[Moto G 2015 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mven45:
Hey guys. So I wanted to extend my recent fortunate experience as a token of hope for those who are otherwise lost. I purchased a 2015 Callisto Moto G prototype (osprey)on ebay, from a reseller who sold it as a developers edition; as is. My intention was to flash it and use a third party ROM, so I said what the heck. Long story short, when I examined the phone when I received it, it was showing IMEI=0 IMEI SV=00. No network connection.

I've done some research, and tried many things. It would appear at some point someone ran fastboot eraseall and the partition holding my EFS folder was deleted. Never to be recovered again. I called Motorola and they suggested I purchase a new phone. I have tried many software solutions, most appear to be for older Android models with different chipsets, but at long last, I discovered a method that has allowed my SIM card to connect to the network once again.

So without further ado, I'll break down the process, I completed.

The device is a developers edition, so it did not require the bootloader to be unlocked; bootloader showed already in engineering mode.

1. I flashed TWRP found in the forums appropriate for my model

2. I flashed the Ressurection Remix ROM (Marshmallow) for my model

3.I enabled developer options by tapping the About phone>Build number seven times in a row

4.In developer options, I selected root access for Apps and ADB

5. I installed busybox

6. I installed the exposed framework (required by Device ID Changer). I flashed it from recovery.

7.I installed the Device ID Changer app (pro version) from the Play Store.

In the exposed installer app that appears when the exposed framework is installed, you will need to go to modules and enable Device ID Changer

8. I then ran Device ID Changer. I believe you will need to purchase the app to have the ability to do this correctly. The app allows you to enter an IMEI (along with other information) that will spoof your apps into believing you are using another phone. This is mostly useful for development purposes. However, in this case, also useful if your EFS folder was eradicated.

9. I used the IMEI from the temporary phone which I was using while I repaired the Moto G 2015. It will not be in use simultaneously and should not present a problem. I have seen YT video where any 15 digit number is assigned. I have not completed sufficient research to know what sort of network reliability this will offer. Enter the IMEI into the appropriate field in the app and then press apply. The default for the app is to spoof all apps when apply is selected, but can be changed in the app tab to spoof individual apps. I spoofed all, which included the phone apps.

10. I rebooted (the process will require a reboot after several installation steps; patience Grasshopper) and tried my SIM, but no luck, so I rebooted into bootloader and I reflashed the radio. In my case, I used OSPREY_RETUS_6.0_MPI24.65-25.1_cid9_subsidy-DEFAULT_CFC.info, Windows 10, and included the ADB, Fastboot, and dll files from the minimal adb and fastboot application in the folder with the ROM I was using to flash the radio.

11. From the Admin command line, I navigated to the folder where all my information was, in this case it was cd C:\osprey. I then ran the following commands:

fastboot devices [so that I could be sure the device was recognized]

fastboot oem fb_mode_set

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

fastboot erase modemst1

fastboot erase modemst2

fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn

fastboot erase cache

fastboot oem fb_mode_clear

fastboot reboot

12. When I rebooted, I had signal again!

It is important to recognize that this did not restore my EFS folder or the partition that was deleted. It appears to be a software solution to a hardware problem; so if it gets wiped, I will probably have to repeat the process. My attached screen shot still shows my phones IMEI as 0, although the IMEI sv has changed to 07. The SIM info screen clearly shows that I have made a network connection with LTE and that my radio is on. I can assure you the mobile signal is working fabulously. I hope this helps some of you brave soldiers who are still unwilling to give up on what seemed like a lost cause. It's certainly made my day.