SOLVED! Clear Credentials Grayed Out

Usually, clearing credentials on Android is a linear process but if you notice “Clear credentials” grayed out on your device, Easy Mode must be enabled. To be able to clear credentials, you should make sure that  Easy Mode is disabled. Other solutions include checking out Device Administrator, booting into Safe Mode, wiping cache partition and performing a factory reset. Read to the end to learn how to clear credentials on your device at will. 

Triggers

Like everything else, the process of clearing credentials on Android could run into a number of issues. In the case of  “Clear credentials” grayed out, you should give these suspects some thought:

• Easy mode.
• Applications.
• Corruption. 

How To Deal With The Issue

Disable Easy Mode 

For your information, Easy Mode is designed for those who struggle to use the standard Android interface such as old people, young children, … Easy Mode features a simplified layout that eases navigation but it also renders some features unavailable including clear credentials. Because of that, once it comes to “Clear credentials” grayed out, the best solution is to disable Easy Mode. To do so, open Settings, hit Display and toggle off the Easy Mode switch. 

Check Out Device Administrator 

• Step 1: Open Settings, hit Security and tap Device Administrators.
• Step 2: Proceed to uncheck all the app checkboxes in sight. 
• Step 3: Restart your device.

Boot Into Safe Mode

• Step 1: Press and hold the Power button.
• Step 2: Press and hold Power off.
• Step 3: As soon as the Reboot into Safe Mode message appears, tap OK and wait as the device restarts. When the screen comes back on, you should see Safe Mode on the bottom left. Make your way to Settings > Security > (Other security settings) > Clear credentials. After you finish clearing the credentials, restart your device.   

Wipe Cache Partition 

• Step 1: Press and hold the Power button then tap Power Off.
• Step 2: Allow the device to shut down all the way. 
• Step 3: Press and hold Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time (Power, Volume Up and Home buttons for Samsung devices) then let go of them the moment your device vibrates. 
• Step 4: (If your phone is a Samsung model, skip to the next step) As soon as the Start screen appears, use the Volume buttons to bring up Recovery Mode and press the Power button. If you see No command, press and hold the Power button then hit the Volume Up button. 
• Step 5: In Recovery Mode, use Volume Up/Down buttons to navigate to wipe cache partition then press the Power button. Confirm your decision if prompted. Last but not least, navigate to the Reboot system now using Volume Up/Down buttons and press the Power button.

Perform A Factory Reset

If none of the above works, your last resort is to perform a factory reset. Remember to back up your device in advance so you don’t lose important data. 

• Step 1: Press and hold the Power button then tap Power Off.
• Step 2: Allow the device to shut down all the way. 
• Step 3: Press and hold Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time (Power, Volume Up and Home buttons for Samsung devices) then let go of them the moment your device vibrates. 
• Step 4: (If your phone is a Samsung model, skip to the next step) As soon as the Start screen appears, use the Volume buttons to bring up Recovery Mode and press the Power button. If you see No command, press and hold the Power button then hit the Volume Up button. 
• Step 5: In Recovery Mode, use Volume Up/Down buttons to navigate to wipe data/factory reset then press the Power button. Confirm your decision if prompted. 

What Is The Purpose Of Credentials?

Generally speaking, devices rely on credentials to keep private data like usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. Credentials are encrypted and kept in a safe space on the phone to prevent unwanted tampering.

Is It A Good Idea To Clear Credentials?

For the sake of security and privacy, it is wise to clear credentials when you no longer need them. The process is quite simple: all you have to do is to hit Clear credentials in Security of Settings. 

What Are Trusted Credentials?

A collection of credentials that the Android application trusts are referred to as trusted credentials. Such credentials include third-party certificates as well as certificates issued by reputable Certificate Authorities. The Android platform makes use of trusted credentials to confirm the legitimacy of apps and their creators. You could see the list of trusted credentials on your device by going to Settings > Security > > (Other security settings) > Encryption credentials > Trusted credentials.