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Safe Mode, which is a pre-installed Android functionality, is used by users to solve the problems of their devices by disabling third-party applications from running on the smartphone. Indeed, Safe Mode is important for software troubleshooting purposes; however, the primary issue that arises from this is that it can allow one to bypass the security policies as well as Mobile Device Management (MDM) restrictions, which becomes a huge concern of the organizations and individuals when it is managing corporate devices.
In this article, various options will be discussed regarding how to turn off Safe Mode on Android devices, starting from simple restarts to more complicated remedies. Moreover, it will also show how companies can manage to restrict access by using the AirDroid Business, which is an MDM solution for Android to circumvent access to Safe Mode to keep security intact in corporate devices.
Why Disable Safe Mode on Android Devices?
Let’s check some of the reasons why one should be forced to disable safe mode:
1. Security Risks
Safe mode can be used to bypass MDM restrictions and security policies. Employees and unauthorized users turning on Safe Mode would put corporate devices at risk as they could uninstall security applications monitoring tools or alter system settings. Hence, in terms of data security and compliance, this puts a huge risk on the company, making it essential to have Safe Mode access restrictions put in place.
2. Operational Challenges
Many users inadvertently turn on Safe Mode and cannot turn it off. When this happens, third-party apps including essential for business become inaccessible, leading to disruption in productivity. IT teams may also have to unnecessarily troubleshoot random Safe Mode related issues, subsequently making the general operation less efficient.
3. Enterprise Concerns
Businesses managing a fleet of Android devices need to ensure that the employees cannot sidestep security policies. Safe Mode enables any user to uninstall vital apps for remote management, tracking, or business operation. Enterprises need to disable or restrict access to Safe Mode, as this would give them greater assurance that device control isn’t being compromised, that unauthorized changes cannot be implemented, and that device operation remains consistent across the workforce.
How to Turn Off Safe Mode on Android Devices
If a device is stuck in Safe Mode, users can try the following methods to disable it:
1. Restarting the Device
By far, the simplest and most common way to remove Safe Mode from a device is by restarting it. Upon rebooting, the device should return to normal mode unless there is some problem forcing it to remain in Safe Mode.
Steps:
– Press and hold the Power button.
– If Restart is available, tap it; otherwise, power off the device manually and restart it.
– Wait for the device to boot up and check if Safe Mode is disabled.
If that does not solve the issue, try the next method.
2. Use the Power + Volume Buttons
On some Android devices, Safe Mode can only be disabled using a specific button combination at startup. This is mainly for the devices that cannot exit Safe Mode on normal reboot.
Steps:
– Completely power the device off.
– Press and hold down the Power button until the manufacturer’s logo shows.
– Immediately press and hold down the Volume Down button.
– Keep holding down the button until the device restarts completely.
– Check and see if Safe Mode has been disabled.
For some models, users may need to hold the Volume Up button instead or use both Volume buttons together. If the device remains in Safe Mode, follow the next solution.
3. Uninstall Problematic Apps
If after all this, Safe Mode continues to activate, then it’s probably one of the third-party applications that has caused such hitches. Uninstalling apps that have been recently installed or the ones that looked suspicious might just do the trick.
Steps:
– Open Settings and then go to Apps & Notifications (or just Apps).
– Scroll through the list and look for apps that were installed just before the device started going into Safe Mode.
– Tap on the app and select Uninstall.
– Restart the device to check if Safe Mode has been disabled.
If it does not, probably a factory reset is in order.
4. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
Factory reset should be the last option if nothing works because it cleans everything from the device. Make sure important files are backed up.
Steps:
– Backup all the important data to Google Drive, cloud service, or computer.
– From the menu go to Settings > System (or About Phone) > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
– Read the warning and confirm the reset.
– Wait for the device to erase all data and jerk into its original factory state.
How to Restrict Safe Mode Using AirDroid Business
What is AirDroid Business?
AirDroid Business is a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution that has its origin in a platform that enables businesses to manage Android devices from afar. It has been designed to accommodate all types of enterprises, IT administrators, and managed service providers (MSPs), and it encompasses instruments necessary to enforce security policy, restrict changes without authorization, and ensure devices are functional and operational.
Malicious use of Safe Mode is one of the challenges of managing Android devices for a business. In Safe Mode, an employee may disable or uninstall MDM applications; security policies will be breached, and unauthorized changes will be possible. The company has designed AirDroid Business to restrict access to Safe Mode by the IT team so that corporate devices can remain secure and compliant.
Why Restrict Safe Mode in an Enterprise Setting?
1. Prevent Employees from Bypassing Security Settings
Safe mode disables third-party applications, including MDM software, security monitoring tools, and tracking applications. This allows employees to stealthily remove the restrictions imposed by their company and manipulate any non-approved applications. Restricting safe mode for unsafe conditions of breaches or breach of company policies would allow those measures to be put in place.
2. Company Policies for Employees Must be Enforced
The policies made by businesses on device use are for the intended productivity and security of the enterprises while protecting their specific industries. Allowing safe mode means the disabling of app whitelisting as well as internet restriction settings or device tracking settings that will likely lead to non-compliant data losses and thefts.
3. Reduce IT Troubleshooting Time
Accidentally, safe mode is activated by most users, and it cannot be easily turned off. Consequently, the request for IT support increased, and downtime was needed, as well as the burden increased for the IT team. AirDroid businesses can deactivate safe modes beforehand, thus saving admin troubleshooting time and business continuity.
How to Restrict Safe Mode Using AirDroid Business
Now, the IT admins can restrict and configure Safe Mode remotely on company-owned devices using AirDroid Business. Here are the steps to do it:
1. Log in to the AirDroid Business dashboard (Register for a 14-day free trial if you do not have an account).
2. From there, navigate to Policy & Kiosk Settings and create a new configuration profile.
3. Choose Restrictions and look for Safe Mode Restriction. (This option is usually disabled by default.)
4. Enable restriction to prevent users from activating Safe Mode.
5. Apply the policy to the selected devices or groups to apply the restriction on all managed devices.
6. Once this policy is enforced, employees will not be able to switch on Safe Mode on the assigned devices, thereby maintaining both device security and compliance.
What else Can AirDroid Business Do?
In addition to Safe Mode restrictions, AirDroid Business also provides a wide range of features for device management security and remote monitoring, including:
– Security & Compliance: Protect sensitive data with TLS and 256-bit AES encryption, remote wipe, and password management. Ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations through secure data storage and controlled access.
– Enrollment & Management: Easily add and configure devices in bulk with multiple enrollment options. A centralized dashboard provides full visibility and control, enabling group and role management, policy enforcement, and remote configuration to maintain security and efficiency.
– Unattended Remote Access (View & Control): Control and troubleshoot devices without user intervention; View device screens remotely to provide support or monitor activity.
– Real-Time Monitoring & Alerts: Check device health, battery levels, and performance metrics in real-time, and get instant alerts on device issues such as low storage, high data usage and out of range, etc.
– Application Management (AMS feature): Deploy apps to multiple devices with rich rollout options, set up app whitelist & blacklist Control which apps can be installed or used on company devices.
– Kiosk Mode: Lock devices into single app or multi-app kiosk mode to prevent device misuse and excessive data costs. Personalize the kiosk interface with your company’s branding.
– Geofencing & Tracking: Use MDM GPS tracking to monitor the live location of devices to enhance security and productivity. Set up geofences and receive notifications when a device enters or leaves a designated area. (Android MDM only)
– Windows Patch Management: Keep Windows devices secure by scheduling patch deployments, and apply patches to all managed Windows devices without manual intervention.
Conclusion
Safe Mode may be a valuable troubleshooting tool and may also introduce a significant risk to an enterprise. The workarounds to disable Safe Mode have ensured that all devices run continuously and allow an IT administrator to disable it for security purposes. Businesses wanting a further safe and viable MDM solution for managing their Android devices can try AirDroid Business.