need to unroot your device and restore its original software.
2. Outdated Android version: As mentioned earlier, the device administration settings were introduced in Android 4.0. If your device is running on an earlier version of Android, you will not have access to this feature. To fix this, you will need to update your device to a newer version of Android (if available).
3. App permissions: Some apps require additional permissions to grant device administrator access. Make sure the app you are trying to grant access to has the necessary permissions enabled.
Additional Tips
– Always be cautious when granting device administrator access to apps. Make sure the app is trustworthy and has a good reputation.
– Regularly review which apps have device administrator access and revoke access for any apps that you no longer use or trust.
– Always keep your device up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
5 FAQs About Becoming a Device Administrator
Q1: What Does Device Administration Do?
A: Device administration gives an app elevated privileges to perform certain actions, such as locking the device, wiping data, or disabling the camera.
Q2: Do I Need to Root My Device to Become a Device Administrator?
A: Not necessarily. While some methods may require rooting your device, there are also methods that do not require root access.
Q3: Are There any Risks Associated with Becoming a Device Administrator?
A: Yes. Improper use of device administrator permissions can lead to unintended consequences such as data loss or unauthorized access.
Q4: Can I Revoke Device Administrator Access for an App?
A: Yes. You can revoke device administrator access for an app by going to the device administrator settings and turning off access for the app.
Q5: Should I Grant Device Administrator Access to Every App That Asks for It?
A: No. Always be cautious when granting device administrator access to apps. Make sure the app is trustworthy and has a good reputation.
In Conclusion
Becoming a device administrator in Android can be a bit complicated, but it is an important feature to have if you want to fully customize and secure your device. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you should be able to become a device administrator with ease. Always remember to be cautious when granting device administrator access to apps and regularly review which apps have access to your device’s settings.