The newest iteration of the Nothing lineup comes with a long list of impressive features. For casual users, these features should be more than enough. However, some people are too greedy and might want to open up doors to a plethora of new options.
This is where custom kernels come into the picture. As it has been a few weeks since the release of Nothing Phone 2, developers have ported custom kernels for Nothing Phone 2.
If you want to welcome a plethora of intriguing tweaks and optimizations, then this guide will be helpful. In this guide, you will get to know how to flash custom kernel on Nothing Phone 2.
How to fix Custom Kernel on Nothing Phone 2? (Install Custom Kernel)
Step 1: Install Android SDK
Firstly, you’ll need to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. It’s the official ADB and Fastboot binary offered by Google. You’ll need to download it and extract it to a convenient location on your PC.
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Then, you will need to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your smartphone. The former makes your smartphone recognizable by the PC in ADB mode. Meanwhile, it’ll allow you to easily boot your smartphone to Fastboot Mode.
OEM Unlocking will be needed to carry out the bootloader unlocking process. You’ll need to go to Settings -> About Phone -> Tap on Build Number 7 times -> Return to Settings -> System -> Advanced -> Developer Options -> Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
Step 3: Unlock Bootloader on your smartphone
You’ll also need to unlock the bootloader on your Nothing Phone 2 if you’re looking to flash a custom kernel. Remember that doing this will wipe off the data and might even make your device’s warranty null and void.
💡 Full Guide: How to unlock bootloader on Nothing Phone 2
Step 4: Download custom kernels for Nothing Phone 2
You can get your hands on the custom kernel for your Nothing Phone 2 by heading to the link mentioned below –
arter97 kernel for Nothing Phone 2 – Download
Once downloaded, you should rename the file to kernel.img and then transfer it to the platform-tools folder.
Step 5: Root your Nothing Phone 2
Now, you need to root your Nothing Phone 2 using Magisk. However, you should know that the developer has provided a KrnelSU file for rooting. As of now, it is resulting in a few issues. You should stick to the traditional Magisk root method and flash this Non-SU kernel.
Step 6: Boot your device to Fastboot mode
- Connect your smartphone to the PC using a USB cable while ensuring that USB debugging is enabled
- After that, go to the platform-tools folder and type in CMD in the address bar before hitting Enter to launch the Command Prompt
- Then, type in the following command in the CMD window for booting your smartphone to Fastboot Mode
adb reboot bootloader
- For verifying the Fastboot connection, you should type the following command and you’ll get back the device ID –
fastboot devices
Step 7: Flash custom kernel on your Nothing Phone 2
- Type the following command to flash the custom kernel on your Nothing Phone 2 –
fastboot flash boot kernel.img
- Now, type the below command for booting your device to the OS –
fastboot reboot
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this guide, let us know in the comment section down below.
