Nothing Phone Rooting Guide

Complete step-by-step guide to root Nothing Phone 1, 2, 2a, and 3 series devices running Nothing OS in 2025.

🔗 Related Guides

Before starting, ensure you understand the basics:

• 📖 Complete Rooting Guide - Master guide covering all rooting aspects
• 🔓 Bootloader Unlocking - Universal bootloader guide with Nothing Phone specifics
• 🛠️ Custom Recovery - Install TWRP, OrangeFox, or SKYHAWK
• 🌟 Custom ROM Installation - Install LineageOS, crDroid, and other ROMs
• ❓ FAQ & Troubleshooting - Complete support guide with troubleshooting solutions

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

WARNING: Unlocking the bootloader and rooting your Nothing Phone will:

• VOID YOUR WARRANTY (may still be serviceable after removing root)
• ERASE ALL DATA on your device
• COMPROMISE SECURITY features like banking apps, DRM protection
• Require technical knowledge and may BRICK YOUR DEVICE if done incorrectly

MAKE A COMPLETE BACKUP before proceeding. You are solely responsible for any damage.

Supported Devices

This guide supports the following Nothing Phone models:

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

Requirements

1. Hardware & Software

• Windows PC/Mac/Linux with USB port
• USB Cable (original Nothing cable recommended)
• Nothing Phone with at least 50% battery
• Backup of all important data

2. Essential Downloads

• ADB & Fastboot Tools
  • Android Platform Tools (Latest version)
• Magisk
  • Magisk Latest Release (v29.0 or newer)
• Custom Recovery (Optional but recommended)
  • TWRP for Nothing Phone
  • OrangeFox Recovery
• Stock Firmware (For emergency recovery)
  • Nothing Phone Firmware

3. Alternative Root Solutions

For enhanced security and banking app compatibility:

• KernelSU - Kernel-level root solution
• APatch - Kernel-based root manager

Steps

1. Enable Developer Options & USB Debugging

1. Enable Developer Options:

   • Go to Settings > About phone
   • Tap Build number 7 times until you see "You are now a developer!"

2. Enable USB Debugging & OEM Unlocking:

   • Go to Settings > System > Developer options
   • Enable USB debugging
   • Enable OEM unlocking
   • Allow USB debugging when prompted on your phone

3. Test ADB Connection:

   adb devices

   • Should show your device with "device" status
   • If showing "unauthorized", accept the prompt on your phone

2. Unlock Bootloader

Note: This will completely wipe your device!

1. Boot into Fastboot Mode:

   adb reboot bootloader

   • Alternatively: Power off → Hold Volume Down + Power buttons

2. Verify Fastboot Connection:

   fastboot devices

3. Unlock Bootloader:

   fastboot flashing unlock

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

4. Complete Setup:

   • Go through initial setup
   • Re-enable Developer options and USB debugging

3. Method A: Root with Magisk (Boot Image Patching)

3.1 Extract Boot Image

1. Download Stock Firmware:

   • Get the exact firmware for your device model and version
   • Extract the firmware package

2. Extract Boot.img:

   • Use a tool like payload_dumper or firmware extractor
   • Locate and extract boot.img

3.2 Patch Boot Image

1. Transfer Files to Phone:

   • Copy boot.img to your phone's internal storage
   • Install Magisk APK on your phone

2. Patch Boot Image:

   • Open Magisk app
   • Tap Install → Select and Patch a File
   • Choose the boot.img file
   • Magisk will create magisk_patched_[random].img

3. Transfer Patched Image:

   • Copy the patched image back to your computer

3.3 Flash Patched Boot

1. Boot into Fastboot:

   adb reboot bootloader

2. Flash Patched Boot:

   fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_[random].img

3. Reboot System:

   fastboot reboot

4. Method B: Root with Custom Recovery

4.1 Flash Custom Recovery

1. Download Recovery:

   • Get TWRP or OrangeFox for your specific device model

2. Flash Recovery:

   fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

3. Boot into Recovery:

   fastboot reboot recovery

   • Or: Volume Up + Power after powering off

4.2 Install Magisk via Recovery

1. Transfer Magisk ZIP:

   • Copy Magisk ZIP file to your phone

2. Install via Recovery:

   • In TWRP: Install → Select Magisk ZIP → Swipe to confirm
   • In OrangeFox: Install → Choose Magisk ZIP → Install

3. Reboot System:

   • Select Reboot → System

5. Verify Root Access

1. Open Magisk App:

   • Should show Magisk and Zygisk as installed

2. Test Root:

   • Download a root checker app
   • Or use terminal: su command should work

3. Configure Magisk:

   • Enable Zygisk for better app compatibility
   • Configure DenyList for banking apps
   • Install Magisk modules as needed

Alternative Root Solutions

KernelSU (Recommended for Security)

1. Check Kernel Support:

   • KernelSU requires specific kernel versions
   • Check compatibility at KernelSU.org

2. Installation:

   • Flash KernelSU-supported kernel
   • Install KernelSU Manager app

APatch (Kernel-based Alternative)

1. Requirements:

   • Unlocked bootloader
   • Compatible kernel

2. Installation:

   • Follow APatch documentation

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Fastboot Not Recognized:

   • Install proper USB drivers
   • Try different USB ports/cables
   • Use original Nothing USB cable

2. Bootloop After Root:

   • Flash stock boot.img: fastboot flash boot boot.img
   • Or use recovery to restore backup

3. Banking Apps Not Working:

   • Enable Magisk Hide / DenyList
   • Use Universal SafetyNet Fix module
   • Consider KernelSU for better compatibility

4. Recovery Not Booting:

   • Ensure correct recovery for your model
   • Some devices need fastboot boot recovery.img first

Recovery Commands

# Flash stock firmware
fastboot update firmware.zip

# Erase userdata (factory reset)
fastboot -w

# Boot to recovery temporarily
fastboot boot recovery.img

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

Security & Banking Apps

Magisk Hide/DenyList Configuration

1. Enable Zygisk:

   • Magisk → Settings → Enable Zygisk

2. Configure DenyList:

   • Magisk → Settings → Configure DenyList
   • Add banking apps, Netflix, etc.

3. Install Additional Modules:

   • Shamiko (advanced hiding)

Restore to Stock

Unroot and Lock Bootloader

1. Uninstall Magisk:

   • Magisk → Uninstall → Complete Uninstall

2. Flash Stock Firmware:

   fastboot update stock_firmware.zip

3. Lock Bootloader (Optional):

   fastboot flashing lock

   Warning: Only lock bootloader with stock firmware!

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Tips & Best Practices

Before Rooting

• Backup everything: Use ADB backup, Titanium Backup, or built-in backup
• Note down firmware version: For finding correct stock files
• Charge battery: Ensure at least 50% battery

After Rooting

• Test thoroughly: Ensure all basic functions work
• Configure security: Set up Magisk Hide for sensitive apps
• Keep backups: Regular NANDroid backups via custom recovery
• Stay updated: Keep Magisk and modules updated

Security Considerations

• Enable encryption: Nothing phones support hardware encryption
• Use strong passwords: Root access requires careful password management
• Monitor permissions: Regularly review root app permissions
• Banking apps: Use Magisk Hide or consider KernelSU for better compatibility

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Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Rooting voids warranty and carries risks. Always backup your device and proceed at your own risk. The authors are not responsible for any damage to your device.