Get Marshmallow update for Moto E 2015 (3G) with CM13 ROM

An initially test build of CM13 ROM is now out for the Moto E 2nd Gen (2015), the one with 3G only capability, codenamed Otus. Thus, you have Marshmallow update in unofficial AOSP based ROM for right here. BTW, it’s not for LTE Moto E, thus, whose codename is Surnia.

So, there is some very good news, and some just little bad news.

The good news is that Android 6.0 ROM boots up fine, and it’s really great news because Motorola has confirmed that it doesn’t plan to update the latest Moto E to 6.0 at all.

The bad news is that not everything is working. Which we hope will be fixed sooner or later, because until you can make and receive calls and messages, it doesn’t mean much. But we have known from past experience that bugs are often worked out easily than not, so here’s a hoping that now that first build is available for you to taste Marshmallow, better builds shouldn’t be too far for you to live Marshmallow.

Bugs!

The ROM is in alpha stage of development right now, and well, is not a daily driver at all. Far from it, actually.

Working: Display, WiFi, SD card, GPS, audio (sort of)

Broken: RIL, camera, FM radio, video playback, everything else

→ Check out this page for latest on what’s working, and what’s not, and also you will get latest download link of the ROM at the moment.

Downloads

Marshmallow custom ROM — Link | Download Mirror | File: aosp-6.0-20151013-UNOFFICIAL-i9082.zip (211.11 MB)
Google Apps (Gapps) — Link

Supported devices

Motorola Moto E 2015, codename Otus
Don’t try this on any other device than the one having model no. specified above.

Use the Droid Info app to determine the codename of your Moto E 2015. If it is exactly the one specified above, then it should be compatible with the 6.0 custom ROM we have here.

Warning!

Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page. You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

Backup!

Backup important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below, so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have backup of all your important files.

How to Install

Required: You will need to have TWRP recovery installed on your device to be able to install Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps (Gapps). Check out our page on Moto E 2015 TWRP recovery for this.

Step 1. Download the Marshmallow ROM and gapps file from above.

Step 2. Connect your device to PC and transfer the ROM and gapps file to it. Disconnect the device then. Remember the location of the files.

Step 3. Boot your Moto E 2015 into recovery mode. If you are rooted, you can use Quick Boot app from play store. To manually boot into recovery mode, do this:

Power off your device and wait for 5-10 seconds until the device is fully switched off.
Press and hold Volume down + Power button together and release them only when you something on screen.
Now, use volume button down to move selection to Recovery option, and then use Volume up button to select it.

You will enter recovery mode soon, and should see TWRP recovery. If you see an Android with exclamation mark, then you need to install TWRP recovery for this (linked above).

Step 4. [Optional] Once in TWRP, create a backup of your device. Tap on Backup, and then select all the partitions for back. Now do the swipe action at bottom to start creating a backup for emergency cases. This backup is really a lifesaver!

Step 5. Do a Factory Reset. On TWRP’s main screen, tap on Wipe, then advanced wipe, and now make sure you have selected these partitions: dalvik cache, data, system and cache. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to confirm it.

Step 6. Now, install the ROM file. On TWRP’s homescreen, tap on Install, and then locate the ROM file and tap on it. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to begin flashing the update.

Step 7. Tap on Home button to go back. Now, install the Gapps the same way you installed Marshmallow ROM on your Moto E 2015.

Step 8. When it’s done, tap on Reboot system button to restart the device.

That’s it.

BTW, if you face force closes on apps, or Google Play services error, then install the ROM as said above again, but do not flash Gapps for now.