Table of Contents
Prerequisites
Before jumping into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything in order:
- Backup Your Data: Though these methods should keep your data safe, it’s always a good idea to back up your phone. You can use Google Backup or any third-party backup app to make sure everything important is saved.
- Enable USB Debugging: Some of these methods require USB Debugging to be turned on. Head to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Options. Then, navigate to Settings > Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging.
- Check Compatibility: The methods in this guide generally work for most Android devices, but some Samsung Galaxy models have an extra step called KNOX, which monitors root activity.
Using SuperSU to Unroot Android
If you’ve rooted your device using SuperSU, the good news is that it’s just as easy to unroot it.
Open SuperSU
First, Download SuperSU and open the SuperSU app from your app list.
Head to Settings
Inside the app, navigate to the Settings tab and scroll down until you find the Cleanup section.
Choose Full Unroot
Click on Full Unroot, and a message will pop up explaining what’s going to happen. Simply hit Continue, and SuperSU will do the rest. Once the process is complete, your phone will reboot, and root access will be removed.
Using Magisk to Unroot Android
If Magisk was your choice for rooting, unrooting with it is just as simple.
Open Magisk Manager
Download Magisk Uninstaller and then open the Magisk Manager app from your phone.
Tap on Uninstall
In the app, you’ll see an option called Uninstall Magisk. Click on it, then choose Complete Uninstall. Magisk will take care of everything and restart your phone.
Reinstall Stock Firmware to Unroot
Reinstalling the original software that came with your phone is a sure way to remove root access, especially if you’ve installed any custom software.
Find Stock Firmware
You’ll need to download the specific firmware for your device. Most manufacturers have these available on their support websites, or you can check out forums like XDA Developers. Samsung users can use Sammobile for this.
Boot into Download Mode
After downloading the firmware, boot into download mode. On Samsung, press and hold Volume Down + Home + Power together. Other devices may have different combinations, so check what works for your model.
Flash the Firmware
Use a tool like Odin (for Samsung) or the appropriate software for your device. Load the firmware and flash it onto your phone. After it’s done, your device will reboot without root.
Unroot Android with a File Manager
If you want to manually unroot your device, you can remove the root files using a file manager app like ES File Explorer or Root Browser.
Install a File Manager
Download ES File Explorer or Root Browser from the Play Store.
Find and Delete Root Files
Download ES File Explorer. Using the file manager, go to /system/bin and /system/xbin. Look for files named su and busybox and delete them. Then, go to /system/app and delete the superuser.apk file.
Restart Your Device
Once the files are deleted, restart your phone, and it will boot up without root access.
Unroot with Universal Unroot App
For a quick, one-click solution, Universal Unroot can get the job done. However, it doesn’t work for all devices, especially not for Samsung Galaxy models with KNOX.
Download Universal Unroot
Get the Universal Unroot app from the Play Store.
Run the Unroot Process
Once installed, open the app and click the Unroot button. The app will handle everything for you, and your phone will reboot without root.
So, there you have it! Whether you used SuperSU, Magisk, or prefer a manual method, unrooting doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be back to using your phone without root access in no time.