---
url: /rooting-guides/how-to-root-nothing-phone.md
description: >-
  Master guide to root all Nothing & CMF by Nothing Phone models with bootloader
  unlock and Magisk installation for Nothing OS.
---

# Nothing & CMF Phone Root Guide

Root Nothing Phone devices with straightforward process.

## Quick Navigation

* [Device Compatibility](#device-compatibility)
* [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
* [Bootloader Unlock](#unlock-bootloader)
* [Root Installation](#root-installation)
* [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)

**Related Guides:**

* [Main Rooting Guide](./index.md) - Universal rooting concepts
* [Bootloader Unlocking](./how-to-unlock-bootloader.md) - Detailed unlock guide
* [Magisk Guide](./magisk-guide.md) - Complete Magisk documentation

***

## Device Compatibility

All Nothing and CMF by Nothing Phone models support bootloader unlocking and rooting. No regional restrictions - all devices are unlockable globally.

**Codenames for firmware identification:**

* Phone (1): `Spacewar` · Phone (2): `Pong` · Phone (2a): `Pacman`/`PacmanPro` · Phone (3): `Metroid` · Phone (3a): `Asteroids`
* CMF Phone (1): `Tetris` · CMF Phone (2): `Galaga`

> \[!NOTE]
> All Nothing Phones are unlockable globally. No known incompatible models.

> \[!TIP]
> **Don't want to unlock?** On the Nothing Phone (1), the community tool **root-my-nothing** grants **temporary root via the GhostLock bug (CVE-2026-43499)** - KernelSU installs with the bootloader still locked, and everything resets on reboot. See [Root Without Unlocking the Bootloader](./root-without-unlocking-bootloader.md).

***

## Prerequisites

### Critical Requirements

::: danger BEFORE YOU START
**Data Wipe:** Unlocking bootloader erases everything including internal storage.

**Backup Everything:** Photos, contacts, messages, app data, authenticator codes.

**Warranty Void:** Bootloader unlock voids manufacturer warranty permanently.

**Glyph Interface:** May not work on some custom ROMs. Test before full switch.
:::

### Hardware Requirements

* Nothing Phone device (any model)
* Quality USB-C cable
* Computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
* 50%+ battery charge

### Software Requirements

**On Computer:**

1. **Platform Tools** (ADB/Fastboot)
   * Download: [Android Platform Tools](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)

2. **USB Drivers** (Windows)
   * Usually auto-install
   * Or download generic Android drivers

3. **Stock Firmware** (for recovery)
   * Download from [Github](https://github.com/spike0en/nothing_archive)
   * Official updates via OTA
   * Nothing Phone (2) OTA: [XDA Thread](https://xdaforums.com/t/nothing-phone-2-official-ota-zip-full-incremental.4604803/)

**On Device:**

1. **Magisk APK**
   * Download: [Magisk GitHub](https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases)

### Device Preparation

**Step 1: Enable Developer Options**

1. Settings > About phone
2. Tap "Build number" 7 times
3. Enter PIN/password

**Step 2: Enable Required Settings**

Settings > System > Developer options:

* **OEM unlocking**: Enable
* **USB debugging**: Enable

**Step 3: Verify ADB**

```bash
adb devices
# Accept debugging prompt
# Should show "device" status
```

***

## Unlock Bootloader

### Step 1: Enter Fastboot Mode

**Method 1: ADB**

```bash
adb reboot bootloader
```

**Method 2: Hardware Keys**

1. Power off
2. Hold Volume Down + Power
3. Release at fastboot screen

### Step 2: Unlock Bootloader

```bash
# Verify connection
fastboot devices

# Unlock bootloader
fastboot flashing unlock

# Alternatively (if first doesn't work)
fastboot oem unlock
```

**On Device:**

1. Warning screen appears
2. Use Volume keys to navigate
3. Select "UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER"
4. Press Power to confirm
5. Device wipes and reboots

### Step 3: Complete Setup

After automatic factory reset:

1. Complete Android setup
2. Re-enable Developer options
3. Re-enable USB debugging

***

## Root Installation

### Determine Correct Image

| Device Generation | Image to Patch |
|---|---|
| All Nothing Phones (Android 13+) | `init_boot.img` |
| Phone (1) on Android 12 | `boot.img` |

**Check in Magisk app "Ramdisk" field if unsure.**

### Method 1: Boot Image Patching

**Step 1: Extract Boot Image**

For Nothing Phone (2) and (2a):

1. Download OTA update or firmware
2. Extract payload.bin
3. Use payload-dumper-go:

```bash
./payload-dumper-go -o extracted payload.bin
```

4. Find init_boot.img in extracted/

For Nothing Phone (1):

* Check current Android version
* Android 13+ uses init_boot.img
* Android 12 uses boot.img

**Step 2: Transfer to Device**

```bash
adb push init_boot.img /sdcard/Download/
# Or
adb push boot.img /sdcard/Download/
```

**Step 3: Install Magisk and Patch**

```bash
adb install magisk.apk
```

**Note:** Use latest Magisk version from [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases)

On device:

1. Open Magisk
2. Install > Select and Patch a File
3. Choose boot/init_boot image
4. Wait for patching

**Step 4: Transfer Patched Image**

```bash
adb pull /sdcard/Download/magisk_patched_xxxxx.img ./
```

**Step 5: Flash Patched Image**

```bash
adb reboot bootloader

# For Android 13/14
fastboot flash init_boot magisk_patched_xxxxx.img

# For Android 12
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched_xxxxx.img

fastboot reboot
```

**Step 6: Verify Root**

1. Open Magisk app
2. Should show:
   * Magisk: Installed
   * App: Latest

Test:

```bash
adb shell
su
id
# Returns: uid=0(root)
```

***

## Post-Root Setup

### Configure Magisk

**Settings:**

* **Zygisk**: Enable
* **Enforce DenyList**: Enable
* **Hide Magisk app**: For banking apps

**DenyList Configuration:**

* Google Play Services
* Google Play Store
* Banking apps
* Payment apps

### Nothing OS Optimization

**Battery Optimization:**

1. Settings > Battery
2. Find Magisk and root apps
3. Set to "Unrestricted"

**Background Activity:**

1. Settings > Apps
2. Magisk and root apps
3. Allow background activity

### Recommended Modules

* **Play Integrity Fix** - Banking app compatibility
* **Shamiko** - Root hiding
* **LSPosed** - Framework
* **Systemless Hosts** - Ad blocking

***

## OTA Handling

### For A/B Devices (All Nothing Phones)

**Step 1: Download OTA**

Settings > System > System update

Download but don't reboot yet

**Step 2: Magisk Installation**

1. Magisk > Install
2. "Install to Inactive Slot (After OTA)"
3. Wait for completion
4. Reboot when prompted

Root preserved after update!

***

## Troubleshooting

### Bootloader Issues

**OEM Unlocking Greyed Out**

Solutions:

1. Remove all accounts
2. Factory reset
3. Wait 24 hours
4. Try again

**Fastboot Not Detecting**

Solutions:

* Update Platform Tools
* Try USB 2.0 port
* Different cable
* Reinstall drivers

### Installation Issues

**Magisk Shows N/A**

Solutions:

1. Verify correct image
2. Check Android version
3. Re-patch correct image
4. Flash to correct partition

**Bootloop After Root**

```bash
fastboot flash init_boot stock_init_boot.img
# Or
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot reboot
```

### Glyph Interface Issues

**Glyph Not Working After Root**

Usually continues working with Magisk. If issues:

1. Check for Glyph-related modules
2. Reinstall Nothing OS stock
3. Some custom ROMs may not support Glyph

***

## Unroot and Restore

### Remove Root

```bash
# Magisk > Uninstall > Restore Images
```

### Flash Stock Firmware

Via fastboot:

```bash
# Flash stock images
fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img
fastboot flash init_boot stock_init_boot.img
fastboot reboot
```

### Relock Bootloader

::: danger RELOCK WARNING
Only when completely stock!
:::

```bash
fastboot flashing lock
```

***

## Custom ROMs

### Available ROMs

**LineageOS:**

* Official builds for Nothing Phone (1) and (2)
* Available for Phone (3a) series (unofficial)

**crDroid:**

* Available for Phone (3a) series
* Based on LineageOS 23

**/e/OS:**

* Privacy-focused option
* Available for Phone (2)

**OrangeFox Recovery:**

* Available for Phone (2), (3), and (3a) series
* Alternative to TWRP

**Note:** Glyph Interface support varies by ROM! Most custom ROMs have limited or no Glyph support.

***

## Device-Specific Notes

### Nothing Phone (3) Series

**Nothing Phone (3):**

* Released July 2025
* Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
* Android 15/16
* Monochrome LED display (489 LEDs)
* IP68 water resistance
* 5 major Android upgrades promised

**Nothing Phone (3a/3a Pro):**

* Released March 2025
* Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
* Android 15/16
* 3 major Android upgrades promised
* IP64 water resistance
* Shared codename: `Asteroids`

### CMF Phone (2) Pro

* Released April 2025
* Dimensity 7300 Pro chipset
* No Glyph Interface (CMF brand)

***

## Best Practices

### Security

1. **Hide Magisk** for sensitive apps
2. **Configure DenyList** properly
3. **Only trusted modules**
4. **Keep Magisk updated**

***

## Community Resources

**Official Nothing:**

* [Nothing Support](https://nothing.tech/support) - Official site
* [Nothing Community](https://nothing.community/) - Forums

**Developer Community:**

* [XDA Nothing Forums](https://xdaforums.com/c/nothing.12583/) - Development
* [Reddit r/NothingTech](https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/) - Community

**Awesome Android Root Resources:**

* [FAQs](../faqs)
* [Troubleshooting Guide](../troubleshooting)

### Getting Help

**Provide:**

* Exact Nothing Phone model
* Nothing OS version
* Android version
* Error messages
* Steps attempted

***

## Next Steps

**After Rooting:**

1. **Essential apps:**
   * [Root Apps Collection](../apps-and-modules/)

2. **Enhance experience:**
   * [Ad Blocking Guide](../general-guides/android-adblocking.md)
   * [Debloating Guide](../general-guides/android-apps-debloating.md)
   * [LSPosed Guide](./lsposed-guide.md)

3. **Explore ROMs:**
   * [Custom ROM Guide](./custom-rom-installation.md)
   * Test Glyph support before switching