If you have a Samsung smartphone, you probably might have come across the software KLMS agent in the device admin area. You’re not sure if it’s security software, virus, or spyware.
Well, in this article, I’ll explain everything about KLMS Agent, whether it’s safe or not, should you use it or not, and if you don’t want to use it then how you can remove it.
What is KLMS Agent?
KLMS Agent is a pre-installed software associated with Samsung’s proprietary security framework KNOX. KLMS Agent only allows users with eligible authorized access to use the system. It blocks system access for all unauthorized users.
KLMS agent is only available in Samsung devices using the Android Operating System. All the data from the KLMS Agent is stored in an Android com file com.samsung.klmsagent.
KNOX is a security software designed for organizations to manage their work devices like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, etc., and keep them secure. KNOX devices are built using a special hardware chip that isolates, encrypts, and secures data like passwords, credit card transactions, confidential work data, etc.
KNOX provides both hardware and software capabilities in work devices similar to Android Enterprise. It allows users to use both a personal profile and work profile on the same device.
The software capabilities of KNOX include Real-Time Kernel Protection, Security Enhancements for Android, Secure Boot, One Time Password(OTP), SIM PIM Management, Over-The-Air Firmware updates, and Virtual Private Network(VPN).
Is KLMS Agent a Virus?
No, KLMS Agent is not a Virus. It is a part of Samsung’s security framework KNOX. It is a very useful application that stores the user’s confidential work-related data securely and prevents access to unauthorized users.
Is KLMS Agent a Spyware?
No, KLMS Agent is not Spyware and it doesn’t spy on your data. It is completely safe to use as it provides data security. However, most people consider it as Bloatware because it runs in the background consuming valuable system resources like CPU and RAM.
What is KLMS Agent doing on my phone?
A lot of users are concerned about what this KMLS agent is doing on their phones even though they haven’t installed it manually. There is nothing to worry about because the KLMS agent comes pre-installed on Samsung devices as security software that ensures data protection and security.
Does KLMS Agent (KNOX) Use System Resources?
The KNOX App is a system app that runs in the background so it definitely consumes system resources like CPU and RAM. The KNOX app is also said to cause battery draining issues on Samsung devices that don’t have a powerful battery.
Most Samsung users are concerned about the system resources that the KNOX app uses which is why they want to remove it from them their device. Removing the KNOX app doesn’t cause any harm to your device however, it might cause some KNOX features to stop working.
Another thing to keep in mind is that KNOX is not the only system app in Samsung that runs in the background and consumes system resources. There are a lot of unwanted system apps on Samsung devices that consume resources and are considered as Bloatware.
Can You Remove KLMS Agent?
Yes, you can remove KLMS Agent from your Samsung device both with and without gaining Root Access. However, as I mentioned earlier, KLMS Agent is a system app so if you disable or uninstall it then some KNOX features may stop working.
How to Uninstall KLMS Agent (KNOX)?
You can remove KLMS Agent by uninstalling the KNOX app in two ways. The first way is without gaining Root Access and the second way is by gaining Root Access. Both methods are mentioned step-by-step below.
How To Uninstall KLMS Agent (KNOX) without Root Access
Here are the steps to uninstall the KLMS agent and KNOX without gaining root access to your Samsung smartphone.
Step 1 – Open the “Knox” app on your Samsung device and tap on “Settings.”
Step 2 – Go to the “Knox Settings” section.
Step 3 – Tap on the “Uninstall Knox” option.
Step 4 – You will get a popup asking you to back up Knox data. Tap on “Backup Now” and then tap on “OK.”
That’s all. You have successfully uninstalled KLMS Agent and Knox app from your Samsung device without gaining Root Access to your device.
How To Uninstall KLMS Agent (KNOX) With Root Access
Here are the steps to uninstall the KLMS agent and KNOX app by gaining root access to your Samsung smartphone.
Step 1 – Download and install the Titanium Backup app from Google Play Store.
Step 2 – Launch the Titanium Backup app.
Step 3 – Type “Knox” in the search bar and you’ll get the list of all related Knox apps.
Step 4 – Select and remove all the apps mentioned below.
- KNOX
- KNOX Store
- KLMS Agent
- Knox Notification Manager
- com.sec.knox.eventsmanager
- com.sec.enterprise.knox.attestation
After the uninstallation process is complete, just reboot your device, and you will find that all the KNOX app features including KLMS Agent are removed from your Samsung device.
How to Root Your Android Device?
If you run into any problems while uninstalling KLMS Agent from your device without gaining Root Access, you should root your device to get more control and easily uninstall any system app.
Most Android devices can be rooted easily with an Android app while some new generation Android devices don’t allow it. In that case, you’ll need to root your devices using a computer running the Windows Operating System.
I’ll recommend you first try rooting your device without a computer using an Android app like Kingo Root. If it doesn’t work then you can root your device by connecting it to a Windows computer and using an app like Dr.Fone or Kingo Root PC.
How to Root an Android device without using a PC
Here are the steps involved in rooting your Android device using an Android app without having to use a Windows PC.
Step 1 – Download and install the Kingo Root app on your Android device.
Step 2 – Launch the app and tap on the “OneClickRoot” button.
Step 3 – The rooting process will start. You will need to wait for the rooting process to complete.
If rooting fails, then you will have to root your Android device by connecting it to a Windows computer using the Dr.Fone software or the Kingo Root PC software.
How To Root An Android Device using A PC
Here are the steps involved in rooting your Android device using a Windows PC.
Step 1 – In your Android device, Go to Settings > System > About phone.
Step 2 – Tap on the “Build number” option 7 times to activate “Developer Options.”
Step 3 – Once Developer Options is activated, go back to the previous menu and tap on “Developer Options.”
Step 4 – Turn on “USB debugging” and “OEM unlocking.”
Step 5 – Download and install the Dr.Fone software on your Windows PC.
Step 6 – Connect your Android device to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 7 – Launch the Dr.Fone software and click on the Start button.
Step 8 – Wait for the software to detect your phone and find a proper way to root your phone.
Step 9 – Once Dr.Fone is ready to root your Android phone, click on the “Root Now” button to begin rooting your phone.
Step 10 – After your device is successfully rooted, you can disconnect it from the PC
Features of KNOX app (KLMS Agent) Android
The KNOX app has several hardware and software features which are mentioned below.
Data Storage Protection
Devices with KNOX use a special hardware chip that isolates, encrypts, and secures data like passwords, credit card transactions, confidential work data, etc.
Network Protection
KNOX provides network encryption that keeps your device safe while using networking features like WiFi, Cellular Network, and Bluetooth. KNOX also has a VPN feature that protects your device when it’s connected to the Internet.
Automated App Deployment
KNOX prevents users with authorized access from uninstalling apps and changing their icons and names.
Specialized User Experience
KNOX allows authorized users to hide notifications, extend screen timeout, prevent sleep mode when the device is plugged in, easy switching between personal and business applications, protection from malicious code, Single Sign-On, One Time Password(OTP), SIM PIM Management, and Over-The-Air Firmware updates.
Block/allow listing
The KNOX app allows users to access limited URLs and install apps only from known and trusted sources. It blocks access to unknown URLs and prevents the installation of apps from unknown sources.
Device Feature Restriction
The KNOX app has several device feature restrictions in place to protect your device which are mentioned below.
- Blocks app downloads from unknown sources.
- Prevents users from using screen capture apps.
- Prevents users from using camera and microphone.
- Allows disabling connectivity settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, GPS.
- Allows disabling software update, device power off, factory reset, safe mode, etc.
- Allows disabling biometric authentication features like the fingerprint scanner and iris scanner.
Conclusion
KLMS Agent is a part of Samsung’s security framework that protects your device and keeps your files secure. It is a part of the KNOX app that comes pre-installed and runs in the background. It is not a Virus or Spyware. You can easily remove KLMS Agent with or without gaining Root access to your device.
