Not yet tested by us
How to remap the Essential Key on Nothing phones
The Essential Key is the extra key on Nothing phones such as the Phone (3a) series. Out of the box it belongs to Nothing’s Essential Space. This guide shows how to set it up in KeySnap, and where it is limited.
What the Essential Key does by default
Nothing’s support pages describe three presses. A short press triggers the screenshot function, which saves to Essential Space. A long press starts a voice memo: recording runs while you hold the key (Nothing Support, voice memos). A double press opens Essential Space (Nothing Support, Essential Space).
These pages describe Nothing’s own functions. Newer Nothing OS updates have added a few more, so the list on your phone may be longer.
How to remap the Essential Key with KeySnap
- Install KeySnap and finish the setup on HomeOpen KeySnap and follow the three setup steps on Home. They start with turning on the Accessibility service, which is how Android lets an app notice a hardware key.
- Look at what the key already doesNothing’s own settings for the Essential Key only offer Nothing’s functions. We found no setting that turns the key off, so Nothing’s action may still run when your shortcut does. Community guides describe turning off the Essential apps with ADB. We do not recommend or automate that, and KeySnap does not do it for you.
- If needed, turn on Advanced ModeTry recording the key first (step 5). If KeySnap does not see it, turn on Advanced Mode: Android hides many manufacturer keys from normal apps. Open Settings > Setup tools in KeySnap and follow Turn on Advanced Mode. It pairs with your phone’s own Wireless Debugging, needs Wi-Fi and Developer options, and does not need root.
- Create the shortcutTap New shortcut, then in When choose Key press. Pick a press pattern: Single press, Double press or Long press.
- Detect the Essential KeyTap to record, then press the Essential Key. KeySnap shows Listening… and then Key recorded. Tap Save key. If nothing is recorded, KeySnap does not see the key on your phone yet. Check that Advanced Mode is running, then try again.
- Choose what it doesUnder Do, tap Add action, search the catalogue and pick one, for example Flashlight. Tap the check mark at the top right to finish, then press the key to try it. You can add another shortcut with a different press pattern on the same key.
Limits to know about
Support varies by phone and Android version, and only keys that KeySnap detects can be remapped.
- KeySnap can only use a key it detects. If the Essential Key does not register when you record it, KeySnap cannot remap it on your phone.
- Nothing’s settings do not let you set the key to do nothing, as far as we found. KeySnap listens to the key but does not always stop the phone’s own action, so Nothing’s function may run too.
- We have not tested KeySnap on a Nothing phone, so we cannot say which press patterns work on it.
- Advanced Mode needs Wi-Fi and Developer options for setup. After you restart the phone, open KeySnap again to bring it back.
- Support, press types and actions vary by phone and system version.
Other phones and keys
See the overview of special keys for how detection works, or read the guide for another key:
Try the Essential Key with KeySnap.
KeySnap is free to install from Google Play. The listing notes that it contains ads and offers in-app purchases.
KeySnap is an independent app by Arda Şen. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Nothing. Product names are used only to say which phones and keys this guide is about.