First-Gen Moto E gets Android 5.1
How to update Moto E 2014 to AOSP Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM  IBTimesUK

Moto E (2014) can be now upgraded to the latest Android Lollipop software version through a custom build of AOSP ROM. It is considered as pure as the stock AOSP version, without much modification, while delivering faster performance as compared to other custom firmware.

Most of the features work fine in the custom release expect RIL on dual SIM devices. According to XDA forum members, the ROM works fine on single SIM Moto E models and can be used as a daily driver.

Follow the step-by-step installation guide if you want to upgrade your Moto G to AOSP ROM to get Android 5.1 Lollipop.

ROM info

  • ROM OS Version: 5.1.x Lollipop
  • ROM Kernel: Linux 3.4.x
  • ROM firmware required: Unlocked bootloader and custom recovery
  • Based on: AOSP
  • Status: Testing
  • Created: 18 April

Key notes

  • Create a backup of all your important data as this process might wipe out everything. You can do so by using any custom recovery on your Android device.
  • Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Go to Settings>> About phone. Scroll down to Build number, Tap seven times on the build number. The Developer options under Settings should appear now. You can now enable USB debugging mode.]
  • The Moto E should have above 80% battery charge as due to battery drain, the phone might shut off during the process, which in turn could damage the device.
  • It should be rooted with the latest version of recovery installed.
  • The AOSP ROM used in this guide is compatible with Moto E 2014 model only. Applying this on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number and install firmware based on the mode number of the device.
  • All the features might not be functioning properly since the ROM is still going through development.
  • After the ROM is installed, leave the device for at least 10 minutes, before using it, for a better user experience.
  • IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device.

Download AOSP ROM

How to update Moto E to AOSP Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM (CWM recovery)

Step 1: Connect the phone to the computer using the USB cable. Without extracting move the downloaded files to the internal storage of the phone. Keep the files in the SD card root folder, not inside any other folder

Step 2: Unplug the USB cable from the phone and switch it off

Step 3: Place the phone into recovery mode. Press Volume Down, Volume Up and Power buttons together until the boot menu appears. Then navigate to recovery mode using Volume Down and select it pressing the Volume Up button

Note: Use Volume keys to scroll between options and Power button to select certain button.

Step 4: In the recovery menu, first perform a Nandroid backup of the existing ROM, which can be restored later if you do not like the new ROM. To perform a backup, select Backup and Restore, then on the next screen select Backup again

Step 5: Perform data wiping task. Select wipe data/factory reset then select Yes on the next screen confirming the action. Wait for a few minutes until the process is completed

Step 6: Return to recovery menu, then select wipe cache partition and then Wipe Dalvik Cache, which can be found under advanced menu

Step 7: Now flash the files. From the main recovery menu select install zip from sdcard>> choose zip from sdcard. Now locate the AOSP ROM, which you earlier copied to the internal storage of the phone. Select it and confirm installation

Step 8: When the installation process is completed, go back to the recovery menu and select reboot system now to boot the phone into AOSP ROM

How to update Moto E to AOSP Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM (TWRP recovery)

Step 1: Connect the phone to the computer using the USB cable. Without extracting move the downloaded files to the internal storage of the phone. Keep the files in the SD card root folder, not inside any other folder

Step 2: Unplug the USB cable from the phone and switch it off

Step 3: Place the phone into recovery mode. Press Volume Down, Volume Up and Power buttons together until the boot menu appears. Then navigate to recovery mode using Volume Down and select it pressing the Volume Up button

Step 4: In the recovery menu perform a Nandroid backup of the existing ROM using TWRP Backup option

Step 5: Perform Factory Reset. Keep in mind this step will wipe out all apps, their settings and game progress. Tap on Wipe then at the bottom of the screen do a swipe on Swipe to factory reset option

Step 6: Now flash the files. For this tap on Install, then browse to the location where you have saved the AOSP ROM file, select it

Step 7: Now at the bottom the screen, do a swipe on Swipe to confirm flash option

Step 8: When the installation process is completed, reboot the phone. Go to the recovery menu, tap on Reboot>> System. This will boot up the One Mini to the new CyanogenMod 12 nightly. Wait for some time until the process is completed and do not press any button.

Restoring previous ROM: If you do not like this new ROM, you can always choose to go back to the previous ROM. Boot your phone into recovery mode, select Backup then use the Restore option to get your previous firmware.

Head over to the XDA development thread to know more about the AOSP ROM, shared by forum member, percy_g2.

More about Android 5.1 custom ROMs