Can I Unroot After Installing a Custom ROM?

After installing a custom ROM, many are curious whether they can unroot their phone or if the process is complex. In this article, we will explore the process of unrooting and provide detailed steps to help you unroot your device if necessary.

Understanding the Process of Unrooting

Unrooting a device typically involves removing the su tool, which is the binary responsible for granting root access. When you unroot, any application that requires root permissions will fail. This process is straightforward and can be achieved in several ways depending on the method you used to root your device.

Unrooting After Installing a Custom ROM

To install a custom ROM, you need an unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery that can be used to install the new firmware. Importantly, you do not need root to complete this process, making it the preferred method. Here’s how to unroot:

Find and delete the su file on your device. This file is typically located in the /system/xbin/ directory. If you used a root management tool like Kingroot, you can typically use the built-in unroot feature provided by the tool. Flash a version of LineageOS or a similar custom ROM that is known to not come with root permissions. LineageOS is a user-friendly alternative to CyanogenMod and is well-supported for devices like the Redmi 1s.

Once you have completed these steps, your device will no longer be rooted, and any app that requires root access will fail.

Using LineageOS for Unrooting

LineageOS, a popular custom ROM based on AOSP, is a good option for unrooting. By default, LineageOS does not come with root permissions. If your phone is supported by LineageOS, you can follow these steps to migrate:

Find the nightly build or official ROM for your device on the LineageOS Downloads page. Backup your data and wipe your device’s cache partition. Use your custom recovery to flash the new LineageOS Ensure that root permissions are disabled in developer options. You can navigate to Developer Options Reset CPU to defaults. If any binary is installed, manually remove it from the SuperSU app.

By flashing a nightly build of LineageOS, you can effectively unroot your device and enjoy the benefits of a clean system.

Conclusion

Unrooting after installing a custom ROM is possible and can be done with relative ease. Whether you use Kingroot, Flash a custom build of LineageOS, or another custom ROM, the process involves finding and deleting the su file and ensuring that any root tools are removed or disabled. Remember, while unrooting may seem counterintuitive if you installed a custom ROM to gain more control over your device, it can be a valuable step if you need to restore your device to its original state or if you encounter problems with root access.