Getting root access on Android opens up endless possibilities for customization, but sooner or later there is a need to return the device to its original state. The reasons are different: from problems with banking applications to preparations for selling a smartphone. However removing root the process is no less important than receiving it. Errors here can lead to loss of warranty, system failures, or even bricking of the device.

In this article we will look at all the current methods for removing root access, including manual methods through Magisk i SuperSU, full reset to factory settings, as well as restoration of the original firmware. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices Samsung, Xiaomi and other popular brands, where the process may differ. If you have never encountered firmware and ADB-commands, don’t worry: we will give step-by-step guide even for beginners.

Before you start, check whether your device really has root access. To do this, install the application Root Checker from Google Play. If the test shows that you have superuser rights, we proceed to removal. And remember: some methods require an unlocked bootloader, which automatically resets all data!

📊 Why are you removing root access?
I'm preparing a phone for sale
I need to use banking applications
The device has become glitchy
I want to return the guarantee
Other

1. Preparing to remove root: what you need to do BEFORE you start

Removing root access is an intervention in system files, so you can’t do without preparation. First and most important: create a backup copy of all data. Even if you plan to use a “soft” removal method (for example, via Magisk), there is always a risk of failure. Suitable for backup:

  • 📁 Google Account (contacts, photos, some settings)
  • 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires root, but saves applications with data)
  • 💾 ADB Backup (command line, saves almost everything except some system files)
  • ☁️ Cloud services like Dropbox or OneDrive for manually copying files

Second: check the status of the bootloader. On most devices (except Google Pixel and some models OnePlus), an unlocked bootloader causes data to be reset whenever the firmware is changed. You can find out its status with the command:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot oem device-info

Look for lines Device unlocked: true or Bootloader unlock allowed: yes. If the bootloader is locked, but root is there, most likely a non-unlocking method was used (for example, temporary root through exploits). In this case, only software removal via Magisk or SuperSU.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Samsung s Knox (all flagships after 2017) is suitable, any manipulation with the root or bootloader will permanently trigger the trigger Knox 0x1. This means you will lose your hardware warranty, even if you return the stock firmware. Check the status Knox in download mode (Download Mode) - if it is already 0x1, further actions will not worsen the situation.

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

Magisk is the most popular tool for obtaining root access without changing the system partition (systemless root). It can also be used to completely remove root. This method is suitable for 90% of modern devices and does not require resetting data.

Instructions:

  1. Open the application Magisk Manager (if it is not there, download the latest version from official GitHub).
  2. Go to section Settings (gear in the upper right corner).
  3. Scroll down and click Full removal (Complete Uninstall).
  4. Confirm the action and wait until the reboot.

After the reboot, check the root status via Root Checker. If superuser rights have disappeared, but traces of modifications remain (for example, banking applications do not work), perform additional cleaning:

adb shell

su


rm -rf /data/adb/magisk


rm -rf /data/adb/ksu


rm -rf /data/adb/post-fs-data.d


rm -rf /data/adb/service.d


reboot

Check the Magisk version (must be ≥26.0)

Disable everything Magisk modules before removal

Delete the /data/adb folder manually via ADB

Reinstall Magisk and repeat the removal

Reset the settings of the Magisk Manager application-->

If after removal Magisk The device boots into bootloop (cyclic reboot), which means that modules critical to the system have been installed. In this case:

  1. Boot into Recovery Mode (usually Power + Volume Up).
  2. Find and delete module files in /data/adb/modules.
  3. Run Wipe Cache/Dalvik.

3. Method 2: Removing root via SuperSU (for older devices)

SuperSU - outdated, but still relevant for devices on Android 7.0 and below, if you have this installed, the removal process is easier than in Magisk, but less so. reliable.

Steps:

  1. Open the application SuperSU.
  2. Go to section Settings → Full root removal (Full unroot).
  3. Confirm the action. The application will prompt you to restart the device.
  4. After rebooting, delete the application itself SuperSU.

If the option Full unroot is missing (or does not work), use an alternative method:

  1. Download the file unSU.zip from Chainfire.
  2. Reboot to Recovery Mode (for example, TWRP).
  3. Install unSU.zip as a regular zip file.
  4. Run Wipe Cache/Dalvik and reboot.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia or HTC) SuperSU could change the system partition /system. In this case, completely removing root will require flashing the stock firmware. Check the integrity of the system files via ADB: 
adb shell

mount -o remount,rw /system


ls -la /system/bin/su


ls -la /system/xbin/su

If files su are present, they must be deleted manually or flashed the original firmware.

4. Method 3: Full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If it is not important for you to save data, the most reliable way to remove root is to perform full reset (Hard Reset). This will return the device to its out-of-the-box state, but will delete all user files, applications and settings.

How to do Hard Reset:

  1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings.
  2. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
  3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code or graphic key).
  4. Wait for the process to complete (it will take 5-15 minutes).

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Realme), resetting through the settings menu does not always remove root. In this case, use Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off your device.
  2. Hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery (usually Power + Volume Up, but on Samsung this Power + Volume Up + Bixby).
  3. Select Wipe data/factory reset (control - volume buttons, confirmation - power button).
  4. After reset, select Reboot system now.
Brand Combination for Recovery Reset Features
Samsung Power + Volume Up + Bixby After the reset, you may need to flash it via Odinif the bootloader has been changed
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Power + Volume Up B MIUI Recovery select Wipe Data, then Wipe All Data
Google Pixel Power + Volume Down (then select Recovery Mode) After the reset, the bootloader is automatically locked (if it was unlocked)
OnePlus Power + Volume Down In OxygenOS Recovery select English → Wipe data and cache

Important: on devices with an unlocked bootloader Hard Reset does not always remove traces of root. (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may continue to Detect root due to changed system files. In this case, flashing will be required.

💡

If the device does not turn on after resetting, try charging it for 30+ minutes, then turn it on again. On some models Samsung after resetting, you need to connect to Smart Switch for initial setup.

5. Method 4: Flashing the stock firmware (for experienced users)

If the previous methods did not work (or you want to return the device to the factory-like state), the only reliable way is flash the original firmware. This will remove all traces of root, including changes to the bootloader and system partition. The process differs for different brands, but the general scheme is the same:

Step 1: Download the official firmware for your model. Sources:

Step 2: Install the necessary tools:

Step 3: Flash the firmware Example. for Samsung via Odin:

  1. Unpack the firmware (file with the extension .tar.md5).
  2. Run Odin in administrator mode.
  3. Connect the phone in mode Download Mode (Power + Volume Down + Bixby).
  4. In Odin select the firmware files in the appropriate fields (BL, AP, CP, CSC).
  5. Click Start and wait for completion (do not disconnect USB!).
⚠️ Attention: On devices Xiaomi when flashing via Mi Flash Tool select the option Clean All (not Clean All and Lockif you plan to unlock the bootloader again. The option Lock will lock the bootloader, but may cause problems with MIUI on some models. (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).
What to do if the firmware does not work?

If Odin or Mi Flash Tool gives an error, check:

1. Firmware version (must match the device region, for example EUR for Europe).

2. Integrity of the downloaded file (check the hash MD5).

3. Tool version (for example, for new Samsung needed Odin 3.14.4+).

4. USB port (try USB 2.0 instead of 3.0).

5. Disable the antivirus (it can block Odin).

6. Method 5: Using Universal Unroot (for the lazy)

If you need to quickly remove root without deep manipulations, you can use application Universal Unroot. It supports most devices and works even without an unlocked bootloader.

How to use:

  1. Install Universal Unroot from Google Play.
  2. Launch the application and press Unroot.
  3. Wait for the process to complete (a reboot may be required).
  4. Uninstall the application after successful root removal.

Method limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work on devices with Magisk (only for SuperSU).
  • ❌ Does not remove traces of modifications in /system (banking applications can continue to Detect root).
  • ❌ Does not block the bootloader (if it was unlocked).

If Universal Unroot did not work, try alternative - Unroot Aholic. It supports more devices, but requires superuser rights to work.

💡

Universal Unroot is only suitable for temporarily removing root. If you need to completely return the device to stock (for example, for warranty repair), use flashing or Hard Reset.

7. deleted

Removing root is only half the battle. It is important to make sure that no traces of modifications remain, otherwise banking applications and services (for example, Google Pay or Netflix) may continue to block access.

Verification methods:

  1. Root Checker: Install Root Checker and run the test. If the result is negative, root is removed.
  2. SafetyNet: Pass the test on SafetyNet Test. If ctsProfile: true and basicIntegrity: true the device passed the test. Google.
  3. Manual check of files: Through ADB or a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer) check the absence: 
    ls /system/bin/su

    ls /system/xbin/su
    

    ls /system/app/SuperSU
    

    ls /data/adb/magisk

  4. Test of banking applications: Install SberBank Online or Tinkoff —if they work without errors, root has been successfully removed.

If SafetyNet does not work (ctsProfile: false), but there are no root access, the problem may be in:

  • 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (on Pixel or OnePlus).
  • 📱 Modified kernel or boot.img.
  • 🔄 Residual files Magisk or Xposed.

To fix:

  1. Flash the original boot.img via fastboot: 
    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot reboot

  2. Use Magisk module SafetyNet Fix (if you plan to leave root, but pass the verification).

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even. If you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them.

Problem Possible cause Solution
The device does not turn on after removing root Damaged boot.img or critical modules deleted Flash the original boot.img via fastboot or restore via TWRP backup
Magisk not deleted, gives an error The directory structure is damaged /data/adb Delete the folder manually via ADB or TWRP File Manager
After the reset, traces of root remain Hard Reset does not affect the system section Flash the stock firmware
Banking applications do not work, although root is removed Trigger Knox (on Samsung) or modified boot Flash full stock firmware with bootloader lock (if possible)
Odin or Mi Flash Tool does not see the device Missing drivers or incorrect connection mode Install drivers (Samsung USB Drivers, Mi PC Suite), try another USB port

If your device is stuck on the logo after manipulating root, try:

  1. Boot into Recovery Mode and execute Wipe Cache.
  2. If that doesn’t help, flash boot.img from stock firmware: 
    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot reboot

  3. As a last resort, perform a complete flashing.
⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei and Honor with processors Kirin (for example, P30 Pro, Mate 20) flashing through fastboot may block IMEI or BasebandFor these models, use only official methods via HiSuite or service. center.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove root without losing data?

Yes, if you use Magisk ("Full removal" method) or SuperSU. However, on some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox) even a “soft” root removal can lead to a reset. Always make a backup!

Will Google Pay work after root removal?

Not always. Google Pay checks not only the presence of root, but also the status SafetyNet. If the bootloader is unlocked or modified boot.img, install Magisk module SafetyNet Fix or flash the original one. data-i="331">Magisk module SafetyNet Fix boot.

How to remove root on Samsung with Knox 0x1?

On devices Samsung with a trigger Knox 0x1 (for example, Galaxy S10, Note 20) completely It is impossible to return the guarantee - even after flashing the status Knox will remain 0x1. However, you can remove root and restore the functionality of banking applications:

  1. Flash the stock firmware via Odin.
  2. Install Universal Unroot.
  3. Check the status SafetyNet.

What will happen if you interrupt the root removal process?

The consequences depend on the method:

  • When interrupted Magisk or SuperSU the device can boot, but root will remain.
  • When the firmware is interrupted through Odin/Fastboot there is a high probability of a “brick” (does not turn on).
  • When interrupted Hard Reset The data may be partially erased, but the system will remain operational.

In case of failure, try repeating the process or flashing the stock firmware.

Is it possible to return the warranty after removing root?

Technically, yes, if:

  • The bootloader is locked (on most devices, except Samsung s Knox).
  • The original firmware is flashed.
  • There are no physical traces of tampering (for example, stickers on screws).

However, some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Huawei) can track the facts of bootloader unlocking even after returning to the stock firmware. In this case, the warranty will be void.