Nothing Phone (3) User Manual
This user manual provides comprehensive information for the Nothing Phone (3). Due to software updates, the interface may differ from the one described in this manual. The software interface is subject to change.
Contents
Getting Started
Hardware Layout
The phone features a flashlight, rear camera, power button, Essential Key, SIM card tray, charging port, bottom speaker, Glyph Interface, volume up button, volume down button, and Glyph button.
Charging
The Phone (3) supports 65W wired fast charging, reaching 100% in approximately 1 hour. It also supports 15W wireless charging, taking about 162 minutes for a full charge. Place the phone face up on a compatible wireless charger.
Navigation
3-button navigation
- Back: Returns to the previous screen or undoes the last action.
- Home: Returns to the launcher's home screen.
- App switcher: Opens the app switcher to switch between recent apps or clear background apps.
Gesture navigation
- Back: Swipe from the left or right edge of the screen towards the center.
- Home: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
- App switcher: Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold.
Launcher
Home screen
- Long-press an empty area to access Home screen settings, Widgets, and Personalization.
- Long-press app icons to access app shortcuts and rearrange icons.
- Create folders by long-pressing and dragging one app icon onto another.
- Long-press a folder to access customization options.
App panel
- Swipe up from the bottom to open the app panel.
- Long-press and drag an app icon to add it to the home screen.
- Swipe right in the app panel to view hidden apps.
Widgets
- Access the Widget menu via app shortcuts or by long-pressing an empty area on the home screen.
- Long-press and drag a widget to the home screen.
- Long-press a widget to resize or edit it.
Quick Settings / Notifications
Swipe down from the status bar to access Quick Settings and the Notification Center. Tap tiles for quick toggles. Long-press tiles for detailed settings. Swipe down again for expanded Quick Settings. Swipe left/right for more tiles. Customize layout by tapping the edit icon (pencil) and dragging tiles.
Basics
Network
To change network settings, swipe down Quick Settings and long-press the top-left tile, or go to Settings > Network & internet. To connect to Wi-Fi, tap Wi-Fi and toggle it on, then select your network and enter the password. Hotspot & tethering can also be enabled here.
Connected Devices
To connect to Bluetooth devices, swipe down Quick Settings and long-press the top-right tile, or go to Settings > Connected devices. Tap 'Pair new device' and select the target device.
Install/Uninstall Apps
Install
Open the Play Store, search for an app, and tap 'Install'. Installed apps appear in the app panel.
Uninstall
Open the app panel, long-press the app to remove, and drag it to the 'Uninstall' area in the top-right corner. If dragging to 'Remove' on the home screen, only the icon is removed.
Battery
The Phone (3) has a 5150 mAh battery. Activate Battery Saver from Quick Settings or when the battery is below 20%. Ideal operating temperature is 0-35°C (32-95°F). Extreme temperatures may affect battery performance and charging. For optimal battery health, avoid prolonged fast charging and consider stopping charging around 80%.
Tips for saving power for wireless connections:
- Prioritize Wi-Fi when the screen is on to save battery.
- Turn off GPS when not in use.
- Turn on Bluetooth only when needed.
The packaging does not include a charger; use a USB Type-C cable and compatible adapter.
Storage
Check storage in Settings > Storage. To clear app storage or cache, go to Settings > Apps > All apps, select an app, and choose 'Clear storage' or 'Clear cache'.
Sound & Vibration
Use the side buttons to adjust volume. The sound menu allows switching between Ringtone, Vibration, and Mute. Use the three-dot menu for media, call, ringtone, and alarm volume sliders. Quick Settings tiles also offer volume adjustments.
Security
Change unlock methods in Settings > Screen lock & security > Device unlock. Set up a PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock.
About phone
View hardware information, phone number, and software version. Check for software updates here.
Advanced
Essential Key
The Essential Key, located below the power button, can be used for screenshots and voice notes via the Essential Space app. It supports long-press and double-tap actions. Long-pressing can initiate recording or take a screenshot. A subsequent long-press can add a voice note. Double-tapping opens the Essential Space app.
Essential Space Features:
- Intelligent Analysis: Requires a Nothing account for content summarization and information extraction.
- Voice Commands: Use voice commands for organization and information retrieval.
Glyph Interface
The Glyph Interface features a Glyph Matrix of micro-LEDs and a touch-sensitive Glyph button. It synchronizes with sounds and vibrations for notifications and ringtones. Adjust brightness via the slider in Settings > Glyph Interface. Customize ringtones and notification sounds, including importing custom sounds. 'Flip to Glyph' silences the device when placed face down.
More Glyph Interface features:
- Glyph Games: Collectible micro-games that animate the phone.
- Glyph Button: Controls interactions with the Glyph Matrix.
- Essential Notifications: Assign persistent icons for specific contacts or apps.
- Volume Indicator: Displays volume levels.
- Sleep Schedule: Temporarily disables the Glyph Interface during set times.
- Do Not Disturb: Temporarily disables the Glyph Interface.
App Shortcuts
Long-press app icons on the launcher to access app-specific shortcuts. These shortcuts can also be added as separate icons to the home screen.
Max Icons & Big Folder
The Nothing launcher allows resizing app icons up to four times their original size. This feature can also be applied to folders, allowing up to three apps to be visible without opening the folder.
Do Not Disturb
The Do Not Disturb mode temporarily silences notifications and calls, except for allowed contacts. It can be enabled from Quick Settings. Customize allowed contacts/apps by long-pressing the 'Do Not Disturb' tile. This mode also temporarily disables the Glyph Interface, which can be customized.
Google Assistant
Activate Google Assistant by long-pressing the power button or swiping up from the bottom-right corner. Access more information within the Google Assistant app.
Battery Sharing
The Phone (3) can wirelessly charge other Qi-compatible devices. Enable this feature in Quick Settings. The Glyph Interface will light up when active.
Screenshot
Take screenshots by pressing the volume down and power buttons simultaneously. Screenshots are saved in the Google Photos app. For extended screenshots, take a normal screenshot, tap 'Capture more', and then scroll to capture the entire page. A three-finger swipe gesture can also be enabled in Settings > Special features > Gestures. Edit screenshots by tapping the thumbnail.
NFC
NFC (Near Field Communication) allows connection with NFC-enabled devices. It can be used for contactless payments via Google Pay. It's recommended to keep NFC enabled as it consumes minimal battery in standby mode. Disable it via Quick Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I turn on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Press and hold the power button until the Nothing logo appears. - Q: How do I transfer data from my old phone to the Nothing Phone (3)?
A: The setup wizard offers data copying via Google account backup or cable connection. - Q: How do I change the language?
A: Set the language during initial setup or via Settings > System > Languages & input. - Q: How do I enable location services?
A: Enable location in Settings > Location. Apps requiring location will request permission upon first use. - Q: How do I activate 'Find My Device' on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: 'Find My Device' is automatically enabled with your Google account. Location must be turned on. See Settings > Google > Find My Device for details. - Q: How do I back up my data on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Connect to Wi-Fi and charge for 2 hours for automatic Google backup. For manual backup, go to Settings > Google > Backup and tap 'Turn on'. - Q: How do I change the wallpaper and accent colors?
A: Long-press an empty home screen area, select 'Personalize'. The phone uses Android's Dynamic Color feature by default. - Q: How do I use screen recording on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Access expanded Quick Settings, tap the edit icon, and add the 'Screen Record' tile. Tap the tile to start recording after a 3-second countdown. Stop recording via the notification panel. Recordings are saved in Google Photos > Library > Movies. - Q: How do I add a Nothing X widget to my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Long-press an empty home screen area and select 'Widget' to add widgets. - Q: How do I record video on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Open the Camera app and select 'Video' mode. - Q: How do I set and use a passcode on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock and choose your preferred unlock method. A PIN is required for fingerprint or face unlock. - Q: How do I factory reset my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). - Q: How do I eject the SIM card tray on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Use the provided SIM eject tool in the tray slot on the bottom of the phone. - Q: How do I connect my Ear (2) earbuds to my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Open the Ear (2) case near the phone for Fast Pair. Follow setup instructions. If Fast Pair doesn't appear, go to Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device and search for Nothing Ear (2). - Q: How do I enable Battery Saver on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Battery Saver can be enabled from Quick Settings or when the battery drops below 20%. - Q: How do I force restart my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Press and hold the power and volume up buttons until the Nothing logo appears. - Q: How do I activate Game Mode on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Game Mode activates automatically for apps in the list. Customize the list in Settings > Special features > Game Mode > App list. - Q: How do I know if a new software update is available?
A: You will receive a notification for new updates. You can also check manually in Settings > About phone > Software information. A red icon appears next to the OS version when an update is available. - Q: How do I hide message details on the lock screen?
A: Go to Settings > Lock screen > Privacy and select notification preview options. - Q: How do I enable call waiting on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Calling accounts > More settings, and enable Call waiting. - Q: How do I block/unblock numbers on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Blocked numbers > Add number to block incoming calls and texts. - Q: How do I mirror my Nothing Phone (3) screen to a TV?
A: Access expanded Quick Settings, tap the edit icon, and add the 'Screen Cast' tile. Tap the tile and select your target device on the same network. - Q: How do I activate dark mode on my Nothing Phone (3)?
A: Dark mode is active by default. Toggle it in Quick Settings by tapping the 'Dark mode' tile. - Q: How do I recover deleted photos or videos?
A: Open the Gallery app, go to albums, and tap 'Recently deleted' to find items deleted within the last 30 days.