Database Users

[Q] Rooting and unroot question

Hey everyone!
i have a question. I want to root my S5 because i have lost a load of pictures and also important pictures for my job. i must have accidentally deleted them... My question is, if i unroot my phone with let's say SuperSu. Is there any possible way to see my phone has been rooted? Because i have an insurance for my phone, if they could see my phone has been rooted my phone won't be repaired and i would have paid money just for nothing...
Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the forum. You neglected to give us a lot of pertinent information e.g. which carrier you use or even which S5 variant you have. It's also apparent that you didn't try searching as this question has been asked and answered literaly hundreds of times. There is a wealth of information in existing threads that some people ignore.
In short, there is a counter called the Knox flag. Provided that you don't increment the Knox flag, you could revert your phone to stock without any overt evidence of it having been rooted. While Samsung would typically attempt to deny a warranty claim if a phone is currently rooted or has an incremented Knox flag that doesn't affect most people. Because most people don't make warranty claims with Samsung directly.
Most people make warranty claims through their carrier and the majority of carriers don't care about rooting or Knox. Nor does Samsung have a tenable basis to deny warranty on rooted phones in the EU where directives explicitly bar such.
.

Tripping KNOX

If I trip the KNOX counter what exactly will this mean? I understand it means it voids the warranty. Just bought this puppy and while I love customizing my Android devices I'm not to crazy losing warranty. Do they check KNOX counters when you send them in? Does tripping it do anything else?
Also is there a way to obtain root on a N910W8 without tripping the counter?
Thanks.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2965848
Sent from my SM-T800

Itchiee said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2965848
Sent from my SM-T800
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I see my answers are "No one really knows" "Maybe" "Maybe" and "No one really knows"

airwa1kin7 said:
So I see my answers are "No one really knows" "Maybe" "Maybe" and "No one really knows"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you're looking for a clear yes/no answer, but it's not that simple...
Officially: rooting voids your warranty.
Unofficially: You may get lucky if you send in your knox 0x1 device for repair. Seems that some people have been able to get their knox 0x1 device repaired when there was an obvious hardware issue like dead pixels, etc.
Bottom line: If you want to be sure you keep your warranty, then do not root. If you do root, assume you lose your warranty. If your knox 0x1 phone breaks, then unroot and try sending it to Samsung and hope for the best.

sefrcoko said:
I know you're looking for a clear yes/no answer, but it's not that simple...
Officially: rooting voids your warranty.
Unofficially: You may get lucky if you send in your knox 0x1 device for repair. Seems that some people have been able to get their knox 0x1 device repaired when there was an obvious hardware issue like dead pixels, etc.
Bottom line: If you want to be sure you keep your warranty, then do not root. If you do root, assume you lose your warranty. If your knox 0x1 phone breaks, then unroot and try sending it to Samsung and hope for the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time to answer!

here is what i got from Samsung United Arab Emirates / Dubai
(i did not flash stock rom nor i tripped knox i was just finding out if the warranty is still there if i tripped knox)
You are connecting with LiveChat system. If it takes a few minute, Please Try again.
(Our web team will be with you soon.)
A member of our web team will be available soon. You are currently in position 1 Thank you for waiting. If your enquiry is concerning a purchased product, please have your product details, including serial number and date of purchase ready.
Welcome to Samsung Live Chat. How may I help you?
alzahmi . :
hi
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
Good day valued customer. Thank you for contacting Samsung Gulf technical support. Kindly tell us how we may assist you?
alzahmi . :
i'm trying to find out if tripping Knox will void the warranty
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
what exactly do you mean.. did you do anything on the device?
alzahmi . :
because i emergency flashed stock rom with odin and now the knox counter is 0x1
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
im sorry to confirm that sir
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
Knox is a security system of samsung
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
it detects on the lower level of the architecture of the device if the software loaded is original or not
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
as you had loaded with 3rd party which is not allowed by samsung, the warranty bit has marked it to be tampered
LIVECHAT SUPPORT:
as it counted, if the device has warranty, it will be considered as void
alzahmi . :
will i still have warranty for hardware problems like screen problems or buttons not working?
LIVECHAT SUPPORT:
im sorry, it will not be
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
if you have issue with the device, you should have visited the service center
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
at any rate, if there is any problem with hardware, it is possible to be repaired but charges will be incurred
alzahmi . :
but there are a number of people on enternet that flashed stock rom and their knox is tripped
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
surely as the devices have knox security, their warranty bit has surely opened and it dictates it is tampered
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
we understand you may be frustrated but doing such procedure in the device or even rooting is not allowed by samsung
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
the usage of original samsung software provides security from high level to level of its archtecture... loading a fake software or unauthorized will make the device vulnerable from security threat.. that is why such checking of loading of fake software is implemented.. we are sorry to advise that if it is the case with your device, then the warranty is void
LIVECHAT SUPPORT:
*high level to low lever or architecture
alzahmi . :
it was emergency the device was laggy and i downloaded completely stock rom and installed it via odin and knox is tripped
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
i understand.. but if you have issue with the device, you should have contacted samsung support to give you guide within the policy
alzahmi . :
ok thanks.
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
you are welcome... may i know the model of your phone sir first
alzahmi . :
sm-n910c
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
that is a new model... as i know commercial note 4s have no knox container only so only the security of warranty bit was affected.. if it is note 3 which carries the knox container, that knox container cannot be opened.
alzahmi . :
and what does that mean
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
before in note 3 and s4, there is a knox application called as knox container in which we can store secured information there but recently it was removed becuase it was intended for corporate accounts only. so for those models like note 3 and s4 - if their software are tampered or rooted, when the warranty bit blows, then that application will not open already.
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
however for note 4, it does not concern because it did not come by default.
alzahmi . :
yeah i dont have that app on my phone
alzahmi . :
so you mean other phone problems that are not related to security and software is still covered?
LIVECHAT SUPPORT :
no sir.. overall, the whole warranty is really void.. I was just confirming about the model because if you have the galaxy note 3, you may find that a problem. at any rate, you have the note 4 so you will not experience it. Let us just hope that the device will not face any major issue to avoid being recommended to visit the service center for any repair
alzahmi . :
i hope so

The knox-based warranty depends on what country your are living

Wow. That was really indepth. Thanks.

airwa1kin7 said:
If I trip the KNOX counter what exactly will this mean? I understand it means it voids the warranty. Just bought this puppy and while I love customizing my Android devices I'm not to crazy losing warranty. Do they check KNOX counters when you send them in? Does tripping it do anything else?
Also is there a way to obtain root on a N910W8 without tripping the counter?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been to over 7 Samsung repair centers in 3 countries and all i can say is yes they do check as they take pictures of the device inside and also the screen which has the knox counter.
It depends on the repair center if they then decide to either charge or carry out a warranty replacement.

There's always the 12v 5A power supply method of reinstating your warranty if something did go wrong...

But flashing via odin doesn't trip knox. So you lied and they're misinformed.

mariosraptor said:
But flashing via odin doesn't trip knox. So you lied and they're misinformed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends. Flashing a non-Sansung image, be it a bootloader, kernel, entire firmware, etc - will trip Knox, even if it is done using Odin. The OP, however, stated it was a Samsung firmware, so both were misinformed.
Another thing the tech rep was misinformed was about the KNox Container. The N ote 4 SM-N910C, which is the one I have, does have the knox container, although the app isn't installed by default, but it is a free download from the Play Store.
I currently have all my sensitive apps (such as Steam [because of its wallet], PayPal, internet banking, corporate Exchange email, etc) on a Knox Container in my Note 4. It is quite secure, although a little bit slower.

Simonetti2011 said:
That depends. Flashing a non-Sansung image, be it a bootloader, kernel, entire firmware, etc - will trip Knox, even if it is done using Odin. The OP, however, stated it was a Samsung firmware, so both were misinformed.
Another thing the tech rep was misinformed was about the KNox Container. The N ote 4 SM-N910C, which is the one I have, does have the knox container, although the app isn't installed by default, but it is a free download from the Play Store.
I currently have all my sensitive apps (such as Steam [because of its wallet], PayPal, internet banking, corporate Exchange email, etc) on a Knox Container in my Note 4. It is quite secure, although a little bit slower.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course. I was only referring to his words that flashing a non tampered samsung rom with Odin will trip knox. About knox container haven't had any clue. Though wish samsung could find another way and stop this non sense.
Wish it had another aproach. Like : phone comes free of any binary counting system. BUT the moment that someone installs Knox on his phone and activates it, the binary counting system should get active by stating zero and still having a valid warranty flag.
And if then the owner of the phone roots it or in anyway tampers it then it should start counting.
I'm sure they can do it but to lazy.

..

Best idea is to open go to the place where they check Knox on the phone (some key combination) and on the location of the screen that says that is voided do something like put extreme heat on it so that that part of the screen doesn't work.
I do not know if they use PC to check it

Suici Doga said:
Best idea is to open go to the place where they check Knox on the phone (some key combination) and on the location of the screen that says that is voided do something like put extreme heat on it so that that part of the screenndoesn't work.
I do not know if they use PC to check it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, sometimes the good ideas are just right in front of ya, aren't they?

Is there any disadvantages (excluding my warranty gone)? Such as my phone will not work, like I press the home button, it does not react.

Samsung Note 4 Warranty Help

Hi guys, I have a Samsung Note 4 SM-N910F, and recently it started having hardware problems, locking up, automaticaly reseting, and so on.
I rooted the device a year ago to install some apps, and always used Samsung Official Rom.
I sent it to warranty, and they didnt acepted it because of the Warranty Knox Void being 0x1.
My question is. Is there any way that i can completely make my phone won't turn on so that can't detect that the knox void is 0x1?
I dont think that is fair that they just jump out of giving me warranty because of something that is not hardware related.

[Q] Flashing stock ROM and KNOX.

As you might know, Samsung devices have KNOX that when it's tripped, warranty goes to waste. The phone is now 3 weeks old and still want to keep the warranty because of personal choice and reasons. Now, I am so sick and tired to wait for my lazy carrier to release the damn update.
If I flash stock for another country through ODIN, will I trip KNOX? It's a serious question and I need a serious answer, please!
Thank you for your assistance.
Phone model: SM-A510F/ Orange Romania Branded.

Not usually. In most cases odin may just refuse to flash the whole or part of the firmware.
I've never experienced knox being tripped though.
Make sure frp lock is off.
Sent from my SM-T280 using XDA-Developers mobile app

cool

Probably we should all know about rooting and is not same as it was before?

My phone was rooted when I bought and I expected to get to get back to the stock room. I don't care about warranty but I care about able to use apps on my phone. Probably your people don't what risks you take when you buy the phone from shops. The main problem I have with phone what I can't use any payment service (Samsung Pay, Google Pay or Barclay), next I can't use Samsung password management and even I can't use oyster TFL app because my phone is rooted. I tried all stock firmware version no one is working. The game is changing with the rooting phone. One thing that I don't like about Android is software updated. I don't blame shop guy who sold the phone with the latest update but it had to root the phone in order to update to the latest. Android is not same as was before it is changing without letting consumers know that in future you will have trouble using your phone. Below where chat transcript with Samsung support team.
//----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robertas Suminskas
16:51:22 I need to unroot phone because Samsung pay and password management app it says the phone is rooted
Calm
16:51:22 Welcome to Samsung Support. Please allow me a moment to read through your enquiry.
16:51:57 Hi, Robertas! My name is Calm from Mobiles Live Chat Support. How are you doing today?
Robertas Suminskas
16:52:17 fine
Calm
16:52:25 I understand that you are getting error message that your phone is rooted. No worries, let us double check that.
16:52:31 That's great, Robertas! I hope I can make it even better.
16:52:45 May I know where and when did you purchase your phone, Robertas?
Robertas Suminskas
16:53:11 I am happy to do unroot but I need assistance how to do it
16:53:45 I bought from shop
16:54:03 not Samsung official shop
Calm
16:55:28 I see. I hate to be the bearer of this news, once the phone is rooted, I am afraid that we won't be able to un root it. As we don't recommend that to our phones as that can cause serious damage on the phone. We will now double check if the phone has really been rooted. Rooting a phone can cause serious damage to the phone as it will completely remove the original software of the device, therefore, possibly changing the functionalities of the phone. Also, rooting the phone voids the warranty. To check, please follow these steps:
16:55:36 1. Power off the device completely. 2. Press and hold the volume down button, power button, and home button simultaneously until you see the screen turn blue. 3. Once the screen turns blue, please press the Volume Up Button. 4. Could you please tell me what you can see next to Product Name, Current Binary, System Status, and Knox Warranty Void?
Robertas Suminskas
17:00:02 Product Name: SM-G935F Current Binary: Samsung Official System Status: Official FAP lock: Off Warranty void: (0x030c) AP SWREV: B:2 K:0 S:1
Calm
17:04:15 I see. Thanks for that information. We have confirmed that the phone is rooted, Robertas. It would be best to get in touch with the retailer where you purchased the phone. As rooting the phone will void the warranty.
Robertas Suminskas
17:04:41 Product Name: SM-G935F / Current Binary: Samsung / Official System Status: Official / FAP lock: Off/ Warranty void: (0x030c) / AP SWREV: B:2 K:0 S:1
17:06:08 I don't have time to chase retailers or whatever and I don't care about the warranty. What I want you to help me to unroot the phone.
Calm
17:06:36 I am afraid that once the phone has been rooted, it cannot be undone, Robertas.
Robertas Suminskas
17:07:57 This something new. Do all customers know about this? Or you just implement this system from galaxy s7?
17:09:33 It needs to be published this officially because I am not going to buy anymore Samsung phone. Is to risky
17:09:53 I am afraid
Calm
17:11:14 Rooting a phone means installing a customise operating system on the phone which is a third party software. Just to give you an idea, we do not tolerate rooting phones and we don't sell rooted phones as well. As you have mentioned, you have not purchased a phone from an official Samsung Store, I am afraid that the retailer that you bought the phone from customised or modified the phones that they are selling.
Robertas Suminskas
17:13:31 there is firmware or software in all devices (laptops, TV, phone and so on). Where is way yo recover if software got the issue. So please don't tell me that is not possible to do this as long is a OS issue
Calm
17:15:05 I do understand that you would like the phone to be un rooted. However, as much as I would like to help you do that, once the phone has been rooted it cannot be undone. Also, if in case you bring the phone to one of our Support Centres, the Engineers would just refuse to fix the phone as it is been rooted. Rooting a phone is not software issue, Robertas. Rooting a phone is not done by Samsung. Like I have mentioned, we don't recommend that.
17:16:20 Rooting a phone can cause serious damage to the phone as it will completely remove the original software of the device, therefore, possibly changing the functionalities of the phone.
Robertas Suminskas
17:16:20 So it means I can't use all Samsung service. Why you don't officially this?
Calm
17:17:02 Like I have mentioned, we are not the one who installed the custom OS. It is done probably the store where you purchase the phone from.
Robertas Suminskas
17:17:08 People don't know this and you implement starting from Galaxy S7
Calm
17:17:48 All devices can be rooted. It is up to the customer if they would install a custom OS. We do not tolerate that, Robertas
Robertas Suminskas
17:18:24 But it you didn't say that services will be limited
Calm
17:18:41 Yes, that is why we don't recommend rooting a phone.
Robertas Suminskas
17:19:51 I know this now from your words but not in the paper and Samsung warranty. This original stock firmware
17:21:38 you locked some app to the phone and I didn't see in any papers
Calm
17:24:21 Just to give you a heads up, we are not the one who roots the phone as we don't recommend that. If you'd like, I can send you a proof on your email on how to check if the phone has been rooted.
17:24:27 May I know your email address?
Robertas Suminskas
17:24:59 [email protected]
17:26:52 This lack information from Samsung and I gonna look way to publish this so people be aware what they are buying and what risks they take.
17:27:14 I understand is hardware is modified but is only software
Calm
17:27:16 Also, may I know from what retailer did you purchase your phone?
Robertas Suminskas
17:27:54 I don't remember name it was 1.5 year ago
17:30:05 Better apple phone to buy than Samsung because peple can do jailbreak or un-jailbreak
Calm
17:30:13 Not all of Samsung phones are rooted, Robertas. We are not the one who modified the operating system of your phone. The reason why it is rooted because it was been modified by someone. And also, just to take in to consideration, you have purchased a phone to a unauthorised third party retailer.
Robertas Suminskas
17:30:45 but if I want to install stock firmware so why you say that phone is modified?
Calm
17:35:01 We perform a troubleshooting step earlier which is the Root Checker. Based on the information that you have given me, your phone has been modified.
Robertas Suminskas
17:35:07 where plenty sources on the internet how to unroot the phone? are they not real?
Calm
17:35:27 The device IS rooted if: Product name does not match the device. Current Binary does not say official or id there are counts in brackets. System Status does not say official. Knox Warranty Void (S4 and above) does not say 0x0.
17:36:27 Based on the information you have given the Knox Warranty Void is (0x030c). It should be 0x0.
17:36:43 We don't recommend that, Robertas.
Robertas Suminskas
17:38:28 Explain to me why Samsung service like Samsung Pay and Password? How do they work check phone?
17:38:54 what else is limited that I don't know?
Calm
17:39:00 Because once the software has been modified, it will change the functionalities of the phone. As the original software has already been removed.
Robertas Suminskas
17:39:42 I want get back original software. Where I can get this?
Calm
17:42:27 Once the phone has been rooted, it cannot be undone, Robertas. I am sorry about that. I highly suggest to get in touch with the retailer where you bought the phone. After this chat session you will have an option to save this chat transcript. You may present this as a proof that your phone has been modified. They might consider giving you a refund.
17:44:28 Aside from this, is there anything else that I can help you with whilst you still have me on the line?
Robertas Suminskas
//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember one thing with every Android update they gonna limit and limit more services on the rooted phone and they are making things to be undone.
I don't see the point to buy android phones from shops and at all. I remember I had phone Galaxy S2, S5 and I was rooted my self just to try and to learn. But I didn't have the problem to unroot. I don't care about warranty if is NOT VALID after that. But what I care is about getting full android experience. On rooted phone full Android experience is gone and this information is not published officially.
I believe most people don't about this and they thought that only warranty you lose.

Use superman rom with superstock kernel some people have reported it as the only one working with Samsung pay with Knox security voided.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/samsung-pay-knox-warranty-void-t3549449

pingufanpoy said:
Use superman rom with superstock kernel some people have reported it as the only one working with Samsung pay with Knox security voided.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/samsung-pay-knox-warranty-void-t3549449
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All custom rooms have stability issues where I experienced in past. I don’t really want use custom rooms. Point is what all resources about unroot samsung phone is bull****. They shouldn’t confuse people with lies about unroot and should be deleted from forum.
Thanks,

Robotukas said:
All custom rooms have stability issues where I experienced in past. I don’t really want use custom rooms. Point is what all resources about unroot samsung phone is bull****. They shouldn’t confuse people with lies about unroot and should be deleted from forum.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe, and correct me if i am wrong, you can unroot a phone and flashing via Odin should put the phone back to square 1, however once Knox is tripped there is no going back only custom roms can fake the Knox status..

Use magisk to hide root.
Yes if you did root by system modifications, you will have more problems then if you did systemless root. And samsung pay won't work in stock kernel anyway because it checks knox warranty void..
Sent from my S7 Edge using XDA Labs

Could you not just flash stock firmware and use google pay?

Robotukas said:
All custom rooms have stability issues where I experienced in past. I don’t really want use custom rooms. Point is what all resources about unroot samsung phone is bull****. They shouldn’t confuse people with lies about unroot and should be deleted from forum.
Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What the hell are you talking about? For starters, this is an android developer community. XDA was not created just so random people can come here looking to have their problems fixed for them.
Moving on, un-rooting a phone is as easy as it gets. Just download the Stock ROM and install it. Done. Stop spouting your bullcrap about people on XDA lying and just do some freaking research, this information is not hard to find and there are MANY guides and forum posts available here on XDA as well as 10000000+ other places on the internet as to how to return a Samsung phone to stock. You can either use ODIN or Samsung smart switch to do it.
You're the one who purchased a rooted phone, you knew what you were getting into. If you don't want it rooted and don't have the technical ability to un-root it, you should have never purchased it in the first place.

I agree with OP .
Love Spay but hate being restricted just like iphone.
No diff in samsung and apple nowadays

Man it doesn’t work from youtube or xda. Just accept reality. I tried stock rooms, I tried superman and other crap. You can’t realise that they are increasing security to stop people from rooting phones. Funny parts are that more apps stops working on rooted phones. So please take a coffee and accepts reality.

Robotukas said:
Man it doesn’t work from youtube or xda. Just accept reality. I tried stock rooms, I tried superman and other crap. You can’t realise that they are increasing security to stop people from rooting phones. Funny parts are that more apps stops working on rooted phones. So please take a coffee and accepts reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unroot without problem, but you CANNOT make knox back to 0x0 after tripping it... knox tripping is the biggest disadvantage of rooting.. as far as rooting goes .. you can root with magisk systemless root that hides your root from apps which don't work on rooted phones.. the only problem are the apps which detect knox status and thats hard to hide and samsung health and spay won't work after knox is tripped.
So you can root with magisk and hide your root easily to use all the apps.. you can also unroot by flashing stock rom back.. but you cannot fix/hide a tripped knox due to which samsung apps won't work.. so the real downside of rooting is the warranty void and samsung apps not working due to tripped knox.. maybe if there are some ways to hide knox status by custom kernels etc.. it would be the best option..
Sent from my S7 Edge using XDA Labs

Thanks for your reply.
Just to let know not only Samsung apps are not working also banking apps, Service Provider apps and Others. Magisk it doesn't work anymore.
Regards,
Robertas

Robotukas said:
Thanks for your reply.
Just to let know not only Samsung apps are not working also banking apps, Service Provider apps and Others. Magisk it doesn't work anymore.
Regards,
Robertas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post it on magisk forum then.. its meant to be systemless root that hides the root status.. if its really not working post on their thread for getting support. Majority of users use magisk to pass safety net and hide their root.. don't know if we need some additional xposed module or some software to hide root..
As far as I know.. only samsung apps could check the knox status.. if really other apps are not working with root.. then its a dilemma pls post on magisk forum and keep us updated
Sent from my S7 Edge using XDA Labs

shah22 said:
Post it on magisk forum then.. its meant to be systemless root that hides the root status.. if its really not working post on their thread for getting support. Majority of users use magisk to pass safety net and hide their root.. don't know if we need some additional xposed module or some software to hide root..
As far as I know.. only samsung apps could check the knox status.. if really other apps are not working with root.. then its a dilemma pls post on magisk forum and keep us updated
Sent from my S7 Edge using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, a lot for the advice. I just gonna buy iPhone. Where no waiting time for latest updates, where is no carrier firmware and there is no radio. And Apple keeps pushing updates for phones even if 4 years older.
Samsung for the US have Snapdragon and for the EU only give Enyxios. I liked snapdragon and because I live in the UK now I must think how to get snapdragon. Strange fingerprint position and crashes. And support team is not good at all. Everything comes years later to Android than to iOS. I don't see the point to root phones because it works even worst and you get limited service and app choice. And why as the user I don't have the choice to use native Android OS (like original Android OS without modification) on phones? Why it comes only with preinstalled Samsung OS?
Thanks a lot,
Good luck