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Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems play a crucial role in managing and securing Android devices, including popular ones like Samsung. While MDM offers significant advantages in terms of device control and data protection, it can sometimes lead to a frustrating issue: MDM does not allow factory reset. In this article, we will go though the reasons of this problem and provide solution.
Part 1: What Is MDM on Android/Samsung?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is essential for organizations to support, automate, control, and secure mobile devices connected to the workplace. Android MDM, specifically for Android OS, ensures effective management, configuration, and protection of devices. However, MDM often restricts factory resets to safeguard data security, enforce organizational policies, maintain control over device configurations, and prevent data loss. Allowing unrestricted factory resets could compromise sensitive information, bypass security measures, disrupt device management, and hinder device tracking within an organization. MDM strikes a balance between device usability and security, ensuring that devices remain compliant with company policies and protect sensitive organizational data.
Part 2: How to Check if Your Android Phone Is MDM Locked?
Determining whether your Android device has Mobile Device Management (MDM) control is important, especially for workplace or organization-managed devices. Let’s explore quick methods to check for MDM control.
1. Work Profile Check:
- Open Settings.
- Go to “Accounts” or “Users & Accounts.”
- Look for a “Work” or “Work Profile” section. Finding one indicates MDM control.
2. App Name Check:
- In Settings, tap “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Search for apps with “MDM” in their name. Such apps manage device settings.
3. Device Management Check:
- In Settings, access “Security” or “Biometrics and Security.”
- Check for options like “Device Management” or “Device Administrator.” Their presence suggests MDM control.
Part 3: How to Fix “MDM Does Not Allow Factory Reset” Error?
If you find that your device is indeed MDM locked, here are some methods to fix the issue:
Fix 1. Delete Management Profile
To resolve the “MDM does not allow factory reset” error on your Android device, start by deleting the management profile that restricts the factory reset. Follow these steps:
1. Open Settings and go to “Security” or “Biometrics and Security.”
2. Select “Device administrators” or “Device Administrator Apps.”
3. Choose the profile you want to delete.
4. Tap “Deactivate” and confirm with “OK.”
5. Go back to Settings, navigate to “Accounts,” and select your Google account.
6. Tap “More” (three dots) and choose “Remove account.”
7. Confirm removal with “OK.”
By deleting the management profile, you can overcome the error and proceed with a factory reset if needed.
Fix 2. Use MDM Remove Tool
The PLUK-GSM Tool is a third-party software designed to bypass Android MDM restrictions, including the “MDM does not allow factory reset” error. Caution and authorization are essential when using such tools.
Steps to Use PLUK-GSM Tool (Note: Ensure compliance with legal and organizational policies):
1. Download the tool from a reputable source.
2. Enable USB Debugging in device settings.
3. Connect your device to a computer.
4. Launch the PLUK-GSM Tool.
5. Follow on-screen instructions to remove MDM control.
6. Reboot your device if required.
Fix 3. Contact the Administrator
To remove a device managed by an administrator, reach out to the administrator directly. Request specific instructions from them for removing the device from their management. Follow their guidance carefully, and be prepared to provide any necessary verification information to confirm your ownership and authorization for the removal process.
Part 4: How to Factory Reset Android/Samsung with MDM Lock?
When faced with the challenge of factory resetting an Android or Samsung device that’s locked by Mobile Device Management (MDM), it can be a complex task. This guide outlines the steps to force a factory reset, even when MDM restrictions are in place.
Steps to Factory Reset Android/Samsung with MDM Lock:
1. Go to “Settings” and select “Lock Screen and Security.”
2. Under “Screen lock type,” create a pattern or PIN.
3. Set “Do not require pattern/PIN when the device turns on” to OFF.
4. Enable “Auto factory reset” under Secure Lock Settings.
5. If available, disable “Find my phone.”
6. Restart the device.
7. Enter the password incorrectly 15 times to trigger the factory reset warning.
8. Reboot the device.
9. Enter the password incorrectly 15 times again for the factory reset warning.
10. Reboot the device.
11. The device will take some time to reset to factory defaults.
12. Once reset, you can add custom options, such as Custom ROMs or Custom recovery partitions, or use the device in its stock configuration.
By following these steps, you can successfully perform a factory reset on an Android/Samsung device despite MDM restrictions.
Bonus Tip: How to Bypass FRP after Factory Reset?
After a factory reset, bypassing the Factory Reset Protection (FRP) on Android devices, particularly Samsung, can be a critical step to regain access, if you have logged into a Google account to your device beforehand. You can easily access your Android phone if you have the Google account credentials. What to do if you forgot the Google account username and password, or you purchased a second-hand Android smartphone? In this section, we’ll look at the program FonesGo Android Unlocker and provide steps to bypass Samsung FRP on Android versions 5-13.
FonesGo Android Unlocker is a reliable tool designed to assist in bypassing FRP locks on Android devices, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Redmi, vivo and OPPO devices. It simplifies the process and ensures smooth removal of the FRP lock.
Steps to Bypass Samsung FRP on Android 5-13:
- Step 1 Free download and install FonesGo Android Unlocker on your computer. Launch it and click the option “Bypass Samsung FRP”.
- Step 2 Connect your Samsung device to the computer with a USB cable. Then select the first option which can bypass FRP lock from all Samsung devices running Android 5-13, even if your Samsung device has installed the latest security patch.
- Step 3 Follow the instructions to enter the diagnostics menu. Then allow USB debugging on your device.
- Step 4 Once done, FonesGo Android Unlocker will start to bypass FRP on your device. After the process, you can regain access to your Samsung device without entering Google account credentials.
Closing
Mobile Device Management (MDM) comes in handy for organizations to ensure security and control over Android devices like Samsung smartphones. However, it can be a bit frustrating for users when it limits the ability to perform factory resets. In this article, we guide you through the steps to take back control of your device and resolve the “MDM does not allow factory reset” issue, so your Android device can return to its smooth operation.
