Moto G is a mid-range Android smartphone which comes with a powerful Snapdragon 400 1.2 GHz Quad-core processor, a 4.5 inches Gorilla Glass IPS LCD display, Adreno 305 GPU, 1 GB RAM and comes in a 8GB / 16GB variant as well. Moto G runs on JellyBean 4.3 out-of-the-box and it can be upgraded to the official Android 5.0 Lollipop. No doubt that the latest Moto series smartphones are much faster, has enhanced battery life delivering optimum performance with a lot of new features and improvements. Moto series devices brings more simple and beautiful Material Design interface in a very reasonable price.
Recently, the latest Android OS version 5.1 Lollipop has been rolled out for the Nexus devices and this update will be available soon for other devices around the globe gradually. Motorola has also planned to release this new update but the public release might take some time which is expected in the next few weeks. As there is no exact date that when the Motorola will release the latest Android Lollipop update.
While there is no information on the date of the latest Android Lollipop update roll-out but being a Moto G owner, we’ve a good news for you that now you can update the Moto G 2013 to Android Lollipop 5.1 using a custom ROM. Alberto97 (senior XDA forum member) has made an AOSP beta ROM which is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop for Moto G 1st Gen. This ROM has been directly compiled from AOSP Lollipop 5.1 code having no added modifications. So those who can’t wait for the official update to arrive on their devices, can taste the latest firmware using custom ROMs. As this AOSP build is in its beta stage, so you might expect some not functioning features.
If you want to get this official Android 5.1 Lollipop update on Mot G (1st Gen) with AOSP beta ROM then follow the given step-by-step guide to install this update.
Working Features:
- RIL
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Audio
- Mobile Data
- Offline Charge
- USB OTG
- MTP
- Hotspot WiFi
Not Working Features:
- Stock SMS app can’t send messages (but Messenger works fine and other apps too)
- Doesn’t support CDMA variants (for now)
- Dual Sim (No SIM recognized)
Required Files:
Note:
This tutorial containing the Android 5.1 Lollipop AOSP Beta Firmware is only working with Moto G 2013 (1st Gen). Do not try to install this firmware on any other device or incorrect variant. Check the model number of your device first.
Warning:
AndroidXDA.net will not be responsible for any kind of damage occurred to your Mot G 2013 (1st Gen) during or after the installation of Android 5.1 Lollipop AOSP beta ROM on Moto G. Proceed at your own risk.
Before Getting Started:
- Make a proper backup of all your existing data and settings on the Moto G via custom recovery. In case anything goes wrong, then you’ll be able to restore your data.
- Enable USB Debugging on the Moto G by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
- Your Mot G (1st Gen) should be rooted having a custom recovery (latest version) installed on it.
- The bootloader of your Moto G should be unlocked.
- Check the battery level of the Moto G, it should be charged at least about 80% before going ahead to the installation guide.
Steps to Update Moto G (1st Gen) to Android 5.1 Lollipop AOSP ROM:
Step No 1:- First, download Android 5.1 Beta AOSP ROM (AOSP-5.1-20150321-falcon-alberto97.zip) for Moto G 2013 on the desktop of the PC.
Step No 2:- Plug your device to the PC using its USB data cable and mount its USB memory storage.
Step No 3:- Transfer Android 5.1 AOSP ROM .zip file which you’ve already downloaded from the above link, to the root folder of your SD card on the phone.
Step No 4:- Unplug the Moto G from the PC and power it OFF in order to boot into Recovery Mode.
Step No 5:- Power ON the device while pressing and holding Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time to enter into Recovery Mode.
Step No 6:- While your device is now in CWM Recovery, perform wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik cache also by navigating to Advanced > Wipe Dalvik Cache.
Note:- wipe dalvik cache will help you to prevent boot loops and other errors while ROM installation.
Step No 7:- Go back to the main Recovery Menu and choose install zip from SD card → choose zip from sdcard.
Step No 8:- Navigate to the Android 5.1 AOSP ROM .zip file which you’ve already transferred to the SD card of your device previously. Select the ROM .zip file using the Power button and confirm the installation to begin.
Step No 9:- Once done, install Google Apps package by repeating the same procedure on the phone.
Step No 1o:- Navigate to +++++Go Back+++++ once the installation is completed. From Recovery Menu, reboot your device by selecting reboot system now.
Your Moto G will be rebooted and may take about 4 to 5 minutes to boot for the first time after installation.
You’ve successfully updated Moto G to Android 5.1 Lollipop with AOSP beta build.
Let us know in the comments section below if you have any query or problem regarding the above tutorial to install AOSP beta ROM based on Android 5.1 Lollipop on your Moto G.
Troubleshooting:
If your Moto G (1st Gen) experience boot loop or gets stuck on booting animation after flashing the ROM then perform wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik cache for a few times before rebooting the Moto G.
