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ROOT NOTHING PHONE 1 WITH MAGISK — A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Root Nothing Phone 1 with Magisk — A Step-by-Step Guide

In the realm of Android customization, achieving root access remains the ultimate gateway to unlocking the full potential of a device. For owners of the Nothing Phone 1, the process involves a specific sequence of bootloader unlocking, partition patching, and utilizing the Magisk framework. We have crafted this comprehensive guide to navigate you through every technical nuance, ensuring a secure and successful rooting process. Our methodology prioritizes data integrity, device safety, and a seamless transition to a rooted environment, allowing you to install custom modules and system modifications from the Magisk Module Repository.

Understanding the Prerequisites and Implications of Rooting

Before initiating the rooting process on the Nothing Phone 1, it is imperative to understand the foundational requirements and the consequences of modifying the system partition. Rooting is not merely a software tweak; it is a fundamental alteration of the device’s security architecture.

The Importance of Data Backup

We cannot overstate the necessity of a complete data backup. The process of unlocking the bootloader inherently wipes all data from the device. This includes contacts, messages, installed applications, and media files. Utilizing Google’s built-in backup services is a start, but for a comprehensive safeguard, we recommend creating a local backup of critical data on an external storage device or a computer. Failure to do so will result in permanent data loss once the bootloader unlock command is executed.

Understanding Warranty and SafetyNet

Unlocking the bootloader on the Nothing Phone 1 typically voids the manufacturer’s warranty. While re-locking the bootloader is sometimes possible, it often trips the e-fuse, permanently marking the device as modified in the eyes of the hardware security modules. Furthermore, root access triggers Google’s SafetyNet Attestation, which may prevent banking apps, Netflix, and certain games from functioning. We will address how to mitigate these issues using Magisk’s built-in cloaking capabilities later in this guide.

Required Tools and Software

To successfully root the Nothing Phone 1, you will need a specific set of tools. Ensure you have the following ready before proceeding:

Preparing the Nothing Phone 1 for Modification

The preparation phase sets the stage for a safe rooting procedure. We must configure the device settings to allow external modifications and prepare the computer for file transfer.

Enabling Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

The Android operating system hides developer settings by default. To unlock them:

  1. Navigate to Settings > About Phone.
  2. Tap on Build Number seven times until a message confirms you are now a developer.
  3. Return to the main Settings menu and enter the newly unlocked System > Developer Options.
  4. Locate OEM Unlocking and enable it. This is the critical switch that allows the bootloader to be unlocked.
  5. Simultaneously enable USB Debugging. This allows the computer to send commands to the device via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Setting Up the ADB and Fastboot Environment

On your computer, download the latest Android Platform Tools from the official Android developer site. Extract the files to a convenient location, such as C:\platform-tools on Windows or ~/platform-tools on macOS/Linux. Add this directory to your system’s PATH environment variable. This allows you to run ADB and fastboot commands from any terminal window without navigating to the directory each time. Verify the connection by connecting your Nothing Phone 1 to the PC via USB, accepting the RSA fingerprint prompt on the device, and running adb devices in your terminal. You should see your device serial number listed.

Unlocking the Bootloader on Nothing Phone 1

The bootloader is the program that loads the operating system. By default, it is locked to prevent unauthorized software from running. We must unlock it to modify the system partition.

Generating the Unlock Key

Due to specific manufacturer requirements, the Nothing Phone 1 requires an unlock key (often called an unlock token) from the manufacturer. Unlike some older devices, you cannot simply flash a command to unlock it without this token.

  1. Visit the official Nothing support page or the community forum dedicated to the Nothing Phone 1 bootloader unlock request.
  2. Follow their specific procedure, which usually involves creating an account, submitting your device ID (obtained via adb reboot bootloader followed by fastboot oem device-id), and waiting for the unlock file (usually unlock.zip or a .bin file) to be emailed to you.

Executing the Bootloader Unlock

Once you have the unlock key, place it in your ADB/Fastboot directory.

  1. Reboot the device into the bootloader: adb reboot bootloader.
  2. Verify the connection: fastboot devices.
  3. Flash the unlock token: fastboot flashing unlock_critical (or the specific command provided by Nothing).
  4. On the device screen, use the volume keys to select Unlock the bootloader and press the power button to confirm.
  5. The device will wipe all data and reboot. During the boot animation, you may see a warning message indicating the bootloader is unlocked. This is normal.

Extracting the Stock Boot Image

Magisk works by patching the original boot.img file. We need to extract this file from the device’s current firmware.

Identifying the Current Firmware Version

Go to Settings > About Phone and note the build number. You must download the exact stock firmware matching this build number. Using a different firmware version can cause the device to fail to boot (boot loop).

Extracting boot.img

  1. The stock firmware usually comes as a ZIP file. Extract it to your computer.
  2. Inside the extracted folder, look for a file named payload.bin.
  3. Use a payload dumper tool (such as payload-dumper-go) to extract the contents of payload.bin.
  4. Locate the boot.img file in the extracted output. This is the kernel image we need to modify.
  5. Copy boot.img to your Nothing Phone 1’s internal storage.

Patching the Boot Image with Magisk

This is the core of the rooting process. We will use the Magisk app to modify the kernel, injecting the necessary components to gain root privileges.

Installing the Magisk App

Since Magisk is not available on the Google Play Store, you must download the latest APK file from the official GitHub repository. Rename the file from app-release.apk (or similar) to Magisk.apk and install it on your Nothing Phone 1. You may need to allow installation from unknown sources in your security settings.

Patching the Image

  1. Open the Magisk app.
  2. Tap on the Install button next to the Magisk header.
  3. Select Choose and Patch a File.
  4. Navigate to the boot.img file you copied to your internal storage and select it.
  5. Magisk will begin the patching process. Once complete, it will save the patched file to your Download folder, typically named magisk_patched_[random_strings].img.
  6. Copy this patched image file back to your computer’s ADB/Fastboot directory for easy access.

Flashing the Patched Image via Fastboot

With the patched boot.img ready, we can now flash it to the device. This step replaces the stock kernel with the Magisk-patched version.

Flashing the Image

  1. Connect your Nothing Phone 1 to the PC.
  2. Reboot the device into the bootloader: adb reboot bootloader.
  3. Ensure the device is detected: fastboot devices.
  4. Flash the patched boot image: fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img (replace the filename with the actual name of your patched file).
    • Note: On some Android versions or devices, the partition name might be boot_a or boot_b. If the standard boot command fails, check your specific partition layout using fastboot getvar all.
  5. If you are using an Android version that requires a vbmeta partition to be flashed (often to disable Verified Boot), you may need to flash vbmeta with fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img --disable-verity --disable-verification. However, be cautious as this step varies by Android version and device security patch level.

Rebooting the System

Once the flashing process is complete, reboot the device: fastboot reboot

The first boot after patching may take longer than usual as the system initializes the Magisk environment. Do not interrupt this process.

Verifying Root Access

After the device boots up, you need to confirm that the rooting process was successful.

  1. Open the Magisk app.
  2. Check the Installed version number. It should display the version you installed.
  3. Look for the Magisk status. It should indicate that the app has full root access.
  4. To be absolutely certain, we recommend installing a root checker app from the Play Store or using the built-in check within the Magisk app (if available).

Post-Root Configuration and SafetyNet

Gaining root is only the first step. Configuring the environment correctly ensures your device remains functional for daily use, including banking and streaming apps.

Enabling Zygisk and DenyList

Modern Magisk versions utilize Zygisk to inject modules into the system process.

  1. Open Magisk Settings.
  2. Enable Zygisk.
  3. Enable Enforce DenyList.
  4. Configure the DenyList by selecting the apps you wish to hide root from (e.g., banking apps, Google Pay, Pokemon Go). This prevents these apps from detecting root and refusing to run.

Installing Modules from Magisk Module Repository

Once rooted, you gain access to the vast ecosystem of Magisk modules. These modules allow you to modify the system without flashing zips in recovery.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a precise guide, issues can arise. We have compiled solutions to the most common problems encountered when rooting the Nothing Phone 1.

Boot Loops

If the device fails to boot after flashing the patched image, do not panic.

  1. Hold the Power button to force shut down.
  2. Boot into the bootloader and flash the original boot.img (the unpatched one) back to the device: fastboot flash boot boot.img.
  3. This will unroot the device and allow it to boot normally. You can then try the patching process again, ensuring you selected the correct firmware version.

SafetyNet Failing

If basic root hiding isn’t enough for SafetyNet:

  1. Ensure Zygisk is enabled.
  2. In the MagiskHide or DenyList settings, ensure Google Play Services and Google Play Store are checked.
  3. Some devices may require additional configuration or a specific module from the repository to fully bypass hardware-backed attestation.

Losing OTA Updates

Rooting breaks the standard Over-The-Air (OTA) update mechanism because the system partition has been modified. To update your Nothing Phone 1 in the future:

  1. Download the full OTA ZIP manually.
  2. Patch the payload.bin to extract the new boot.img.
  3. Patch the new boot.img with Magisk.
  4. Flash the new boot.img via fastboot.
  5. Do not flash the entire firmware OTA via recovery unless you use the Magisk “OTA” install method, which preserves root by installing the OTA, patching the inactive slot, and rebooting.

Advanced: Kernel and SELinux Management

For power users, rooting opens the door to kernel-level customization. The Nothing Phone 1 runs a Linux kernel, and root access allows you to modify kernel parameters and SELinux policies.

Managing SELinux Modes

By default, Magisk enforces SELinux in Enforcing mode for security. You can switch to Permissive mode using specific Magisk modules if you need to debug or run apps that require broader access. However, we advise keeping SELinux Enforcing for daily security.

Custom Kernels

Once unlocked, you can flash custom kernels that offer better performance or battery life. Always ensure the kernel is specifically built for the Nothing Phone 1 (codename: Spacewar) and matches your Android version.

Conclusion

Rooting the Nothing Phone 1 with Magisk is a technical process that, when followed carefully, provides immense control over your device. By following this guide, you have successfully unlocked the bootloader, patched the boot image, and gained full root access. You are now equipped to explore the extensive capabilities of the Magisk Module Repository hosted at Magisk Modules. Remember to exercise caution when modifying system files and always keep a backup of your stock boot image. We are committed to providing the best resources for your Android customization journey, ensuring your device performs exactly how you envision.

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