How to Unroot Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra & Restore Stock Firmware

Whether you need to send your Galaxy S26 Ultra for warranty service, sell it, or simply want to return to a clean Samsung experience, removing root and restoring stock firmware is straightforward. This guide covers three methods — from quick unroot to full factory restoration.

Method 1: Unroot via Magisk (Quick — Keeps Data)

This is the fastest method. It removes root access but keeps your bootloader unlocked and your data intact.

1. Open the Magisk app.
2. Tap Uninstall at the top.
3. Select Complete Uninstall.
4. Magisk restores the original boot image and removes itself.
5. The phone reboots automatically.

After reboot, root access is removed. The Magisk app is uninstalled. Root checker will show "not rooted." However, the bootloader remains unlocked and Knox is still tripped — these cannot be reversed.

Method 2: Restore Stock Boot Image via Odin (Keeps Data)

If Magisk's uninstall does not work properly, you can restore the stock boot image manually:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from SamFW or Frija.
2. Extract the AP_*.tar.md5 file.
3. Boot into Download Mode (Vol Down + Vol Up + USB).
4. Open Odin and load only the AP file. Leave BL, CP, CSC empty.
5. Click Start.

This overwrites the Magisk-patched boot image with Samsung's original. Root is removed while keeping your data, apps, and settings.

Method 3: Full Stock Restore via Odin (Complete Wipe)

For a completely clean restoration — selling the device or maximum compatibility:

1. Download the latest stock firmware matching your model and CSC.
2. Boot into Download Mode.
3. Open Odin. Load all four files: BL, AP, CP, CSC (use CSC, not HOME_CSC, for full wipe).
4. Check Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time. Click Start.
5. Wait for PASS, then complete the initial setup.

This restores everything to factory state: stock bootloader, stock kernel, stock recovery, clean system, no root. The phone is as close to out-of-box as possible — except Knox counter remains at 0x1.

Before Unrooting — Cleanup Checklist

Before removing root, clean up root-related modifications:

• Disable all LSPosed/Xposed modules and uninstall LSPosed
• Remove all Magisk modules (Magisk app → Modules → Remove each one)
• Uninstall root-only apps (Titanium Backup, AdAway, kernel managers)
• Restore stock kernel if you flashed a custom kernel
• Restore stock recovery if you have TWRP (Odin will do this automatically with full flash)
• Remove systemless hosts file modifications

What Cannot Be Reversed

Even after a complete stock restore, some things are permanent:

• Knox counter 0x1 — the Knox fuse is a hardware flag that cannot be reset. Samsung service centers can see it.
• Samsung Pay / Samsung Pass / Secure Folder — these rely on Knox and will not work even on fully restored stock firmware.
• Warranty status — in most regions, a tripped Knox counter indicates tampering.

Re-locking the Bootloader

Warning: Do NOT re-lock the bootloader unless you have completely restored stock firmware first. Re-locking with a modified boot image, custom recovery, or any non-stock partition will hard-brick your device — the phone will refuse to boot and may require test point / EDL recovery or professional repair.

If you are on completely stock firmware (flashed via Odin with all four files), you can re-lock:

1. Go to Settings → Developer Options.
2. Toggle OEM Unlocking OFF.
3. Factory reset the device.
4. During the next boot, the bootloader locks itself.

Re-locking wipes all data again. The Knox counter remains tripped regardless.

Verify Unroot is Successful

1. Install Root Checker from Play Store — should show "Not Rooted."
2. Open Google Play Store → Settings → About → check Play Protect certification status.
3. Test Google Pay, banking apps, or any apps that previously detected root.
4. Check Settings → About Phone → Kernel Version — should show Samsung stock kernel.

Guide by XDA Unlocker Team. Last updated: July 2026.