Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for the Moto G has already started rolling out for the US variants, both the US Global and the US GSM (T-Mobile) variant have received the update. But other Moto G variants, the international ones, are yet to receive the update. And knowing the pace at which Motorola is updating its new range of Moto devices, the other variants too should receive the update soon.
However, if you’re someone like us, wanting the update to be installed on your device the time it gets public, then you’re in for a treat!
The Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware update that is currently rolling to Moto G devices in the US is compatible with other variants of the device as well, so you can safely flash the firmware to your Non-USA Moto G as well. XDA user, josalaito, has shared a flashable zip of the firmware that you can flash with any recovery of your choice. But keep in mind that it’s only for the GSM Moto G, do not attempt to flash it on a CDMA variant.
Before starting with the flashing process there are a few things you know about and be prepared with, so do follow the information below carefully.
Known Bugs/Issues
As of Dec 24, 2013
- WiFi may not work
- Dual SIM variant may not show network signal
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.
CHECK DEVICE VARIANT
This page is only meant for the GSM variants of the Moto G. Do not use the procedures discussed here on a CDMA variant of Moto G. You have been warned!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN..
You must do this pre-installation stuff before attempting to install Android 4.4.2 on your Moto G in order to avoid any complications later, and have a smooth and successful process.
GET THE LATEST RECOVERY FOR YOUR MOTO G
You’ll need a custom recovery installed on your phone to be able to flash the Android 4.4.2 update given on this page. Below are links to both CWM and TWRP recovery, install any one of your choice.
► GET THE LATEST TWRP RECOVERY FOR MOTO G
► GET THE LATEST CWM RECOVERY FOR MOTO G
UNLOCK THE BOOTLOADER ON YOUR MOTO G
Use must first unlock the bootloader on your Moto G before proceeding with the guide below. Without unlocking the bootloader you won’t be able to use fastboot commands to flash the firmware on your device. Check the link below for help on unlocking the bootloader.
► MOTO G BOOTLOADER UNLOCKING GUIDE
BACK UP YOUR DEVICE
Back up important data and stuff before you start playing around here as there are chances you might lose your apps and app-data (app settings, game progress, etc.), and in rare case, files on the internal memory, too.
For help on Backup and Restore, check out our exclusive page on that linked right below.
► ANDROID BACK UP AND RESTORE GUIDE: APPS AND TIPS
CHARGE YOUR DEVICE
If your android device powers off due to lack of battery while the process is underway, it could damage the device.
So, make sure your device is adequately charged — at least 50% battery of the device.
MOTO G ANDROID 4.4.2 KITKAT UPDATE
DOWNLOADS
Download the file given below and transfer it to a separate folder on your phone and remember the location.
FIRMWARE (ROM) FILE
DOWNLOAD LINK | File name: Repack_4.4.2_MotoG.zip (442.41 MB)
For latest version of the ROM, check the original page →
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Reminder: Make sure you’ve installed latest version of the recovery of your choice and have backed up your device adequately (including important data stored on internal memory) as mentioned in ‘Before you begin..‘ section above.
GUIDE FOR CWM RECOVERY USERS
- Boot into recovery mode. If you’re rooted, the easiest way to boot into recovery mode would be using the QuickBoot app. If not rooted, then follow the instructions below:
- Power off your device and wait for 5-10 seconds until the device is fully switched off.
- Press and hold Volume Down + Power buttons together and don’t release them until you boot into bootloader mode (screenshot)
- Once in bootloader mode, use Volume down button to navigate to/highlight RECOVERY and select it by pressing the Power button. You’ll boot into recovery mode.
└ In Recovery mode, use Volume buttons to navigate Up and Down between options and use Power button to select an option.
- Create a Nandroid Backup from recovery. It’s optional but very important to do, so that in case something goes wrong you can restore to current status easily. For making a Nandroid Backup, go to Backup And Restore » Backup.
- Perform a Factory Reset (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this:
- Select Wipe data/Factory reset, then select Yes on the next screen to confirm factory reset (screenshot)
- First Install the ROM file:
- Select Install zip » Choose zip from sdcard (or external sdcard, you know where your files are) » browse to the location where you saved the file and select the ROM file
- Select Install zip » Choose zip from sdcard (or external sdcard, you know where your files are) » browse to the location where you saved the file and select the ROM file
- Reboot your device. For this, go back to the main menu of recovery and select reboot system now.
That’s all. Your phone will now reboot and it will take some time as it’ll be phone’s first boot after installing Android 4.4, be extremely excited for this!
Note: In case your device gets bootloop (stuck at logo while rebooting), just do a factory reset (step 3) and you will be fine.
GUIDE FOR TWRP RECOVERY USERS
- Boot into recovery mode. If you’re rooted, the easiest way to boot into recovery mode would be using the QuickBoot app. If not rooted, then follow the instructions below:
- Power off your device and wait for 5-10 seconds until the device is fully switched off.
- Press and hold Volume Down + Power buttons together and don’t release them until you boot into bootloader mode (screenshot)
- Once in bootloader mode, use Volume down button to navigate to/highlight RECOVERY and select it by pressing the Power button. You’ll boot into recovery mode.
- Create a Nandroid Backup from recovery. It’s optional but very important to do, so that in case something goes wrong you can restore to current status easily. For making a Nandroid Backup, go to Backup » and select all check boxes and swipe on the Swipe to confirm option at the bottom of the screen to confirm backup.
- Perform a Factory Reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this:
- Tap on Wipe » then at the bottom of the screen do a Swipe on the ‘Swipe to factory reset‘ option (screenshot)
- First Install the ROM file:
- Tap on Install » browse to the location where you saved the files and tap on the ROM file. Now at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin flashing.
- Tap on Install » browse to the location where you saved the files and tap on the ROM file. Now at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin flashing.
- Reboot your device. Go back to the main menu of recovery and tap on Reboot » then, tap on System to reboot your phone.
That’s all. Your phone will now reboot and it will take some time as it’ll be phone’s first boot after installing Android 4.4, be extremely excited for this!
Note: In case your device gets bootloop (stuck at logo while rebooting), just do a factory reset (step 3) and you will be fine.
ROOT?
If you’d like to get root access, then download the superuser.zip from this link and flash the file from recovery just like you flashed the ROM file.
FEEDBACK US!
It was easy to install CyanFox custom ROM, based on Android 4.4 KitKat, right? Let us know how it is to your liking in comments below.
Your suggestions and queries, if any, are most welcomed!
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