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10 Tech How-To

How to Unroot Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 SM-T810

Guide 10-15871 · Updated · Step by step

Unrooting your Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 (SM-T810) removes root access and restores the device to a stock, unmodified state. This is useful if you need to receive OTA updates, use banking apps that block rooted devices, or send the tablet in for warranty service. The process involves flashing the official stock firmware using Odin, which will also wipe your data, so back up everything important first.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows PC (Odin does not run on macOS or Linux natively).
  • The original USB cable that came with the tablet (or a high-quality data cable).
  • Odin3 software (version 3.13.1 or newer is recommended for the SM-T810).
  • The official stock firmware for the SM-T810. Download the correct region/carrier firmware from a reputable source (e.g., SamMobile, Frija, or SamFirm). Make sure it matches your device model exactly.
  • Samsung USB drivers installed on your PC.
  • A full backup of your personal data (photos, documents, app data) – flashing will erase everything.

Step-by-Step

  1. Back up your data. Use Samsung Smart Switch, Google backup, or manually copy files to a computer. Remember that app data (game saves, settings) will be lost unless backed up separately.
  2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock (if not already). Go to Settings → About tablet and tap Build number seven times to enable Developer Options. Then go to Settings → Developer options and turn on USB debugging and OEM unlock (if available). This step is not strictly required for flashing stock firmware, but it helps if you need to re-root later.
  3. Charge your tablet. Ensure the battery is at least 70% charged to avoid interruption during flashing.
  4. Download and extract the firmware. The firmware file will be a ZIP archive. Extract it to a folder on your PC. You should see a file with a name like SM-T810_... and an extension .tar.md5 (or just .tar).
  5. Download and extract Odin3. Extract the Odin ZIP file to a folder. Run Odin3.exe as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
  6. Boot the tablet into Download Mode. Power off the tablet completely. Then press and hold Volume Down + Home + Power buttons simultaneously. When the warning screen appears, press Volume Up to continue to Download Mode.
  7. Connect the tablet to your PC. Use the USB cable. In Odin, you should see a blue or yellow box in the ID:COM section indicating the device is detected. If not, reinstall Samsung USB drivers and try a different USB port.
  8. Configure Odin options. In Odin, make sure only Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time are checked. Do not check Re-Partition – that will brick your device if used incorrectly.
  9. Load the firmware into Odin. Click the AP button (or PDA in older versions) and select the firmware file (the .tar.md5 file). Do not touch the other buttons (BL, CP, CSC) unless you have a specific multi-file firmware package – for the SM-T810, a single AP file is typical.
  10. Start the flash. Click the Start button in Odin. The flashing process will begin. It may take several minutes. You will see a progress bar in Odin and a green “PASS!� message when it completes. The tablet will reboot automatically.
  11. Wait for the first boot. The first boot after flashing stock firmware can take up to 10 minutes. Do not interrupt it. Once the device boots, you will see the setup wizard – this indicates the unroot is complete.
  12. Verify root is gone. Install a root checker app from the Play Store (e.g., “Root Checker�) and run it. It should report that root access is not properly installed. Alternatively, try using an app that requires root – it will fail.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong firmware. Flashing firmware meant for a different variant (e.g., SM-T815 or a different region) can cause boot loops or brick the device. Always verify your exact model number (Settings → About tablet → Model number) and download the matching firmware.
  • Checking “Re-Partition� in Odin. This is a common cause of hard bricks. Only check it if you are following a specific guide that requires it (usually for repartitioning with a PIT file). For a standard unroot, leave it unchecked.
  • Using a USB hub or front-panel port. These can cause connection drops during flashing. Use a direct USB port on the back of your PC.
  • Interrupting the flash. Do not unplug the cable or press any buttons while Odin is writing. Even a brief interruption can corrupt the firmware.
  • Forgetting to back up. Flashing stock firmware wipes all user data. If you skip the backup, you will lose everything.

Tips

  • Before flashing, disable any antivirus or firewall that might interfere with Odin or the USB connection.
  • Use a Windows PC that has been rebooted recently to avoid background processes interfering.
  • If you are unrooting to sell the tablet, also perform a factory reset after flashing to ensure all personal data is gone.
  • Keep the firmware file and Odin in a safe place in case you need to flash again.
  • If you plan to re-root later, note that flashing stock firmware will also lock the bootloader again (if it was unlocked). You may need to re-enable OEM unlock in Developer Options.

Troubleshooting

Odin does not detect the tablet. Install the latest Samsung USB drivers, try a different USB port, or replace the USB cable. Also, make sure you are in Download Mode (not just powered on).

Odin fails with “FAIL!� or “SHA256 is invalid�. This usually means the firmware file is corrupted or not meant for your device. Re-download the firmware from a trusted source, and verify the MD5 checksum if provided.

The tablet is stuck in a boot loop after flashing. This can happen if the firmware is mismatched or the flash was incomplete. Try wiping the cache partition from recovery mode: turn off the tablet, then press and hold Volume Up + Home + Power to boot into recovery, then select “Wipe cache partition�. If that doesn’t work, re-flash the firmware again.

The tablet boots but root is still present. Some root methods (like systemless root) can survive a factory reset. If this happens, you may need to flash the stock firmware again, but this time also perform a factory reset from recovery after flashing. Alternatively, use the “Uninstall� option in Magisk Manager before flashing.

Odin gets stuck at “SetupConnection�. This is often a driver or cable issue. Try a different USB port, reinstall drivers, or use a different cable. Also, close any other programs that might be using the USB connection (e.g., Smart Switch).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will unrooting void my warranty?

Unrooting and restoring stock firmware will typically restore your warranty eligibility, provided there is no physical damage. However, if the bootloader was permanently unlocked (e.g., via Knox tripping), that may still be visible to Samsung.

Do I need to unroot to receive OTA updates?

Yes, most OTA updates will fail on rooted devices. Unrooting will allow you to receive and install official updates normally.

Will unrooting delete my files?

Yes, flashing stock firmware via Odin wipes all user data, including apps, settings, and personal files. You must back up before proceeding.

Can I unroot without a PC?

Some root management apps (like Magisk) have an “Uninstall� button that can remove root without a PC, but this does not restore the stock recovery or kernel. For a complete unroot, using Odin is the safest method.

What if I accidentally flash the wrong firmware?

If the device is still responsive, you can try flashing the correct firmware immediately. If it is in a boot loop or unresponsive, you may need to use recovery mode (Volume Up + Home + Power) to perform a factory reset, or seek help from XDA forums.

Is it safe to unroot?

Yes, if you follow the steps correctly and use the correct firmware. The risk of bricking is low, but it is not zero. Always double-check the model number and firmware compatibility.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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