- Nothing OS 5.0 open beta is now available for the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus.
- The update is based on Android 17 and brings redesigned settings, new lock screen clocks and live status-bar updates.
- Stable rollout is planned for mid-November, while several older Nothing and CMF phones will not receive this OS version.
Nothing OS 5.0 open beta is now available for the Nothing Phone (2a) and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. The Android 17-based update was unveiled in late August, with the first beta opening for the Nothing Phone (3), which is already receiving the stable version.
The open beta gives owners of the two Phone (2a) models an early look at the new interface and features before the stable release. As this is unfinished software, users should back up their data before installing it and understand the rollback process before joining.
Nothing OS 5.0 Features
Nothing OS 5.0 brings a new system font, a redesigned Settings menu and a new default home screen theme. It also adds new lock screen clock faces and a dedicated Glyph app.
Also Read
The update separates notifications and Quick Settings, and adds live updates in the status bar. Nothing OS 5.0 also brings MCP support to Essential Space.
Nothing OS 5.0 Beta: How to Join
Owners of the Nothing Phone (2a) or Phone (2a) Plus can follow these steps to request the open beta:
- 📥 Download the latest Nothing Beta Hub app from Nothing’s official website and install it on the phone.
- ⚙️ Open Settings, then go to System > Nothing Beta Hub.
- 🔎 Tap Check version and then select Join Beta.
- 📲 The beta build should arrive as an over-the-air (OTA) update within a few minutes.
Important Warning Before Installing the Beta
Nothing OS 5.0 open beta is unfinished software and may not offer the same stability as a final release. Back up important data before installing the update.
If you want to return to the previous software, use Request Rollback in the same Nothing Beta Hub menu. The rollback process wipes the phone, so make sure your backup is complete before proceeding.
Nothing OS 5.0 Rollout Timeline
| Device | Update type | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone (3) | Stable release | Already receiving |
| Nothing Phone (2a) | Open beta; stable release | Beta available now; stable in mid-November |
| Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Open beta; stable release | Beta available now; stable in mid-November |
| Nothing Phone (4b) | Open beta | Mid-December |
| Nothing Phone (3a) Lite | Stable release, no beta | Late December |
| CMF Phone 2 Pro | Stable release, no beta | Mid-January |
| Nothing Phone (1) | No Nothing OS 5.0 update | Not eligible; major software support has ended |
| Nothing Phone (2) | No Nothing OS 5.0 update | Not eligible; major software support has ended |
| CMF Phone 1 | No Nothing OS 5.0 update | Not eligible; major software support has ended |
Nothing plans to release the stable version for the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus in mid-November. The Phone (4b) is scheduled to receive the open beta in mid-December. The Phone (3a) Lite and CMF Phone 2 Pro will skip the beta and receive stable updates in late December and mid-January, respectively.
Nothing Phone (1), Nothing Phone (2) and CMF Phone 1 will not receive Nothing OS 5.0, as major software support for these models has ended.
Conclusion
The Nothing OS 5.0 open beta is available for the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus, with a stable release planned for mid-November. Users should back up their phones before joining, as the software is unfinished and the rollback option erases device data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nothing phones can install the Nothing OS 5.0 open beta now?
The open beta is now available for the Nothing Phone (2a) and Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
How do I join the Nothing OS 5.0 beta?
Install the latest Nothing Beta Hub app from Nothing’s official website. Then open Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub, tap Check version and select Join Beta. The OTA update should arrive within a few minutes.
Should I back up my phone before installing Nothing OS 5.0 beta?
Yes. This is unfinished software, so back up important data before installing it.
Does rolling back from Nothing OS 5.0 beta erase data?
Yes. Request Rollback in the Nothing Beta Hub menu wipes the phone, so back up your data first.
When will the stable Nothing OS 5.0 update arrive for Phone (2a) models?
The stable Nothing OS 5.0 release is planned for the Nothing Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus in mid-November.
