Samsung Knox is the security platform built into modern Galaxy hardware and software. It is not one app you install; it is a collection of protections that run quietly behind Samsung features such as Secure Folder and work profiles.
These details apply to modern Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets running One UI.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you saw Knox in settings, Secure Folder, a work profile, or a warranty warning and want to know what it means.
What Knox Protects
- Secure Boot checks that official, unmodified Samsung software starts with the phone.
- Knox Vault isolates sensitive data such as PINs, passwords, and biometric information on supported devices.
- Real-time Kernel Protection watches the core system for unauthorized changes while the phone runs.
- Secure Folder uses Knox to create a locked, encrypted space for separate apps, files, and photos.
- Work profiles use Knox-related management tools to separate company apps and data from personal data.
Where You See Knox
- Security settings may list Knox version or warranty status.
- Secure Folder setup mentions that it is secured by Knox.
- Company-managed phones may use Knox Manage or another device management system.
- A Knox Warranty Void flag can appear after bootloader unlocking or custom software changes.
Knox Warranty Status
Normal phone use does not void Knox. Deliberately unlocking the bootloader or flashing custom recovery, root, or ROM software can trip the Knox counter from 0x0 to 0x1. On Samsung devices this flag is generally permanent, even if stock software is restored later.
Can You Turn Knox Off?
Core Knox protections are part of how the device starts and runs. You can choose whether to use Knox-powered features like Secure Folder, but you generally cannot disable Knox itself, and you usually would not want to.
Sources
- Samsung Knox: Knox platform overview
- Samsung Support: Knox security solution FAQ
- Samsung Support: Secure Folder on Galaxy devices