[Moto G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] matmutant:
FAQ​

[SIZE=+1]Q1: What are Moto G tech specs ?[/SIZE]

The Motorola Moto G is named XT1032/XT1033/XT1034/XT1035/... aka Falcon

XT1028: Verizon US CDMA - 8GB/16GB

XT1031: Boost US CDMA - 8GB/16GB

XT1032: EU/Global GSM/GPe - 8GB/16GB. (GPe = Google Play edition)

XT1033: Brazil - 8GB/16GB (Colors Edition) (Dual Sim) + Moto G (Music edition) (Dual Sim) (16GB Only)

XT1034: US GSM - 8GB/16GB.

XT1035: Brazil - 8GB/16GB (Colors Edition) (Unconfirmed)

Moto G 4G/LTE aka peregrine : ==> /!\ Roms made for standard edition (non-4G) are not compatible with these devices!

XT1045: Moto 4G - 8GB

XT1039: Moto 4G - 8GB UK/EU

XT1040: Moto 4G - 8GB Brazil

Complete specifications available in [MENTION=3639717]Perseus71[/MENTION] Guide or [MENTION=5697318]Mr hOaX[/MENTION] Tips and Tricks thread​

[SIZE=+1]Q2: What is the .................................................. .................................................. ....?[/SIZE]

[...]​

[SIZE=+1]Q3: Why doesn't the LED work ?[/SIZE]

maybe you disabled LED on you older device (or it didn't even have one) setting up you google account disabled the LED on you new Motot G use Notification Light Widget From Motorola to fix this issue (more info)​

[SIZE=+1]Q4: How to access Fastboot?[/SIZE]

Hold PowerButton and VolDown during boot.
​

[SIZE=+1]Q5: How to unlock Bootloader?[/SIZE]

Boot to Fastboot and follow this guide

or Motorola guide on Motorola's website
​

[SIZE=+1]Q6: How do i get adb and fastboot drivers ?[/SIZE]

For windows, follow this guide or this one

although, it seems Motorola Device Manager works ok for win7x86-32 (but not for win7x64-64?) i cannot answer this i'm under linux

other USB drivers if first method failed, source

For Linux, get fastboot files here also, adb and fastboot can be installed using repos for ubuntu-based distros packages needed are : android-tools-adb and android-tools-fastboot (android-tools-fsutils may be useful too)

eg:

sudo apt-get install android-tools-fastboot

[SIZE=+1]Q7: How to flash Stock Firmware?[/SIZE]

For windows, follow this guide or this video

The above is for non-4G devices, for Moto G 4G version refer to this thread​

[SIZE=+1]Q8: How to Root my device ?[/SIZE]

Until now,you first need to unkock your bootloader,

Option 1 : then follow this guide [original thread - on MoDaCo]

Option 2 : via a customized recovery [original thread, on MoDaCo]

==> Option 1 seems not to work properly for some users, in that case : Try Both.

After you get root, please read Q19
​

[SIZE=+1]Q9: Why dosen't my .apk get installed manually?[/SIZE]

Until i get a better solution, here are some workaround :

Check you've enabled Unknown sources (settings>security>unknown sources)

If you did so, there are some workaround :

At the phone first set-up (you may need to factory-reset to get that) - When Motorola assistant asks for data safety (just before the Google accounts question comes up), don't click accept, but tap on "data safety guidelines" and tick both settings to off. Then accept.

Use adb :

adb install packagename.apk

Use google drive to download the app (gdrive has an antivirus scanner that checks the app, since then it is considered as "safe" for the device and is correctly installed

other workaround

[SIZE=+1]Q10: Where can i find a Custom recovery ?[/SIZE]

TWRP Recovery ported by [MENTION=709835]a1Pha[/MENTION]

CWM recovery ported by [MENTION=709835]a1Pha[/MENTION]

CWM Advanced Edition PhilZ Touch by [MENTION=4666971]Phil3759[/MENTION]

TWRP 2.7.1.0 by [MENTION=4403780]TeamMex[/MENTION]

[SIZE=+1]Q11: How to access bootloader?[/SIZE]

- Via ADB :

adb reboot bootloader

- The hard(ware) way :

With the phone powered off, press the VOL DOWN KEY for 2-3 seconds then POWER key then release.

The device will display different BOOT OPTIONS

Use the VOL DOWN Key to SCROLL to Recovery and VOL UP Key to select

[SIZE=+1]Q12: How to access recovery?[/SIZE]

using terminal, if the device is already rooted

su
reboot recovery

via adb

adb reboot recovery

via bootloader

boot to bootloader (see Q11) and select recovery (use Use the VOL DOWN Key to SCROLL to Recovery and VOL UP Key to select)

via external app

[SIZE=+1]Q13: How to force reboot my frozen device?[/SIZE]

Press and hold the Power button for 10 - 20 seconds, the device will restart and go through the boot-up sequence [source]

(VOL DOWN hold + a quick tap on POWER should force reboot when in bootloader) [source]

[SIZE=+1]Q14: How to charge my device and extend battery life?[/SIZE]

Follow Motorola tips:

How do I properly charge my device?

How can I extend my battery life?

[SIZE=+1]Q15: Does rooting/unlocking your phone invalidate its warranty? (In EU)[/SIZE]

In short: No. Just the fact that you modified or changed the software of your device, is not a sufficient reason to void your statutory warranty. As long as you have bought the device as a consumer in the European Union.

[source]​

[SIZE=+1]Q16: What to do if my battery is fully discharged and not re-charging?[/SIZE]

You may have experienced the 'sudden battery drop' : go to Q25 [source]

Also refer to Moto G will not power up (Q28)​

[SIZE=+1]Q17: OMG i really bricked my device... Any chance getting it back to life ?[/SIZE]

If your device is apparently dead, and does not look like a phone when connected to PC, then have a look at this guide by [MENTION=4749802]Boss442[/MENTION]​

[SIZE=+1]Q18: How to flash Stock Radio (aka Baseband) / Kernel and why?[/SIZE]

Flashing the latest Radio may help if you have problems with poor signal or wifi coverage. Flashing the SS (Single Sim) radio on a Dual Sim device may cause one or both Sims to stop working. Likewise, flashing the radio from a non-CDMA device to a CDMA one, is a very bad idea.

Flashing a newer / different Radio or Kernel may improve battery-life and general performance

ClockWorkMod Recovery or TWRP is required to flash these images.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2649763​

[SIZE=+1]Q19: Lost IMEI ? : How to backup / restore PDS partition and why?[/SIZE]

On Motorola devices the 'pds' partition contains information specific to your machine: IMEI, MAC address, serial number, etc. This partition can be lost by accidental format or over time due to filesystem corruption. If you have made a backup, there is a good chance you can bring your handset back to life.

==> PDS backup will help to restore lost IMEI. It is a situation when the phone reports that the IMEI is unknown. ; This works like a vaccine, apply before having issue with IMEI, after it will be too late !

Instructions:

**Root Required**

Using ADB you can make a copy of the partition and move it to a safe place (Google Drive?):

adb shell

su

dd if=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/pds of=/sdcard/pds.img​

To restore in the event of corruption or loss:

adb shell

su

dd if=/sdcard/pds.img of=/dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/pds​

(assuming you've pushed pds.img to internal SDcard storage first)

If for some reason this doesn't work, maybe your IMEI isn't destroyed but only not "readable" by system (file system issue? misread cluster reading frame ? no idea), in that case you may read the following story : http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=52648789

​

[SIZE=+1]Q20: HOw to disable/enable auto On/Off screen with Flip Shell?[/SIZE]

for stock rom : (disabling, since it's enabled by default)

install Xposed framework (and reboot)

install and enable MotoMagnetOff (and reboot)

for CM11: (enabling, since it doesn't work by default)

Follow this FAQ​

[SIZE=+1]Q21: how to remove the 'unlocked warning' message?[/SIZE]

Follow [MENTION=3103503]ffosilva[/MENTION] method and default Motorola logo will be back :)​

[SIZE=+1]Q22: Why and How convert Moto G GPe to non-GPe ?[/SIZE]

GPe uses EXT4 for it's 'userdata' filesystem, non-GPe uses f2fs. The GPe kernel expects an EXT4 partition and gives an encryption error if there isn't one. So just flashing a custom ROM won't work on GPe.​

Converting a GPe MOTO G to a non-GPe Moto G:

(we would need someone to approve this method, and if you made it a different way, please, tell us)

1) Fastboot flash retail US XT1032 stock firmware found here:

http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=14​

2) This will wipe the device, replace GPe kernel and radio with stock non-GPe versions and create a new partition table with f2fs filesystem for 'userdata.'

3) Custom ROMs will now work and as will all Motorola Moto G apps.​

[SIZE=+1]Q23: How to reboot into 'safe mode'?[/SIZE]

Press power button, on the pop up, either keep pressing 'shut down' [stock] or 'reboot' [AOSP based]

more infos about this feature​

[SIZE=+1]Q24: How to keep backups on my 8GB device without loosing space?[/SIZE]

To backup :

Use a micro USB-OTG adapter and a USB-storage

boot to recovery

go to backup and storage > backup to /storage/usbdisk

wait (it is really slower than when done to /sdcard ==> especially when generating md5sum!)

reboot your system

To restore your backup :

Use a micro USB-OTG adapter and the USB-storage where the backup is located

boot to recovery

go to backup and storage > restore from /storage/usbdisk

wait (it is really slower than when done to /sdcard)

reboot your system

Enjoy !

You now have a way to keep all your backups, without over flooding your device's storage ! (make sure you won't loose the external storage and keep it safe!)
​

[SIZE=+1]Q25: Abrupt Drop Battery Issue (Battery suddenly drops to 0%)[/SIZE]

Description: This issue appears to affect all versions of Moto G; while some people never experience it, others have it frequently. Most likely to occur when tethering / using USB cable. Android versions 4.3 and 4.4.2 are vulnerable.

Solution: Issue fixed in Android 4.4.3.

https://forums.motorola.com/comment/785885​

[SIZE=+1]Q26: Isssues with MMS on boost mobile with Moto G ?[/SIZE]

Apply the following changes :

apns-config.xml

<apn carrier="Boost Mobile" mcc="311" mnc="870" apn="n.boost.ispsn"
mmsproxy="68.28.31.7" mmsport="80" mmsc="http://mm.myboostmobile.com"
type="default,supl,mms,fota,dun" carrier_enabled="false" protocol="IPV4V6"
roaming_protocol="IPV4V6" bearer="13" />

build.prop

ro.cdma.home.operator.numeric=311870
ro.cdma.home.operator.alpha=Boost Mobile
ro.telephony.default_network=13
telephony.slteOnCdmaDevice=1

get more here​

[SIZE=+1]Q27: Miracast / TV Screen-mirroring / DNLA app not working?[/SIZE]

Description: Android 4.4.2 added a 'Settings > Display > Cast screen' (Miracast) option, but it does not function - missing settings menu.

Solution: (Root Required)

This feature now works correctly with Android 4.4.3. However, you still need to enable the 'Cast screen' settings menu by adding the following line (if not already present) to /system/build.prop:

persist.debug.wfd.enable=1​

For quick access to the feature, install: Miracast Widget.

Additionally, 4.4.3 improves compatibility with Allcast and BubbleUPnP, along with other DNLA apps that did not operate correctly in 4.4.2

Simultaneous Internet connection and Screen-mirroring is not possible in Stock Motorola Firmware 4.4.3 or 4.4.4. This may change with a future update or with the release of Android 'L.' Most Custom ROMs do however support this ability.

The utility SecondScreen (root required) allows Moto G's screen resolution to be easily changed when Screen-mirroring - e.g. 720p or 1080p. The app has several additional features such as turning the phone's screen off and disabling haptic feedback in order to save battery usage while Screen-mirroring.​

[SIZE=+1]Q28: Moto G will not power up (addition to Q16 and Q25)[/SIZE]

Plug it into the charger

Hold the VOL DOWN key

While still holding the VOL DOWN key, press and hold the POWER key

Hold both keys down for over 120 seconds. This is more than two minutes and will seem like a long time. You might want to time yourself to make sure you hold it longer than two minutes.

After holding the keys down for more than two minutes, release them.

The Flash Boot screen will display, and the Normal Reboot option will be highlighted

Press the VOL UP key and the device will start a normal reboot.

If you have tried the above and it didn't work, try this:

Plug in the phone for 15 minutes.

Proceed to Step 2 above.

Source: https://forums.motorola.com/posts/3d5eadc25d​

[SIZE=+1]Q29: 4.4.3 / 4.4.4 update issues[/SIZE]

If after getting the update to 4.4.3 / 4.4.4 you encounter some problem, there are several options:

App-specific issues: Some apps may simply not be compatible with the latest version of Android and you have to wait until they are. You could always mention it to the App developer via Google Play.

Anything else: Could be solved be doing a Factory reset: (Back up anything important!)

Setting > Backup & reset > Factory data reset (erase all data on phone)​

The best and cleanest way to get to 4.4.4 from a previous version of Android; is to Fastboot flash a Motorola Stock Factory Firmware Image. This can avoid any potential issues that may arise when upgrading via an Over the Air (OTA) update. Also see: "Q7: How to flash Stock Firmware?" in this FAQ.

Stock Factory Firmware Images are available here:

http://sbf.droid-developers.org/phone.php?device=14​

When new images are available they are announced here:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2546251​

[SIZE=+1]Q30: i encounter '(bootloader) Preflash validation failed' error message when flashing Firmware Image[/SIZE]

You may have updated to Android 4.4.4 via firmware image or OTA update. In this case you now also have the latest version of the Bootloader. That is why you get the above output when attempting to flash a 4.4.2 firmware image. ==> simply flash 4.4.4 images instead.

If the error still occurs, even with a 4.4.4 firmware image, then unlocking bootloader will be necessary.​

[SIZE=+1]Q31: Various way to fine tune your Moto[/SIZE]

Greenify : prevent unwanted apps from awaking device or runing in background (works on both rooted and not devices, but best performances are with rooted+Xposed.

MinFree settings : if you think the moto G (4.4.4) is too aggressive about killing apps to free memory so that you can't switch between two large apps without it killing one app and restarting it. then try tuning MinFree settings, rooted devices only.
​

[SIZE=+1]Q32: What can i do with my Notification LED?[/SIZE]

Actually your device has 2 LEDs [source] and here is how to play with it : http://xdaforums.com/moto-g/development/led-moto-g-led-custom-controls-t2951463

it can be used as a eMMC activity monitoring, or for charging or USB connected!​

[SIZE=+1]Q33: Spare space needed? using /cache partition[/SIZE]

Moving /data/dalvik-cache to /cache/dalvik-cache to use the 600MB of /cache for something useful

==> only using Dalvik.

==> http://xdaforums.com/moto-g/general/mod-save-data-space-cache-partition-t2942765 (by [MENTION=4758250]Bert98[/MENTION])​

[SIZE=+1]Q34: How can I add init.d Support to Stock ROM without using a Custom Kernel?[/SIZE]

This can be done by adding the following to: /system/etc/init.qcom.post_boot.sh

# init.d support
busybox run-parts /system/etc/init.d/

Busybox also required. (Don't know what it is? search a little, it won't hurt you ;)​

[SIZE=+1]Q35: I reduced brightness to 0 and got stuck with a black screen?[/SIZE]

This appears to be a bug in 'Adaptive brightness.' Turning it off and on should stop this happening.

If you are in this situation, try shining a torch light on the screen at an angle to make out the very dim display. You can also try swiping down the 'quick toggle' notification menu and changing brightness via the sliding bar. [Source]​

[SIZE=+1]Q36: I flashed a ROM and GPS has stopped working?[/SIZE]

Flash this 'no-GPS' fix zip via custom recovery.

Alternatively, enter Fastboot mode and type the following commands:

fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2

[SIZE=+1]Q37: How can i update my bootloader ?[/SIZE]

Understand the risks and simply choose between an automated process (for Windows users only) or the step by step one (for Linux users mainly) here​

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This FAQ is part of a Recognized Contributor Group Initiative. Please look for a similar FAQ thread when visiting another device forum.​

A special thanks to everyone who contributed to the production of this FAQ​