Security options grayed out

Question

I have my mobile phone (Samsung Galaxy S2) running on ICS. Recently I activated Microsoft Exchnage ActiveSync to connect to my corporate email. It disabled all the security options like 'Pattern Unlock'. I hated it, and removed my microsoft active exchange account from the phone, but these options are still disabled. How do I get it enabled?

Answer 1

As a last ditch effort, you could try this:

1. Use Titanium Backup to backup all your Apps + Data.
2. Reset the phone to factory defaults.
3. Restore all apps and data except for Activesync.

This will definitely fix your issues. Question is, "Is it worth the effort?"

Answer 2

Okay, stab in the dark, but try this:

From the home screen, press Menu ->Settings->Location & Security->Select Device Administrators and look for something related to the Exchange account, most likely Corporate Sync. You should be able to change settings/disable it from there.

I've never used an Exchange account, so I can't test this :/ But it looks from reading around (here) that this may be your problem, otherwise it may be forced Exchange settings as described on this technet forum.

Let us know if this works, or points you in a new direction!

Answer 3

Had issue that "None", "Slide" and "Face unlock" were all greyed out.

Went to Security->Clear Credentials and all options became available.

Answer 4

This is already answered, but here is an alternative that does not require you to remove whatever credential/configuration caused this in the the first place. After all, you needed the credential/configuration once and you will probably need it again.

This is probably caused by some configuration that installed a certificate on your device (such as a VPN profile, an exchange account, or secure wifi network). It could also could be caused by an app that has administrator privileges.

Here's the loophole: only the graphic interface for selecting these options is disabled. I was able to get around this using third-party apps. I used Tasker in combination with the free version of Secure Settings. In Tasker ... New Task -> Add Action -> Plugin -> Secure Settings -> Edit ... then choose your options. To make it take effect immediately, just press 'Run' when you get back to the Task Edit screen (looks like a 'play' button).

Please note:

• This requires your phone to be rooted.
• Encrypting your phone or SD card disables less secure lock options. I am unsure what effect the method described herein will have in those cases.

• This method retains the configuration needed access the culprit account/service, but circumvents its security requirements. To use someone else words:

  There is a specific reason why an administrator configures such a policy, and I would recommend it to everyone. If your phone gets stolen nobody will be able to read your company's email, which is a secret. Lots of industrial accidents occurred because employees lost their mobile devices (laptops included) with sensitive data not protected enough.

  I suggest associating the Tasker task with a Tasker profile that is only activated in certain situations (for instance, when you are at home).