How to Install OTA Updates Using ADB Sideload in Nothing Phone 2

Regarding the underlying OS skin, Nothing Phone 2 boasts an exceptionally clean and stock Android experience. The OEM has done an impressive job of delivering timely updates regarding the update cycle. Despite their efforts, these updates are typically rolled out in batches, resulting in variations in their availability among users. If the first batch of users receives the update, they can share the OTA URL with others.

For those who still need to receive the update, there is an option to download and install the OTA update manually using ADB Sideload in Nothing Phone 2. This guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of how to carry out this process.

Steps to Install OTA Updates Using ADB Sideload on a Nothing Phone 2

Step 1: Install the Android SDK

To begin, ensure that you install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC or computer. These tools include the official ADB and Fastboot binaries provided by Google. Upon downloading and extracting the Platform Tools to a convenient location on your PC, you can access the necessary Platform Tools folder.

Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking

Next, enabling USB debugging and OEM unlocking on your smartphone is essential. USB Debugging facilitates the recognition of your device by the PC in ADB mode and allows you to boot your smartphone into Fastboot Mode effortlessly.

To enable these options, follow the straightforward steps below:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone> Tap on “Build Number” seven times consecutively to unlock Developer Options.
2. Return to Settings > System > Developer Options.
3. Enable both USB debugging and OEM unlocking.

Step 3: Download the Firmware for the Nothing Phone 2.

1. Procure the firmware file for your Nothing Phone 2 from the link provided
2. After downloading the file, transfer the firmware to the platform-tools folder on your PC. To ensure a smooth process, rename the file to “update.zip,” so the complete name reads “updates.zip.”

Step 4: Boot-to-Stock Recovery

• Connect your Nothing Phone 2 to your PC using a USB cable. Then, navigate to the platform-tools folder, type “CMD” in the address bar, and press Enter to launch the Command Prompt.
• To boot your device into stock recovery, input the following command in the CMD window:

adb reboot recovery

• As a result, you will be directed to the No Command Screen. To exit this screen, press and hold the Power button, followed by pressing and releasing the Volume Up key while still holding the Power Key. This will take you to stock recovery.

Step 5: Install OTA/Firmware using ADB Sideload on Nothing Phone 2.

• Use the Volume keys to highlight the “Apple Update from the ADB” option within the stock recovery, and then press the Power key to confirm it.
• Return to the platform-tools folder, input “CMD” in the address bar, and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt.
• To verify the ADB sideload connection, type the following command in the CMD window:

adb devices  

• Seeing the “sideload” keyword in the Command Prompt confirms a successful connection, allowing you to proceed further.
• In the CMD window, execute the following command to install the OTA file:

adb sideload update.zip

• The installation process will commence and may take a few minutes to complete. Once finished, utilize the Volume keys to select the “Reboot System Now” option and press the Power Key to confirm.
• You can effectively install OTA updates using ADB Sideload on your Nothing Phone 2 by adhering to these steps. Embrace the latest features and improvements provided by the updated firmware!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)