OrangeFox Recovery R12.0 (vBaR) is now available for the Nothing Phone (1) (Spacewar), introducing a new Vendor_Boot-based implementation that replaces the traditional boot-based installation method. This unofficial recovery is built on the R12.1 branch and is designed to provide a modern recovery environment with improved compatibility for newer Android releases and custom ROMs.
Unlike previous OrangeFox builds, this release requires a different installation procedure. Users migrating from the older boot-based OrangeFox must first restore their stock boot.img before installing the new recovery. Additionally, the OrangeFox ZIP package must be flashed after every ROM installation or update to ensure the recovery remains permanently installed.
OrangeFox Recovery R12.0 Information
- Recovery Name: OrangeFox Recovery
- Version: R12.0
- Branch: R12.1
- Variant: vBaR (Vendor_Boot as Recovery)
- Recovery Type: Custom Recovery
- Build: Unofficial
- Device: Nothing Phone (1) (Spacewar)
- Released: 01 July 2026
What’s New in OrangeFox Recovery R12.0?
This release introduces a major architectural change by moving OrangeFox from the traditional boot partition to the vendor_boot partition. This approach improves compatibility with newer Android devices and modern ROM installation methods while allowing recovery to coexist more cleanly with the operating system.
Vendor_Boot Based Recovery
The biggest highlight of this release is the migration to a Vendor_Boot-based OrangeFox Recovery (vBaR).
Instead of modifying the standard boot partition, the recovery now resides in the vendor_boot partition, following the approach adopted by many newer Android devices. This helps improve compatibility with Android 15, Android 16, and future releases while simplifying recovery management.
New Installation Method
Because this recovery uses a completely different installation mechanism, users must follow the updated flashing instructions carefully.
If you’re currently using a boot-based OrangeFox Recovery, you must first restore the original boot.img from your installed ROM before switching to the new vendor_boot version.
Failing to do so may result in boot or recovery issues.
Permanent Recovery Installation
Unlike older recovery implementations, this build requires the OrangeFox ZIP package to be flashed after every ROM installation or ROM update.
This step is mandatory because many ROM installations overwrite the recovery partition during the flashing process.
Without reflashing the OrangeFox ZIP, the custom recovery will not remain installed after rebooting.
Official Changelog
- Initial Vendor_Boot (vBaR) OrangeFox Recovery release
Installation Notes
Before installing OrangeFox Recovery R12.0, read the following recommendations carefully.
Important Notes
- OrangeFox is now based on Vendor_Boot
- Follow the official installation guide carefully
- If switching from a boot-based OrangeFox Recovery, first restore the ROM’s original boot.img
- Installation steps are different from previous OrangeFox releases
Critical Requirement
After every ROM installation or ROM update, you must flash the OrangeFox ZIP package.
If you skip this step, the recovery will not remain permanently installed.
Features
OrangeFox Recovery continues to provide many advanced recovery features, including:
- Modern touch-based recovery interface
- Vendor_Boot implementation
- Compatible with modern Android ROMs
- Flash ZIP packages
- Flash custom kernels
- Backup and restore partitions
- Advanced partition management
- File manager
- ADB support
- Fastboot support
Known Issues
At the time of release, no known issues have been reported.
If you encounter any problems while using the recovery, please submit a proper dmesg or recovery log when reporting bugs.
Important Links
Telegram Chat:
https://t.me/NothingPhone1
Updates Channel:
https://t.me/NothingPhone1Updates
Credits
Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this release.
- Maintainer: @IBoreasI
- Special thanks to @pranavsingla_00 for testing
Final Thoughts
OrangeFox Recovery R12.0 (vBaR) marks an important milestone for the Nothing Phone (1) by introducing a modern Vendor_Boot-based recovery implementation. While the installation process differs from previous OrangeFox releases, the new approach improves compatibility with current and future Android versions while providing a cleaner recovery setup.
Users planning to flash custom ROMs, kernels, or modifications on the Nothing Phone (1) should carefully follow the updated installation instructions, especially when migrating from older boot-based recoveries. Once installed correctly, OrangeFox R12.0 offers a reliable and feature-rich recovery environment suitable for Android enthusiasts and power users alike.
