Many Xiaomi smartphone users decide to get super-user rights for the sake of enhanced functionality, but over time they face the need to return the device to its original state, which can be caused by the desire to get an official warranty, the need to pass bank security checks or simply preparing the gadget for sale.
Factory recovery does not always happen automatically after simply removing the application manager. Residual files can conflict with updates or cause unstable system operation. In this article, we will discuss all the current cleaning methods, from software solutions to complete firmware, so you can choose the most suitable option for your situation.
Why you should remove Root rights before selling or warranty service
The presence of modified firmware or established superuser rights is a direct basis for refusing warranty repairs by authorized service centers. Engineers, when accepting the device, conduct diagnostics that instantly detect the modified bootloader or the presence of Su binary files. Even if the failure is not related to the software, the fact of interference with the system removes the manufacturer's obligation to restore free of charge.
In addition, many modern applications, especially banking and enterprise, are flatly refusing to work on rooted devices: security mechanisms like SafetyNet or its successor, the Play Integrity API, block access to financial transactions, considering the execution environment unsafe, and removing access rights allows the phone to return to the status of a trusted device.
โ ๏ธ Before starting any manipulations, be sure to create a full backup of all important data, as the process can lead to their complete loss.
When selling a smartphone, the buyer can also expect a clean system without hidden modifications. Having root rights can alert a potential owner who fears viruses or instability.
Preparation of the device for the procedure of removal of modifications
Before you start active, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, ignoring this stage can lead to the fact that the phone turns into a brick or the process will go wrong. First of all, make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%, as power out during writing system partitions is critical.
You will also need to enable USB debugging in the developer menu. Go to Settings โ About Phone and quickly click on the MIUI build number seven times. Once the notification โYou became a developerโ appears, the corresponding menu will open in the โAdvanced Settingsโ section.
โ๏ธ Checklist for preparation for root removal
It is not superfluous to check the model of your device and the firmware version. Different models of Redmi or Poco can be nuanced in the drivers. Download and install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer if you plan to use a PC for cleaning.
Remove the method through the SuperSU application (for older versions)
If you used the classic SuperSU application to manage rights, then the removal process is as simple as possible thanks to the built-in cleaning function, which is suitable for devices where root was obtained long ago and the system has not undergone deep changes by other utilities.
Open the SuperSU app on your smartphone and go to the Settings tab. Find Full Unroot. Clicking on this button will trigger an automatic script that will delete binary files and restore the original su file.
Once the process is complete, the phone will suggest that you reboot, and it's important to wait until the system is fully activated and check if the app icon is missing, and if the root rights are still there after the reboot, then there are other modifications in the system that block the deletion.
What if SuperSU doesn't remove the root?
Itโs worth noting that on modern versions of Android and new HyperOS shells, this method rarely works, as the architecture of obtaining rights has changed, but for older Xiaomi models, it is still a relevant and fast way.
Remove Magisk through the app menu
The most popular tool for rights now is Magisk. It uses systemless, which makes it a little more difficult to remove, but still accessible through the regular menu. Open the Magisk app on the home screen.
In the center of the screen, you'll see a button that says "Uninstall" and click on it and select the option "Complete Uninstall", and the device will automatically restart and clean all modified partitions by returning the original system files.
If standard deletion doesnโt help or the application is corrupted, you can use the command via ADB. Connect the phone to your computer, open the console, and enter a command to force deletion:
adb shell magisk --uninstallThis is effective 95% of the time, but if you have a Bootloader modified, you need to unlock it separately if you want to get your phone back to a store-like state for resale in the store.
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Magisk allows you to delete root rights without losing user data, as opposed to a complete reset that saves your photos and contacts.
Comparison of cleaning methods: efficiency table
The choice of method depends on which tool was used for rooting and what is the ultimate goal. Below is a comparative description of the main ways to return the system to its original state.
| Method | Difficulty | Data retention | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function in SuperSU | Low. | Yes. | Medium (for older OS) |
| Function at Magisk | Low. | Yes. | Tall. |
| ADB Team Team | Medium | Yes. | Tall. |
| Flashing (Mi Flash) | Tall. | No (reset required) | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, software methods within applications are convenient, but they don't guarantee 100% cleaning of the bootloader interference trail. A more radical approach is often required to fully guarantee system cleanliness.
Using ADB requires a computer and basic command line knowledge, but it solves problems when the application interface doesn't respond.
Complete cleaning through flashing in Fastboot mode
The most reliable way to remove any traces of root rights, custom recovery and modified bootloader is to completely flash the device with official firmware. This will require the Mi Flash Tool utility and an archive with firmware in.tgz format for Fastboot.
It is important to choose a firmware marked "Clean All" that completely erases all data and partitions. The process is as follows: download the firmware, unpack the archive, launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect the phone in Fastboot mode (clicking the volume button when turned on), and press the "Flash" button.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Using Clean All mode without locking the bootloader can cause the phone to constantly show the unlocked bootloader screen when turned on.
This method takes longer, usually 10 to 20 minutes, and requires a stable Internet connection to verify signatures, but the result is guaranteed to return the phone to a state identical to the one just taken out of the box.
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Use the original. USB-cable USB 2.0 on a computer to avoid connection errors during firmware.
Once the procedure is complete, the phone will turn on as a new device, and you will need to reset the initial setup, log in to your Mi Account and restore the data from the backup.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Unforeseen situations may occur when removing root rights, such as a phone that goes into a cyclic bootloop, if this happens after trying to delete it through an app, try booting into Recovery mode and resetting your settings (Wipe Data).
Another common problem is retaining rights after a reboot, which often happens if you have multiple rooting methods used at the same time, in which case only the complete firmware described in the previous section helps.
Also, users sometimes encounter an error "Device unauthorized" when trying to connect ADB. This is solved by checking the phone screen: when connecting the cable, you need to click "Allow debugging" and accept the RSA certificate.
How to Sign in to Recovery on Xiaomi?
Remember that once the rights are removed, some applications may stop working properly if they have been configured to use specific scripts, which will require reinstallation.