Root Can I unroot a phone?

[schwim]

Hi there everyone!

Samsung S4 on Verizon

Ever since I rooted my daughters phone with KingoRoot, the phone has been misbehaving, with getting hung up on boots, krass advertising on lockscreen and other little issues. I tried a factory reset but the issues are persisting.

I'd really love to unroot the phone and roll it back to out of the box. Is there a way to do this?

Thanks for your time!

 

[scary alien]

Hey @schwim, the best way to do that for your device is likely to restore it to a stock state--there's no telling what files and changes KingoRoot actually made to your device. Manually trying to unroot is likely to leave things in a non-stock state--and a subsequent attempt to install an over-the-air (OTA) upgrade will mostly likely still fail...

I'll move your thread over the SG S4 area so that folks over there can give you specific Samsung restore to stock advice.

Cheers!

 

[Bg260]

Easiest way:Kingroot settings>Uninstall
Cleanest way and my recommendation would be to use Odin to flash factory firmware.

 

[schwim]

Easiest way:Kingroot settings>Uninstall
Cleanest way and my recommendation would be to use Odin to flash factory firmware.

Hi there Bg, Is this what I do to use Odin? I've never heard of it and my Googling led me to that page.

 

[lunatic59]

That looks pretty complete. There will be some things that could go wrong, so pay special attention to the details. First, you'll need the proper drivers for the phone to connect to your PC. These are usually installed when you install Kies or Smart Switch (not sure if the S4 is compatible with SS, though). That said you do NOT want kies running when you use Odin. They get in each others way.

Next, make sure you get the right firmware for both your model phone and carrier. A search for Galaxy S4 on Sammobile.com brought up 54 results so check your model number. You'll also most likely be able to get multiple versions. Don't know if you want the latest or the original rom, so if you're not sure, give us the model number and we can make some recommendations.

Samsung phones tend to be fussy about the cable you use, so make sure it's a good quality standard USB 2.0 spec. The OEM cable is probably best.

Finally, this can take a while. Don't panic if the process looks like it's hung up and DON'T disconnect or shut anything off while it's flashing.

There's always somebody about to help if you get stuck.

 

[ironass]

If only there was a guide and video to downloading and flashing the correct firmware for your model of Galaxy S4!

Something like #1.5 of 29 Galaxy S4 models - know yours?


(The Mods elf strikes again! Hit the, "Like", button 'til your fingers bleed )

 

[sonicbluemustang]

well nevermind, these won't work. thanks ironass.

 

[ironass]

https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2338919

The OP states in post #1 that they have the Verizon model of Galaxy S4, SCH-i545, whilst your link points to the Sprint model, SPH-L720.