Samsung’s new security solution Samsung Knox is an awesome thing only if seen from the point of view of it’s convenience but a real pain in vein if seen from a point of view of freedom. Samsung implemented Knox in Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and first time sent it along with the Galaxy Note 3, and later on the devices that received Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, those devices faced the Knox security solution as well.
Basically Samsung Knox allows the users to create a new profile within the phone, just like we create different users on Windows. This profile is highly secure and private, and can be accessed by applying the password that you set. Knox has a separate store as well that allows the users to install Knox compatible apps. Moreover, Knox keeps a check on the phone and makes the security of the device as strict as possible. This results in blocking root apps and other unverified apps. Samsung has implemented Knox warranty void on the bootloaders of the devices that got Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update.
Earlier, it was possible for the developers to find a way to reset the warranty of the phone and erase the binary count from the bootloader, this allowed the people to unleash the true power of their Galaxy devices and mod em’ to the maximum possible extent as they were always able to gain the warranty back after voiding it by pushing in custom roms or simply by rooting the device. As Samsung Knox made it’s way, it closed all the doors for the developers and then the users as well. Once void and tripped Knox counter it can never be reset and will result in voiding the warranty of your device.
Not only that, there is another big issue. Knox does not let root apps to breathe in your device and keeps on giving errors like force close or app not verified etc. What’s sure is there is no solution to Knox warranty void that appears on the device’s bootloader, but there is a solution for Knox’s root apps permissions. So if you are looking to root your device, you will also have to freeze / disable Samsung Knox apps in order to get the root apps working, otherwise simply rooting will be useless. So in the following post we are going to have a look on a method that will help you to disable and freeze all Samsung Knox apps and components and make your phone’s life easy with having the root access. Thanks to our friend Dr Ketan for making this great tool and providing us a way to get rid of Samsung Knox.
How to disable Samsung Knox:
You’ll need a TWRP or CWM Recovery installed on your device as this process involves running a tool from recovery. So in order to install a TWRP recovery, follow our guides:
- Install TWRP Recovery on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SM N900/9005/900T/900P/900W8
- Install Latest TWRP Recovery on Samsung Galaxy Note 2 [All Variants]
- Install Latest TWRP Recovery 2.6.3.1 on Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 & All Variants
- Install Latest TWRP Recovery 2.6.3.1 on Galaxy S4 I9500/I9505 and All Variants
Once installed TWRP Proceed here:
- Now download Dr Ketan’s Multitool Mod v6 and copy it to the internal or external storage of your device.
- Now boot into TWRP Recovery. To do so, turn off your device completely first. Now turn it on by pressing and holding Volume Up + Home Button + Power Key. You should see the TWRP interface now.
- Tap Install > Select the Dr Ketan Multitool v6.zip file from the place where you placed it > Swipe to confirm flash.
- Multi Tool will start now.
- Hit the Next button at the bottom > Agree with the terms of use > Press Next 4 times> Proceed with MultiTool.
- Now MultiTool will start showing you the things it can do for you.
- In Root > Select Do Not Change > Next.
- Here’s the thing we want actually. You’re in Deknox now.
- In Deknox press > Deknox Device > Next.
- Recovery > Do Not Change > Next.
- Backup Utility > Skip Backup Utility > Next.
- Restore Utility > Skip Restore Utility > Next.
- Odex Remover > Skip > Next.
- Bloatware Remove > Skip > Next.
- CSC Features > Skip > Next.
- Build Prop Features > Skip > Next.
- LockScreen > Do Not Change > Next.
- System Push > Do Not Change > Next.
- GPS Fix > Do Not Change Next.
- Read to Install / Flash > Run Now.
- Multitool Mod will run and Deknox your device in a few seconds > Reboot your device > Finish!
Phewwww! That’s All! Knox apps have vanished from your device, you can root your device and enjoy knox free phone with freedom.
In case you got any queries or you face any difficulties regarding this post, feel free to stop by the comment box below and leave us your message. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks All!
very good .It worked with TWRP (Note 2_GT-n7100)
I’m working on my budget to buy a N9005 for me and other for my wife. So I have a couple questions:
1) Can I root the phone without upsetting knox by this method?
2) Can I put the phone back to original state for warranty claims if/when needed?
@renatohmdeoliveira:disqus There is method named Ralph De Vega, that roots SM N9005 without tripping Knox. But, if you want to use Custom Recovery, it will void Knox. You cannot put it back to the original state once void, new devices can’t be reset.
However if you root using Ralph De Vega, you can install Titanium Backup and remove all knox apps using that.
Thanks!
Anyone tried this with the Sprint Note 2? Just curious
Does this work on the Sprint version L900 as well?
@disqus_CbA6HbkO2u:disqus not tested on Sprint. However if you’ve installed a custom recovery, please give it a try. It should work. let us know how it goes.
Hi Usama, I have already tried rooting my note 2 (GTN7100) running on android version 4.3 and tripped the Knox counter to 01. Will this solution still disable Knox?
@disqus_hSKZx3OrIA:disqus you can only disable knox but you cannot remove knox from bootloader. Give a try to this method, it will surely remove all knox components and give your phone a new life. Let me know how it goes.
Thanks Usama
will try and let you know how it goes.
Hi Usama, did the update. No longer see knox working, but still have no root access. I had already rooted the device before. Do you recommend another try at rooting as i dont want to brick this one.
@disqus_hSKZx3OrIA:disqus this solution will only remove knox from your phone but will not remove knox from bootloader. Removing knox is necessary if you want to use your phone normally after rooting it, so just follow the guide and disable it.
After several unsuccessful attempts to root my Note 2 and/or remove KNOX, I followed the instructions here and they worked perfectly! My phone still wasn’t rooted so I re-ran Dr. Ketan’s Multitool and used the Root function. KNOX is gone and my phone is rooted. Thanks for the help and the tool developers!
Hello. I have previously tripped my knox counter while rooting my n9005. If i deknox it using the above mentioned way would i be able to restore files in knox apps? I had previously saved files/images in Knox. Can i back them up?
@erickraeknaider:disqus you should first back them up and then wipe knox, you wil have to transfer those from knox to your normal phone profile, I haven’t done it personally but will look for how to get it done and let you know as soon as possible.
Usama,
I can’t access Knox to back up my files. That’s the problem I’m facing. After tripping the knox counter, I’m not being able to access knox software. Any help>
@erickraeknaider:disqus I will look into a way to backup knox files and let you know. The only solution at the moment is, Re-flash a stock firmware and wipe your phone completely, this will let knox work. Counter has no relationship with the knox applications.
Are you sure? I thought Knox apps stopped working because the knox counter has been tripped. I emailed Samsung about this and they said there is “no way” i can access the knox container ever again. Are you sure a stock firmware would work?
Are you sure? I thought Knox apps don’t work whenever they read a tripped knox counter.
@erickraeknaider:disqus Knox counter will remain tripped now but knox apps will work when you reflash a stock firmware and use the stock firmware in it’s original state only.
@disqus_ZHBV60RiCy:disqus we appreciate your feedback. Stay connected and your welcome 🙂
Hi, tried this tutorial, but got this error msg in recovery mode: E:SIGNATURE VERIFICATION FAILED. How to fix this? Ty in advance!
@gutocharles:disqus go to advanced options in the custom recovery, and disable signature verification and try it again.
Thanks for the reply! But my phone got only the Android system recovery (3e) with these options:
– reboot system now
– apply update from ADB
– apple update from external storage
– wipe data/factory reset
– wipe cache partition
– apply update from cache
Its a S3 SVH-E210S LTE 16GB with 4.3 android
Baseband: E210SKSML3
Kernel: 3.0.31-2281480
Can you help me? I need to install other ROM, because this phone didn’t came in my language =/
imei vanish or not???
Why not use titanium backup and freeze the knox software. takes 2 seconds
@disqus_0UzKTHYSyV:disqus Some people have reported that they’re unable to use TTBP while having the phone rooted and the presence of Knox apps on their phones. In this case, using this method can become handy.
I have no problem with my note 3 running 4.4.2, rooted, but if this method works, why not…
Does this method work with the latest S5?
@disqus_qi3ZTZpfyp:disqus not sure, haven’t tried it yet. You may give it a try and let us know if this works.
Do I have to do this before rooting or may I do this after as well?
@disqus_MM1sbKJEhs:disqus use this method if you want before root, or else you can also freeze knox apps using titanium backup once you’re rooted.
I hve alredy rooted my phone using kingo root. And I’m not able to enter knox as it says “you phone is not authorised to enter knox mode” I stucked some really important data please help! how to recover my data model no. GT-N7100 Samsung galaxy note 2. Android Version 4.4.2
hey usama, thanks for the tutorial, it worked for my n7100.
here’s the thing though, after i rooted my device using the tool again, can i install any custom rom out there?
because last time i do this kind of stuff i still can’t install any custom rom afterwards. the root was fine but custom rom still unavailable 🙁
thank you
Hardian
You can install any custom ROM freely using the custom recovery, there is no problem with that. Custom ROMs are pre-rooted, you will only need the appropriate recovery. Find one for your device here…https://techbeasts.com/2014/01/03/install-latest-twrp-recovery-on-samsung-galaxy-note-2-all-variants/
So I followed the instruction and got stuck on steps hit the next button at the bottom, I see a very small txt that says next however it does not seem to be click able
edit: had teh latest version of TWRP installed this might explain why it did not work, got the recommend one and all good
Thanks so much for the job you doing. But I lately install kitkat 4.4.2 on my i337 s4 since then knox is not allowing me to root neither install a customer recovery . Please do you have any specific method to remove that knox
Does this tool reset the KNOX warranty void counter from 0x1 back to 0x0 built onto the boot loader?? Or does this tool simply help rid one of the software. Thanks
@disqus_2183yv9Hzj:disqus no it doesn’t reset Knox Warranty Counter. It just wipes knox apps that refrain the root apps from working properly.
Hi, I wonder if this was solved
“Thanks for the reply! But my phone got only the Android system recovery (3e) with these options:
– reboot system now
– apply update from ADB
– apple update from external storage
– wipe data/factory reset
– wipe cache partition
– apply update from cache”
i Have the same issue
@hector_jurado:disqus I hope the fix I’ve given you works fine. Good Luck.
Hi. Thanks for information. I have a note3 sm-n900 and l made a mistake and did factory reset before transferring my data out of intarnal memory so l lost all. In an attempt to recover them using various apps like wandershare android recovery , they wanted me to root my device first to get access to internal memory for recovering datas. So I have a few questions:
1- ln my note 3 odin mode (download mode), l dont see knox warranty void lt only has bainary counter… so do l still have to disable knox?
2- as l mentioned before l have to root my note 3 to use recovery apps so what is the best and safest app to root my device?
Please inform me.
Thank you so much.
@toufighmj:disqus no knox counter and knox apps both are different. If the knox counter is there and its tripped, you can never erase that. While Knox apps and its components do not let your root access work properly. You can simply flash a TWRP recovery in your device and remove knox components, after that you can flash SuperSu.zip to root your device. I hope this answers all of your queries. Let me know if you still need any further assistance.
bro so you say that knox warranty void flag can’t be rolled back haa?
so i have a question for you. if i didn’t raise the flag yet , can i completely remove that from the boot loader?
@sukumarsmart:disqus no you cannot remove the knox counter from the bootloader. You can only remove knox components from the phone.
when can we expect the official 5.0 lollipop update for note 2 in India?
@sukumarsmart:disqus in April or May, 2015.
@disqus_tWDcP5dtss:disqus using this guide you can remove the knox apps, but in case you’re facing any problems, try rooting your device and freeze the knox apps using Titanium Backup.
Did not remove knox from this i535 sgs3. Didnt brick it either however again… it did not remove knox. Ran from safestrap modified twrp 2.6.3.1
@disqus_ENJqHTCw7i:disqus it will only remove knox components from your phone.. not the knox counter from the bootloader. Make sure that you’re not talking about the knox counter.. Let me know if the applications aren’t removed.
It didnt remove kox attestation agent elm agent the knox store knox migration agent or any other knox component from my system. There is no way to remove the knox bootloader I understand that.
@disqus_ENJqHTCw7i:disqus if this doesn’t work, you may try rooting your phone and freeze knox components using Titanium Backup.
Hi,
is ter any one who can help me to degrade the anroid from 4.4.2 to 4.3. for Note 3 neo N7505L.
@emrrankhan:disqus you can not degrade.
@anonymouskev:disqus flashing stock firmware will bring the knox components back in your device.
Hi guys I have a request….I have samsung knox emm on my tab note 10.1 it loaded on a school tab and need to unlock without disabling it.it prevents me from download apps from playstore or apks. Pls really need help
Can’t flash official Rom
how to make knox 0x1 to 0x0 in note 3 neo sm-n750?
Hi, will this method work for Note 3 N9005?
@disqus_dQoCZlBhJX:disqus yes it will.
Thanks for your reply. I have a Note 3 N9005 running Android 5.1.1 rooted and cwm recovery. Knox is disabled. Knox counter is 0x1. I tried the method as suggested by you. But knox was not reset. Pl guide. Thanks
I tried the method suggested. It didn’t work. Knox counter is still 0x1. I have a Note 3 N9005 running on Android 5.1.1. The previous Android version was 4.4.2. I have upgrded to 5.1.1
@vishgs:disqus this method is to remove components of knox, not to reset knox counter.
I have rooted my note2 (GT-N7100 4.4.2) and not backed up my data of knox. Now knox says your device is not authorised to enter knox. Please help me to get my data back from knox.
hello sir.can it work in galaxy note 4 sm-n910c exynos
@josephdiolola:disqus yes it can. Go ahead and give it a try.
ok sir i will try it later and i will update you what will happen.thank you.
@josephdiolola:disqus this will not work. In order to remove knox from Note 4, you will have to delete knox components from system folder using root explorer.
@disqus_g7oXfE3ayy:disqus since you haven’t backed up knox data, I’ve no idea if you will be able to get it back after rooting the device. You may try flashing a stock firmware and check if you get your data from knox back.
Thanx for reply, But its really imp data. so please guide if there is any method/way to recover it. I have rooted my phone via kingo root Pc version.
reset knox warranty void counter from 0x1 to 0x0 it’s impossible, on xda there is a thread where the dev work for understand how to work this method of security of samsung
I have samsung s4 in warranty but I have installed a cwm recovery and it triggered knox warranty void 1, from 0x0, triangle away doesnt help, how can I flash binary to 0x0 again? so that I can claim warranty of product.