Motorola
A woman takes a picture in front of a Motorola logo before the worldwide presentation of the Moto G mobile phone in Sao Paulo November 13, 2013.REUTERS/Nacho Doce

A couple of months ago, Motorola announced the list of Moto-series devices eligible for the Android Marshmallow update.

But sadly, the Moto G (1st Gen) was missing from the list as it was more than two years old, thus relieving Motorola from the obligatory software support service.

[Note: All of Google's OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners are contractually obligated to provide OS updates in 18 months (and in some rare instances 24 months).]

However, people still hanging on to the Moto G (1st Gen) need not be disheartened: They can still enjoy the new Android OS through plenty of custom ROMs available for free on the Internet.

CyanogenMod is the most popular among them. It has released the Android Marshmallow-based CM13 (official) nightly firmware to Motorola's 2013 flagship mid-range phone.

Read more: Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow: 7 key features you need to know

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

  • This new CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) aka Falcon models only. If tried on other devices, they might brick them. [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 voids the company warranty; the company will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • Installation of custom ROM requires clearing memory in the phone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  • Make sure USB driver is installed on the PC or else your device (Moto G) will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is a chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.

[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 becoming 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] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on Motorola Moto G -

Step 1: After Downloading the CyanogenMod [official] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps in to your PC, connect Motorola Moto G model to PC via USB cord.

Step 2: Place CyanogenMod [official] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM zip file and Google Apps file into the phone's memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in storage root folder, 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 3: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 4: Perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 5: 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 6: Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'

Step 7: Return 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 8: Come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'

Step 9: 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 10: 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 series) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod [official] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM.

Downloadable files:

CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM: HERE [build date: 03/12/2015]

Recovery file: HERE

Google Apps: HERE

USB Driver: HERE

[Credits: CyanogenMod]

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