How do I remove the security options on my S3?

[Cindy215]

I changed to a pin while around someone I didn't trust. Now that I'm not there, I tried to remove it but it was greyed out. I've read many forums and cannot find an answer. One said to change to a password and that would allow the change to swype - it didn't. Now the security section has disappeared and only gives the option to encrypt.

I can't Clear Credentials because it is greyed out. I've read through dozens of feeds and none of the answers apply. I can follow directions but I'm not the most tech-savvy person.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! So you're unable to go to Settings>Security any more? If you can, go to the Device Administrators section and see if there is anything besides Android Device Manager that is checked. If so, uncheck those other apps. Then try changing your unlock method again.

 

[Cindy215]

The Device Administrators only lists Android Device Manager. It is checked, nothing else is.

 

[B. Diddy]

That's strange. Try booting into Recovery Mode and wiping the cache partition, which won't erase any personal data: http://forums.androidcentral.com/sa...ing-into-recovery-mode-galaxy-s2-s3-tab2.html

 

[Cindy215]

I have cleared the cache partition. The security options still only list Encryption, the Clear Credentials is still greyed out, and Device Administrators still only shows Android Device Manager.

 

[B. Diddy]

Do you connect to a secure company email using your stock Email app? Wondering if that might also force some kind of security protocol.

Posted via Android Central App.
Please excuse any typos or autocorrect derps.

 

[Cindy215]

No I only have personal email accounts on the phone. Both Yahoo and Gmail.

 

[B. Diddy]

I'm stuck. Can you show us a screenshot of your Settings>Security screen (or where it should be)? http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...ide-how-post-screenshots-android-central.html

 

[Cindy215]

Thank you for all of your how-to links. They are helping! Let me know if you need screen shots of anything else.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[B. Diddy]

I'm not quite sure what happened. When you set the PIN code back then, do you remember how you did it? Did you go to Settings>Security​, and select the screen lock option?

 

[Cindy215]

Yes thats exactly what I did. Im trying to avoid to a factory reset. Can you think of something else to try or is that the only option left?

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Golfdriver97]

I honestly think a reset is the next step. Back everything up that you can.

 

[B. Diddy]

What happens when you tap "Security Policy Updates"?

 

[Cindy215]

All of the updates are current.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Cindy215]

I ended up doing a factory reset. The security password is finally gone. Thank you for all of your help! I wouldn't have know what other options to try before my last-ditch effort.