Complete Nothing Phone Rooting Guide

Root any Nothing Phone model - Phone 1, 2, 2a, 3 series with bootloader unlock and Magisk installation.

🔗 Essential Resources

• 📖 Main Rooting Guide - Universal rooting principles and safety
• 🔓 Bootloader Unlocking - General bootloader concepts
• 🛠️ Custom Recovery - TWRP installation guide
• ❓ FAQ & Troubleshooting - Solutions for common issues

Critical Warnings

⚠️ Nothing-Specific Considerations

• Warranty void - Unlocking bootloader voids Nothing warranty
• Complete data erasure - All personal data will be wiped
• Banking app issues - Some financial apps may detect root
• Nothing OS integrity - Modifications may affect unique Nothing features

Supported Devices

All Nothing Phone models supported:

• Nothing Phone (1) - Codename: Spacewar
• Nothing Phone (2) - Codename: Pong
• Nothing Phone (2a) - Codename: Pacman
• Nothing Phone (2a) Plus - Codename: PacmanPlus
• Nothing Phone (3) - Codename: Asteroids
• Nothing Phone (3a) - Codename: AsteroidsPlus

Prerequisites & Setup

Required Tools

1. Platform Tools - ADB/Fastboot
2. Magisk APK - Latest release
3. Stock firmware for your device model (for boot.img extraction)
4. Custom recovery (optional) - TWRP or OrangeFox

Device Preparation

1. Enable Developer Options - Settings → About Phone → Tap Build Number 7 times
2. Configure Developer Settings:
   • Enable USB Debugging
   • Enable OEM Unlocking
3. Backup all data - Photos, contacts, apps, settings
4. Charge to 50%+ - Ensure sufficient battery

Connection Verification

# Test ADB connection
adb devices

# Should show your device with "device" status
# If "unauthorized", accept USB debugging prompt on phone

Bootloader Unlocking

⚠️ Data Erasure Warning

Unlocking bootloader COMPLETELY WIPES your device. Ensure all important data is backed up.

Enter Fastboot Mode

# Method 1: ADB command
adb reboot bootloader

# Method 2: Hardware keys
# Power off device → Hold Volume Down + Power buttons

Verify Connection

fastboot devices
# Should show your device listed

Unlock Bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock

On your device:

• Use Volume keys to navigate to "Unlock the bootloader"
• Press Power button to confirm
• Device will erase and reboot automatically

Complete Initial Setup

After automatic factory reset:

1. Complete initial device setup
2. Re-enable Developer Options (Build Number × 7)
3. Re-enable USB Debugging

Root Installation Methods

Method A: Boot Image Patching (Recommended)

Step 1: Extract Boot Image

1. Download stock firmware for your exact device model and version
2. Extract firmware package using 7-Zip or similar tool
3. Locate boot.img file within extracted files
4. Copy boot.img to easily accessible location

Step 2: Patch Boot Image

1. Transfer boot.img to device:

   adb push boot.img /sdcard/Download/

2. Install Magisk APK on device:

   adb install Magisk-v[version].apk

3. Patch boot image:

   • Open Magisk app on device
   • Tap Install → Select and patch a file
   • Navigate to Downloads and select boot.img
   • Wait for patching to complete

4. Retrieve patched image:

   adb pull /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched_[hash].img ./

Step 3: Flash Patched Boot

1. Boot to fastboot mode:

   adb reboot bootloader

2. Flash patched boot:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_[hash].img

3. Reboot system:

   fastboot reboot

Method B: Custom Recovery Installation

Step 1: Install Custom Recovery

1. Download recovery image for your specific Nothing Phone model

2. Flash recovery:

   fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

3. Boot to recovery:

   fastboot reboot recovery
   # Or: Volume Up + Power after powering off

Step 2: Install Magisk via Recovery

1. Transfer Magisk ZIP to device storage
2. In recovery interface:
   • TWRP: Install → Select Magisk ZIP → Swipe to confirm
   • OrangeFox: Files → Select Magisk ZIP → Install
3. Reboot system

Verification & Setup

Confirm Root Access

1. Open Magisk app - Should show "Magisk" and "Zygisk" as installed
2. Test root access - Use Root Checker app or terminal su command
3. Grant permissions - Approve root requests from apps as needed

Configure Security Settings

1. Enable Zygisk - Magisk → Settings → Enable Zygisk
2. Configure DenyList - Add banking apps, Netflix, etc.
3. Install bypass modules - For Play Integrity if needed
4. Create backup - TWRP NANDroid or Magisk backup

Alternative Root Solutions

KernelSU (Enhanced Security)

Ideal for advanced users seeking better banking app compatibility

1. Check kernel compatibility at KernelSU.org
2. Flash KernelSU-supported kernel for your device
3. Install KernelSU Manager app
4. Configure App Profiles for granular control

APatch (Experimental)

For developers and testing purposes

1. Check device compatibility at APatch GitHub
2. Follow installation documentation carefully
3. Requires advanced knowledge for troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Fastboot Not Recognized

• Install proper USB drivers (Windows)
• Try different USB ports/cables (preferably original Nothing cable)
• Use USB 2.0 ports if USB 3.0 causes issues

Bootloop After Root

# Flash stock boot image to recover
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img

Banking Apps Not Working

1. Enable Zygisk in Magisk settings
2. Configure DenyList properly
3. Install bypass modules: Universal SafetyNet Fix, Shamiko
4. Clear banking app data and re-setup

Recovery Not Booting

• Ensure correct recovery for your exact model
• Try temporary boot first:

  fastboot boot recovery.img

Emergency Recovery Commands

# Flash complete stock firmware
fastboot update firmware.zip

# Factory reset via fastboot
fastboot -w

# Flash individual partitions
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Restore to Stock

Unroot Process

1. Uninstall Magisk - Magisk → Settings → Complete Uninstall
2. Flash stock firmware - Use official Nothing firmware
3. Factory reset - Ensure clean restoration

Lock Bootloader (Optional)

fastboot flashing lock

⚠️ Critical Warning

Only lock bootloader with completely stock firmware. Locking with custom firmware can permanently brick your device.

Banking App Compatibility

Modern Play Integrity Solutions

1. Tricky Store Module - Latest bypass method
2. Enable Zygisk - Required for modern bypasses
3. Configure DenyList - Hide root from specific apps
4. Test with Play Integrity Checker - Verify bypass success

Configuration Steps

1. Install bypass modules through Magisk
2. Enable Zygisk in Magisk settings
3. Add problematic apps to DenyList
4. Clear app data for banking/payment apps
5. Re-login and test functionality

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Success! Your Nothing Phone is Rooted

Congratulations! Your Nothing Phone now has root access. Here's what to do next:

Immediate Next Steps

1. Browse Root Apps - Discover 300+ curated applications
2. Setup Banking App Bypass - Configure root hiding
3. Install Essential Apps - Start with recommended apps

Advanced Customization

• Custom Recovery - Install TWRP for advanced features
• Custom ROM - Explore LineageOS and other ROMs
• LSPosed Framework - Enable Xposed modules

Welcome to unlimited Nothing Phone customization! 🚀