Are you tired of having a rooted Galaxy S6 edge and want to revert back to its original, stock state? Maybe you’re experiencing issues with your rooted device, or perhaps you want to sell or trade it in. Whatever the reason, unrooting your Galaxy S6 edge can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Fear not, dear reader, for this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring that you’ll be able to unroot your device safely and efficiently.
Before We Begin: Understanding Rooting and Unrooting
Before we dive into the unrooting process, it’s essential to understand what rooting and unrooting mean.
Rooting is the process of gaining superuser access to your Android device, allowing you to modify and customize it to your heart’s content. This means you can uninstall pre-installed apps, tweak system settings, and even install custom ROMs. Rooting can be a great way to breathe new life into an old device or gain more control over your Android experience.
On the other hand, unrooting is the process of reverting your device back to its original, stock state. This means removing all root modifications and restoring your device to its factory settings.
Why Unroot Your Galaxy S6 edge?
There are several reasons why you might want to unroot your Galaxy S6 edge:
Warranty and Support: If your device is still under warranty, rooting may void your warranty. By unrooting, you can restore your device to its original state, ensuring that you’re eligible for warranty claims and support.
Safety and Security: Rooting can sometimes introduce security risks, as it grants high-level access to your device’s system. Unrooting can help you eliminate these risks and ensure that your device is more secure.
Resale Value: If you plan to sell or trade in your Galaxy S6 edge, unrooting can increase its resale value. Many buyers prefer devices in their original, unmodified state.
Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing issues with your rooted device, unrooting can help you identify and fix problems more easily.
Preparing for Unrooting
Before you start the unrooting process, make sure you have:
- A fully charged Galaxy S6 edge with at least 50% battery life
- A Windows or macOS computer with a working internet connection
- A USB cable for connecting your device to the computer
- The original USB drivers for your Galaxy S6 edge (you can download them from the official Samsung website)
- The Odin software (you can download it from the official Samsung website or a trusted source)
The Unrooting Process
Now that you’re all set, let’s begin the unrooting process!
Step 1: Download the Stock Firmware
You’ll need to download the stock firmware for your Galaxy S6 edge from a trusted source, such as the official Samsung website or a reputable firmware provider. Make sure you download the correct firmware for your device’s model and region.
Step 2: Download Odin
Download the Odin software from the official Samsung website or a trusted source. Odin is a flashing tool that will help you install the stock firmware on your device.
Step 3: Boot Your Device into Download Mode
To boot your Galaxy S6 edge into download mode, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds
- Release the Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button
- Press the Volume Down button again to enter download mode
Step 4: Connect Your Device to Your Computer
Use a USB cable to connect your Galaxy S6 edge to your computer. Make sure you have the correct USB drivers installed.
Step 5: Launch Odin and Flash the Stock Firmware
Launch Odin on your computer and follow these steps:
- Click on the AP button in Odin and select the stock firmware file you downloaded earlier
- Click on the Start button to begin the flashing process
Step 6: Wait for the Flashing Process to Complete
The flashing process may take a few minutes, so be patient and wait for it to complete. You’ll see a progress bar on your computer and a flashing screen on your device.
Step 7: Boot Your Device into Recovery Mode
To boot your Galaxy S6 edge into recovery mode, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for 10-15 seconds
- Release the Power button but keep holding the Volume Down button
- Press the Volume Up button to enter recovery mode
Step 8: Perform a Factory Reset
In recovery mode, use the Volume Down button to navigate to the Wipe data/factory reset option and press the Power button to select it. This will perform a factory reset on your device.
Step 9: Reboot Your Device
Once the factory reset is complete, use the Volume Down button to navigate to the Reboot system now option and press the Power button to select it. Your device will now reboot into its original, stock state.
What to Do After Unrooting
Congratulations! You’ve successfully unrooted your Galaxy S6 edge. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Set Up Your Device Again: You’ll need to set up your device again, including activating it, creating a Google account, and installing any necessary updates.
Update Your Device: Make sure your device is running the latest software. You can check for updates in the Settings app.
Restore Your Data: If you backed up your data before unrooting, you can restore it now using the Google Drive app or a third-party backup and restore tool.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the unrooting process, here are some common solutions:
Device Not Recognized by Odin
- Make sure you have the correct USB drivers installed.
- Try restarting your computer and device.
- Try using a different USB port or cable.
Flashing Process Fails
- Check that you’ve downloaded the correct stock firmware for your device.
- Make sure your device is in download mode.
- Try restarting the flashing process.
Device Won’t Boot into Recovery Mode
- Try pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for a longer period.
- Make sure your device is fully charged.
- Try booting into recovery mode using a different key combination.
By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to unroot your Galaxy S6 edge safely and efficiently. Remember to be patient and careful during the process, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you encounter any issues. Happy unrooting!
What is unrooting and why do I need to do it?
Unrooting is the process of removing root access from an Android device. This reverses the rooting process, returning the device to its original state. You may need to unroot your Galaxy S6 edge for various reasons, such as wanting to receive official software updates, having issues with certain apps, or preparing to sell or trade-in your device.
Unrooting is also essential if you want to take advantage of warranty services or restore your device to its factory settings. By unrooting, you can ensure that your device is in a pristine state, free from any modifications that could potentially void your warranty or cause issues with the device’s performance.
Do I need to backup my data before unrooting?
Yes, it is highly recommended to backup your data before unrooting your Galaxy S6 edge. The unrooting process will erase all data on your device, including apps, contacts, messages, and other personal information. By backing up your data, you can ensure that you don’t lose any important information during the process.
You can use built-in backup features, such as Samsung’s Smart Switch or Google’s Android Backup, to save your data to the cloud or an external storage device. Additionally, you can use third-party apps, such as Titanium Backup or Helium Backup, to create a comprehensive backup of your device’s data.
Will unrooting my Galaxy S6 edge erase all my apps and data?
Yes, the unrooting process will erase all data on your device, including apps, contacts, messages, and other personal information. This is because unrooting involves wiping the device’s internal storage and reinstalling the original firmware.
However, as mentioned earlier, you can backup your data before unrooting to prevent any loss of information. You can then restore your data from the backup after the unrooting process is complete. This will ensure that you can recover your apps, contacts, and other important information.
Will unrooting affect my device’s warranty?
Unrooting your Galaxy S6 edge should not affect your device’s warranty. Since unrooting involves reverting the device to its original state, it should not be considered a modification that voids the warranty.
However, it’s essential to note that if you have previously attempted to root your device and encountered issues, the warranty may be void. In such cases, it’s best to check with the manufacturer or warranty provider for specific details on what is covered and what is not.
Can I unroot my Galaxy S6 edge using a simple app or software?
While there are various apps and software available that claim to unroot Android devices, it’s not recommended to use them for the Galaxy S6 edge. These apps may not work correctly or may cause further issues with your device.
Instead, it’s recommended to follow a step-by-step guide that involves using official firmware and Odin, a tool provided by Samsung, to ensure a safe and successful unrooting process. This method is more reliable and effective in restoring your device to its original state.
How long does the unrooting process take?
The unrooting process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the method you choose and the speed of your computer. If you follow the step-by-step guide, you’ll need to download the necessary files, prepare your device, and perform the unrooting process using Odin.
Please note that you should set aside enough time to complete the process without any interruptions. It’s also essential to ensure that your device has a sufficient battery level and is connected to a stable internet connection.
Is it safe to unroot my Galaxy S6 edge?
Yes, unrooting your Galaxy S6 edge is a safe process if you follow the correct steps and use the official firmware and tools provided by Samsung. The process is designed to restore your device to its original state, removing any modifications made during the rooting process.
However, as with any significant changes to your device, there is a small risk of encountering issues or bricking your device if you don’t follow the instructions carefully. To minimize this risk, make sure you follow each step attentively and ensure that you have the correct files and tools before proceeding.