Intro
If you own a Nothing Phone (3a) or (3a Pro), you’ve probably noticed that shiny new Essential Key — a hardware button that promises quick screenshots and voice memos.
But let’s be honest… not everyone wants another reminder app. 😅
What if you could make this button do something actually useful, like turning on your flashlight or launching your favorite app?
Good news: Someone figured it out! 🙌
And the best part? You can do it too with a simple ADB trick. Let’s dive in!
🔄 Why Remap the Essential Key?
Nothing’s Essential Key works with Essential Space, an AI-powered reminder app. It sounds cool — but here’s the catch:
🚫 You can’t remap it (officially).
📉 Essential Space has monthly limits.
💸 Some AI features might soon become paid-only.
So… why keep a button that does things you don’t even use?
Let’s hack it and make it do what you want. 💡
🛠️ How to Remap the Essential Key (Step-by-Step)
Thanks to a smart Reddit user (u/acruzjumper), we now know how to take control of the Essential Key. It’s easier than you think!
📦 What You’ll Need:
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A Nothing Phone (3a / 3a Pro)
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A computer (Windows/Mac/Linux)
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ADB (Android Debug Bridge) installed
(Need help? Just Google “Install ADB + your OS”) -
A key remapper app (like Key Mapper from Play Store)
🔧 Steps to Remap the Button:
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Enable USB Debugging
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Go to
Settings > About Phone -
Tap
Build Number7 times to unlock Developer Options -
Then go to
Developer Optionsand enable USB Debugging
-
-
Connect your phone to your computer via USB
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Open ADB on your computer and run this command:
✅ This disables the Essential Space app.
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Install a key remapper app like Key Mapper
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Open the app and assign a new function to the Essential Key — like flashlight, camera, Google Assistant, or any app of your choice.
💥 Boom! Now your Essential Key listens to you — not the phone's defaults.
💡 What Can You Do With a Remapped Essential Key?
The sky’s the limit! Here are some smart ideas:
✅ Instant flashlight (for those dark moments)
📸 Quick camera launch (snap it fast!)
🎙️ Launch Google Assistant or Siri
📵 Mute/unmute calls
🚀 Open any app you love — instantly
You just turned a restricted button into your own power tool. 💪
🤔 Will Nothing Ever Let Us Remap It Officially?
Right now, Nothing says the Essential Space app is still in early development. They plan to launch the full version with the Nothing Phone 3.
But until that happens — and while users are already figuring it out — it might push Nothing to offer official button remapping options.
📱 But why wait? You've got the knowledge — take control now!