How To Remove all Stored Certificates on Android

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 app is trusted by Android and if your information is safe on that platform. When your Android detects a 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 an app, they need to sign the app’s credentials before uploading it.

When a user installs a third-party application, Android checks the certificate to see if it is signed by a trusted source. If it is not, users are advised against installing the app 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 to encrypt data on 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 access the certificates in advanced security settings but may need administrative status to interact with them.

Certificate Authority

Certificate Authority is one of the trusted certifications on Android and is 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

If you wish to remove all certifications on your device, you can, in a few steps. You would usually remove a certificate if 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 device Settings. In Settings, navigate to Security and Location. This is usually at the bottom of the application.
2. In Security and Location, under device Admin, go to Encryption and Credentials.
3. In Encryption and Credentials, under Credential 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 on Clear Credentials, and a pop up will ask you if you want to remove all contents. Clicking OK will delete all stored certificates.

How to Add a Certificate for a Third-Party App

On the few occasions that an app fails 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 device Settings. That is where all the magic happens.
2. Once in settings, scroll down to Security. For some devices, you will see an option for Security and Location, click on it.
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3. In Security and Location, under device Admin, click on Encryption and Credentials.
4. In Encryption and Credentials, go to Install 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, select OK to 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 that certificate. If you do trust the app but want to show your device that you do, install the proof!