Nothing Phone 2a gets “Hide Navigation Bar” option, Android Auto, and ChatGPT fixes with Nothing OS 2.5.6 [Download]

The Nothing Phone 2a has received a new software update, Nothing OS 2.5.6, which introduces new features like “Hide Navigation Bar” option for more screen real estate, better compatibility with Android Auto, and fixed ChatGPT widget issues. Download the Nothing OS 2.5.6 OTA update based on Android 14 with the latest May 2024 security patch.

Nothing Phone 2a also has an active Android 15 beta program with new features to test. While that becomes stable, Nothing OS 2.5.6 is now rolling out with several enhancements and fixes. Among the notable new features is the “Hide Navigation Bar” option. Users can activate this feature through the settings menu by navigating to Settings > System > Gestures > Navigation mode > Gesture navigation settings > Hide navigation bar.

Another improvement is the ability to long-press widgets to bring up more options, making home screen operations more consistent and user-friendly. Additionally, there is a new setting that allows users to enable or disable vibrations for other calls and notifications while on a call, providing more control over their notification preferences.

The update brings the latest Google security patch from May 2024. Camera performance has been further optimized, specifically the auto HDR detection logic, enhancing the HDR photos.

Compatibility issues with Android Auto have been addressed, ensuring a smoother connection with car infotainment systems. The update also resolves an issue where the screen would not automatically turn on after using the power button to turn it off during an incoming call.

Additionally, issues with the ChatGPT widget and notification panel behavior have been fixed, alongside general system stability improvements.

Nothing OS 2.5.6 Patch Notes

• What’s new in this update
• New features Added “Hide Navigation Bar” feature for more immersive user experience. You can find this feature via “Settings > System > Gestures > Navigation mode > Gesture navigation settings > Hide navigation bar”.
• Long-pressing a widget now brings up more options, making it more consistent with other home screen operations.
• Added an option to allow or disable vibrations for other calls and notifications during a call.
• Improvements
• Updated Google security patch to May 2024.
• Optimized camera auto HDR detection logic.
• Bug fixes
• Fixed certain compatibility issues with Android Auto.
• Fixed the issue where the screen does not automatically turn on after using the Power Button to turn it off during an incoming call.
• Fixed some issues with the ChatGPT widget.
• Fixed the issue where the notification panel narrows when receiving certain notifications.
• Optimized the overall stability of the system.
• Update size: 115 MB

Download Nothing OS 2.5.6 OTA Update

There are two OTA update zips available for the Phone 2a. One is the incremental from the Incremental over 2.5.5 and the other is Incremental over 2.5.5A. So please check your version before downloading.

Latest Nothing OS 2.5.6 stable (Android 14) available for download directly from the manufacturer’s servers.

Note: The EEA & Global variants have the same firmware now as they have been unified! This is great news as you only need a single file. Codenames – Pacman (Global) – (Europe) – (India)

• Nothing OS 2.5.5
  • Incremental from 2.5.5
  • Incremental from 2.5.5A
• Download Nothing OS 2.5.5
• Download Nothing OS 2.5.5A

How to Install Nothing OS firmware update ZIP file onto Nothing Phone 2a?

You can Nothing Phone by installing Nothing OS OTA update zips manually via ADB sideload method or recovery method. See the tutorial on How to install OTA updates on any Android device?

Install OTA using Local Upgrade method

• Create a folder named “ota” (without the quotes) at the root of the internal storage. Meaning outside every folder.
• Copy the OTA update ZIP file from above to that folder.
• Open the phone app and Dial *#*#682#*#*
• This should launch an offline update tool.
• The tool will scan for an OTA file from internal storage and install it.
• If that fails, you can manually browse for the OTA package.
• After selecting the OTA file, the wizard will apply the update.
• Reboot the device and you are on the latest firmware.

Note: If the dialer doesn’t work in your region,

You can also use the Activity Launcher app or QuickShortcutMaker to locate and execute the “OfflineOTAUpgrade” tool.

The package name you should be looking for is com.nothing.OfflineOTAUpgradeApp.

Troubleshooting Error Code 2

Note: If you receive Error Code 2 while installation like this:

Set the time zone to Cina, Shangai to use the offline updater or local upgrade.

Go to settings > Search Date & Time > untick automatic hours > Set timezone to Region China / Shangai.

Retry installation. Thanks to M1Κ4_3L.

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