Install Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2 (AOSP ROM) – How to Guide!

by

Want to install Android 15 on your Nothing Phone 2? You are in the right place. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide walks you through the complete process of flashing the unofficial LineageOS 22 custom ROM on the Nothing Phone 2 (codename: pong).

Even though the Nothing Phone 2 is still receiving official software updates (which shipped with Android 13 and currently runs Android 15 as its latest stable version), you can experience the cutting edge of mobile software on this Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1-powered device with Android 15. This custom ROM delivers the latest Android features, improved performance, better battery optimization, enhanced privacy controls, and a clean AOSP stock Android experience.

smartphone

Why Install Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2?

The Nothing Phone (2) (released July 2023) is a flagship-tier smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor with up to 12GB RAM and a stunning 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display. Despite being a capable device, Nothing restricts official software to its proprietary Nothing OS (Android 15), leaving power users who desire a pure stock Android experience or enhanced privacy controls looking toward custom ROMs as a superior alternative.

Installing Android 15 via AOSP ROM gives your Nothing Phone 2 a second life with:

security
Latest Security Patches
Protection against current known vulnerabilities and exploits.
speed
Better Performance
AOSP-based ROMs are usually leaner and faster than stock firmware.
battery_full
Extended Battery Life
Android 15 power optimizations can improve battery efficiency.
apps
Modern App Support
Run newer apps that require recent Android API levels.
auto_awesome

Android 15 Key Features You'll Get on Nothing Phone 2

Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2 with AOSP ROM delivers a modern Android experience. Android 15 focuses on stability, privacy controls, and performance tuning. These are the key improvements you can expect from this update:

privacy_tip

Private Space

Sensitive apps can stay isolated behind an extra unlock boundary for improved privacy.
speed

Faster App Launch

Runtime and system optimizations reduce lag and improve app responsiveness.
battery_6_bar

Background Efficiency

Smarter process handling lowers unnecessary battery drain in idle and standby states.
graphic_eq

Media and Audio Upgrades

Improved media pipeline behavior and cleaner handling for playback and recording tasks.
gpp_good

Security Hardening

Stronger platform-level protections and safer defaults for modern apps.
build

Refined System UI

Polished UX details across notifications, quick settings, and platform interactions.
warning

Important Warnings — Read Before Installing Android 15

error

Device-specific ROM: This Android 15 custom ROM is ONLY for the Nothing Phone 2. Do not flash it on any other device — it will brick your device.

error

Brick risk: Carefully follow every step in the correct order. Incorrect installation — such as flashing the wrong file, interrupting the process, or skipping the wipe — can permanently brick your Nothing Phone 2. TheUpgradeGuide is not responsible for any damage.

error

Complete data wipe: Installing this custom ROM erases everything on your Nothing Phone 2 — apps, photos, contacts, messages, and files. Create a complete backup before proceeding.

error

Battery requirement: Charge your Nothing Phone 2 to at least 50–60% before starting. An accidental shutdown during the flashing process can leave your device in a non-bootable state.

error

Warranty void: Unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM will void your manufacturer warranty.

checklist

Pre-Installation Requirements for Nothing Phone 2

Make sure you have all of the following ready before starting the Android 15 installation on your Nothing Phone 2:

check_circle

Unlocked bootloader: Your Nothing Phone 2 must have an unlocked bootloader. Use Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool if you haven’t done this. The process requires linking your Mi account and waiting approximately 7 days.

check_circle

TWRP Recovery installed: You must have TWRP Recovery installed on your Nothing Phone 2. Watch TWRP installation tutorial for Nothing Phone 2 →

check_circle

Full data backup: Back up all important data — photos, contacts, messages, app data, WhatsApp chats, and files — before starting the installation. Consider using Google Backup and Google Photos for cloud backup.

check_circle

USB drivers installed: Install the appropriate USB drivers on your PC/Mac. These are needed if you’re using ADB/Fastboot for any part of the process.

forum

XDA Forum Thread: AOSP ROM for Nothing Phone 2 — XDA Forum →

Always check this XDA Forum thread for the latest build updates, known bugs, required patches, firmware requirements, and community feedback before installing.

download

Download Android 15 ROM & GApps for Nothing Phone 2

AOSP ROM ROM (AOSP-Based Android 15) for Nothing Phone 2

Google Apps (GApps) for Android 15 ARM64 – Choose One Package

apps LiteGApps (Android 15 ARM64)apps NikGApps (Android 15 ARM64)apps MindTheGApps (Android 15 ARM64)apps BiTGapps (Android 15 ARM64)

search Not sure which GApps to pick? Read our complete GApps compatibility guide ->

bolt Quick Installation Overview

Short on time? Here’s the 5-step summary of how to install Android 15 on your Nothing Phone 2. Scroll down for the detailed guide with screenshots.

  1. 1Download the AOSP ROM Android 15 ROM & GApps for Nothing Phone 2.
  2. 2Boot your Nothing Phone 2 into TWRP custom recovery mode.
  3. 3Wipe system, vendor, data, cache, and dalvik cache partitions.
  4. 4Flash the Android 15 ROM zip followed by the GApps zip via TWRP Install.
  5. 5Wipe cache, reboot, and enjoy Android 15 on your Nothing Phone 2!
menu_book

Step-by-Step: Install Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2

1

install_mobile Install TWRP Custom Recovery on Nothing Phone 2

The first step is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom recovery on your Nothing Phone 2. TWRP replaces the stock recovery and allows you to flash custom ROMs, GApps, and create complete system backups. You’ll need a PC/Mac with ADB and Fastboot tools installed, plus a USB cable. If TWRP is already installed on your Nothing Phone 2, skip directly to Step 2.

2

file_copy Transfer the ROM and GApps Files to Your Nothing Phone 2

Download the Android 15 AOSP ROM ROM zip and your preferred GApps package from the download section above. Connect your Nothing Phone 2 to your computer via USB and transfer both .zip files to the device’s internal storage root folder or SD Card. Remember the file location — you’ll need to find these files in TWRP later.

Transfer Android 15 AOSP ROM ROM and GApps zip files to Nothing Phone 2 internal storage via USB
3

restart_alt Boot Nothing Phone 2 into TWRP Recovery Mode

Disconnect the USB cable and power off your Nothing Phone 2 completely. Once the device is off, press and hold the Power button + Volume Up button simultaneously until you see the TWRP logo appear on screen. Release both buttons when TWRP loads. If prompted, swipe to allow modifications.

Boot Nothing Phone 2 into TWRP Recovery Mode using Power and Volume Up buttons
4

backup Create a Nandroid Backup of Your Current ROM

This step is critical for safety. In TWRP, tap Backup and create a complete Nandroid Backup. This creates a bit-for-bit copy of your entire current system — including the ROM, apps, data, and settings. If anything goes wrong during the Android 15 installation, or if you want to return to your previous ROM, you can restore this backup in minutes.

Detailed Nandroid Backup guide →

Create a full Nandroid Backup in TWRP before installing Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2
5

delete_sweep Perform a Factory Reset Using Advanced Wipe

Now perform a thorough Factory Reset to prepare your Nothing Phone 2 for the Android 15 ROM. In TWRP, navigate to Wipe → Advanced Wipe. Check the boxes for Cache, Dalvik Cache, System, and Data partitions. Then Swipe to Wipe. This completely clears the old system files, user data, and cache — preventing conflicts with the new Android 15 ROM.

TWRP Advanced Wipe selecting Cache, Dalvik, System, and Data partitions on Nothing Phone 2
6

home Return to the TWRP Main Menu

After the wipe completes successfully, navigate back to the TWRP Main Menu by tapping the back arrow or pressing the home/center navigation button on your Nothing Phone 2. You should see the main TWRP screen with options like Install, Wipe, Backup, Restore, etc.

Navigate back to TWRP Main Menu on Nothing Phone 2 after factory reset
7

system_update Flash the Android 15 ROM (AOSP ROM)

This is the main step. From the TWRP Main Menu, tap Install. Navigate to the folder where you saved the AOSP ROM (Android 15) ROM zip file. Tap the file to select it, then Swipe to Confirm Flash. The flashing process takes 2–5 minutes — do not touch anything or power off your Nothing Phone 2 until it completes. You’ll see “Successful” when done.

Flash Android 15 AOSP ROM custom ROM zip file via TWRP Install on Nothing Phone 2
8

apps Flash the Google Apps (GApps) Package

Immediately after the ROM flash completes, do not reboot yet. Instead, tap “Install” again (or use the back button), navigate to your GApps zip file, and flash it the same way. This installs the Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and other essential Google services on your Nothing Phone 2. Without GApps, you won’t have access to Google services or the Play Store.

Flash GApps package via TWRP immediately after Android 15 ROM on Nothing Phone 2
9

cached Wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache

After the GApps flash completes, you’ll see a “Wipe cache/dalvik” button at the bottom left of the TWRP screen. Tap it and Swipe to Wipe. This clears any residual cached data and ensures a clean, error-free first boot of Android 15 on your Nothing Phone 2. Skipping this step can cause boot loops or app crashes.

Wipe cache and dalvik cache in TWRP after flashing Android 15 ROM and GApps on Nothing Phone 2
10

restart_alt Reboot Your Nothing Phone 2 into Android 15

After the cache wipe completes, Press the Home Button, Click Reboot button from the main menu, Tap on System and Swipe to Reboot. Your Nothing Phone 2 will now boot into Android 15 (AOSP ROM) for the first time! Important: The first boot typically takes 5–10 minutes as the system optimizes all applications. The screen may appear stuck on the boot animation — this is completely normal. Do not force restart during this process.

Reboot Nothing Phone 2 into Android 15 AOSP ROM - first boot after successful custom ROM installation
celebration

Android 15 Successfully Installed on Your Nothing Phone 2!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Android 15 (AOSP ROM) on your Nothing Phone 2. Enjoy the latest Android features, improved performance, enhanced security, and a clean stock Android experience on your refreshed device!

verified

What’s Working & Not Working on Android 15 (Nothing Phone 2)

Based on the XDA Forum thread and community reports, here’s the current status of features on the AOSP ROM (Android 15) ROM for the Nothing Phone 2. Note: This may vary between builds, so always check the latest forum post.

check_circle Working

  • ✅ Phone calls & SMS
  • ✅ Wi-Fi & Hotspot
  • ✅ Mobile data (4G LTE)
  • ✅ Bluetooth & audio
  • ✅ Camera (photo & video)
  • ✅ GPS & location
  • ✅ Fingerprint sensor
  • ✅ NFC

cancel Known Issues

  • ⚠️ Minor camera quirks in some modes
  • ⚠️ Some hardware features may vary by build

Always check the XDA Forum thread for the most up-to-date bug list for your specific build version.

build

Troubleshooting Common Issues

🔄 Stuck on Boot Animation (Bootloop)

If your Nothing Phone 2 is stuck on the boot animation for more than 15 minutes, it may be bootlooping. Reboot into TWRP (Power + Vol Up), perform a full wipe (System, Data, Cache, Dalvik), and re-flash the ROM and GApps. Make sure you’re using compatible GApps for Android 15 arm64.

❌ “Error 7” or “Zip Verification Failed”

This usually means you’re flashing a ROM not built for your device. Double-check that the ROM zip is specifically for the Nothing Phone 2. Also ensure your TWRP version is up-to-date and compatible with Android 15 ROMs.

📱 No Mobile Data or Signal After Installation

You may need to flash the correct firmware (baseband/modem) before installing the ROM. Check the XDA Forum thread for the recommended firmware version for your build of AOSP ROM.

🔙 How to Restore Back to Stock ROM

If you want to go back to the stock ROM: (1) restore your Nandroid Backup via TWRP → Restore, or (2) download the official stock ROM from the manufacturer and flash it using the appropriate flash tool on your PC. This will completely restore your Nothing Phone 2 to factory stock condition.

Frequently Asked Questions — Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about installing and using Android 15 (AOSP ROM) on the Nothing Phone 2:

Is the Android 15 ROM for Nothing Phone 2 stable enough for daily use?

The AOSP ROM (Android 15) ROM for the Nothing Phone 2 is an unofficial build. Core features — including phone calls, Wi-Fi, mobile data, camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and the fingerprint scanner — work well in most builds. Some minor bugs may exist depending on the build version. We recommend checking the XDA Forum thread for the latest known issues before installing it as your daily driver.

Will installing a custom ROM void my Nothing Phone 2 warranty?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM voids the manufacturer warranty. However, since the Nothing Phone 2 was released in September 2019, virtually all units are well past their warranty period, so this shouldn’t be a concern for most users.

Can I go back to stock ROM after installing Android 15 on my Nothing Phone 2?

Absolutely. You have two options: (1) Restore your Nandroid Backup through TWRP Recovery to return to your exact previous ROM state, or (2) Download the official stock ROM from the manufacturer’s website and flash it using the appropriate flash tool to perform a clean restore to stock firmware.

Which GApps package should I use with Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2?

You can choose from four popular options: LiteGApps (recommended for minimal footprint), NikGApps (offers granular control over which Google apps to install), MindTheGApps (balanced package), or BiTGapps (lightweight alternative). All must be the ARM64 variant for Android 15 (API 35). Read our complete GApps compatibility guide to choose the best option for your needs.

Do I need an unlocked bootloader to install Android 15 on Nothing Phone 2?

Yes, an unlocked bootloader is a mandatory prerequisite. Without it, you cannot install TWRP Recovery or flash any custom ROM. Use the manufacturer’s official unlock tool to request a bootloader unlock. The process typically involves a waiting period before the unlock is approved.

Does the Android 15 ROM support the Nothing Phone 2’s fingerprint scanner?

Yes, in most AOSP ROM builds for the Nothing Phone 2, the fingerprint scanner works correctly. However, functionality can occasionally vary between different build versions. If the fingerprint scanner isn’t working after installation, try updating to the latest build or check the XDA Forum for any required patches.

How do I update the Android 15 ROM on my Nothing Phone 2 after installation?

To update to a newer build of AOSP ROM: Download the latest ROM zip from the LineageOS download page, transfer it to your device, reboot into TWRP, and flash the new ROM zip over the existing installation (this is called a “dirty flash”). Then wipe cache/dalvik and reboot. A full data wipe is usually not needed for minor updates, but always check the XDA thread for update-specific instructions.

Is the Xiaomi Mi CC9 the same as the Nothing Phone 2 for custom ROM installation?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi CC9 and Nothing Phone 2 are the same hardware device sold under different names in different regions. The Mi CC9 was the Chinese variant, while the Nothing Phone 2 was the global/international variant. Both use the exact same ROM, TWRP recovery, firmware, and kernel files. You can follow this same guide for either device.

chat

Have questions or ran into issues while installing Android 15 on your Nothing Phone 2? Drop a comment below and we’ll help you out! You can also get support from the XDA Forum community where the ROM developer and experienced users actively respond to questions.