Nothing has rolled out the Nothing OS 4.0 stable update for devices like the Nothing Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, Phone (2), Phone (3a), Phone (3a) Pro, and Phone (3). Many users successfully updated their phones, but after the update, several settings are often ignored. These small mistakes can lead to lag, slow performance, battery drain, and unnecessary background activity.
But before that, it’s worth noting that the Nothing OS 4.0 stable update, which rolled out for multiple devices, was reportedly paused for the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus after many users said the update disappeared from their system update page. Although Nothing did not officially confirm a halt, the pause was believed to be caused by a confusing “Android Beta Program” message appearing after installation. A hotfix was released on 1st Dec, after which the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus got the OTA update.
To help you get the best performance, here are all the important settings you should change immediately after installing Nothing OS 4.0.
1. Restart the Phone Twice
After the update finishes, restart your phone once.
Wait a few minutes, and restart it again.
This helps the UI refresh properly and removes early lag or animation glitches.
2. Turn Off RAM Booster
On mid-range devices like Phone (2a) series or Phone (3a) series, RAM Booster can actually slow the phone down instead of improving performance.
Settings → RAM Booster → Turn Off
After disabling it, users often notice smoother performance.
3. Run the App Optimization Tool
Nothing introduced a new App Optimization feature in OS 4.0.
This clears cache, fixes app behavior, and improves battery efficiency.
Settings → Apps → App Optimization → Begin Optimization
Do not skip this step—it’s very important.
4. Disable Lock Glance
Lock Glance changes wallpapers frequently and performs background tasks.
This can affect battery life.
Turn it off:
Settings → Lock Screen → Lock Glance → Disable All Options
5. Restore Deleted Camera Presets
If you removed any camera presets by mistake, you can now restore them easily:
Camera Settings → Restore Deleted Official Presets
Useful if you rely on Nothing’s default film-style presets.
6. Enable Extra Dark Mode
Nothing OS 4.0 adds an Extra Dark Mode for deeper blacks.
It also helps users who noticed slight green tint issues earlier.
Settings → Display → Dark Mode → Extra Dark Mode
7. Try the New App Hide Feature
You can now hide apps directly from the home screen or app drawer.
Just long-press the app → Hide
Hidden apps appear in the Hidden Folder, accessible after verification.
8. Customize Quick Settings Tiles (2×2 Layout)
Quick Settings tiles like Wi-Fi, Screen Recorder, etc., can now be resized.
Go to Edit and change tile size to 1×1, 2×1, 2×2 for easier access.
9. Share Wi-Fi Password Easily
Nothing added a new “Share” button in the Wi-Fi panel.
You can instantly share Wi-Fi details through a QR code—no need to type the password.
10. Remove Essential Widgets for Better Performance
Essential Widgets created by community developers may use background resources.
If not needed, remove them to save battery.
11. Update All Apps After the Android 16 Upgrade
Some apps behave strangely after the update.
Update everything from:
Play Store → Profile → Manage Apps → Update All
Also uninstall unused apps to reduce background activity.
12. Reset Network Settings (If Needed)
If you face Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile network issues:
Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset Network Settings
This usually fixes the problem.
13. Avoid Third-Party Launchers
Launchers like Nova may cause lag on Nothing devices after OS 4.0.
Switch back to the default Nothing Launcher for best performance.
14. Recalibrate Battery for Better Backup
If battery drain feels unusual after updating:
- Drain phone to 0%
- Charge to 100% while switched off
- Repeat once more
This helps Android 16 stabilize battery management.
15. Enable Power Off Verification
A very important security feature:
When enabled, no one can switch off your phone without entering your password.
Settings → Security & Privacy → More Security → Power Off Verify
Highly recommended.
16. Adjust Flip to Glyph Behavior
Under Glyph Interface → Flip to Glyph, choose whether the phone should go:
- Silent
- Vibrate
when placed face-down.
17. Clean Up App Search Results
Want to remove contacts, messages, or calendars from appearing in app drawer search?
App Drawer → Three Dots → Search Result Settings
Disable what you don’t want.
Final Thoughts
Nothing OS 4.0 brings many improvements, but the experience becomes even better when these settings are adjusted correctly. These small changes help improve:
- Performance
- Battery life
- Smoothness
- Security
- Customization
