[Moto E5 Guides, News, & Discussion] weakNPCdotCom:
Moto E (5th Gen) FIRMWARE FLASHING & RESTORATION GUIDE

UPDATE 3/19/2019

Since this thread covers so many devices, it is nearly impossible to keep things updated for them all.

This updated documentation provides a basic overview for restoring factory firmware for each model.

You can view the original documentation at the bottom of this thread if needed.

OVERVIEW

WARNING:

Flashing your device with a firmware package carries with it an inherent risk of bricking your device or otherwise rendering it inoperable. By proceeding further, you are assuming sole responsibility for the integrity and well-being of your smartphone. These firmware packages have been tested and are confirmed to work on their intended and respective device variants. By proceeding, you are absolving me of any liability in the event your device incurs damage of any type. With this being said, follow the instructions carefully and things should go smoothly and without adverse incident. Good luck and happy flashing.....

SPECIFICATIONS

These factory firmware packages are intended for the listed variants of the Moto E (5th Gen).

The provided firmware links will take you to a directory for your device model.

Within this directory will be a list of folders for each Carrier (i.e. TMO, Verizon, etc)

Each carrier folder contains one or more Zip packages. Choose the zip package with the most recent date.

After downloading the zip for your device, extract it to your ADB/Fastboot directory.

FLASHING YOUR DEVICE

•••••••• Flash vs. Service ••••••••

Within each firmware package you will see two xml files.

- flashfile.xml

- servicefile.xml

Flash (flashfile.xml

This file contains specifications for a complete flash, retoring your device to a brand new factory state.

Service (servicefile.xml)

This file contains specifications for updating your device firmware, keeping any existing apps/data.

•••••••• Understanding the flash/service xml file ••••••••

flashfile.xml and servicefile.xml can be opened in any text editor.

Within these files you will see a bit of information, but we only want to focus on items that begin with "<step"

Key

filename: file to be flashed

operation: fastboot command to run

partition: partition to run command on

Example FlashFile

<steps interface="AP">
<step operation="getvar" var="max-sparse-size"/>
<step operation="oem" var="fb_mode_set"/>
<step MD5="da9e9ab63b4255289c96cb47e7212f9b" filename="gpt.bin" operation="flash" partition="partition"/>
<step MD5="83d08eb8eb16153f2311733fffe02268" filename="bootloader.img" operation="flash" partition="bootloader"/>
<step MD5="5af3da169293b229a702ecc1b102c64e" filename="NON-HLOS.bin" operation="flash" partition="modem"/>
<step MD5="8e5737074976b4f5f3ba5fab03cf8f56" filename="fsg.mbn" operation="flash" partition="fsg"/>
<step operation="erase" partition="modemst1"/>
<step operation="erase" partition="modemst2"/>
<step MD5="bcde8ec69dc65fa9e215906dbbaba873" filename="adspso.bin" operation="flash" partition="dsp"/>
<step MD5="584d6d4e9996e7698c1da0ab7ca07fca" filename="logo.bin" operation="flash" partition="logo"/>
<step MD5="4184a78f18ce3d38f21a7647e51a76cf" filename="boot.img" operation="flash" partition="boot"/>
<step MD5="d14f20dd4e7d4aa6de44b351bc5f39f3" filename="recovery.img" operation="flash" partition="recovery"/>
<step MD5="ff5d374e1718a65e649e2a8d62813569" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.0" operation="flash" partition="system"/>
<step MD5="ab0ee7be171e5e2e0b93f7659c7c94c9" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.1" operation="flash" partition="system"/>
<step MD5="92e4f02bdc5e3227b0edaa72117a115e" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.2" operation="flash" partition="system"/>
<step MD5="b17d3d14b35077c5a5be23a6ba6cae6e" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.3" operation="flash" partition="system"/>
<step MD5="744c0fbcb62aa223a7187d9705038526" filename="system.img_sparsechunk.4" operation="flash" partition="system"/>
<step MD5="c7f0785561046b6433ecdc967d79fee1" filename="vendor.img" operation="flash" partition="vendor"/>
<step MD5="82bddc775f4422d12b24e10552af7000" filename="oem.img" operation="flash" partition="oem"/>
<step operation="erase" partition="cache"/>
<step operation="erase" partition="userdata"/>
<step operation="erase" partition="DDR"/>
<step operation="oem" var="fb_mode_clear"/>
</steps>

Example Translation

Working from top to bottom, always ignore the first step where operation="getvar".

Each of the remaining lines would be translated like so: "fastboot [operation] [partition] [filename (if listed)]"

Example Translation

fastboot oem fb_mode_set
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash dsp adspso.bin
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash vendor vendor.img
fastboot flash oem oem.img
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase DDR
fastboot oem fb_mode_clear

•••••••• E5 Model Information ••••••••

Moto E5 Play/Cruise

•XT1920 Moto E5 Play Android Go (PettyL)

•XT1921-1 Moto E5 Play Sng SIM Retail (RJames)

•XT1921-2 Moto E5 Cruise Cricket (James)

•XT1921-3 Moto E5 Play T-Mobile (James)

•XT1921-5 Moto E5 Play Sprint (James)

•XT1921-6 Moto E5 Play Verizon (RJames)

Moto E5 Plus

•XT1924-2 Moto E5 Plus DTEU (RHannah)

•XT1924-3 Moto E5 Plus Indian (AHannah)

•XT1924-4 Moto E5 Plus Retail (RHannah)

•XT1924-5 Moto E5 Plus Retail (RHannah)

•XT1924-6 Moto E5 Plus Cricket (Hannah)

•XT1924-7 Moto E5 Plus AT&T (Hannah)

Moto E5 4G/LTE

•XT1944-1 Moto E5 Sng SIM Retail (Nora)

•XT1944-2 Moto E5 Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

•XT1944-3 Moto E5 Sng SIM Retail (Nora)

•XT1944-4 Moto E5 Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

•XT1944-5 Moto E5 Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

•XT1944-6 Moto E5 Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

•••••••• Instructions ••••••••

1. Use the following firmware download links to locate the latest package for your device and carrier.

2. Download and extract the latest firmware zip to your ADB/Fastboot directory (or specific release you are looking for)

3. Boot your device into AP Fastboot Mode by first powering down your device and then simultaneously holding the Power + Volume Down keys for around 8 seconds, until you see AP Fastboot Mode on your device display;

4. Connect your device to your PC using the OEM supplied or quality-equivalent micro USB to USB syncing cable;

5. Open a command window in the path of your adb/fastboot directory;

6. Enter this command:

fastboot devices

Press Enter/Return

If your device and PC are properly connected, an alpha-numeric string will appear in the command window synonomous to your device serial number;

7.

a. To UPDATE your device, use the "servicefile.xml" document as a guide using the translation documentation above.

*IMPORTANT*

1. DO NOT flash the recovery partition if you have TWRP on your device.

2. FLASH MAGISK BEFORE REBOOTING if your device is rooted.

b. To FACTORY FLASH your device, use the "flashfile.xml" document as a guide.

8. reboot your device by entering the command "fastboot reboot"

•••••••• Firmware Downloads ••••••••

• E5 Play / E5 Cruise

PettyL

RJames

James

• E5 Plus

RHannah

Hannah

• E5 4G/LTE

Nora

Many thanks to our former OP MotoJunkie01 for originally putting this together.

All credit for the writeup goes to them.

Many thanks also to our forum moderator for allowing me to take responsibility for this thread.

I will be posting new firmware links progressively until I am able to restore them all.

-weakNPCdotCom

•••••••• Original Documentation ••••••••

******* XT1920 ******

Moto E5 Play (PettyL) Android Go Edition

Android Version: 8.1.0 (Android Go)

Build No. OPGS28.54-19-2

Radio Version: M8917_20.23.05.64R

System Version: 28.201.2.pettyl.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: Oct 9, 2018

Package Size: 975.9 MB

Note: This firmware package is for the Android Go Edition of the Moto E5 Play only. This package is much more lightweight in size in contrast to the Android 8.0.0 packages for other Moto E5 Play models. It also has seven system.img_sparsechunks, whereas the standard Android 8.0.0 packages for the E5 Play have either four or five system files. To install this package, be certain to flash all system.img_sparsechunk files, and not just the four listed in the below instructions. So, add these lines, in the proper numerical sequence:

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6

Download Link: XT1920_OPGS28.54-19-2

****** XT1921-1 ******

Moto E5 Play (RJames) Single SIM Retail

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-157

Radio Version: M8917_24.28.05.73R

System Version: 27.251.175.rjames.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: Sep 30, 2018

Package Size: 1.39 GB

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This firmware package has five system sparsechunk images, whereas other variants have only four (.0, .1, .2. & .3). So when flashing this package with the below instructions, add this line (in numerical order):

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4

Download Link: XT1921-1_OPP27.91-157

****** XT1921-2 ******

Moto E5 Cruise (James) Cricket

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OCPS27.91-32-5

Radio Version: M8920_07.02.11.44R

System Version: 27.221.9.james_a.a.en.US

Security Patch Level: Aug 13, 2018

Package Size: 1.28 GB

Download Link: XT1921-2_OCPS27.91-32-5

****** XT1921-3 ******

Moto E5 Play (James) T-Mobile

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OCP27.91-150

Radio Version: M8920TMO_21.11.11.63R

System Version: 27.241.162.james_t.t.en.US

Security Patch Level: Sep 21, 2018

Package Size: 1.34 GB

Download Link: XT1921-3_OCP27.91-150

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This firmware package has five system sparsechunk images, whereas other variants have only four (.0, .1, .2. & .3). So when flashing this package with the below instructions, add this line (in numerical order):

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4

****** XT1921-5 ******

Moto E5 Play (James) Sprint/Boost/Virgin Mobile

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OCPS27.91-140-1

Radio Version: M8920_21.11.11.62R

System Version: 27.251.1.james_sprint.sprint.en.US

Security Patch Level: Oct 3, 2018

Package Size: 1.34 GB

Download Link: XT1921-5_OCPS27.91-140-1

****** XT1921-6 ******

Moto E5 Play (RJames) Verizon Wireless

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. ODPS27.91-121-2

Radio Version: M8917_21.24.05.68R

System Version: 27.221.2.rjames_vzw.verizon.en.US

Security Patch Level: Oct 3, 2018

Package Size: 1.58 GB

Download Link: XT1921-6_ODPS27.91-121-2

****** XT1924-2 ******

XT1924-2 Moto E5 Plus DTEU (RHannah)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OCP27.91-113

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_21.24.05.65R

System Version: 27.11.124.rhannah_dteu.dteu.en.US

Security Patch Level: July 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.27 GB

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This firmware package has five system sparsechunk images, whereas other variants have only four (.0, .1, .2. & .3). So when flashing this package with the below instructions, add this line (in numerical order):

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4

Download Link: link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1924-3 ******

XT1924-3 Moto E5 Plus (AHannah) Indian Retail

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-122

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8937_21.24.05.68R

System Version: 27.11.128.ahannah.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: August 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.33 GB

*IMPORTANT NOTE: This firmware package has five system sparsechunk images, whereas other variants have only four (.0, .1, .2. & .3). So when flashing this package with the below instructions, add this line (in numerical order):

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1924-4 ******

XT1924-4 Moto E5 Plus (RHannah) Retail

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-25

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_06.10.05.43R

System Version: 27.11.28.rhannah.en.US

Security Patch Level: March 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.29 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1924-5 ******

XT1924-5 Moto E5 Plus (RHannah) Retail

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-41

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_08.13.05.49R

System Version: 27.11.44.rhannah.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: April 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.29 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1924-6 ******

XT1924-6 Moto E5 Plus (Hannah) Cricket

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OCPS27.91-46-4

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8940_10.04.11.47R

System Version: 27.201.5.hannah_a.a.en.US

Security Patch Level: July 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.29 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1924-7 ******

XT1924-7 Moto E5 Plus (Hannah) AT&T

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OCP27.91-46

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8940_10.04.11.47R

System Version: 27.11.49.hannah_a.a.en.US

Security Patch Level: April 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.30 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1944-1 ******

Moto E5 LTE Single SIM Retail (Nora)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-40

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_08.13.05.49R

System Version: 27.11.43.nora_8917_ora.en.US

Security Patch Level: March 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.24 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1944-2 ******

Moto E5 LTE Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-25

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_06.10.05.43R

System Version: 27.11.27.nora_row.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: March 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.3 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1944-3 ******

Moto E5 LTE Single SIM Retail (Nora)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-56

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_12.16.05.51R

System Version: 27.11.63.nora_row.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: May 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.34 GB

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This firmware package has five system sparsechunk images, whereas other variants have only four (.0, .1, .2. & .3). So when flashing this package with the below instructions, add this line (in numerical order):

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1944-4 ******

Moto E5 LTE Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-25

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_06.10.05.43R

System Version: 27.11.27.nora_row.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: March 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.3 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1944-5 ******

Moto E5 LTE Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-25

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_06.10.05.43R

System Version: 27.11.27.nora_row.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: March 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.31 GB

Download Link: [old link broken. new link coming soon.

****** XT1944-6 ******

Moto E5 LTE Dual SIM Retail (Nora)

Android Version: 8.0.0 Oreo

Build No. OPP27.91-25

Kernel Version: 3.18.71

Radio Version: M8917_06.10.05.43R

System Version: 27.11.27.nora_row.retail.en.US

Security Patch Level: March 1, 2018

Package Size: 1.3 GB

Download Link: old link broken. new link coming soon.

APPLICABILITY:

There are any number of reasons to use this restoration guide. If you are running a rooted device with system-based or systemless modifications to your Android OS, and you merely want to return to an unmodified stock configuration, this guide will accomplish that. If your device is soft bricked, stuck in a boot loop or is otherwise malfunctioning from a software standpoint, this guide will repair your phone. Or, perhaps you simply want to return to unmodified stock in order to install an OTA update. Again, this guide is for you.

NOTE:

All of the links posted in this thread were maintained by the former OP, MotoJunkie01. They have since left XDA and the links have subsequently been broken. I will be working to replace as many as I can as fast as I am able in order to make these available for everyone again.

-weakNPCdotCom

RESTORATION/FLASHING INSTRUCTIONS:

This guide is written with the assumption that you have at least a rudimentary knowledge of AP Fastboot Mode and basic flashing commands. While this firmware can certainly be installed using RSD-Lite, mFastboot, etc., this guide aims at a basic fastboot installation. This procedure will erase all userdata stored on your device, enables dm-verity (device mapping), and enables default force encryption of the /userdata partition. Please make a backup of any data, files, media, etc. that you want to keep prior to proceeding. This process removes root binaries, BusyBox, root-dependent mods, and restores all OEM and carrier-specific bloatware. This guide also assumes that you have a recent version of the Minimal ADB & Fastboot utilities installed on your PC or laptop, as well as the proper USB device drivers.

1. Download your firmware package from the link above and extract the contents of the archive to your adb/fastboot directory on your PC;

2. Boot your device into AP Fastboot Mode by first powering down your device and then simultaneously holding the Power + Volume Down keys for around 8 seconds, until you see AP Fastboot Mode on your device display;

3. Connect your device to your PC using the OEM supplied or quality-equivalent micro USB to USB syncing cable;

4. Open a command window in the path of your adb/fastboot directory;

5. Enter this command:

fastboot devices

Press Enter/Return

If your device and PC are properly connected, an alpha-numeric string will appear in the command window synonomous to your device serial number;

6. After ensuring a proper connection, execute the following commands:

fastboot oem fb_mode_set

fastboot flash partition gpt.bin

fastboot flash dsp adspso.bin

fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

fastboot flash logo logo.bin

fastboot flash boot boot.img

fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

fastboot erase modemst1

fastboot erase modemst2

fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2

fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3

fastboot erase DDR

fastboot erase cache

fastboot erase userdata

fastboot flash oem oem.img

fastboot flash vendor vendor.img

fastboot oem fb_mode_clear

7. Now reboot your device by entering:

fastboot reboot

Press Enter/Return

Upon reboot, your device should be fully restored to its stock factory configuration and, as such, will be fully capable of installing any future OTA update packages.