Nothing Phone Custom ROM and Root Guide
Nothing phones are built on clean Android and developer-friendly policies. Here's how to customize your Nothing Phone.
What Nothing Offers
Nothing's approach:
- Official bootloader unlock
- Clean NothingOS (near-stock Android)
- Good developer relations
- Active XDA community
Device Support
Nothing Phone (2)
- Good custom ROM support
- Active development
- Codename: pong
Nothing Phone (1)
- Mature ROM support
- Many options available
- Codename: spacewar
Nothing Phone (2a)
- Growing support
- Check XDA for current status
- Codename: pacman
Prerequisites
- Nothing Phone
- Computer with ADB/Fastboot
- USB cable
- Full battery charge
- Backup of important data
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
Settings → About Phone
Tap "Build Number" 7 times
Enter PIN when prompted
"Developer mode enabled"
Step 2: Enable OEM Unlocking
Settings → Developer Options
OEM Unlocking → Enable
Confirm warning
Step 3: Unlock Bootloader
Boot to Fastboot
adb reboot bootloader
Or: Power off → Hold Power + Volume Down
Unlock
fastboot devices
# Confirm device detected
fastboot flashing unlock
# Confirm on device using volume buttons
After Unlock
- Device wipes completely
- Shows unlocked warning at boot (normal)
- Complete initial setup
Step 4: Install Custom Recovery
TWRP or Custom Recovery
Check XDA for Nothing Phone recovery:
- TWRP (if available)
- Custom recovery by community
Flash Recovery
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
OR
fastboot boot recovery.img # Temporary boot
Boot to Recovery
fastboot reboot recovery
Step 5: Flash Custom ROM
Available ROMs
Nothing Phone (2):
- Pixel Experience
- crDroid
- LineageOS
- Evolution X
Nothing Phone (1):
- Pixel Experience
- LineageOS
- Various others
Flashing Process
In Recovery:
1. Wipe → Advanced Wipe
- System ✓
- Data ✓
- Cache ✓
- Dalvik ✓
2. Install → Select ROM.zip
3. Add GApps if not included
4. Swipe to flash
5. Reboot
Rooting Nothing Phone
With Magisk
Method 1: Patch Boot Image
1. Download stock NothingOS package
2. Extract boot.img
3. Transfer to phone
4. Magisk → Install → Patch File
5. Select boot.img
6. Get patched boot image
7. Flash via fastboot:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
8. Reboot
Method 2: TWRP
1. Download Magisk APK
2. Rename to Magisk.zip
3. Flash via TWRP
4. Reboot
Glyph Interface on Custom ROMs
Will Glyph Work?
Nothing's signature Glyph lights need:
- Nothing's proprietary code
- GlyphInterface service
On Custom ROMs
- Some ROMs port Glyph support
- May have limited functionality
- Check ROM-specific notes
Solutions
- Use ROM that supports Glyph
- Install Glyph composer APK (may work)
- Accept limited Glyph functionality
Returning to NothingOS
Download Stock NothingOS
Get from Nothing's official site or community sources.
Flash via Fastboot
# Extract firmware package
# Flash all partitions
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot flash system system.img
# ... etc for all partitions
# Or use provided flash script
./flash-all.sh
Relock Bootloader (Optional)
# Only on complete stock NothingOS!
fastboot flashing lock
Troubleshooting
Recovery Boot Fails
Try temporary boot:
fastboot boot recovery.img
If works, flash permanently from within recovery
ROM Doesn't Boot
1. Boot to recovery
2. Check if correct ROM for your variant
3. Re-wipe and reflash
4. Try alternative ROM
Glyph Not Working
- Check if ROM supports Glyph
- May need additional patches
- Some features unavailable on AOSP
Best ROMs for Nothing Phone
| ROM | Phone (1) | Phone (2) | Glyph Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel Experience | ✅ | ✅ | Varies |
| LineageOS | ✅ | ✅ | Limited |
| crDroid | ✅ | Check | Varies |
| NothingOS Custom | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Summary
Nothing Phone Customization:
1. Enable OEM Unlock in Developer Options
2. fastboot flashing unlock
3. Flash custom recovery
4. Flash ROM of choice
5. Optional: Root with Magisk
For Glyph: Check ROM-specific support
Nothing phones are great for customization due to the clean software base. Enjoy!
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