Upgrade Moto G 4G (1st Gen) to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with CyanogenMod 13

Moto G 4G (1st Gen) will not get official Android 6.0 Marshmallow update, but if you are wishing to get the latest firmware for your device, the CyanogenMod 13 custom ROM will bring it. Cyanogen team has released the CM13 Nightly build for Moto G XT1039, XT1040, XT1045 (code-named Peregrine) with a number of useful additions and features, which will enhance your Android experience.

In this tutorial, we will explain how to upgrade Moto G 4G (1st Gen) to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with CyanogenMod 13. This is a unified build and supports all retail Moto G 4G variants (XT1039, XT1040 and XT1045). One of the many advantages of this custom ROM is that while it keeps the near stock UI, it enables users to customize their device completely.

Before you get start, note that the status of CM13 is Nightly, which means the ROM may not be suitable for daily use. In fact, it is experimental and a number of things do not work now. However, previous experience showed that CM nightly builds are typically reliable that many users do not mind facing a few issues.

How to Install CyanogenMod 13 on Moto G 4G

Disclaimer: Installing custom ROM void your device’s warranty and lead to data loss, therefore must be done entirely at your own risk. This guide is for advanced users only. We cannot take responsibility for anything that goes wrong.

Prerequisites: For installing custom ROM requires unlocked bootloader, root access and latest version of TWRP custom recovery installed on Moto G 4G.

Warning: The below procedure will wipe your device completely, so backup every data on your phone before proceeding. Also, make a Nandroid backup from custom recovery.

CM13 Installation Guide

1. Download CyanogenMod 13 Nightly for Moto G XT1039, XT1040 & XT1045 (Peregrine) [HERE] and move the ROM zip to your phone’s memory Sd card. Also, download Gapps for CM 13 [HERE] and move to your phone’s SD card.

2. Boot your Moto G into TWRP recovery. To do so, disconnect the phone from the PC (if connected), then power off it, and then press and hold Volume down and Power button simultaneously.

3. In TWRP recovery, does a full system wipe. Tap Wipe -> Advanced Wipe and Wipe data / Factory reset, Wipe cache, Wipe dalvik cache.

4. Once done, select ‘Install’, choose the CM13 ROM zip file (you have copied on your phone) and swipe to confirm flash. Repeat the same for installing Gapps.

5. Once done, do a factory reset from the recovery menu (it helps to fix boot loop issue), then reboot your phone.

The first boot will take little more time. Once booted up, set up your device, and enjoy Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Moto G. Any doubt? Leave it in the comment section below.