Popular after-market mobile software maker Cyanogen team has released the new CM12.1 series custom ROM to the Motorola's 2013 mid-range smartphone Moto G (aka Peregrine) LTE models.
This new firmware is a nightly version based on the latest AOSP (Android Open Source Project) 5.1 Lollipop. It comes with a lot of bug fixes and new applications including refurbished email app powered by Boxer, which brings multiple account support, exchange support and canned responses for quick replies. Other customisations include sound alerts (bells or whistles), options to select different LED colour display for email notifications and many more.
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
- This CyanogenMod Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM has to be installed only on Moto G (aka Peregrine) 4G retail models- XT1039, XT1040 and XT1045. If tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
- Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your device (Moto G) will not be recognized by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in the mid-way.
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod [official] Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM on Motorola Moto G (aka Peregrine) models-
Step 1: Download CyanogenMod [official] Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom firmware (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE/HERE/HERE) in to your PC.
Step 2: Connect Motorola Moto G (aka Peregrine) to PC via USB cord.
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not click HERE to download the firmware]
Step 3: Then, place CyanogenMod CM12.1 Android 5.1 Lollipop custom firmware zip file and Google Apps into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]
[Note: Before users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool.]
Step 4: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
Step 5: Then perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.
Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset'
[Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'
Step 8: Then to go back to Recovery mode, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]
Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'
Step 10: Then tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure again to install the Google Apps. [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]
Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
Now, your device (Moto G aka Peregrine) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of Cyanogen [official] Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM.
[Credits: Cyanogen.org]
