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

AndroidPIT moto g4 play review 4246
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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.   

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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.

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Ira Efremova

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

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  • 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!!


  • 1
    Sarah Fred Jan 24, 2016 Link to comment

    This is the worst update ever. My phone is running super slow and it makes my phone crash. Not only that, but it won't send my messages which is a huge inconvenience. It makes me want to get a new phone, like an Iphone.


  • 1
    Arpit Mehta Jan 12, 2016 Link to comment

    I have moto g1st and I want to participate in Marshmllow soak test.


  • The Techy Musician 1
    The Techy Musician Dec 20, 2015 Link to comment

    Motorola Moto G 1st Generation Lollipop and Marsh mellow:

    The Motorola Moto G has Lollipop and Marsh mellow updates (just not released by motorola)

    If you want to download and install marshmellow on your 1st gen device go here: (I can't post links just go to google cyanogenmod falcon) (cyanogenmod 13.0 is marshmellow)

    Motorola Moto G 2nd Generation Lollipop and Marsh mellow:

    Same as 1st Gen, except the device is Titan

    Motorola Moto G 3rd Generaton 5.1 Lollipop:

    The Moto G 3rd Gen. doesn't have a marsh mellow update by motorola or cyanogenmod check cyanogenmod device osprey for updates by cyanogenmod: check on your phone for updates by motorola


  • 1
    Lisa Cave Dec 6, 2015 Link to comment

    Just did the update yesterday to my first generation phone, and I have to ask: Did they update with a virus???? First, I had difficulties getting it started, then I noticed how incredibly s-l-o-w it moved from screen to screen, function to function, then when typing a text, it took ages to allow me to get to the next letter, two days to send a simple text, I couldn't get my emails, and couldn't receive calls. The phone was rendered USELESS! Finally, called Motorola and some wonderful man named Michael in the Philippines (with the patience of a saint) spent TWO hours trying to figure out what we could do before we decided to reset the phone back to factory settings. And that is when I started becoming hysterical about losing all my pictures. Thankfully, Michael was able to resolve that problem as well. Honestly, Motorola, if you had told me that this was a possibility that it could happen, I'd have never clicked on the upgrade. I'm beyond furious at this point.


    • T.Doom 1
      T.Doom Mar 5, 2016 Link to comment

      Hi Lisa, how did you resolve the problem with the photos?

      I've just installed the OTA update to Marshmallow on my 2nd Gen Moto G, and I noticed that EVERYTHING in my Camera Roll is GONE! I did enabled the setting to save all photos to SD card but when I checked the Gallery after the update it says Camera Roll is empty. I then used a File Manager to check the file system and only the things under the DCIM folder are gone! Photos and Videos outside the DCIM folder are still there.

      I then removed the SD card and placed it in my PC and I was still able to read it, which confirmed that I did NOT choose the "Internal Storage" option that would've reformatted the SD card. Likewise, the PC shows that only the files under the DCIM folder are gone; Everything else outside of the folder remains intact.

      I'm so frustrated right now that there's was no warning about this potential loss of data. As a last resort I'm thinking of using a file recovery program on the PC to see if I can still recover the photos on the SD card.


  • 1
    Shannon Batley Dec 4, 2015 Link to comment

    I have the moto g 1st generation and this new lollipop update totally ruined my phone. My phone sucks now. I can't do anything because everything freezes and crashes or don't respond. I never had this problem before the stupid update. I'm going to have to get a new phone now because this one is useless now unless you fix it or give the old version back. I have Verizon and this phone has been amazing up until the stupid update. I wish I would have never accepted the update. Y'all should offer the old version back because this has totally ruined my phone. I have to send Motorola like a million reports a day cuz nothing wants to work. Very dissatisfied!!!!


    • 1
      Lisa Cave Dec 6, 2015 Link to comment

      Call Motorola tech support. Tell them that you NEVER had a problem before this update. They ultimately set me back to factory settings and everything runs beautifully again. :) (Took two hours though - so insist that they bypass all the trouble shooting...and just reset the darn thing.)


  • Bhupender Rangi 1
    Bhupender Rangi Nov 27, 2015 Link to comment

    I have moto g3 and I want to participate in Marshmllow soak test.


  • GiGi Collins 1
    GiGi Collins Nov 24, 2015 Link to comment

    I have a 1st gen Moto G which ran flawlessly until the lollipop update. It now freezes up constantly, and takes 2 days to send/receive text messages. I wish that I could go back to the pre-lollipop version because I now hate my phone. I was hopeful that any glitches/flukes would be worked out by now but that has yet to happen. My carrier is Verizon, btw. I am now looking for a new phone to buy because my once-dependable Moto G now sucks balls.


  • 1
    sanjay gujjar Nov 21, 2015 Link to comment

    I have'nt got the 5.1.1 update on my motog 2 gen.. Still using 5.0.2... Help me..


    • 1
      Eddie J Nov 23, 2015 Link to comment

      I have a motog second gen and have not received any updates. Still using 4.4.4
      Probably because AT&T is so lame.


  • 1
    Charlie LaFever Nov 18, 2015 Link to comment

    The chart says that the Verizon Moto G 2013 will not get updates beyond 4.4.4 KK, but I just received the 5.1 update. Everything is working fine, no noticeable change in UI responsiveness. Sweet.


  • 4
    Sainil Shah Nov 7, 2015 Link to comment

    Had anyone got 5.1.1 on moto g(2nd gen) in my phone it has 5.0.2 and it says my device is updated to latest version. i havent got 5.1.1 yet


    • 1
      Eddie J Nov 23, 2015 Link to comment

      Don't feel bad. I have the same phone and still using 4.4.4. Have not received any updates and my device says my system is up to date. Go figure.


  • 1
    Deborah Weber Nov 7, 2015 Link to comment

    Don't do the boost update my home button doesnt work anymore my chat heads and Messenger will not open and I cannot open the links in my emails very frustrating


    • 1
      Jennifer Sceri Nov 10, 2015 Link to comment

      same for me!!! have you heard anything yet?


  • Mehul Pandita 10
    Mehul Pandita Nov 6, 2015 Link to comment

    I am disappointed that now Lenovo is the owner of Motorola Mobility. The updates aren't as fast as they used to be.


  • 1
    Joel Bhskaran Oct 16, 2015 Link to comment

    My one moto G but my screen was broken..anyone know where its can repair??


  • 1
    Yasmine Ness Oct 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Well for me after getting the update 5.1 my moto G go out of service meaning I can not use my phone or can not do any text or will go in emergency call only it not phone hoping something can fix this or if not have to wait for a new update


  • 1
    Ankit Pande Sep 21, 2015 Link to comment

    Recently did the system update for my MOTO G Gen-1 at time of installing the phone went dead. Tried all the trouble shooting options but they did not help. Went to service center where they are saying it would need motherboard change as it is a flash drive issue. I don't understand how can a system update corrupt the flash drive. Pathetic service.


    • Monit Jain 2
      Monit Jain Sep 22, 2015 Link to comment

      my moto g also became dead after the 5.1 update ... moto customer care are bull shit. they don't back their product and asking 75 bucks to check it out.

      Deactivated Account


  • 1
    Yogi Bear Sep 14, 2015 Link to comment

    I got the 5.1ota update on my moto g 1st gen


    • 1
      Stephenie Lindsey Nov 6, 2015 Link to comment

      How? I still haven't recieved the ota yet... i've been waiting lol


      • GiGi Collins 1
        GiGi Collins Nov 24, 2015 Link to comment

        Be careful what you wish for.


  • 2
    Carolyn R. Downs Sep 11, 2015 Link to comment

    I haven't got it yet.


  • 3
    Andres Zito Sep 1, 2015 Link to comment

    This is soooo OUTDATED... I've been upgraded to official 5.02 like 6 month ago on my Moto G 2nd. gen


  • Mehul Pandita 10
    Mehul Pandita Sep 1, 2015 Link to comment

    I have Android 5.0.2 on my Moto G 2nd Gen. I love it.


  • 2
    Mohamed Gamal Jun 15, 2015 Link to comment

    When android M will be up for Mobile Moto G 2013 ?


  • 1
    Adryanna Liam Apr 30, 2015 Link to comment

    I still have 4.4.2 KitKat on my moto g 2013 and iv had my phone for about a year now. Dose anyone know when I can get 4.4.4? I have Motorola's update services updated to the latest version and still nothing.


    • 2
      Carolyn R. Downs Sep 14, 2015 Link to comment

      Hello, I've have 4.4.4 for a long time. Call your provider, may be they can halp.


  • 3
    Cameron McMillan Mar 21, 2015 Link to comment

    Don't do it.... Its an appallingly upgrade. It looks bad and everything either takes longer or is harder to use eg. it takes 2 swipes to unlock now instead of 1, same with app notifications, used to be easy now its painful! The performance of my phone has gone down as well. All my apps are crashing and its super slow and I'm struggling to even answer calls. I'm trying to roll back to the old version as we speak

    Deactivated AccountLakshya


  • 1
    jheartney Mar 18, 2015 Link to comment

    Just got the Motorola Update Services update on my Moto G LTE. I'm guessing this means Lollipop is just around the corner. Woo hoo! Only 5 months since they announced it on the Motorola blog.


  • 3
    Camilo Ramírez Mar 15, 2015 Link to comment

    U know? This is a crappy update. My sister has a moto g 1st gen. And updated to the 5.0.2 version of lollipop. After doing this the device stopped recognizing the camera. All other settings like mics, screen and other important hardware are working normally, but camera is still missing. You can hear the click that the camera makes when trying to launch, but screen is completely black and then, out of the blue, a pop up window displays and shows "camera error, please reset camera''. Did everything, clear cache, stop and launch again this app, uninstalled updates and then installed them again and still not working at all. Still waiting for Motorola Care to send me an e-mail with a probable solution... Let's hope that, whatever they advise me to do,works for making this camera work again...

    LakshyaCameron McMillanDeactivated Account


    • 1
      Lakshya Apr 1, 2015 Link to comment

      same problem here... got any replies yet?


      • 1
        lakshmi alagappan Apr 16, 2015 Link to comment

        same problem..did u got any replies..even flashlight option is not seen


  • 1
    Phillip Duran Mar 15, 2015 Link to comment

    still waiting for lollipop update for Moto G first generation For build number 210.12.41.


    • 3
      Cameron McMillan Mar 21, 2015 Link to comment

      Don't do it!

      Deactivated Account


  • 2
    Stuart Hegan Mar 13, 2015 Link to comment

    Update - Stumbled across what they changed! Looks like Motorola have made accessing the menus a 2 stage affair now. In desperation I tried to use the Emergency Call keypad to phone somebody and then noticed it was behaving like the PIN unlock and sure enough that's what it was, so they changed when you access it i.e not the first screen you encounter, you have to swipe first and then choose if you want to unlock (?) and they also changed the appearance without it being obvious. Compared to colleagues PIN unlocks on other phones and surprise surprise it tells you its a PIN unlock screen whereas this one doesn't. Thankful it was not as serious as feared but really wonder who makes some of these design decisions. Son has a 2nd Gen Moto G and he is not sold on the update either as has experienced some flaky behaviour......


  • 2
    Stuart Hegan Mar 13, 2015 Link to comment

    BE VERY VERY CAREFUL!!!! I loaded the software on my 1st generation Moto G and now all I have is a camera! Went on to the Motorola Website who had no clue. No apps, no menus, no settings. Only a camera. They just couldn't comprehend what the problem was despite me spelling it out to them. They had absolutely no idea. It is obvious they haven't come across this before. In the end they suggested a factory reset, which they would have to do externally because I have no menus. This was disasterous and I urge utmost caution before anyone else tries it, because Motorola really have no clue how to fix it without screwing up your phone.

    Deactivated AccountDeactivated Account


  • 19
    Glostermeteor Mar 11, 2015 Link to comment

    What about the Moto G 4g?


  • 7
    Wallambok K D. Dec 12, 2014 Link to comment

    Has anyone got the Moto G 2 Lollipop update?


    • 1
      Guy Temple Mar 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Had it since Monday :D


  • 9
    Paul Warner Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    Just hope its Android 5.0.1 not the 5.0.0 that's been giving problems..


    • 1
      Guy Temple Mar 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Its 5.0.2 that rolled to me


  • CJ Brown 29
    CJ Brown Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    And once again 1st gen Moto X unlocked owners are getting thee shaft from Motorola / Google (come the f' on already) !!


  • 1
    ali Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    these are misinformations about update.only soap test update is released on selective customers which u can say as beta testing.


    • 1
      Guy Temple Mar 12, 2015 Link to comment

      Could b right, I'm signed up and I have had it since Monday and the only bug is that it freezes and I just turn my screen off an on


  • 1
    arsenal Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    same here i didnt got the update ...... :(
    has anyone from india got lollipop update yet .......????


  • 3
    Mayank Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    not yet received the update. my phone build number is 210.12.40. when will i receive the update?


  • 4
    sohail ansari Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

    but my phone is moto g I have updated my moto services but yet I didn't got the update......!!!!


  • 1
    revanth Nov 3, 2014 Link to comment

    is this moto g2 or motog watabout india phones pls help me


    • 4
      sohail ansari Dec 8, 2014 Link to comment

      its moto g 1st gen (2013)

      Phillip Duran


  • Junior Fornazi 45
    Junior Fornazi Aug 1, 2014 Link to comment

    was actually very good in this version KK Moto G. arrived in Brazil last month


  • 4
    Kenn Sanchez Jul 31, 2014 Link to comment

    Is like to know when Boost Mobile will be updated?

    Todd LePard

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