How To Remove all Stored Certificates on Android - Technipages (2023)

Ever been greeted by a popup saying, “The certificate doesn’t come from a trusted authority?” when trying to access a website? These security certificates tell a user if a website or appis trusted by Android and if your information is safe on that platform. When your Android detectsa security certificate, it downloads it to your device. If you need to delete these stored certificates, you can.

But first, let’s address what use Android certificates are to everyday Android users.

Certificates of Security

Private keys are encryption techniques used alongside certificates to secure communications between a network and a device. Once a developer is done making anapp, they needto sign the app’scredentials before uploading it.

When a user installs a third-partyapplication, Android checks the certificate to see if it is signed by a trusted source. If it is not, users are advised against installing theapp or logging into the network.

Android Security Credentials

Now more than ever, privacy is a concern when accessing the web. Android OS certificates use public key infrastructure toencrypt dataon both ends. They are used over exchange servers, private networks, and Wi-Fi to access secure data from a device.

Some applications, like Access or Microsoft Exchange, download the credentials themselves. You can usually accessthe certificatesin advanced security settings but may need administrative statusto interact with them.

Certificate Authority

Certificate Authority is one of the trusted certifications on Android andis in charge of digital certifications and public key distribution. You can store these credentials on your device, external storage, or memory card.

Most times, when an app is downloaded, it comes with a Certificate Authority that is installed along with the app. If that is not the case, then the user can download and install the Certificate Authority manually.

How to Clear all Certifications for Android

Ifyou wish to remove all certifications on your device, you can, in a few steps. You would usually remove a certificateif you no longer trust a source. Removing all credentials will delete both the certificate you installed and those added by your device.

1. Go to your deviceSettings. In Settings, navigate toSecurity and Location. This is usually at the bottom of the application.
2. In Security and Location, underdevice Admin, go toEncryption and Credentials.
3. In Encryption and Credentials, underCredential Storage, you will see options like Storage Type, Trusted Credentials, User Credentials, Install from SD cards, and Clear All Credentials.
4. Before you clear all your credentials, you may want to view them first. Click on trusted credentials to view device-installed certificates and user credentials to see those installed by you. If you are still sure, you want to clear everything, then go to the next step.
5. Click onClear Credentials,anda pop up will askyou if you want to remove all contents. ClickingOKwill delete all stored certificates.

How to Add a Certificate for a Third-Party App

On the few occasions that an appfails to install its certification, you can install that certificate yourself.

Not all certificates are recommended for manual install — your device will warn you about untrusted certificates — but you can still install it at your own risk. Depending on your device and Android software version, these steps may vary slightly.

1. To add a certificate, navigate to your deviceSettings. That is where all the magic happens.
2. Once in settings, scroll down toSecurity. For some devices, you will see an option for Security and Location, click on it.
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3. InSecurity and Location, underdevice Admin, click onEncryption and Credentials.
4. In Encryption and Credentials, go toInstall from SD card.
5. To install from SD card, open the menu by clicking on the three stacked lines and navigate to where your credentials are stored.
6. Select the file and enter the device password (if your device is protected).
7. Name the credential; however, you please and select VPN and apps or Wi-Fi.
8. When done, selectOKto save the credential on your device.

Conclusion

It just goes to show you that even technology has its trust issues. If an app gives you reason not to trust it, delete thatcertificate. If you do trust the app but want to show your device that you do, install the proof!

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