yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
FAQ

What if I want to downgrade to Android 4.4.2 / 4.3 / 4.2.2 ?

This is possible, the procedure is the same as listed above.You just have to know that if you do such downgrade, you should never update via OTA update, at any cost.This will corrupt the bootloader of your device and you won't be able to restore it.If you downgrade to anything below 4.4.4 and you want at some point to upgrade, you should do it ONLY by official signed image and NOT OTA.

You've been warned.

I can't find the exact same firmware that my device runs, eg. AsiaRetail.Is it possible to use firmware image from a different region/operator?

While it's recommended to use your exact firmware image, it is not necessary. You can use an image from other region, but you should follow some simple rule. Try to stick to the same phone model, eg XT1052 firmware.

I updated via OTA but I've recently rooted and installed a custom rom. Is it necessary to go back to stock 5.1 to downgrade?

No need, as long as your custom rom/kernel didn't mess with the fs of the partitions.

Why is this flashing procedure cut down, omg there are other commands that I've read in other guides and they say that I must flash modem, fsg, delete some magical modem states, why you didn't include these?!?

While it is true that other guides suggest you flash modem, fsg and some other things, these are mainly driven from the Motorola's own procedure xml file, flashing these is not necessary at all, this is used to repair eventual errors in these parts, but usually there is no problem there at all.

Another thing is that these parts are cross-compatible and leaving them as they are is perfectly fine.

How do I go back to 5.1 stock?

1.Do NOT update by OTA, just to be on the safe side.

2. Use the same procedure as described, but with image of 5.1 instead.

How do I disable the OTA notifications?

1. If you're rooted, then just delete or revoke permissions of /system/priv-app/3c_ota.apk

2. If you're not rooted, then don't install the Motorola Update Services from the Play Store. If you already updated them, then just uninstall the update and that's all.

I'm getting "Not enough space" errors, when I try to flash the system.img.I'm using mfastboot, but still the same problem?!?

Use this and it will work:

mfastboot flash system system.img -P
[Moto X Q&A] legend.in.boxers:
What if I have a custom recovery? Sorry I'm new to this stuff. Which mode do you enter before entering the commands in cmd prompt?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Having custom recovery doesn't affect anything. This process will flash the stock recovery.

You don't need to enter any mode in the list, just leave the phone in the bootloader menu.
[Moto X Q&A] SanD-82:
Hello.

I just might use this method to downlograde from 5.1 to 4.4.4...

I have the always mobile radio active bug while being connected to wifi, so my stand by time with wifi is just awful.

Thanks.
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
I had the same issue, wifi would never go sleep. RAM management is horrific and the YouTube app was causing some troubles with the sound module, at some point the sound was totally not working.
[Moto X Q&A] legend.in.boxers:
I also have a problem with the optimising apps bug every time I reboot. Going to downgrade today. Hopefully everything will go well
[Moto X Q&A] SanD-82:
Actually, that's not what's happening to me... Wifi is active only when connected to a network...

Now, what you are saying is that your wifi is always on?

Did you check in the advanced wifi properties the status of the 'always on' setting?... Because if you configured the location settings to use WiFi, then WiFi will be always on, even when you manually turn it off...

So, make sure you do not have that turned on...

Enviado desde mi XT1058
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
That's not the case either, it was set to never keep it on during sleep and scaning always available was not allowed.The wifi just wont go off durring sleep and that's it.Tried all possible settings to no avail.Actually wifi was the 2nd highest battery consumer in the stats after the screen.This problem does not exist in 4.4.4.
[Moto X Q&A] SanD-82:
I see...

It's actually hard to see how in 2015, Android keeps having these deal breaker issues...

I somehow feel that the best version of my xt1058 was when it was at 4.2.2... After the subsequent updates, bugs started to appear, and on 5.1 i got the first big issue...

Sent from my XT1058
[Moto X Q&A] legend.in.boxers:
Works!

Successfully downgraded. Thank you so much!
[Moto X Q&A] SanD-82:
What would i have to be aware of in the future if i do this?

Of course, no OTA install for 5.1...

Before making any 'stock upgrade' or something **** that, i would have to flash the 5.1 full firm right?

Sent from my XT1058
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Basically if you are on 4.4.4, shouldn't be any problem to update back to 5.1 even via OTA.But since the images for 5.1 are available, I wouldn't suggest OTA update anyway.

For future updates, when Android M is out for example, just update to 5.1 using fastboot, then update through the OTA.

Other than that, there are no other potential problems that might arise, at least nothing that I can think of.
[Moto X Q&A] visheshjotshi:
IS Android 4.4.2 or 4.2.2 files avalable for indian moto x (xt1052 asian retail)

WHere can i find those files??
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Check the first post, the File Factory link, you can find tons of images there, the moto x 2013 is codenamed Ghost, if there is no model listed.

Good Luck.
[Moto X Q&A] visheshjotshi:
Cant find files

File factory doesnt have files for asian retail other than android 4.4.4 file can i find it any where else?????

How many people frm india have sucessfully downgraded thier phones??
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Try searching 4pda.

Also, you don't need exactly your original firmware to begin with, it's recommended, but not necessary.
[Moto X Q&A] whisper13:
Thank you for this information. I dont have the wifi bug. But i have the mobile data bug. (Even turning it off it still continues to sap battery)
[Moto X Q&A] Célula:
I was looking for a post like this becouse my WiFi doesn't work on XT1058 5.1... i thought was a Lollipop related issue so wanted to downgrade to 4.4.4 and see if the problem really was related to android version, but it isn't. I downgraded successfully from 5.1 to 4.4.4 with your tutorial, but the WiFi problem persist. Now i know i'm really screwed up becouse i tried i believe everything possible... airplane mode, factory reset, cache wipe, full wipe, custom rom, custom kernel, android 5.1, android 4.4.4, different AP's and routers, delete supplicant conf... So i don't know what to do. Te specific problem is that WiFi can see available networks, but randomly some of them disappear and others show up, and when i try to connect por ex to my home network, it says "connecting" and then "saved", with all networks happens the same. Does anyone has a clue? BTW, thanks for your post!
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Download the archive from this link https://app.box.com/s/idnxxhunecvtxf1mbqve0bpooyogvxng

unzip it on your device and copy the files to /persist.You need root to do that. Set the permissions to rw-r-r--- and rw-rw---- for the .bt_nv.bin

Reboot and see if something changes.
[Moto X Q&A] Warren_Orange:
Hi.

Does this method relock the bootloader?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
No.
[Moto X Q&A] Warren_Orange:
Do you know how I would go about doing that?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
I don't like to go offtopic , but try with fastboot oem lock (make sure everything on phone is stock).
[Moto X Q&A] mvoid533:
Whick kitkat firmware for xt1053 retail.en.us unlocked gsm?

I want to downgrade from 5.1 to kitkat
[Moto X Q&A] leosnake347:
that works with a moto xt1058 on android 6.0.1? i want to get back to android 4. i dislike android 6 on moto x, is so damn slow.
[Moto X Q&A] Warren_Orange:
Hi.

I used this method to downgrade to 4.4.4 a few years ago and then recently upgraded to stock 5.1 via OTA. I've just now read that this is a no no. Do you think my bootloader could be corrupted?
[Moto X Q&A] Warren_Orange:
Hi.

I've used this method a few times to go back and forth from 4.4.4 to 5.1.

Now I have 5.1 installed and when I tried to flash twrp in recovery it does not stick. I am also getting bug reports on my phone from USB debugging when I am in recovery and trying to flash twrp. Phone states "unlocked status 3" in recovery.

Any ideas?
[Moto X Q&A] Cristian314:
I updated via OTA but I've recently rooted and installed a custom rom. Is it necessary to go back to stock 5.1 to downgrade?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
No need, as long as your custom rom/kernel didn't mess with the fs of the partitions.
[Moto X Q&A] Célula:
Sorry but how can i do that? I tried with root explorer but i can't replace the 3 of 4 files, it says that i don't have permission and i'm with root access. (I can't see .bt_nv.bin).

I did it but nothing changed... any ideas? :(

(I deleted system/wifi folder, and now i don't have it... maybe someone could give it to me.)
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Dunno then, reflash stock and and you'll get back what you've deleted.

You may have some hardware issue, can't say.
[Moto X Q&A] ccrider0909:
SUCCESS:D

Thank U so much liveroy!!!!

Obviously u know more about this phone than any human being in xda, and on earth!!

Followed ur instructions, worked absolutely perfectly on 1053, bootloader only unlocked!!

So good to be back to 4.44.

All apps working as should.

Normal wifi, cell, you tube, play store loads quickly w/o the frikkin white blank screen, turn on battery saver and look at that ignorant orange highlites, don't have to open and then close you tube upteen times, battery life returned to excellent!!!

Sound is normal, again.

Fast and responsive, not the ART lag azz baloney.

Really appreciate your sharing this tutorial.

Should be a sticky.

So happy lollipop is gone from my 1053!!!!!!!

Finally, android is not optimizing apps for every re-boot when charging, a 25 minute process now history.

Dumb turdz at google/android with no remorse, throwing lollipop out knowing the flaws, could care less.....likely iPhone in the future.

Now to perform this for several friends phones, they are selling the moto/android and going iPhone
[Moto X Q&A] shyck:
are the images from moto website ok? the developer edition images?

in order to go back to kitkat?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Never used one, can't say for sure, but afaik, they are the same thing as those images leaking, so my guess would be that they are good for downgrade.
[Moto X Q&A] ccrider0909:
Following this downgrade, is the bootloader still unlocked?

Thanx
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
I don't understand what you're asking exactly...

Can you please define your question a bit better please?
[Moto X Q&A] corgi1:
My son's phone is an AT&T Moto X 2013 with the OTA 5.1 update. We want to downgrade it back to Kit Kat 4.4.4 due to battery problems, charging problems, static noise when playing music, and the 30 minute boot up for optimizing apps (regardless if it is plugged into the charger or not). Tried the Moto webpage for unlocking the Bootloader but it says "your device does not qualify". Are we just out of luck? No way around the AT&T block?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Yea, you're out of luck on this. As I explained in the op, the bootloader won't allow downgrade, unfortunately.

If you got Motorola service centre in your area, it doesn't hurt to go ask them about it, but the chances are slim.

Also maybe your should check Sunshine, although I don't think it supports anything beyond 4.4.4.
[Moto X Q&A] ccrider0909:
Sorry , I'll try to clarify.

To perform the downgrade from 5.1 to 4.44, the bootloader had to be unlocked.

Following successful downgrade to 4.44, is the bootloader still unlocked?

Prior to performing the downgrade, phone would be with a warning screen "bootloader is unlocked".

Following the downgrade, that screen no longer appears.

Thus, I was wondering if the bootloader is still unlocked following the downgrade?

I'm not very tech savvy.

Thanx
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
The bootloader remains unlocked after the downgrade, basically you can relock it if you so desire, but that won't return it to factory state.The warning message will stay at startup. This message can be changed tho if you flash a modified logo.bin
[Moto X Q&A] ccrider0909:
Thank you, liveroy.

Appreciate your patience and knowledge.

That answered my question.
[Moto X Q&A] SanD-82:
Try this for the optimizing apps bug...

Go into settings, applications, all... Search for 'System UI' and clear its cache...

Enviado desde mi XT1058
[Moto X Q&A] corgi1:
Thanks for the tip. His phone has been going thru the optimization every time it reboots ever since getting the 5.1 OTA at the end of July. But a few days ago when I tried to unlock the bootloader using the Moto website and found it could not be unlocked, it now boots normally. Only thing I did was put the Moto X into fastboot mode to get the device ID.
[Moto X Q&A] visheshjotshi:
Can any body post a video performing the whole procedure

Video guide showing the whole procedure will b much more useful for the users of moto x

---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 PM ----------

I want to know whether moto x 2013 will get offical android 6.0 update or not bcause most of the websites doesnt include moto x 1st gen in the list of devices expected to get android 6.0
[Moto X Q&A] T-1311:
Hello, I'm planing to downgrade to 4.4.4 too. On other How2s I found some more mfastboot instructions:

don't I need these?

Futhermore I'm not sure about the Bootloader: Must I have an unlocked one to downgrade or not? Mine is still locked!

Edit: Sorry, missed to read the prerequisites ... Unlocked BL ist neccessary!
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
You don't need to flash modem or erase it's stage props, nor flashing fsg.

Bootloader needs to be unlocked.
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
xt1053

Hi.i am new hère.and i don t know anything about flashing ROM.

So l have moto x xt1053 développer édition with unlock bootloader running llolipop 5.1.

So i want tout dowgrade tout 4.2.2

It is possible? And how can i do? If with picture if possible.thinks everyone.
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
xt1053

Hi.what the best rom for xt1053 developper édition?
[Moto X Q&A] Bhargav4591:
Reporting in [MENTION=503655]liveroy[/MENTION]

Successful in XT1052 - Asia retail version .Thanks for this really good tutorial with simple steps! . :D:good::good:

Hurrah for kitkat ! :D
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Good to hear and thanks for the report. I'm also on KK and I find it to be much better OS over 5.1 ( on all my devices, not just my moto x ).
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
What about moto x xt1053 llolipop 5.1 développer édition with unloker bootloader??
[Moto X Q&A] JoeSchmoe007:
Doesn't this guide contradict this thread: http://xdaforums.com/moto-x/general/info-warning-risks-downgrading-impacts-t3058202?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Read the OP please, it's explained there.
[Moto X Q&A] JoeSchmoe007:
I read the OP. You are only updating boot, recovery and system and not any other areas. But aren't these other areas supposed to be in sync with boot, recovery and system? If I have gpt from, say, 4.4.4, and downgrade to 4.2.2 - what if 4.4.4 gpt doesn't have something that 4.2.2 system needs? This is a part I don't quite understand.

My possible goal is downgrade from 4.4.4 (4.4.4 was achieved by OTA by previous device owner I assume because device arrived with locked bootloader which I have since unlocked) to 4.2.2 due to 4.4.4 having some Wi-Fi issues

---------- Post added at 10:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 AM ----------

And another question about OP: you mentioned the phone will ask to downgrade Motorola Services. How does the phone know that you even had a later version of them before on your phone? Didn't we just flash whole new system image, so there should be no trace of previous one?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
partition table and kernel are supported by the lp bootloader, therefore you don't need to flash these or the modem in order to downgrade, hence skipped in the procedure. Such thing as "being in sync" doesn't exist when it comes to this downgrade.

Also it's good to mention that messing with any fs is a bad idea, especially with the fragile ext4.

Going to 4.2.2 is your own choice, but the most you might get as a problem is soft brick.

Good luck.
[Moto X Q&A] JoeSchmoe007:
Thank you for your response.

How is 4.2.2 is different from 4.4.4 as far as this downgrade is concerned? If I understood it right downgrade to 4.2.2 is more problematic?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Not sure how much more problematic it is, I know only 2 ppl that have downgraded from 5.1 to 4.2.2. Although they were successful in doing that, your milage may vary. Also I don't think that your wifi problems will be solved if you go back to that version, since the stock wifi modules didn't really change trough time.

Anyway, good luck and report back with your success/failure with this downgrade, it may help someone in the future.
[Moto X Q&A] JoeSchmoe007:
The thing is I have another phone of the same model (XT1053) at 4.2.2 and it doesn't experience these issues (disconnects/application exit during 4-500 MB Copilot map downloads)
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Well in that case you know what to do :)
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
What about xt1053 llolipop 5.1 développer édition with unlock bootloader? I want to downgrade tout 4.2.2?
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Please read the OP. It's all explained there. Also it's not a bad idea to read last 2 pages or so.
[Moto X Q&A] T-1311:
USB Debugging needs to be enabled, right? Otherwise ADB or Fastboot do not show devices.
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
You don't need adb at all, nor enabling it.Fastboot and adb are separate things.
[Moto X Q&A] T-1311:
Finally got the time and battery level to Start. Everything worked fine on m xt1052. Georgeous. Thanks you so much!
[Moto X Q&A] ICuaI:
[MENTION=503655]liveroy[/MENTION]

I translated your HowTo into german and made a Thread in our german forum I gave proper credits to you an wrote that I only translated it.

I also used your attachement. So, if you don't want it please tell me. I will delete it as soon as possible

Thanks for your work :highfive:
[Moto X Q&A] mastarifla:
I have a question for anyone who downgraded via this method

Does waving your hand over the device cause the display to breathe? aka wave to wake?

I wanna see if it still works after this downgrade
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
No problem, as long as it helps someone.

Yes, it works.
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
I ask juste if possible tes or no?

---------- Post added at 12:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 PM ----------

Hi. I have moto x xt 1053 llolipop 5.1.développer édition.unlocker bootloader.

Please i want tout know if possible downgrade tout 4.2.2 ans what is thé ROM?
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
???

---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 PM ----------

Hi.have you downgrade this xt1053 from 5.1 tout 4.2.2 with succès?
[Moto X Q&A] JoeSchmoe007:
My new phone has 4.4.4, not 5.1. I never had 5.1 on any of my phones. And I decided against downgrade even from 4.4.4 at least for now.
[Moto X Q&A] rpstar:
I basically did this same process but using the Verizon dev image for 4.4.4 from Moto's site. It seemed to work but after initial setup of new os it rebooted and now it's stuck coming up to fastboot always. It responds to command per se but it's now "locked" and won't unlock. Basically it's in a security loop. Hoping there might be a way to get it out of this so I can flash another image? Tried deleting caches and all but still same result. No recovery since that was flashed as part of the process from Moto. Ug. Hoping this nice phone is not a soft brick permanently......
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Everything from the last several posts is answered in the 1st and 2nd posts, please read them, thanks!
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
Hi.what about this méthode? It is easy no

.1. First he/she makes a backup of all his/her internal memory because she will be extinguished!

2. Lower to Firmware 4.4.4 and RSD Lite

3. Extract RSD in his/her PC and install;

4. Extract to Firmware in his/her PC;

5. Open the paste of the Firmware and find for the file RETAIL-BR_4.4.4_KXA21.12-L1.26_52_cid12_CFC_1FF.xml;

6. Open him and exclude the following lines (I Recommend that use Notepad++ to edit)

<step operation="getvar" var="max-download-size" />

<step operation="flash" partition="partition" filename="gpt.bin" MD5="d2a411c57c3f37832702bda0c23484b4" />

<step operation="flash" partition="motoboot" filename="motoboot.img" MD5="2b664024c8a421245b814e3b7c4c5077" />

7. After turning off those 3 lines, save and close;

8. Turn off his/her Motorcycle X and call in way Fastboot (Power + Volume p / I lower for 5s);

9. Open RSD Lite and connect the Motorcycle X in USB;

10. Click in the 3 pontinho for seeking the file.xml in which you turned off the 2 lines;

11. Then he/she gives start and wait for the end of the process;

12. In his/her end Motorcycle X it will already restart with Android 4.4.4!
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
Please if you want to post a guide/method post it in a new topic, since use of RSD Lite may lead to hardbrick of the device.Thank you!
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
Thinks liveroy great work.

But i have somme issus So if you want add vidéo tutorial or just picture of every step please.
[Moto X Q&A] dallows:
I just spent like 2 hours working on this only to find that I can't unlock my bootloader because it's not a dev edition. That's fantastic.
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
Hi.

if you want add vidéo tutorial or just picture of every step please.
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
The guide is clear and very simple, I don't intend to make a video/screenshot addition. Maybe someone who has the time can do it, but since this is totally voluntary, there is no guarantee if anyone would do it.

Not only developer edition is unlockable. Mine for example is normal XT1052 from O2 UK.

But anyway, sux that you can't unlock it, limits a lot of stuff that can be done to improve this device.
[Moto X Q&A] dallows:
I think it depends on the carrier. I have Verizon and when I went through the process of requesting the unlock code it was denied. I confirmed this by searching as well. Most other carriers have their bootloaders unlocked for the 1st gen Moto X except Verizon and AT&T(I think).
[Moto X Q&A] SanD-82:
Tutorial is cristal clear... I know English is not your first language, but even though it's pretty clear...

Enviado desde mi XT1058
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
Hi.i have développer édition and factory image 4.2.2

I want to know if i can use this method to downgrade from llolipop 5.1 to 4.2.2.thinks.
[Moto X Q&A] liveroy:
I don't think that the dev edition is any different from the normal one, so it should work.

Nevertheless I don't have any feedback of such downgrade on this particular model, so proceed at your own risk and if it works let us know here.
[Moto X Q&A] whisper13:
Finally had time to do this, thank you for the guide

Got an asian retail luckily i managed to save the final stock kitkat zip for the xt1052 asian ret. I thought i was gonna download another file. Saved me some time and get right into the cmd promt
[Moto X Q&A] crack.mech:
Confirmed that this works for XT1053 (USA, Moto-X Developer Edition). Downgraded from 5.1 to 4.4.4 using the factory image.

Though the dialer app is still at the LP version, I wonder why that happened. I will work on that sometime later I guess.

Thanks [MENTION=503655]liveroy[/MENTION].
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
Thinks. Do you have link of image?
[Moto X Q&A] crack.mech:
This is the one I used.
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
So i will try this

http://www.filefactory.com/file/2yh...4.4.4_KXA21.12-L1.29.1_2_cid9_CFC_1FF.xml.zip

If you know if work for xt1053 développer édition.thinks.
[Moto X Q&A] crack.mech:
That should also work fine. Only that download from filefactory is bit slow. the link I provided downloads faster than filefactory
[Moto X Q&A] samienemy:
Hi.please if someone try this rom with xt1053 developer edition if work fine.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/2yh...4.4.4_KXA21.12-L1.29.1_2_cid9_CFC_1FF.xml.zip

---------- Post added at 10:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:08 PM ----------

Yes slow butThough the dialer app is still at the LP version So i do notre want any llolipop part..