This is a detailed guide on how you can install TWRP on Moto / Motorola phones. Previously owned by Google, Motorola has established its named pretty well in various markets around the globe. With its main focus being budget to mid-range phones, users can install TWRP recovery on different Motorola devices to get the best software experience. For all enthusiasts, custom recovery is a gateway to further system mods such as root and custom ROMs. Also, on its own, TWRP is quite beneficial as well thanks to its built-in backup system, advance partition options and more. For a step-by-step installation tutorial along with download links for custom recovery builds available for Moto devices, read ahead.
TeamWin is a group of dedicated developers that maintains and updates the popular TWRP custom recovery. Different to the stock recovery built-in, this custom version lets users do more. Starting from custom ROM installation, it further allows users to create system wide backups, flash root and more. All in all, it is great utility and a must-try for Moto owners, especially those devices that are no longer officially support for software updates as with TWRP custom recovery, new custom ROMs can be installed.
Moto phones are not really known for the flagship devices, instead they are popular with their budget and mid-range phones. The Moto G-series is known for having really good tech specs in a very affordable price range. The entire series has been through five generations now. Similarly, the E-series offer mid-range specs in two different variants – the regular one and the plus model.
Download TWRP Recovery Files for Moto Devices
To start, users first need to download the correct recovery image for their Motorola phone. Once downloaded, use the tutorial ahead to install it onto your Moto device.
| Name | Model | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Moto G5S | montana | twrp-3.4.0-1-montana.img |
| Moto G5S Plus | sanders | twrp-3.1.1-sanders.img |
| Moto G5 | cedric | twrp-3.4.0-1-cedric.img |
| Moto G4 / G4 Plus | athene | twrp-3.0.2-0-athene.img |
| Moto E4 | woods | twrp-3.2.2-0-woods.img |
| Moto E5 Play | james | twrp-3.4.0-0-james.img |
| Moto Maxx | quark | twrp-2.8.7.0-quark.img |
How to Install TWRP on Moto / Motorola Phones
Now that you have downloaded the TWRP recovery for your Moto phone, here is a guide to install it. This tutorial explains all the steps you need to install TWRP on Moto / Motorola devices.
Important Things to Remember:
- Make sure the bootloader of your phone is unlocked, if it isn’t you can unlock the bootloader easily by following this guide.
- Enable Developer Options by going to Settings > About phone and tapping on build number multiple times.
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings > Developer options. Make sure that the USB Debugging is checked.
- Backup all the data as installing a custom recovery might delete all of your data.
- Charge your phone up to 50% first and make sure your phone does not shut down during the procedure or it might damage your phone.
If you have fulfilled all the requirements above, then proceed to the actual tutorial.
Installation Tutorial:
Step 1 – Download ADB / Fastboot – Android SDK Platform Tools package and install on your computer.
Step 2 – Connect your Motorola phone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 3 – Download the correct TWRP image for your phone and save it into your PC.
Step 4 – Navigate to the same directory now as where you have Fastboot (i.e. Step 1) and on Windows: Open Command Prompt (Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt). For Mac OS X and Linux, use Terminal to navigate to this directory.
Step 5 – Type in the following command and press Enter.
adb reboot bootloaderStep 6 – Wait for your phone to boot into bootloader mode. You can boot your phone in bootloader mode by pressing and holding Volume Up + Power key. Tutorial: How to Enter Fastboot Mode on Android
Step 7 – Once your phone is in bootloader mode, type in the following command and press Enter.
fastboot flash recovery FILE-NAME.imgStep 7 – After it finishes flashing, enter this command to reboot your phone:
fastboot rebootNOTE: Replace FILE-NAME with the correct one that corresponds to the image you downloaded for your phone.
That’s it! The TWRP recovery is now installed on your Motorola phone. To access it, you need to enter the recovery mode just like you would normally on any Moto device. If you are new to this, read: How to Enter Recovery Mode on Android Phones.
