How to Unroot Your Android Device?

Rooting an Android device unlocks endless possibilities. But, it also removes all the locks and securities that protected your Android OS from threats and malware. The security features, which made it difficult for you to unlock certain functions and features, become non-existent, enabling you to push your Android’s limits to your liking.

However, in some cases, you might need to re-lock that freedom again. For instance, to download official updates, fix a buggy app, install banking apps or make transactions, or use the warranty period to send your phone for service. That’s when “unrooting” your Android phone becomes necessary. Read this blog to find practical methods to unroot an Android phone.

Why you Might Need to Unroot your Android Device?

Here are a few common reasons that explain why users need to unroot their Android device:

• Rooted Android devices are not compatible for official OS and security updates.
• Device manufacturers also void warranties for rooted phones
• Rooting can expose the device to malwares and cyber threats
• Rooting can expose your system files, hence, if you are giving away your device, unroot it immediately.

What You Should Do Before Unrooting your Android Device?

Going ahead with unrooting your Android phone? If yes, then there are some last minute preparations you must do.

• The first thing to do is backup every file that’s important. There are various reliable ways to backup your Android phone.
• Keep your phone at least 70% charged to avoid shutdowns.
• Also, it’s important that you remember your Google and lock-screen passwords, you will require them later.
• Disable all unnecessary features and apps that you installed while rooting your Android phone, because these apps could interfere during unrooting.

Ways to Unroot your Android Device

Here are various tried and tested methods to unroot your rooted Android phone:

1. Using Root Manager Apps (Magisk Manager, KingRoot, SuperSU, etc.)

If you rooted your phone through one of these apps, lucky you, because they can also unroot the Android device for you.

• Open the root manager app (For e.g., Magisk Manager or SuperSU).
• Click on the Uninstall button and then hit Complete Uninstall (Magisk) or hit the Full Unroot (SuperSU).

• The root manager app will download an uninstaller file and install it on your Android phone.
• Confirm and wait for the process to finish.
• Reboot your phone once the root manager app gets uninstalled.

2. Flashing Device Firmware

Flashing basically reinstalls the stock firmware and restores your phone to factory condition, and in most cases it does erase user data. Data is preserved only when using non-wipe firmware packages when you are flashing specific partitions (For e.g., Boot, Recovery, System, etc.). It requires a compatible flashing tool along with the official firmware for your exact Android phone model.

If you are flashing the firmware or say re-installing the OS, then double-check your manufacturer phone model, and other details carefully before you run the flash tool. There have been reports where users have bricked their Android phone, while accidentally installing a wrong firmware.

3. Using a File Explorer with Root Access

Sounds “old school”? But this method still works on some older Android versions (pre-Android 10). It involves deleting the root binaries manually.

• Install a file explorer that supports root (like Root Explorer or Solid Explorer)
• Grant it superuser access
• Search for these folders:  /system/bin/ , /system/xbin/ , /system/app/
• Find and delete these files if they exist:
  su
  busybox
  Superuser.apk
• Once you are done deleting, reboot your device.

Modern Android phones use read-only system partitions, so this method may no longer work. But for older devices, it’s an easy fix. Be careful, because deleting the wrong file could cause boot issues in the device.

4. Factory Reset

Sometimes, running a factory reset may also unroot your Android device, but it carries the risk of deleting each and every file on your device.

1. Go to Settings > Reset > Factory Reset.
2. Tap Erase all data and settings.
3. Confirm and wait for the factory reset to complete.

Before going for a factory reset, always back up your device. It is not the most recommended method for unrooting your Android device, but better than flashing for users who don’t want to risk technicality.

5. Service Center Fixes

If the above methods of unrooting don’t work and your Android device is bricked, the safest way to get this done is by visiting an authorized service center. Android device technicians can reflash the official firmware, re-lock the bootloader, and completely remove hidden root files and directory. However, there are reports of service centers refusing to fix a rooted Android device, but you can give it a try or visit a multi brand service center, they will surely fix.

Recover Lost Files from Your Android Phone without Root!

Most instances of rooting Android phone is linked with data recovery. Yes, most of us who root the Android phone are of the view that rooting helps them recover deleted files and data. This is true but not necessary, because there are Android data recovery tool like Stellar Data Recovery for Android, which works without root.

Yes, you heard that right. Stellar Data Recovery for Android tool does not require any root permissions or special access to recover lost or deleted photos, videos, call logs, contacts and any other files from Android device. A 4-step magical tool that goes like plug, scan, preview and save. You can easily recover deleted Android files without root, and restore the files within minutes.

Conclusion

Unrooting isn’t easy but it’s not impossible either. If you are an Android developer, even a beginner or a techie, you can easily root and then unroot the device, but for newbie and normal users, you need to be extra careful. If you rooted your Android device for some real reasons or by mistake, you can approach the above guide to unroot your device. Keep in mind that rooting is risky and seriously harmful to the device. If you have any questions and are stuck somewhere, reach out in the comments sections, I’ll be there to help.