Update Moto G (2015) with Android Nougat via AOSP ROM [How to install]
Update Moto G (2015) with Android Nougat via AOSP ROM [How to install]Anirban Roy/ IBTimes India

It's been close to a month since Google released the new Android Nougat update to the Nexus series. But Motorola, unlike last year, has not made any announcements on devices eligible for the new mobile OS.

That said, based on the previous roll-out patterns, Motorola is expected to deploy updates to all smartphones which were launched in 2015 and 2016. This means, Moto G (3rd Gen) is also likely to get the Nougat, but it will be a while before it lands on the 2015 mid-range phone, as the company is yet to commence soak testing.

Those Moto G (3rd gen) owners, who are eager to experience all the new features of Android Nougat, can try installing AOSP (Android Open Source Program) ROM developed by the XDA Developer Forum's recognised senior software programmer, Alberto97.

We also like to advise readers that the new Nougat ROM is an experimental firmware and contains few bugs and functions are not working. We urge users to go through entire perquisite and tutorial procedure before ahead with the AOSP ROM installation on Moto G (3rd Gen).

Working-

  • Boots
  • RIL (Calls, SMS, Data)
  • Wifi
  • Bluetooth
  • Camera
  • Video Playback

Not Working/Bugs-

  • Camcorder (tip: it works on Google Camera after setting video quality to 720p)
  • HDR (tip: it works on Moto Camera)
  • Permissive SELinux

Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

  • This new DownloadAndroid v7.0 Nougat AOSP ROM has to be installed on Motorola Moto G (3rd Gen) single-SIM model only, if tried on other devices, it 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 makes the company warranty void; the company 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 ahead with custom ROM installation.
  • 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 3rd Gen) will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Do not reboot after installing AOSP ROM, install Google Apps and then reboot.
  • 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 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 for Download Android v7.0 Nougat AOSP ROM on Moto G (3rd Gen) via TWRP-

Step 1: DownloadAndroid v7.0 Nougat AOSP ROM and Google Apps on to your PC

[Note: downloadable file links are provided at the bottom]

Step 2: Connect Moto G(3rd Gen) to the computer

Step 3: Place the CyanogenMod Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow into the phone's storage memory

[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

Downloadable files:

Moto G (2015) Android 7.0 Nougat AOSP ROM: HERE

Google Apps:HERE

USB Driver: HERE

[Credits: XDA Developers Forum and Alberto97]