Update: TeamWin Recovery Project released an all new TWRP v3.0 yesterday, and thankfully quickly enough, the TWRP 3.0 is now available for the Moto G 1st Gen, 2013 edition.

Because there are lots of changes to new TWRP 3.0, we’re afraid there could be one or two bugs that you may have to encounter, so we have also included the v2.8.x herewith, so that you have at least one fully confirmed recovery available in case v3.0 doesn’t works best.

Downloads

  • Moto G TWRP Recovery:
    • Version 3.0 — Link
    • Version 2.8.7.x — Link
  • SuperSU Root package — Link | File: UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip

Get the latest version of TWRP from here.

Supported devices

  • Motorola Moto G 1st Gen (Moto G1), model no. XT1031, XT1032 (falcon)
  • Don’t try this one any other device with codename different than above!

Important: Check your device’s model no. on free Android app called Droid Info. If you see the model no. and codename mentioned above in the app, then use this recovery, otherwise not. BTW, you can check model no. device’s packaging box too.

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.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1. Unlock bootloader of your Moto G using the Motorola’s own site here. Without unlock bootloader of your Moto G, you cannot install TWRP, and cannot root it either.

In case your device is  not accepted at the Motorola’s page above, then it’s possible that unlocking bootloader is possible without any help from Motorola. it’s actually easier.  For this, do the step 4 below right away (then do step 2 and 3 below), and then select the “Allow OEM unlock” checkbox in Settings > Developer options. This will unlock the bootloader of your device.

Step 2. Install ADB drivers.

Step 3. Install Moto G driver. (Common for all Motorola Android devices.)

Step 4. On your Moto G, enable USB debugging. For this:

  1. Go to Settings > About phone, and then tap ‘Build number’ 7 times or until you see the ‘you’re now a developer’ message pop up.
  2. Go back to Settings, then choose ‘Developer options’. Find the ‘USB debugging’ option and use its toggle button to enable it. Accept warning by tapping on OK button.

Step 5. Connect your Moto G to PC now. You will get a pop-up as shown below on your phone when you connect for the first time after enabling USB debugging. Select ‘Always allow from this computer’ checkbox and then tap on OK button.

Allow USB Debugging

Step 6. Download the Moto G TWRP recovery from above. And also the SuperSU file that will be used to Root the device. Transfer the SuperSU file (UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip) to PC.

Step 7. Rename the recovery file, to a simple one, motog-twrp.img

Step 8. Now, open command window in the folder where you have the motog-twrp.img file. For this:

  1. Open that folder and then left click on empty white space in the folder.
  2. Now, while holding shift key, right click on empty white space to get a pop-up as shown below.
  3. Now choose Open command window here option from that.

open command windows here

You will see a command window open up, with location directed to folder where you have the twrp recovery file.

Step 9. Boot your Moto G into Bootloader/Fastboot mode:

  • Power off your device and wait for 3-4 seconds after screen goes off.
  • Press and hold Power and Volume down together for 3 seconds and then let go. You’ll enter bootloader mode. And should see FASTBOOT written at top. It’s already in Fastboot mode by default.

Step 10. Test whether fastboot is working alright. For this, run the command given below. (You can also copy paste the command and then use enter key to run it.)

→ Upon running command below, you should get a serial no. with fastboot written after it. If you don’t get fastboot written on cmd window, then it means you need to reinstall adb and fastboot drivers, or change restart PC, or use original USB cable.

fastboot devices

Step 11. Flash Moto G TWRP recovery now. Use the following command for that.

fastboot flash recovery motog-twrp.img

Step 12. TWRP recovery will now be installed on your Moto G. When done, reboot into recovery mode. For this, while still in bootloader mdoe, select the Recovery option using Volume down button and then select it using Volume up button. Take care to not use Volume up button until you’ve reached recovery option. If you select wrong option, force restart your Moto G by pressing and holding power button until screen goes off.

Step 13. [Optional] You will see TWRP recovery, v2.8.6.0.  Now, you must take a full backup of your phone, including system partition. In TWRP, tap on Backup, and then select all partitions. Then do the swipe action at bottom to start the backup process.

Step 14. To Root, tap on Install button, and then browse and select the SuperSU file (UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip). Then on next screen, do the Swipe action at bottom to flash the root package.

Step 15. Tap on Reboot System to restart the device. That’s it.

Happy flashing!

Need Help?

And let us know if you need any help regarding installation of TWRP recovery on your Moto G. Use the comments section below.

Credit: sub77 (for TWRP 3.0)