Install Official Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS on Moto G (all models)

As you know, Motorola just released the official Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware for the US variants of the Moto G. The update is OTA available and can be received by both US Global and US GSM (T-Mobile) variants of the Moto G. Now, even though the Android 4.4.2 has been rolled out for the Moto G you should know that for now the software is available only in US. The international models of the smartphone will also embrace the latest KK system during the following weeks. Anyway, if you just can’t wait and want to flash the stock Android ROM ahead of official release, then you will have to use this dedicated step by step guide.

This tutorial is compatible with all the GSM models (not CDMA) of the Motorola Moto G. By using the guidelines from below you can learn how to install official Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS on non-US models of the Moto G, even though the stock firmware hasn’t been yet OTA launched for the same. Anyway, the US update is compatible with the mentioned devices, so completing this guide is 100% safe. But, you will still have to use a manual method, which is requiring some pre requisites, as this firmware has been developed by those of xda-developers (we should thanks them for the present tutorial) and can be flashed only by using a custom recovery image.

Because of that in order to update international Moto G to Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware you first have to unlock the bootloader of your device, root its system and install the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. Unlocking the bootloader is being required because else, the root access can’t be gained. The bootloader is a small program that runs each time you are powering up your handset. The bootloader loads the OS and in built features from the ROM memory into the RAM one. Now, when you buy an Android phone it will be delivered with a locked bootloader which is something like a factory restriction.

That’s why, if you need to root or update with a custom ROM, first you have to unlock the Moto G bootloader. Be aware as that is an unofficial operation – the warranty of your phone will get void by completing the same (you can restore the warranty by updating with the Android 4.4.2 OTA release – also manually because on a rooted Moto G the OTA KitKat firmware will not be spotted). Good; now after unlocking the bootloader you also have to gain root access. Do that because a custom recovery image can be flashed only on an unchained Android device. With root you will gain access to the internal system of your Moto G and because of that you will be able to install leaked updates, like the present Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS.

As for the custom recovery image, I recommend you to use the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. CWM recovery is the best custom recovery app available for the Android system, the same being also launched on Google Play. TWRP recovery represents the touch version of CWM recovery, so you can use any tool you want. Apply all these operations because without using a custom recovery image you will not be able to manually update your non-US Moto G to official Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware.

When using CWM or TWRP recovery for installing Android 4.4.2 on Moto G, you will have to wipe the data and clear the cache. Because of that the best will be to backup your data before going any further. You can use free distributed apps from Google Play for saving the market apps, call logs, messages, contacts list and basically everything else it’s important for you. Also, you can use the custom recovery for making a Nandroid backup – saving the current ROM.

Also, a computer or notebook will be required. On the same time your Moto G and its USB cable must be near you because you will have to connect the devices. Due to same reasons on your smartphone you need to go to “menu – settings – developer options” for enabling the USB debugging option. After that, on your computer you have to deactivate (only temporarily) the antivirus, antimalware and Firewall protection – else the security tools will interfere with our work. Finally, on your device the battery status should indicate more than 50% power left – if different you first have to charge your Moto G.

Remember that this step by step guide is compatible only with the Motorola Moto G GSM variant (all models – US, non-US / international). Also, by using this tutorial you will be flashing the official Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS via custom recovery image, so don’t perform things without consulting the steps from below.

How to Install Official Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS on Motorola Moto G (all models)

1. Download the update file from here; you can check the official page by going here.
2. Place the downloaded file on your computer – preferable on desktop.
3. Don’t unzip the firmware file.
4. Connect your Moto G with the computer via USB cable.
5. Place the software file from desktop to your phone’s SD card.
6. Turn off your phone and then enter recovery mode.
7. Use the recovery mode menu for clearing the cache (select “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvick cache”) and for wiping the system (select “wipe data factory reset”).
8. Return to main menu of recovery.
9. From there select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
10. Pick the Android 4.4.2 KK system and flash the update on your phone.
11. In the end, return to main menu of recovery and select “reboot system now”.

Congratulations, you have updated your Motorola Moto G to official Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS. This was the manual update procedure, but don’t forget that the OTA release of the firmware will soon be made available for the non-US models of the Moto G. So, what do you think, was this tutorial helpful for you, or you rather wait for the official roll out instead? Do share your opinions and thoughts with us by using the comments field from below.