Android Question Force factory reset

[nibbo]

Hi all

Is there a way to force a factory reset from within an app?
I found this https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/threads/wipe-device.99912/#content which fires up the reset dialogue but the user still has the option to cancel.

The reason for this is that some of my users are on the road and they have managed to lose or have their tablets stolen.

I can inhibit most stuff by changing their password so any remembered passwords wont work anymore but it would be nice to have the added security of wiping the device completely if they attempt to use any of the apps.
Currently the app returns a 'destroy' directive when they attempt to log in which will delete the SQLite database but I would really prefer it if I could do a factory reset.

My guess is that this is not possible as the reset is part of the android settings and we can only launch it but one of you clever guys may know different?

Thanks

 

[MarkusR]

security of wiping the device

is that not build in and you can wipe it via web page if enabled?
some anti virus software have also this feature.
https://www.google.com/android/find?hl=en-GB

 

[nibbo]

is that not build in and you can wipe it via web page if enabled?

Interesting, not all of our devices are registered but it could be a good approach.
Will definitely look into this one.
Thanks MarkusR

 

[DonManfred]

not all of our devices are registered but it could be a good approach

It is the allowed and google suggested way. I don´t think that you can do a factory reset by code

 

[nibbo]

It is the allowed and google suggested way. I don´t think that you can do a factory reset by code

Not sure how practical this would be. We have 30 reps, 15 drivers and several other tablet users.
I guess they would all have to be registered to the same google account to allow central control over this but some of them prefer to use their own accounts so they can download other apps etc...
Still probably the way to go but will need to put some rules in place.

I am wondering if I can force it into a kiosk mode which always launches the factory reset setting so it is of little use to them until they reset it...

Thanks

 

[MarkusR]

It is the allowed and google suggested way. I don´t think that you can do a factory reset by code

G DATA Internet Security Android can do it somehow via SMS command.
https://www.gdata.de/fileadmin/web/de/documents/manuals/Mobile_Internet_Security_Andoid_DE.pdf

 

[DonManfred]

I am wondering

it is a new question for which you should create a new thread. Note that the Kioskmode must be activated through ADB. Can not be activated/deactivated by code.

 

[MarkusR]

some of them prefer to use their own accounts

i believe starting from android os 5 you have a multi user system.

 

[Sandman]

Is there a way to force a factory reset from within an app?

A while back I used Samsung devices as (sort of) kiosks. They had something called Samsung Knox that was supported by the kiosk software. The Knox provided a lot more options on controlling the device, and I wouldn't be surprised if it could be used to trigger a factory reset also.

Might be something to look into? https://www.samsungknox.com/en

 

[moster67]

not sure but it might be possible with Accessibility Services:
https://www.b4x.com/android/forum/t...users-with-disabilities-automation-etc.95216/
If you require any help setting it up, please contact me in PM and we can discuss it further.

 

[amidgeha]

Try this App and this one too. The device must be rooted.