Hot topics

Moto G series Android update: when will I get it?

AndroidPIT moto g4 play review 4246
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

The Moto G series has been a staunch fan favorite ever since its initial release in late 2013. Combining solid hardware, affordable pricing and a near stock Android experience, the Moto G series has rightfully earned its place as a key player in the Android ecosystem. After having first been acquired by Google and then sold off to Lenovo, the Motorola brand still managed to push out timely updates for its devices. The most current news for the Moto G series is that the the Moto G4 Play has finally begun receiving the Android Nougat update.   

Want to skip ahead? Jump to:

Moto G Android update overview

Device Android Jelly Bean Android KitKat Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Android 6.0 Marshmallow Android 7.0 Nougat
Moto G5 (2017) - - - - Yes
Moto G5 Plus - - - - Yes
Moto G4 (2016) - - - Yes Yes
Moto G4 Play - - - Yes Yes
Moto G4 Plus - - - Yes Yes
Moto G 3rd gen (2015) - - Yes Yes No
Moto G 3rd gen Turbo edition - - Yes Yes No
Moto G 2nd gen (2014) - Yes Yes Yes No
Moto G 4G Yes Yes Yes No No
Moto G (2013) Yes Yes Yes No No

Moto G5 / G5 Plus (2017) Android update

Lenovo released the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus with the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system. Some exciting features you can look forward to from the Moto G5 update are the Moto Experience app and Google Assistant. It remains to be seen if the upgrade to Android 7.1 will be offered or if it will jump straight to Android O.

Moto G4 / G4 Play / G4 Plus (2016) Android update

The Moto G4 and its variants, the Moto G4 Play and the Moto G4 Plus, were released in 2016 with Android Marshmallow. The Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus update to Nougat had happened between October 2016 and March 2017, but sadly the Moto G4 Play (the most low-end of the three devices) was left with Android Marshmallow.

Lenovo had announced that the Moto G4 Play will receive the Android Nougat update by in the US by June 2017, and it seems like they've stuck to their word. Sort of. Moto G4 Play devices in Brazil have started receiving the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update as of last week (17.6.2017), so now its only a question of time before we can see a global rollout. 

Moto G 3rd gen (2015) Android update 

The 3rd generation phone of the Moto G series came out in 2015 with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop pre-installed. It has since received a software update to Marshmallow. The Moto G (3rd gen) update to Marshmallow is bittersweet though, since it will not be receiving the update to Android Nougat. Don't despair though, you can still get Nougat on your Moto G (2015) using a custom ROM - check out CyanogenMod's and XDA developers' guides on how to do this.

The Nougat ROM brings a mix of Google's open source (AOSP) as well as some extra features like night mode. While it is still under development, you can already use several functions including SMS, Wi-Fi connection, camera, calling and Bluetooth and Internet browsing. Other functions are still unstable and the ROM is incompatible with the device's dual-SIM mode.

motorola moto g 2015 screen hero
The Moto G3 (2015) came with Android Lollipop and got an official update to Marshmallow. / © NextPit

Moto G 2nd gen (2014) Android update 

The 2015 model of the Moto G series was officially updated up to Android Marshmallow. It rolled out to 3G and LTE-enabled devices in India, where soak tests were conducted several weeks prior.

The Moto G (2nd gen) update to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop was rolled out over-the-air. The OTA update was primarily focused on fixing security issues, namely the Stagefright security flaw. Head to Settings > About Phone > Software Update and see if your Moto G (2nd gen) has the latest official update.

If you want to update to a more recent operating system version, you can do so using a custom ROM. Have a look at CyanogenMod's guide on how to get Android Nougat on your 2nd gen Moto G (2014).

Moto g moto g 2014 comparativo 8
The Moto G 2nd generation device received the Android Marshmallow update, but the first generation device never did. / © NextPit

Moto G 1st gen (2013) Android update

The original Moto G's updates have been sporadic and unreliable. Many carriers did not update the software beyond Android KitKat. If you have an unlocked device, you can get an update to Android 5.1 Lollipop directly from Motorola at the link below.

The Moto G 1st gen (2013) didn't receive Android Marshmallow or Nougat either, but you can still get hold of these through a custom ROM - have a look at the guides below for help on how to do this:

Moto g moto g 2014 comparativo 6
Some carriers have not updated the original Moto G since Android KitKat. / © NextPit

Which operating system are you running on your Moto G? Are you going to upgrade to a later version? We'd love to know what you think of the latest Android software update on your Moto G device in the comments below.

The best Samsung Galaxy phones compared

  Best flagship Best all-rounder Best foldable Best compact foldable Best midrange model Best budget model
Device Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Image
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Samsung Galaxy A54
Samsung Galaxy A34
Rating
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review
Samsung Galaxy S23 review
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review
Samsung Galaxy A54 review
Samsung Galaxy A34 review
Check offer*
Go to comment (74)
Ira Efremova

Ira Efremova
Photographer

Architect turned Photographer. Takes sexiest photos of gadgets and devices by day. Loves true lifestyle photography, lamas and sea.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
74 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • 1
    God Dammi Oct 20, 2021 Link to comment

    Nice Article


  • 1
    Anand Manthena Jul 12, 2017 Link to comment

    I am saddled with "Storage space running out" problem on my Moto G, Android version 5.1 working with Operating system version: 221.201.2.falcon_umtsds.AsiaRetail.en.03. Is it possible to upgrade it to Marshmallow or Nougat Android versions?


  • 1
    Petrone Carroll Apr 13, 2016 Link to comment

    Since upgraded to marshmallow on my motoroIa G 2 gen I am unable to transfer apps to the SD card so now stuck on internal storage. On lollipop it was easy to move them, so unhappy with this upgrade


    • 1
      Richard B Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

      That's because Marshmallow no longer treats the SD card in the same way. It prefers to use the SD card as extension of the internal memory. However, to do that, the card has to be reformatted. If you don't do the reformat, Apps already on the SD card can still be run from there but you can't move new ones to the card.


  • Cindy B. 1
    Cindy B. Apr 10, 2016 Link to comment

    I wish I had read the comments here before I updated. I too, was sick of the "notice" and finally updated my moto 2nd gen. The update drained my mother's data allowance on her internet, drained my battery and left me with no way to go into the apps and shut down those pesky "running" apps that I never use. I can usually go almost 2 days before having to recharge my phone. I watched the battery drain in 8 hours today. It also wiped out my wallpaper photo and replaced it with the factory screen. At least I still have my contacts and photos. I did panic because I had no photos for about 5 minutes and suddenly they appeared. I wish I could roll this thing back. I used to be able to go in and roll back an update on programs but I guess I'm stuck with this mess. If anyone figures out a way to uninstall this "pile", please let me know.


    • 2
      Deactivated Account May 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Root your phone and flash a custom lollipop rom.


  • Kavetha K 1
    Kavetha K Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    I updated my phone and they said that I have no photos on my phone or music but I had 183 photos.


  • 1
    Sandesh Mothi Feb 23, 2016 Link to comment

    I have moto g1st and still stuck in 5.1 . want soak test for Marshmallow for my phone.


    • 2
      Deactivated Account May 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Mobile carrier's are garbage when it comes to Android updates. If you bought your device straight from the device manufacturer you have the greatest chance of getting the update . Check the manufacturers website they should be able to tell you.


  • 1
    Srinivasan. M Feb 19, 2016 Link to comment

    I have downloaded and installed Android 6 in Motorola G(2nd gen) two days back and it works alright. Probing the new features, is in progress. Of course sky is the limit for progress Thanks Android, Encore!


  • 1
    Nair Feb 17, 2016 Link to comment

    My Motorola G2 has got system updated. But now its not working. It stuck at initial screen.. Can any one help please?


    • 2
      Deactivated Account May 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Try to wipe the cach on the device if it doesn't boot it's a error on the manufacturers end.


  • 1
    Stuart 'Magoo' Dawson Feb 14, 2016 Link to comment

    Updated my Moto G 3rd gen today, seems good so far, but needs tweaking on the layout of share /edit/info/bin buttons on photos as they now almost overlap my phones 3 back/home/close/open tabs buttons at the bottom. Which is making using them a pain in the behind.


  • 2
    Balarama Krishna Feb 12, 2016 Link to comment

    yesterday i have updated it gives sudden shock that no contacts and history available. even after updated it is not showing call history ,not able to import contacts from google/ even other formates

    Sravanthi Reddy


    • Sravanthi Reddy 1
      Sravanthi Reddy Feb 20, 2016 Link to comment

      Hello,

      I too lost all the contacts, Can anyone help what is wrong with this version?


      • 2
        Deactivated Account May 18, 2016 Link to comment

        If you have a google account on the device your contact's should be synced.


  • 4
    Sainil Shah Feb 11, 2016 Link to comment

    Finally got marshmallow in moto g (2nd Generation). Very happy with it.


  • Rakesh Sudhagani 1
    Rakesh Sudhagani Feb 5, 2016 Link to comment

    apps are not installing in moto g2nd gen


  • 2
    Erika Edwards Feb 1, 2016 Link to comment

    I recently updated my moto g gen-1 with this new android update, a change I resisted for quite a few months, but the update notification came on so much that it annoyed me into updating. Now, like so many on here, I hate my phone, a phone I loved before the update. My wifi is crap now. It loses connection every couple of minutes forcing me to reconnect manually every time. Because of this, I used up all my data because I didn't realize at first that my wifi was disconnecting constantly. I am just going to go get a new phone, because I don't want to reset to factory settings and lose everything. If that is going to happen I might as well replace it. I have had it for a year and a half anyway. But yeah, if you have a moto g resist the update. Its not worth it!

    Rick C.


  • 1
    Deactivated Account Jan 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Since update, every time I awaken the screen, I get my phone contacts with most recent call! I have to close this to get to my home screen. After I'm done with whatever task I wanted done, I must close the phone contacts. What a pain! I've already accidentally called people because I didn't know I touched their name. Very annoying. Cannot figure out what to do to change this. Went to store and got no results - just an "oh well deal with it - that's what was programmed." NOT satisfactory solution!!

Show all comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing