Getting root access on Android opens up wide opportunities for customizing the system, but users are often faced with the need to remove them. The reasons may vary: from problems with banking applications to preparing the device for sale. However, simply deleting a root application (for example, Magisk or SuperSU) is not always enough - traces of modifications remain in system files, which can lead to crashes or blocking of the gadget.

In this article we will look into 5 working methods complete removal of root access, including software methods and hard reset. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader (bootloader) and models Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, where the process has specifics. You will also learn how to check whether superuser rights have really been removed, and what to do if, after removing root, the phone stops booting.

Why you need to remove root access correctly

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to uninstall Magisk Manager or SuperSU via standard settings. In fact, this only removes the management interface, while the changes themselves in the system partition (/system, /vendor) remain. Consequences of incomplete removal:

  • 🚫 Blocking banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff, Google Pay) due to detection of a modified environment.
  • 🔄 Inability to install OTA updates —the system detects changes and refuses to update.
  • 🛠️ Problems during operation some functions (for example Widevine L1 for watching HD content on Netflix).
  • 📱 Problems during sale - the new owner may encounter errors during the reset.

On devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after use fastboot oem unlock), even after removing root, traces remain in the partition boot or recovery. This may lead to denial of warranty service.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (series Galaxy S/A 2020+ years) and Google Pixel incorrect root removal may activate the flag KNOX 0x1 or TAMPERED, which forever voids the device's warranty and useability Samsung Pay.

Method 1: Removing root via Magisk (the safest method)

If you got root using Magisk (the most popular method in 2023–2026 years), then it is better to delete it through the same application. This method saves data and does not require resetting the settings.

Instructions:

  1. Open Magisk Manager (if deleted, download the latest version from official GitHub).
  2. Go to section Settings (⚙️) → Delete Magisk.
  3. Select Full removal (Complete Uninstall) and confirm.
  4. After reboot, check root status through the app Root Checker.

If Magisk Manager does not start:

  • 📱 Install the APK file again (for example, Magisk-v26.4.apk).
  • 🔧 Manually delete the files via TWRP (instructions in the next section).

☑️ Preparing to remove Magisk

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (Android 10+) after uninstalling Magisk, flashing may be required boot.img through fastboot. Otherwise the system will boot into bootloop.

Method 2: Removal via TWRP (for experienced users)

If Magisk or SuperSU were installed via custom recovery (TWRP), then it is more reliable to delete them via This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Boot into TWRP (usually by pressing Power + Volume Up).
  2. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
  3. Delete files:
    • /system/bin/su
    • /system/xbin/su
    • /system/app/SuperSU (if there was one)
    • /system/priv-app/SuperSU
  • Return to the main menu and select Wipe → Format Data (optional if you need to clear traces).
  • Reboot.

    • For complete cleaning, it is also recommended to flash the original boot.img:

    fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img

    fastboot reboot

    Device model Section for firmware Fastboot command
    Samsung Galaxy boot i recovery fastboot flash boot boot.img
    fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
    Xiaomi Redmi/POCO boot + dtbo (for new models) fastboot flash boot boot.img
    fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img
    Google Pixel boot + vendor_boot fastboot flash boot boot.img
    fastboot flash vendor_boot vendor_boot.img
    What to do if TWRP does not see system files?

    If the File Manager in TWRP does not display the /system folders, then you have read-only mounted. To fix it, run the command in the TWRP terminal: 

    mount -o rw,remount /system

    After this, the files will become available for deletion.

    Method 3: Complete reset (Hard Reset)

    If the previous methods did not work or you are not sure of your actions, the most radical method is hard reset (Hard Reset). It deletes all data, including traces of root, but requires a backup.

    How to do:

    1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
    2. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
    3. Confirm the action (entering may be required PIN code).

      4. For devices with custom recovery:

      • 🔄 Boot into TWRP.
      • 🧹 Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
      • 📋 Check the boxes: Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage.
      • 🔥 Swipe Swipe to Wipe.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor) after the reset, you may need to re-unlock the bootloader through official tools (for example, without this phone). will not boot. Huawei eRecovery). Without this, the phone will not boot.
    📊 Which method of removing root have you tried?
    Via Magisk
    Via TWRP
    Reset settings
    Another method
    Haven't tried it yet

    Method 4: Removing SuperSU (for old devices)

    If you used SuperSU (popular until 2019), then the removal process is different. This method is relevant for devices on Android 7–9.

    Instructions:

    1. Open SuperSU and go to Settings.
    2. Select Full root removal (Full unroot).
    3. Confirm and wait for the reboot.
    4. Delete the APK file SuperSU through the settings.

    If the application does not start:

    • 📂 Delete the files manually through Root Explorer or TWRP:
      • /system/bin/.ext/.su
      • /system/etc/init.d/99SuperSUDaemon
    • 🔄 Reflash the original boot.img (see Method 2).
    💡

    After removing SuperSU, check for the presence of the file /system/.supersu —it also needs to be deleted, otherwise some applications (for example, Pokémon GO) will detect root.

    Method 5: Flashing stock firmware (100% cleaning)

    The most reliable, but also the most time-consuming method is flashing the original firmware via Odin (for Samsung), Mi Flash Tool (for Xiaomi) or fastboot. This completely erases all modifications, including traces of root.

    General algorithm:

    1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the official website:
  • Unzip the firmware and prepare the files (AP, BL, CP, CSC for Odin; flash-all.bat for fastboot).
  • Flash through the appropriate tool:
    • For Samsung: Odin3 v3.14.4 (flag Auto Reboot must be enabled).
    • For Xiaomi: Mi Flash Tool in mode Clean All.
    • For Pixel: flash-all.bat (unlock first bootloader).

    After flashing:

    • 🔒 The bootloader will be automatically locked (on Samsung i Pixel).
    • 📱 The device will be like new, with all factory settings.
    • 🔄 The first boot may take 10–15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!
    ⚠️ Attention: Flashing non-original firmware (for example, from third party sites) may lead to k hard brick. Always check the MD5 hash of downloaded files!
    💡

    Flashing stock firmware is the only way to return the warranty on devices with the KNOX 0x1 (Samsung) or TAMPERED (Pixel) flag.

    How to check that root has been completely removed

    Even after removing root traces may remain in system logs or partitions. To make sure the device is clean, perform the following checks:

    1. Applications for verification:
      • 📱 Root Checker (should show Root access is not properly installed).
      • 🛡️ SafetyNet Test (must pass ctsProfile: true).
  • Manual file check: 
    adb shell ls -la /system/bin/su

    adb shell ls -la /system/xbin/su

    (if files exist - root is not deleted).

  • Checking the bootloader: 
    fastboot getvar all

    Look for the lines:

    • unlocked: yes → bootloader is unlocked.
    • tampered: true → device is modified.

    If SafetyNet fails:

    • 🔧 Install the module MagiskHide Props Config (if you still have Magisk) or flash the stock firmware.
    • 📱 On Samsung you may need to reset the flag KNOX via a service center (not always possible).

    What to do if after unrooting the phone does not turn on

    If the device is stuck on the logo (bootloop) or does not respond to buttons, try the following steps:

    1. Hard reboot:
      • 🔄 Press Power + Volume Down for 10-15 seconds.
      • 📱 On Samsung the combination may be required Power + Volume Down + Bixby.
    2. Recovery via TWRP:
      • 🔧 Flash boot.img from stock firmware.
      • 🧹 Run Wipe → Format Data (will delete all data!).
  • Firmware via EDL mode (for qualified users):
    • 🔌 Connect the phone to the PC in Emergency Download Mode mode (usually by pressing Volume Up + Volume Down + USB).
    • 🖥️ Use QFil (for Qualcomm) or SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek).

    If all else fails:

    • 🛠️ Contact the service center with a request to flash the device via JTAG or ISP.
    • 📞 For Samsung you can try the official tool Smart Switch Emergency Recovery.
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with a chipset Mediatek (many models Xiaomi Redmi, Realme), incorrect firmware via SP Flash Tool can lead to loss of IMEI. Always make a backup copy. data-i="240">FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting root NVRAM!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about root removal

    Is it possible to delete root without losing data?

    Yes, if you use Magisk (Method 1) or manually deleting files via TWRP (Method 2). 100% cleaning is recommended to reset the settings or flash the stock firmware.

    Why do banking applications still not work after removing root?

    The reasons may be the following:

    • 🔍 There are traces left in /system (check through Root Checker).
    • 🛡️ Does not pass SafetyNet (use MagiskHide Props Config or flash the stock).
    • 📱 The bootloader remains unlocked (you need to block it through fastboot oem lock, but this may lead to a reset!).
    How to remove root on Samsung with KNOX 0x1?

    The flag KNOX 0x1 is reset only by firmware original firmware via Odin s mark Re-Partition. However, even after this the warranty is not restored, and Samsung Pay and Secure Folder will not work.

    Is it possible to remove root on a locked device? bootloader?

    No. If the bootloader is locked and root was obtained through exploits (for example, DirtyCOW on old Androids), then you can only remove it by resetting or flashing the bootloader. In this case, unlocking the bootloader will lead to a complete reset.

    What to do if the root is lost after removal. IMEI?

    This is a typical problem for devices with Mediatek. You can restore IMEI:

    1. Through the engineering menu: enter ##3646633## → Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information → enter AT commands to restore.
    2. Via Maui META or SN Writer Tool (requires a backup copy NVRAM).

    If there is no backup copy, contact the service center.