Uninstall The App

The SOS App is designed to run as a device administrator to provide uninterrupted emergency services. To remove it from your Android device, you must first revoke its administrative privileges. This guide explains how to deactivate administrative permission and fully uninstall the app in a professional, step-by-step manner.

Steps to Deactivate and Uninstall

Before you begin, please ensure that you back up any critical data (such as emergency contacts or recordings) if you intend to reinstall later. Revoking administrative privileges will immediately disable all background emergency features—such as fall detection and live location sharing—so proceed only when you do not require these services.

Step 1: Open Android Settings

1. Unlock your device and locate the Settings app.
2. Tap Settings to open system preferences.

Settings should resemble a gear icon in your app list or notification shade.

Step 2: Navigate to Device Admin Apps

Device administrator settings may be located in different menus depending on Android version and OEM skin:

1. Path A (Stock Android or Android 10+):

   • In Settings, scroll and tap Apps & notifications.
   • Tap Advanced (if visible).
   • Select Special app access.
   • Tap Device admin apps.

2. Path B (Older Android versions or OEM skins):

   • In Settings, tap Security & privacy (or Security).
   • Scroll and tap Device admin apps (sometimes labeled Device administrators or Phone administrators).

Once in Device admin apps, you will see a list of applications with elevated privileges.

Step 3: Deactivate Administrative Permission

1. In Device admin apps, locate The SOS App.
2. Tap its toggle (or checkbox) to deactivate administrative permission.
3. When prompted, tap Deactivate to confirm.

Important

Until you revoke administrative rights, Android will disable the Uninstall option. Revoking ensures the app no longer has elevated access.

After deactivation, The SOS App will no longer appear in the list of device administrators.

Step 4: Uninstall the App

1. Return to the main Settings screen.
2. Tap Apps & notifications (or Apps).
3. Tap See all apps (if necessary) to view the full list.
4. Scroll and find The SOS App.
5. Tap The SOS App to open its App Info page.
6. Tap Uninstall.
7. Confirm by tapping OK when prompted.

Alternatively, long-press the SOS App icon from your home screen or app drawer and select Uninstall, then confirm.

Step 5: Verify Uninstallation

1. After removal completes, navigate to Settings > Apps & notifications.
2. Ensure The SOS App no longer appears in the list.
3. Optionally, restart your device to clear any cached entries.

Troubleshooting

• Unable to Find Device Admin Apps
  Search “Device admin” or “Phone admin” in Settings. Some devices place it under Settings > Biometrics & security or Additional settings.

• Uninstall Button Still Disabled
  Confirm that you have deactivated administrative privileges (see Step 3).

• App Still Listed After Uninstall
  Restart your device to clear any residual entries.

Notes

note

Once administrative permission is revoked, emergency services (e.g., fall detection, live location sharing) will stop immediately.

FAQs

Q1: Why is the Uninstall button greyed out?

The Uninstall button remains disabled until you revoke The SOS App’s device administrator status. Navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Device admin apps, locate The SOS App, and deactivate it. Then return to App Info to uninstall.

Q2: I don’t see “Device admin apps” in Settings. What should I do?

• Use the search icon in Settings and type “Device admin” or “Device administrators.”
• On some devices, it appears under Settings > Biometrics & security or Additional settings.
• If still not found, check Settings > Apps & notifications > Special app access and look for “Device admin apps.”

Q3: Will uninstalling The SOS App remove my saved emergency contacts?

Yes. Uninstalling deletes all local data, including emergency contacts, custom messages, and any health or emergency recordings stored in the app’s private directory. If you plan to reinstall, back up any critical data via Cloud Backup before removal.

Q4: How do I remove residual files after uninstall?

Most files stored in the app’s private sandbox are deleted automatically. If you granted External Storage Access and chose a custom folder for recordings:

1. Open Files or Gallery.
2. Navigate to the folder (e.g., /SOSApp/Recordings).
3. Delete any remaining files or subfolders manually.

Q5: Can I force-stop The SOS App instead of uninstalling?

Force-stopping halts background processes temporarily, but the app may restart or run scheduled tasks. To completely remove it, revoke device administrator status and uninstall as described. If you only wish to pause activity briefly, use Settings > Apps & notifications > The SOS App > Force stop.

Q6: What if my device is managed by my workplace and I cannot deactivate admin?

Work-managed devices often enforce admin privileges via MDM policies. Contact your IT administrator to remove The SOS App’s administrative rights from the MDM console. After MDM revocation, follow the steps above to uninstall.

Q7: After uninstalling, I still receive notifications. Is that normal?

No. If SOS-related notifications persist, verify that all “Device admin” profiles under Settings > Security & privacy > Device admin apps are removed and ensure no residual services are running via Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Running services. Restart your device to complete cleanup.

Q8: I want to reinstall later. Do I need to reconfigure everything?

Yes. Reinstallation starts from a clean state. You must:

1. Install The SOS App from the Play Store.
2. Grant necessary permissions again, including device administrator status for background emergency functionality.
3. Re-add emergency contacts, custom messages, and health or tracking settings.

Next Steps

Now that The SOS App has been removed, you can proceed to perform a fresh installation if required. Ensure you have backed up any essential data before reinstallation.