Earlier this month, Motorola ruled that the first generation Moto G (aka Falcon) won't be getting Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
However, there is some good news for the users who are still hanging on to their Moto G (2013) device. Good folks at XDA Developer Forum have developed AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Marshmallow-based CyanogenMod CM13 series custom ROM, which promises all the goodies of the Android v6.0 as well as value-added features to enhance user-experience.
We would like to remind our readers that this CyanogenMod CM13 firmware is an experimental version. So, there are a few bugs in it. Fortunately, the glitches are said to be benign and are not likely to affect over all functioning of the device.
Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the custom ROM):
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward with custom ROM installation. [Read more: How to Root Motorola Moto G with Android 5.0 Lollipop via CF-Auto-Root Tool]
- This CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM can be installed on Moto G (Gen 1) aka Falcon only -- if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/TWRP in the smartphone.
- Make sure USB drivers are installed in the PC, or else your device (Moto G) will not be recognized by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in the mid-way.
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Downloadable files:
CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM: HERE
Google Apps: HERE
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on Motorola Moto G -
Step 1: After Downloading the CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps in to your PC, connect Motorola Moto G model to PC via USB cord.
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]
Step 2: Place CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM zip file and Google Apps file into the phone's memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in storage root folder, not in any other folder.]
[Note: Before users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool.]
Step 3: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
Step 4: Perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.
Step 5: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset'
[Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
Step 6: Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'
Step 7: Return to Recovery mode, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]
Step 8: Come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'
Step 9: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure again to install the Google Apps. [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]
Step 10: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
Now, your device (Moto G series) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
The users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM.
[In case, if you are faced with some issues related to custom ROM, please leave your feedback , HERE]
[Credits: XDA Developer Forum, srisurya95, CyanogenMod]
