The certificate AdGuardinstalled on Android deviceallows the application to filter traffic through HTTPS connections. This is useful for blocking ads and trackers, but sometimes users find it necessary to remove it. The reasons may vary: from Wi-Fi connection errors to conflicts with other VPN applications or corporate security policies. In some cases, the certificate interferes with the operation of banking applications that require a “pure” connection without intermediaries.

Removing a certificate AdGuard is not always obvious - it cannot be simply uninstalled through the standard Android settings. Depending on the OS version, smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) and installation method (manual import or automatic setup through the app), the process may differ. In this article, we will analyze all relevant methods, including hidden settings and the command line ADB, and also explain why a certificate can be “returned” after deletion.

⚠️ Important: Removing root certificates may affect the operation of some system functions, for example, checking for OS updates or accessing protected corporate resources. If you use the device for work, check the security policy with your IT department before making changes.

1. How to check if the AdGuard certificate is installed on your phone

Before deleting the certificate, make sure that it is actually installed. In some cases, users confuse it with certificates from other applications (for example, Avast SecureLine or Kaspersky VPN). You can check availability in two ways:

Method 1: Through Android settings

  1. Open Settings → Security → Advanced → Certificate Management (the path may differ depending on the shell).
  2. Check the tabs User Certificates and System Certificates.
  3. Look for entries with the name AdGuard Personal CA or AdGuard Certificate.

Method 2: Through the AdGuard application

  1. Run AdGuard and go to section Settings → HTTPS filtering.
  2. If the option is active, the certificate is installed. Here you can see its status: Installed or Not installed.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor with EMUI) certificates may be hidden in section Security and privacy → Encryption and credentials. If you don’t find it, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper corner).

📊 How do you usually delete unnecessary certificates?
Via Android settings
I reset the network settings
I use ADB
I delete it manually through the file manager
Never deleted it

2. Removing an AdGuard certificate through standard settings

The easiest way is to delete the certificate through the credential management menu. This method works on most devices with Android 9 and later, but may not be available on custom firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings → Security → Advanced → Certificate management.
  2. Go to the tab Custom certificates (if the certificate is installed as a system one, this method will not work).
  3. Find AdGuard Personal CA and tap on it.
  4. Click Delete or Deactivate (on some devices you will need to enter a PIN code or pattern).

If the button Delete is inactive or missing:

  • 🔄 The certificate is installed as system — you will need to reset the settings or ADB.
  • 🔒 The device is controlled by policies Android Enterprise (for example, on a work phone).
  • 📱 The manufacturer has blocked deletion (relevant for Samsung Knox or Huawei with harmony).

☑️ Preparing to delete the certificate

Done: 0 / 4

3. Reset network settings as an alternative method

If the certificate AdGuard installed as part of a network profile (for example, when setting up a VPN), it can be removed by resetting network settings. This method does not affect personal data, but will reset saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords and Bluetooth settings.

How to reset:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings (on some devices: General settings → Reset).
  2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a PIN code or pattern).
  4. After the reboot, check for the certificate in Certificate management.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ i Samsung One UI 4.0+ Resetting network settings may not remove root certificates. In this case, use the methods from the following sections.

What will be reset after the procedure:

Data Reset? Note
Saved Wi-Fi networks ✅ Yes You will have to re-enter passwords
VPN settings ✅ Yes Including AdGuard configurations
Paired Bluetooth devices ✅ Yes Headphones, fitness bracelets, etc.
Certificates AdGuard ❌ Not always Depends on the version of Android and firmware
Personal files (photos, videos) ❌ No Not affected

4. Removing a certificate via ADB (for experienced users)

If the certificate is installed as a system one or standard methods did not work, this method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line. Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • 📱 Enabled Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times to unlock developer mode).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debugging.
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should be displayed.

  4. Remove the certificate with the command (replace hash with the real hash of the certificate, which can be found through adb shell pm list packages | grep adguard): 
    adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.adguard.cert

    Or to manually delete the file:

    adb shell rm /data/misc/user/0/cacerts-added/*.0
  5. Reboot the device: 
    adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB may lead to failures in system operation. If you are not sure about the commands, use alternative methods.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings.

2. (for example, Samsung USB Driver for Samsung devices).

3. Try a different USB cable or port.

4. Restart your phone and PC.

5. If you are using macOS/Linux, check the rights to the folder with ADB (chmod +x adb).

5. Manual removal through a file manager (root access)

If you have root access, the certificate can be deleted manually through a file manager (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer). This method is the most reliable, but requires an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights.

Where to look for a certificate:

  • 📁 /data/misc/user/0/cacerts-added/ —user certificates.
  • 📁 /system/etc/security/cacerts/ —system certificates (remove carefully!).
  • 🔍 Files usually have the extension .0 or .crt and contain in the name adguard.

How to delete:

  1. Open a file manager with root support.
  2. Go to folder /data/misc/user/0/cacerts-added/.
  3. Find files with the name adguard or similar ones (for example, 5a3c1234.0).
  4. Delete them and restart the device.

Critical information: Deleting files from the folder /system/etc/security/cacerts/ may disrupt the operation of system applications, including Google Play Services. Do this only if you know exactly which file belongs to AdGuard.

💡

Before deleting certificates via root, make a backup copy of the folder cacerts-added. This will help restore the files if something goes wrong.

6. Complete reset of settings (last resort) data-i="198">If none of the methods worked, the last resort is

If none of the methods work, the last resort remains - resetting the phone to factory settings. This will delete all data, including certificates, but will require subsequent restoration from a backup.

How to reset:

  1. Create a backup copy of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
  2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Delete all data.
  3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code or password from your Google account).
  4. After rebooting, set up your phone as new.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Samsung Knox or Google Titan M (for example, Pixel 6+), a reset may activate hardware protection, which will block some functions (for example Samsung Pay or Secure Folder).

What to do after the reset:

  • 🔄 Do not restore settings from a backup created before installing AdGuard - the certificate may return.
  • 📱 Install AdGuard again, but do not install the certificate on the first launch.
  • 🔒 Check your VPN settings: sometimes the certificate is installed automatically when you connect to a secure network.
💡

Resetting to factory settings is a last resort. Use it only if other methods have not helped, as this will delete all data from the device. device.

7. Why the AdGuard certificate appears again after deletion

Many users experience that the certificate AdGuard "returns" after rebooting or updating the application. This happens for several reasons:

Main reasons:

  • 🔄 Automatic reinstallation: AdGuard can restore the certificate on startup if the option is enabled in the settings Auto-updating HTTPS filtering.
  • 📦 Residual files: When deleting the application through Settings → Applications some data (including certificates) remain in the system.
  • 🔗 Associated VPN profiles: If AdGuard is configured as a VPN, its profile can automatically restore the certificate.
  • 🤖 Device policies: On work phones with Android Enterprise certificates can be installed via MDM (Mobile Device Management).

How to prevent reappearance:

  1. Before deleting the certificate, disable HTTPS filtering in the AdGuard settings.
  2. Delete the application itself AdGuard via Settings → Applications → AdGuard → Delete.
  3. Clear cache and application data before uninstalling.
  4. If you use AdGuard Pro, revoke device administrator rights in Settings → Security → Device Administrators.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi c MIUI 13+) certificates can be restored from a cloud backup. Disable synchronization of settings in your account Mi Account before deleting.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deletion. AdGuard certificate

Is it possible to delete an AdGuard certificate without root access?

Yes, in most cases the certificate can be deleted through standard Android settings or using ADBRoot access is required only to delete system certificates installed in the folder. /system/etc/security/cacerts/.

Will it be possible? work AdGuard without a certificate?

Yes, but with restrictions. Without a certificate HTTPS filtering it will be disabled, and AdGuard will not be able to block ads in secure connections (for example, in YouTube or Facebook). DNS blocking will work.

Why did some sites stop opening after the certificate was removed?

This is due to the fact that the certificate AdGuard replaced system root certificates after it was removed in browsers (for example, Chrome or Firefox) can block access to sites with problematic certificates. Solution: clear your browser cache or reset your network settings.

Is it possible to transfer an AdGuard certificate to another phone?

Technically, yes, but it is not recommended. device, and transferring them may cause security errors. If you need to save AdGuard settings, export the configuration via Settings → Export/Import in the application itself.

What to do if the Internet is lost after deleting the certificate?

This can happen if if the certificate was part of the VPN profile. Check:

  1. VPN settings in Settings → Network and Internet → VPN.
  2. APN (access point) settings for your mobile operator.
  3. Wi-Fi proxy settings (should be disabled).

If the problem persists, reset the network settings (Section 3 of this article).