Last month, Motorola revealed the list of devices eligible for Android Nougat OS update, but sadly second generation Moto X failed to make the cut.
Truth be told, Motorola cannot be blamed for dropping the Moto X (2014) from the list, as the company has faithfully fulfilled the obligatory 18-month software update service, that too with the timely release of the Marshmallow update.
However, people who are still hanging on to the Moto X (2014) need not be disheartened, as they can still experience the new Android OS through plenty of custom ROMs available for free on the internet.
Among them, CyanogenMod is the most popular in the world. Industrious XDA Developer Forum member SeannyM has come up with the latest Android 7.1- Nougat-based CM14.1 custom ROM.
Having said that, we urge users to go through the entire prerequisite and tutorial procedure to assess the risk involved here and then go ahead with the Cm 14.1 custom ROM installation on Moto X (2nd gen).
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 Nougat ROM is an experimental firmware and contains few bugs in it.
- This new Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM has to be installed on Motorola Moto X (2nd Gen) aka Victara 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 the 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 the memory of 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 (Galaxy S4 LTE) 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 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 Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM on Moto X (2nd Gen) via TWRP:
Step 1: Download Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps on your PC
[Note: downloadable file links are provided at the bottom]
Step 2: Connect Moto X (2nd Gen) to the computer
Step 3: Place the CyanogenMod Android 7.1 Nougat ROM 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' to 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 the 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 X (2014) Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM: HERE ( Build date: November 1, 2016)
Google Apps:HERE
USB Driver:HERE
[Credits: XDA Developers Forum, CyanogenMod community and SeannyM]
