Troubleshoot: Uninstall Android Apps

When a user tries to uninstall an application on an Android device enrolled in a dedicated (fully managed) profile, they may see an error: “This action is disabled.”

This is expected behavior. Devices in dedicated mode are subject to strict EMM policies that prevent users from removing applications. These restrictions ensure the device remains secure and functional for its intended purpose, such as a kiosk or other business-specific operations.

Symptoms

• An error message appears: “This action is disabled” (or a similar prompt).
• The user cannot uninstall any applications from the device.
• The device is company-owned and enrolled in JumpCloud as a Fully Managed or Dedicated device.

Cause

JumpCloud's Android EMM policies block users from uninstalling apps to maintain control over the device and ensure compliance. This is often because the application was deployed using the Force Install setting in the JumpCloud Admin Portal. Per the policy, users are not permitted to remove a force-installed app.

The device may also have an Android Application-based Restrictions Policy applied. See Create an Android Application-based Restrictions Policy to learn more.

Resolution

Only an administrator can remove the application through the JumpCloud Admin Portal.

To remove a force-installed app from a device:

1. Log in to the JumpCloud Admin Portal.
2. Go to DEVICE MANAGEMENT > Software Management, then select the Google tab.
3. Select the application you want to remove.
4. In the app's panel, review the Install Mode. If it is set to Force Install, users are correctly blocked from uninstalling it.
5. To remove the app from the device, you have two options:
   • Uninstall the app: Change the Application Install Mode to Block. This will trigger an uninstall command on all assigned devices.
   • Unassign the app: Select the Device Groups or Devices tab and un-select the device or group. This will remove the app policy, and the app will be uninstalled.
6. Click Save.

If the device no longer needs to be in a dedicated, locked-down mode, an administrator can also un-enroll the device from EMM. This will remove all restrictions and policies.