While we wait endlessly for Motorola to update the Moto G 1st Gen to Android 5.1 Lollipop, CyanogenMod developers have done fantastic job in building a ROM based on the latest version of Android.
We are going to guide you through the process of how to download and install CyanogenMod 12.1 on the Moto G 1st Gen.
Disclaimer: AndroidPure isn’t responsible for any damage you incur. Take a backup of all your data before proceeding.
Install CyanogenMod 12.1 on the Moto G 1st Gen:
1. First you have to download the CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM from the official page at the Cyanogen website.
2. Download the GAPPS file throu (Minimal GAPPS recommended).
3. Copy both the files to your phone.
4. Reboot the phone to TWRP Recovery. If you don’t have TWRP, follow this guide to install it.
5. Once you are in the recovery, Select Wipe > Factory Reset > Swipe to confirm, and wait for it to finish.
6. Select Wipe > Advanced > and delete the cache, dalvik cache, system. DO NOT wipe the entire device, as you will lose your data.
7. Go back to the main menu of TWRP.
8. Select Install > choose the ROM file > Swipe to confirm install. Wait for the process to complete.
9. Select Install > Choose the GAPPS file. Wait for the phone to finish flashing the file.
Reboot the phone and wait for the ROM to optimize the device. Enjoy!
How to enable Root on CyanogenMod 12.1:
Navigate to your phone’s settings > About phone and tap the build number seven times. This will enable developer options.
Press the back button and navigate to Developer Options, and select Root access, and select Apps and ADB to enable Root.
CyanogenMod 12.1 OTA Updates:
If you wish to update the phone to the latest ROM without downloading the ROM and flashing it manually, each and every time. You can use an app to get small OTA updates using the CyanDelta Updater app. It is a free ad-supported app, and is available from the Google Play Store.
Open the app, and select the ROM zip on your phone. You only have to do it once, and it will verify the zip file on the ROM servers. By doing so, it will only grab the patch files usually around 5 MB in size and install it automatically. You will have to grant it Root access, and press the reboot button, and it will flash the new patch and reboot your phone. The app works with CyanogenMod, Paranoid Android or Omni ROMs.
Here are a few benchmark screenshots:
I’ve been using it for a day, and it works just fine with both my SIMs. Drop a comment below if you need help.
Thanks Jay for the tip about CyanDelta
