How to block deleting applications with a password on Android: a complete guide

Accidentally or intentionally deleting important applications from an Android smartphone can lead to loss data, system failures or even security compromises. This problem is especially relevant for parents whose children actively use the device, or for owners of corporate phones, where it is critical to preserve working apps. Unfortunately Android does not offer a built-in feature to block the deletion of applications with a password —but there are several workarounds, including third-party utilities, parental control settings, and even hidden firmware features.

In this article we will look 5 working methodshow to restrict the deletion of applications on Android. - from standard tools to advanced solutions for experienced users. You will learn which methods are suitable for Android 12-14and which work on outdated versions, how to bypass manufacturer restrictions (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi), and which applications are really worth protecting in the first place. We will also look at a hidden method of blocking via ADB, which does not require root access and works on 90% of devices.

Why Android does not block the removal of applications by default

At first glance, it seems strange that in Android no built-in option to protect applications from deletion. The reasons lie in the philosophy of the platform:

• 🔓 Openness of the system: Google positions Android as a flexible OS, where the user has full control over the device, including the right to delete any apps (except system ones).
• 📦 Conflict with the software distribution model: Blocking deletion could complicate the work with APK files i third-party stores (for example, APKMirror or Aptoide).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental control as an alternative: Google offers to solve the problem through Family Link or similar services, but they have limitations (for example, they do not work on accounts adults).

In addition, smartphone manufacturers: Some blocking methods (for example, through (for example, Huawei or Oppo) often modify Android to suit their proprietary shells (EMUI, ColorOS), adding own protection mechanisms. But these functions are often hidden in the depths of the settings or require activation through ADB.

⚠️ Attention: Some blocking methods (for example, through ADB or Tasker) may conflict with system updates. After a major Android update, you will have to re-configure the protection. data-i="63">Attention

Method 1: Using parental controls (Google Family Link)

The easiest and most official way to limit the removal of applications is to use the service Google Family Link. It is designed to control children's accounts, but with some reservations it also works for adult users:

1. Install Google Family Link on your smartphone (parent's device) and on the target device.
2. Create or select Google children's profile (if it doesn't exist, register a new account indicating an age of up to 13 years).
3. In the Family Link settings, select the option Manage applications → Permissions and set a deletion restriction.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Does not require root access or technical knowledge.
• ✅ Works on all devices with Android 7.0+.
• ✅ Allows you to block not only the deletion, but also the installation of new apps.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires linking to a child account (not suitable for corporate phones).
• ❌ A child can bypass the restrictions by resetting the settings to factory settings.
• ❌ Some system applications (for example, Google Play Services) can still be removed via ADB.

Method 2: Blocking through firmware settings (for Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei)

Smartphone manufacturers often add functions to their proprietary shells that are not available in pure Android. For example, Samsung One UI and Xiaomi MIUI have built-in tools for blocking applications. Let's take a closer look at them:

Manufacturer	Blocking method	Path in settings	Restrictions
Samsung	Blocking deletion via Secure Folder	Settings → Biometrics and security → Secure Folder	Only for internal applications Secure Folder
Xiaomi/Redmi	Password protection in Second Space	Settings → Accessibility → Second Space	You need to duplicate applications in a separate space
Huawei/Honor	Parental controls in Huawei AppGallery	AppGallery → Profile → Parental Control	Works only for applications from AppGallery

For Samsung the most reliable option is to transfer critical applications to Secure Folder:

1. Activate Secure Folder in the settings security.
2. Add the necessary apps there (they will be duplicated).
3. Set a password or fingerprint to access the folder.

B Xiaomi performs a similar role Second Space, but here you have to setting up a separate work profile, which is not always convenient.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Samsung with Android 13+ blocking through Secure Folder can be reset after updates. Check the settings after each update.

Make a backup copy of your data

Check the version of Android and shell (MIUI/One UI)

Make sure there are no important unsaved files on the device

Write down the Secure password Folder/Second Space to a safe place-->

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking deletion

If the built-in methods are not suitable, you can use specialized utilities:

• 🔒 AppLock (by DoMobile Lab) - blocks the launch and deletion of applications with a password or fingerprint. Supports Android 5.0+.
• 🛡️ Norton App Lock —a reliable solution from a well-known antivirus, works without root.
• 🔐 Smart AppLock —allows you to hide applications from the menu and block their removal.

Setup instructions AppLock:

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Set master password (it is recommended to use biometrics).
3. In the section Blocked applications select the apps that you want to protect.
4. Activate the option Prohibit deletion in additional settings.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Some applications (for example, AppLock) may conflict with Google Play Protect, causing false positives on viruses.
• ⚠️ After removing the blocker, the protection is removed automatically.

Method 4: Blocking via ADB (without root access)

For experienced users, the most reliable method is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require superuser rights, but allows you to block the removal of system and user applications. Important: the method only works when connected to a PC.

Step by step instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About the phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
2. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:

adb shell pm hide com.example.app

(replace com.example.app with the batch name of the application, for example com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).

To find the batch name:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

This command does not remove the application, but hides it from the system, making it unavailable for uninstallation through the standard menu. To get the application back, use:

adb shell pm unhide com.example.app

⚠️ Attention: ADB commands are reset after a factory reset or firmware update. Also, some manufacturers (for example Huawei) block ADB commands for system applications.

What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

Make sure that drivers for your smartphone are installed (download them from the website manufacturer).

Try using a different USB cable (preferably the original one).

Restart your phone and PC, then reconnect.

Enable the option in the developer settings Unauthorizing USB debugging, then disconnect and reconnect the device.

Method 5: Creating a separate user with limited rights

Android supports multi-user modewhich was originally intended for tablets, but works on smartphones. You can create a separate user with limited rights, where critical applications will not be available for removal.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → System → Multi-user mode (the path may differ on some devices).
2. Add a new user (for example, "Work profile").
3. Log in as the new user and install the necessary applications.
4. Return to the main profile and block switching users password.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ Complete isolation of applications (you cannot delete what is not in the current profile).
• ✅ Does not require third-party software or root access.

Cons:

• ❌ It is necessary to duplicate applications for each user.
• ❌ Not all manufacturers support multi-user mode on smartphones (for example, Samsung removed this function in the latest versions One UI).

What to do if nothing helps: radical measures

If all of the above methods did not work (for example, on a corporate device with strict restrictions), two radical options remain:

• 🔧 Obtaining root access: With their help, you can remove the button "Delete" from the system menu or block access to Package Installer. However, this violates the warranty and increases the risk of hacking the device.
• 📱 Using an MDM solution (Mobile Device Management): Suitable for services like Microsoft Intune or VMware Workspace ONE allow you to centrally block the removal of applications on all devices.

Warnings for root users:

• ⚠️ After obtaining root, some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) will stop working due to the trigger SafetyNet.
• ⚠️ Incorrect editing of system files can lead to briku (inoperability) device.

For corporate users MDM is the optimal solution, but it requires configuration by the IT department. Typically, the administrator creates a policy that:

• Blocks the removal of certain applications.
• Restricts access to Google Play or other stores.
• Forcibly installs critical apps (for example, Corp VPN or EMM agent).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking application deletion

Is it possible to block the deletion of system applications (for example, Chrome or YouTube)?

System applications are protected at the Android level, and they cannot be deleted using standard methods. However, they can be disable (Settings → Applications → Select a app → Disable, which is almost equivalent to deletion. To block even deletion, you will need ADB commands or root access.

Will the lock work after resetting the settings?

No, all lock settings (except those set via MDM or at the firmware level) are reset to factory settings if you used AppLock or ADBafter. Hard reset protection will have to be configured again.

How to find the batch name of the application for ADB commands?

There are several ways:

1. Use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "name" (for example, grep "whatsapp").
2. Install application App Inspector from Google Play - it shows the package names of all installed apps.
3. View name in Google Play: open the application page in the browser - the package name will be in the URL (for example, com.whatsapp for https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp).

Is it possible to block the deletion of applications on Android Go?

Android Go is a lightweight version of the OS for weak devices, and it lacks many functions, including Secure Folder or Second Space. In this case, the following remain:

• Third-party blockers (for example, AppLock, but they can slow down the system).
• ADB commands (work, but require connection to a PC).
• Parental control via Google Family Link (the most reliable option).

What to do if a child has reset the settings and bypassed the lock?

If the device has been reset to factory settings, you can return the lock only by re-configuring it. To prevent such things. situations:

• Use reset protection via Find My Device (Google) or Find My Mobile (Samsung).
• Configure bootloader lock (bootloader), if your device supports this feature.
• Check regularly to see if your security settings have been changed.

On some devices (for example, Samsung c Knox) you can activate Reactivation Lockwhich will require entering Samsung credentials after the reset.