The main advantage of the Android operating system over iOS is its openness. However, many manufacturers disable certain functions to protect the device from “naughty hands”. Root rights help to gain full control over the gadget, and usually everyone is interested in how to unlock them. However, in today’s material we will consider the reverse process.
What is root rights on Android
Root rights on Android are privileged access to the operating system, which allows you to perform actions that are not available in standard mode. Obtaining root rights (from the word “root” – superuser in Unix systems) allows you to change or delete system files, configure device settings at a deeper level and use applications that require access to system components.
Root access allows you to:
- Install custom firmware and OS modifications;
- Change or remove pre-installed applications;
- Optimize performance and power management;
- Automate tasks and install apps for advanced features like firewalls or entire device backups.
Please note that gaining root rights may entail certain risks, including:
- Loss of warranty for the device;
- Possibility of accidental damage to the system (soft-brick);
- Vulnerability to malware as system protection is weakened.
Obtaining root rights requires certain skills to perform specific procedures, which vary depending on the device model and Android version.
Why remove root rights
Removing root access on Android can be useful in the following cases:
- Security: Rooted devices become more vulnerable to malware. Attackers can gain access to system files and data, and disabling root rights increases the level of protection of the device;
- Warranty: Many manufacturers void the warranty on devices with activated root rights. In case of warranty claims, users must reset the device to factory settings to remove all traces of root access;
- App compatibility: Some apps, especially banking, payment systems, and streaming services (such as Google Pay), may not run on rooted smartphones for security reasons.
- System stability: Changes made with root access may cause the device to become unstable, crash, or suffer from performance issues. Removing root access helps restore the system to its original state and avoid such issues.
- OS Updates: Root access typically blocks automatic over-the-air system updates. Once these rights are removed, users will start receiving all OTA updates and security patches again.
- Selling a gadget: before selling it, it is also better to remove root access, since these functions can only cause unnecessary inconvenience to the new owner of the smartphone.
How to remove root rights
There are several ways to remove root rights. It all depends on the method you used to get these rights, so we recommend trying everything to find the right one.
SuperSU
If you initially used one of the most popular utilities called SuperSU, follow these steps:
- Launch the SuperSU application and go to settings;
- Find the Full Unroot option and click on it;
- Reboot your smartphone after all processes are completed.
- Done! You have removed root rights in the easiest way.
File manager
For this method, you will need a file manager with root access, such as Root Browser. Now follow these steps:
- Open the manager and go to the /system/bin folder;
- Delete the busybox and su directories (if they exist);
- Go to system folder and select /system/xbin and also remove busybox and su;
- Go back to the system folder and select the /system/app folder;
- Delete superuser.apk and reboot your device.
- Done! You have freed your device from root rights.
Factory reset
Make sure to backup all your data before using this method. A full reset with erasing all data will help you remove root rights from your device. Here’s how to do it:
- Save all your data including contacts, photos, music, videos, messages, passwords in any convenient way;
- Go to Settings > System > Reset;
- Select “Factory reset” and confirm the action;
- Wait for the device to reboot.
Now you can start restoring your data from the backup.
Firmware
The most difficult method, in which you will have to use a computer and special software. Since the methods of flashing smartphones and utilities differ radically, you will need to look for flashing instructions and the necessary tools on the manufacturers’ websites.
It is also not recommended to use this method if you do not consider yourself a “confident PC user”, since in case of an error you can turn your gadget into a “brick”.