How to Unroot Your Android Device: A Comprehensive Guide
Unrooting your Android device is the process of reversing the root access privileges that were previously granted. Rooting, while offering extensive control and customization options, can also void your warranty, expose your device to security risks, and prevent you from receiving official over-the-air (OTA) updates. Therefore, there might come a time when you need to unroot your Android device.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to unroot your Android phone or tablet, providing detailed steps and considerations for each approach. Before proceeding, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved and back up your important data.
## Why Unroot Your Android Device?
There are several compelling reasons why you might want to unroot your Android device:
* **Warranty Restoration:** Rooting often voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Unrooting can potentially restore the warranty, allowing you to claim repairs or replacements if needed.
* **Receiving Official Updates:** Rooted devices often cannot receive official OTA updates directly from the manufacturer. Unrooting allows you to install these updates, which typically include bug fixes, security patches, and new features.
* **Security:** Root access can increase your device’s vulnerability to malware and security exploits. Unrooting reduces this risk by restoring the standard security settings.
* **Reselling or Trading-in:** If you plan to sell or trade in your device, unrooting it is essential to restore it to its original state and protect your personal data.
* **Performance Issues:** In some cases, rooting and custom ROMs can lead to performance issues or instability. Unrooting can sometimes resolve these problems.
## Before You Begin: Essential Preparations
Before you start the unrooting process, it’s crucial to take the following precautions:
* **Back Up Your Data:** This is the most critical step. Unrooting can potentially wipe your device’s data, so back up everything important, including contacts, photos, videos, documents, and app data. You can use various methods for backing up your data:
* **Google Account:** Sync your data with your Google account. This will back up contacts, calendar events, Gmail, and other Google services data.
* **Cloud Storage:** Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to back up your files and documents.
* **Local Backup:** Connect your device to your computer and manually copy your files to a safe location. You can also use backup software specifically designed for Android devices.
* **Third-Party Backup Apps:** Several third-party apps on the Google Play Store can help you back up your entire device, including apps, settings, and data. Examples include Titanium Backup (requires root access), Helium App Sync and Backup, and Migrate.
* **Charge Your Battery:** Ensure your device has at least 50% battery charge to prevent interruptions during the unrooting process.
* **Download Necessary Files:** Depending on the unrooting method you choose, you might need to download specific files, such as the stock firmware or a factory reset image for your device. Make sure you download these files from a trusted source.
* **Understand the Risks:** Be aware that unrooting can sometimes result in a bricked device, especially if the process is interrupted or performed incorrectly. Follow the instructions carefully and proceed at your own risk.
## Methods to Unroot Your Android Device
There are several methods to unroot your Android device, depending on how it was rooted and the specific device model. Here are the most common approaches:
### 1. Using the “SuperSU” App (Simple Method)
If you rooted your device using SuperSU, unrooting is usually straightforward:
**Steps:**
1. **Open the SuperSU App:** Locate and open the SuperSU app on your device. It’s usually in the app drawer.
2. **Go to Settings:** Look for the settings or options menu within the SuperSU app. This is often represented by a gear icon or three dots in the corner of the screen.
3. **Select “Full Unroot”:** In the settings menu, find the option labeled “Full unroot,” “Remove root,” or something similar. The exact wording may vary depending on the SuperSU version.
4. **Confirm Unrooting:** Tap the “Full unroot” option and confirm your decision. SuperSU will ask you to confirm that you want to remove root access. Tap “Continue” or “Confirm.” Make sure to read the warnings before confirming.
5. **Reboot Your Device:** After the unrooting process is complete, SuperSU will prompt you to reboot your device. Tap “Reboot” to restart your device.
6. **Verify Unrooting:** After the reboot, check if your device is unrooted by downloading and running a root checker app from the Google Play Store. If the app indicates that your device is no longer rooted, the process was successful.
**Important Considerations:**
* This method only works if you used SuperSU to root your device.
* If you encounter any errors during the unrooting process, try again or explore other methods.
### 2. Flashing Stock Firmware (Comprehensive Method)
Flashing the stock firmware, also known as the original factory firmware, is a more comprehensive method that completely restores your device to its original state. This method is suitable for devices that were rooted using custom ROMs or other methods besides SuperSU.
**Steps:**
1. **Find the Correct Stock Firmware:** The most critical step is to find the correct stock firmware for your device model and carrier. Downloading the wrong firmware can brick your device. Here’s how to find the right firmware:
* **Identify Your Device Model and Carrier:** Go to your device’s settings menu and look for the “About phone” or “About device” section. Note the device model number and carrier (if applicable). For example, “Samsung Galaxy S21 (SM-G991U) – Verizon.”
* **Use Reliable Firmware Sources:** Download the firmware from a trusted source. Some popular sources include:
* **Sammobile:** For Samsung devices.
* **XDA Developers Forums:** A community forum where users often share firmware files.
* **Manufacturer’s Website:** Some manufacturers provide firmware downloads on their official websites.
* **Android File Host:** A repository for Android files, including firmware.
* **Verify the Firmware Version:** Make sure the firmware version matches your device model and carrier. The firmware file name usually contains this information.
2. **Download the Necessary Tools:** You’ll need specific tools to flash the firmware onto your device. The tools vary depending on the device manufacturer:
* **Samsung:** Odin Flash Tool
* **LG:** LG Flash Tool
* **OnePlus:** Fastboot
* **Google Pixel:** Fastboot
Download the correct tool from a trusted source.
3. **Install USB Drivers:** Install the correct USB drivers for your device on your computer. This allows your computer to communicate with your device in download mode. You can usually find the drivers on the manufacturer’s website.
4. **Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking:** On your Android device:
* Go to the settings menu and look for “About phone” or “About device.”
* Tap on the “Build number” seven times repeatedly to enable “Developer options.”
* Go back to the main settings menu, and you should see “Developer options” listed.
* Open “Developer options” and enable “USB debugging” and “OEM unlocking” (if available). OEM unlocking is critical; without it, the flashing process may fail or brick your device.
5. **Boot Your Device into Download Mode:** The process for booting into download mode varies depending on the device manufacturer. Here are some common methods:
* **Samsung:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Down + Bixby (if available) + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the download mode screen.
* **LG:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Up button while connecting your device to your computer via USB cable.
* **OnePlus:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the fastboot mode screen. Use `fastboot oem unlock` command in the command prompt/terminal (after installing ADB and Fastboot tools) to unlock the bootloader if needed.
* **Google Pixel:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the bootloader menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Recovery mode” and press the power button to select. Once you see the Android logo with an exclamation mark, press and hold the power button and then press the volume up button once to enter recovery. From there, navigate to “Apply update from ADB” using the volume keys and select it with the power button. Then use the `adb sideload
6. **Flash the Stock Firmware:**
* **Samsung (using Odin):**
* Open the Odin Flash Tool on your computer.
* Connect your device to your computer in download mode.
* Odin should recognize your device, and a COM port should be highlighted in the Odin window.
* Click the “AP” (or “PDA”) button and select the AP/PDA file from the downloaded firmware package.
* Click the “BL” button and select the BL file.
* Click the “CP” button and select the CP file.
* Click the “CSC” button and select the CSC file. **Note:** If you want to perform a clean install and wipe your data, select the CSC file. If you want to keep your data, select the HOME_CSC file. However, using the HOME_CSC file may not always result in a complete unrooting.
* Ensure that the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options are checked. Do **not** check “Re-Partition” unless you know what you are doing.
* Click the “Start” button to begin flashing the firmware.
* Wait for the flashing process to complete. Your device will reboot automatically when it’s finished.
* If the flashing process fails, try again or consult online resources for troubleshooting.
* **LG (using LG Flash Tool):**
* Open the LG Flash Tool on your computer.
* Select the correct COM port for your device.
* Load the KDZ firmware file.
* Select “Normal Flash” or “CSE Flash.” CSE Flash will wipe all your data, while Normal Flash will attempt to preserve your data (but may not always be successful in fully unrooting the device).
* Click “Start” to begin flashing the firmware.
* Wait for the flashing process to complete. Your device will reboot automatically when it’s finished.
* **OnePlus/Google Pixel (using Fastboot):**
* Extract the downloaded firmware package to a folder on your computer.
* Open a command prompt or terminal window in the folder where you extracted the firmware files.
* Connect your device to your computer in fastboot mode (as described above).
* Run the following commands in the command prompt/terminal (replace `
* `fastboot flash bootloader
* `fastboot reboot-bootloader`
* `fastboot flash radio
* `fastboot reboot-bootloader`
* `fastboot flash system
* `fastboot flash vendor
* `fastboot flash boot
* `fastboot erase cache`
* `fastboot erase userdata` (This command will wipe all your data. Omit it if you want to try to keep your data, but it may not result in a complete unrooting.)
* `fastboot reboot`
* Wait for the flashing process to complete. Your device will reboot automatically when it’s finished.
7. **Verify Unrooting:** After the device reboots, it should be running the stock firmware. You can verify that it’s unrooted by downloading and running a root checker app from the Google Play Store. Also, check for OTA updates. Your device should now be able to receive official updates.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Firmware Compatibility:** Make sure you download the correct firmware for your device model and carrier. Using the wrong firmware can brick your device.
* **Driver Installation:** Ensure you have installed the correct USB drivers for your device on your computer.
* **Battery Life:** Keep the battery charged during the process.
* **Patience:** The flashing process can take some time, so be patient and do not interrupt it.
* **Bricking Risk:** There’s always a risk of bricking your device during the flashing process. Proceed with caution and follow the instructions carefully.
### 3. Using a Factory Reset (Simplified Method, Data Loss Imminent)
A factory reset, also known as a hard reset, restores your device to its factory settings, effectively removing all user data, apps, and customizations, including root access. This method is simpler than flashing stock firmware but results in complete data loss, so ensure you have backed up everything beforehand.
**Steps:**
1. **Boot into Recovery Mode:** The process for booting into recovery mode varies depending on the device manufacturer. Here are some common methods:
* **Samsung:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Up + Power + Bixby (if available) buttons simultaneously until you see the recovery mode screen.
* **LG:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the LG logo. Release the Power button briefly and then press and hold it again until you see the recovery mode screen.
* **OnePlus/Google Pixel:** Power off your device. Then, press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the bootloader menu. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Recovery mode” and press the power button to select.
2. **Navigate to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”:** Use the volume buttons to navigate through the recovery mode menu and locate the “Wipe data/factory reset” option. The exact wording may vary depending on the device model and recovery image.
3. **Confirm Factory Reset:** Press the power button to select the “Wipe data/factory reset” option. You may be asked to confirm your decision. If prompted, select “Yes” to proceed with the factory reset.
4. **Wait for the Process to Complete:** The factory reset process will take a few minutes to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
5. **Reboot Your Device:** Once the factory reset is complete, select the “Reboot system now” option to restart your device.
6. **Verify Unrooting:** After the device reboots, it should be running the stock operating system. You can verify that it’s unrooted by downloading and running a root checker app from the Google Play Store.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Data Loss:** Performing a factory reset will erase all data on your device, so make sure you have backed up everything important beforehand.
* **Google Account:** You’ll need to sign in to your Google account after the factory reset to restore your data and apps that were synced with your account.
* **Clean Install:** A factory reset provides a clean installation of the operating system, which can improve performance and stability.
### 4. Using an OTA Update (If Available)
In some cases, installing an official OTA (Over-The-Air) update from the manufacturer can automatically unroot your device. This method only works if an update is available for your device and if the update process includes restoring the system to its original state.
**Steps:**
1. **Check for Updates:** Go to your device’s settings menu and look for the “Software update” or “System update” section. The exact location may vary depending on the device manufacturer.
2. **Download and Install the Update:** If an update is available, download and install it. The update process may take some time, so be patient and do not interrupt it.
3. **Verify Unrooting:** After the update is installed, check if your device is unrooted by downloading and running a root checker app from the Google Play Store.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Update Availability:** This method only works if an update is available for your device.
* **Partial Unrooting:** In some cases, an OTA update may not completely unroot your device. You may need to use other methods to fully remove root access.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
While unrooting is generally a straightforward process, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
* **Device Stuck in Bootloop:** If your device gets stuck in a bootloop after unrooting, try booting into recovery mode and performing a factory reset. If that doesn’t work, you may need to flash the stock firmware.
* **Device Not Recognized by Computer:** If your computer doesn’t recognize your device in download mode or fastboot mode, make sure you have installed the correct USB drivers. Also, try using a different USB cable or a different USB port on your computer.
* **Flashing Process Fails:** If the flashing process fails, check the following:
* Make sure you have downloaded the correct firmware for your device model and carrier.
* Verify that you have installed the correct USB drivers.
* Ensure that your device is in the correct mode (download mode or fastboot mode).
* Try using a different version of the flashing tool.
* **Root Checker Still Shows Root Access:** If a root checker app still shows that your device is rooted after unrooting, try performing a factory reset or flashing the stock firmware again.
## Conclusion
Unrooting your Android device can be necessary for various reasons, such as warranty restoration, receiving official updates, or improving security. By following the detailed steps and considerations outlined in this guide, you can successfully unroot your device and restore it to its original state. Remember to back up your data before proceeding, and always download firmware and tools from trusted sources. If you encounter any issues, consult online resources or seek help from experienced users. While the process carries some inherent risk, carefully following these instructions will maximize your chances of a successful unrooting experience.