[GUIDE][Osprey] Fastboot Flashing Factory Firmware Images

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lost101

Inactive Recognized Contributor
May 30, 2008
7,417
9,305
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything that happens as a result of flashing these files. Your destiny is your own.

Based on existing tutorial by @t-bon3. This guide has been created as a hard-brick occurred using the old Moto G (1st Gen) tutorial. Please exercise extreme care with Fastboot, and only use the commands mentioned here. Experimenting with Fastboot commands can seriously damage your phone.


How to Fastboot Flash Moto G (3rd Gen) Factory Firmware Images

Required Files:
Motorola Drivers: Download
Latest Fastboot | ADB (Windows | Linux): Download (Windows 10 users may need this pack for Drivers to work.)
Factory Firmware Images: [INDEX][Osprey] Moto G Factory Firmware Images

WARNING: You must perform a 'Factory data reset' in Stock Recovery before flashing any Firmware Image - instructions here.


Instructions:

1) Extracting Fastboot and Firmware Images:
Extract zip for chosen Firmware Image to a folder with a simple directory structure. For example: C:\motog_firmware\
Extract the adb-fastboot-latest_win_linux.zip into this folder.​

2) Reboot the phone into 'Bootloader mode' and preparing PC for flashing

Windows:
Entering Fastboot mode:
------------------------------------
i) The 'hardware' way.

a) Unplug the USB cable and power off the phone.
b) Press and hold 'Volume down' then power on the phone.
c) Connect USB cable to your computer.

ii) The 'software' way.

a) Enable developer mode on the Moto G (Settings-> 'About Phone'. Tap 7 times on 'Build Number')
b) Enable USB debugging. (Settings -> 'Developer options' -> 'USB Debugging' -> check)
c) Connect phone to computer via USB, you should see a new ADB device detected and drivers installed.
d) Open Command Prompt, navigate to the Firmware / ADB folder (i.e CD C:\motog_firmware ) and type:

Code:
adb reboot-bootloader
Linux:
Entering Fastboot mode:
------------------------------------
i) The 'hardware' way.

a) Unplug the USB cable and power off the phone.
b) Press and hold 'Volume down' then power on the phone.
c) Connect USB cable to your computer.

ii) The 'software' way. (Requires ADB to be already installed - see below)

a) Enable developer mode on the Moto G (Settings-> 'About Phone'. Tap 7 times on 'Build Number')
b) Enable USB debugging. (Settings -> 'Developer options' -> 'USB Debugging' -> check)
c) Connect phone to computer via USB
d) Navigate to the Firmware folder, right-click and open terminal and type:

Code:
adb reboot-bootloader

Installing ADB / Fastboot:
-------------------------------------
Flashing via Linux LiveCD: (Put factory firmware files on an external usb drive / pen)
--------------------------------
a) Download Ubuntu LiveCD
b) Burn to DVD or write to USB pen
c) Restart PC, Boot from DVD into Ubuntu
d) Open Terminal and type the following:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot​

e) Test fastboot by typing: sudo fastboot devices
You should see:
<serial number> fastboot​
f) You are now ready to flash the fastboot files


3) Fastboot Commands:

Do commands manually, one at a time - checking that each one returns an [OKAY].​

NOTE: Do not simply copy and paste these commands! - system.img_sparsechunks may differ in number and name.
Always check contents of folder you're working with. You must flash all of the sparsechunk files you have.

fastboot oem fb_mode_set
fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
fastboot flash logo logo.bin
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.7
fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.8
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase customize
fastboot erase clogo
fastboot oem fb_mode_clear
fastboot reboot​

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR MODEL
FLASHING WRONG FIRMWARE CAN DESTROY A PHONE
 
Last edited:

lost101

Inactive Recognized Contributor
May 30, 2008
7,417
9,305
Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I restore Factory Firmware if my Bootloader is locked?
Yes. However attempting to downgrade to an older version of Android may fail - 'Preflash validation' error. Even with an unlocked Bootloader, downgrading cannot be guaranteed. It's also important to be aware that flashing the wrong Bootloader (bootloader.img) for your model can have serious consequences. Always establish your model of Moto G before flashing.

I get a 'Preflash validation' error when flashing a Firmware Image
The Firmware Image you are trying to flash is too old. You can only flash a firmware image that matches, or is newer than the most recent system version you have had on your phone. However the former scenario can also sometimes return the error. In which case, your options are to wait for an even newer firmware image or unlock Bootloader and flash a ROM zip.

After flashing Firmware Image files phone gets stuck during boot-up | will not load Android?
Check you are naming the files correctly, and make sure you are flashing all of the 'sparsechunk' files - not just those mentioned in the tutorial. The 'sparsechunk' commands listed there are not to be copied exactly, different firmware images may have different files.

How to flash Radio Firmware only?
Use the following fastboot commands:
fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
fastboot erase modemst1
fastboot erase modemst2
fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn​

How do I downgrade to an older Firmware?
Downgrading carries risks, and may result in constant nagging notifications to update Android. Decide carefully if this is really what you want. With earlier generations of Moto G flashing bootloader.img and gpt.bin has resulted in a hard-brick. Avoid flashing these files if you are trying to downgrade. The safer option is to find a custom Stock ROM with OTA Updates disabled.

Fastboot in Linux is not working?
In Linux, root access is required for Fastboot and/or ADB to work.
sudo fastboot devices​
 
Last edited:

HelpMeruth

Senior Member
Aug 29, 2015
896
741
Sweden
Hey im new here and with rooting
i recently rooted my phone but now when i try to start up the screen goes black.
im downloading the file now can someone tell my how to flash the firmware succesfully?
model: xt1541 moto g 2015

pleas reply thanks
 

Demians1

Member
Jan 1, 2010
10
1
Help to change my firmaware

Dear Lost101,
First at all, thanks for your post.
I was trying to change the firmware of my phone, because I live in Argentina and use a different band for 4G LTE Spain (where I bought the phone).
My Moto G3 is XT1541, and I need the XT1540.
When I was changing the firmare, I had problems when I wrote "fastboot flash boot boot.img"... The command shows "FAILED". Then, I change the model, put again the firmare XT1541, and everything will be right again.
Do you know why I couldn't flash with XT1540?

Best regards and thanks in advance!
 

lost101

Inactive Recognized Contributor
May 30, 2008
7,417
9,305
I was trying to change the firmware of my phone, because I live in Argentina and use a different band for 4G LTE Spain (where I bought the phone).
My Moto G3 is XT1541, and I need the XT1540.
When I was changing the firmare, I had problems when I wrote "fastboot flash boot boot.img"... The command shows "FAILED". Then, I change the model, put again the firmare XT1541, and everything will be right again.
Do you know why I couldn't flash with XT1540?
Flashing a different Model Firmware will not magically unlock or change Band support. Maybe with an unlocked Bootloader you can flash another Model's Firmware, but proceed with caution as you could end up with a dead phone.
 

Demians1

Member
Jan 1, 2010
10
1
Thanks Lost101.
Really I dont looking for change my firmware, but I suppuose that this could be a way to change the cell band....
Do you know or you heard about some way to change band support?
 
L

LastStandingDroid

Guest
just a small tip you can copy all text and flash then paste it in CMD it will flash all the partitions no need to enter manually one by one ;)
 

Demians1

Member
Jan 1, 2010
10
1
Dear all,
I have a XT1541, and flash my Moto G3 with a XT1540 and XT1543 firmwares without problems. However I had to unblock the phone before flash it.

Lost101 I can confirm you that replace the model firmware DO NOT change the band frequencies... Thanks again for your warnings!
 
Jan 3, 2015
10
0
lost101 i have an error wit xt1544

see:

Code:
c:\celular>fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
target reported max download size of 268435456 bytes
sending 'partition' (32 KB)...
OKAY [ 0.005s]
writing ´partition´...
(bootloader) Preflash validation failed
FAILED (remote failure)
finished. total time: 0.432s
 

lost101

Inactive Recognized Contributor
May 30, 2008
7,417
9,305
lost101 i have an error wit xt1544

see:

Code:
c:\celular>fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
target reported max download size of 268435456 bytes
sending 'partition' (32 KB)...
OKAY [ 0.005s]
writing ´partition´...
(bootloader) Preflash validation failed
FAILED (remote failure)
finished. total time: 0.432s
This usually occurs when attempting to Flash a Firmware Image older than the one currently installed. Unlocking Bootloader will often remove this error.

You can normally skip this command and still successfully flash Android.
 
  • Like
Reactions: opomiyulen
Jan 3, 2015
10
0
This usually occurs when attempting to Flash a Firmware Image older than the one currently installed. Unlocking Bootloader will often remove this error.

You can normally skip this command and still successfully flash Android.



Hello Lost101. I was download de Rom in other Site. The site is a clone for your site, but the rom is diferente.
Today I was downloades the rom in your site and have success...

Thanks!!!
My motoG are live again!
 

krsmit0

Senior Member
Apr 26, 2012
242
69
is it possible to just upgrade my phone without wiping everything? if so, what commands are required just to upgrade it?
 

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  • 136
    Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything that happens as a result of flashing these files. Your destiny is your own.

    Based on existing tutorial by @t-bon3. This guide has been created as a hard-brick occurred using the old Moto G (1st Gen) tutorial. Please exercise extreme care with Fastboot, and only use the commands mentioned here. Experimenting with Fastboot commands can seriously damage your phone.


    How to Fastboot Flash Moto G (3rd Gen) Factory Firmware Images

    Required Files:
    Motorola Drivers: Download
    Latest Fastboot | ADB (Windows | Linux): Download (Windows 10 users may need this pack for Drivers to work.)
    Factory Firmware Images: [INDEX][Osprey] Moto G Factory Firmware Images

    WARNING: You must perform a 'Factory data reset' in Stock Recovery before flashing any Firmware Image - instructions here.


    Instructions:

    1) Extracting Fastboot and Firmware Images:
    Extract zip for chosen Firmware Image to a folder with a simple directory structure. For example: C:\motog_firmware\
    Extract the adb-fastboot-latest_win_linux.zip into this folder.​

    2) Reboot the phone into 'Bootloader mode' and preparing PC for flashing

    Windows:
    Entering Fastboot mode:
    ------------------------------------
    i) The 'hardware' way.

    a) Unplug the USB cable and power off the phone.
    b) Press and hold 'Volume down' then power on the phone.
    c) Connect USB cable to your computer.

    ii) The 'software' way.

    a) Enable developer mode on the Moto G (Settings-> 'About Phone'. Tap 7 times on 'Build Number')
    b) Enable USB debugging. (Settings -> 'Developer options' -> 'USB Debugging' -> check)
    c) Connect phone to computer via USB, you should see a new ADB device detected and drivers installed.
    d) Open Command Prompt, navigate to the Firmware / ADB folder (i.e CD C:\motog_firmware ) and type:

    Code:
    adb reboot-bootloader
    Linux:
    Entering Fastboot mode:
    ------------------------------------
    i) The 'hardware' way.

    a) Unplug the USB cable and power off the phone.
    b) Press and hold 'Volume down' then power on the phone.
    c) Connect USB cable to your computer.

    ii) The 'software' way. (Requires ADB to be already installed - see below)

    a) Enable developer mode on the Moto G (Settings-> 'About Phone'. Tap 7 times on 'Build Number')
    b) Enable USB debugging. (Settings -> 'Developer options' -> 'USB Debugging' -> check)
    c) Connect phone to computer via USB
    d) Navigate to the Firmware folder, right-click and open terminal and type:

    Code:
    adb reboot-bootloader

    Installing ADB / Fastboot:
    -------------------------------------
    Flashing via Linux LiveCD: (Put factory firmware files on an external usb drive / pen)
    --------------------------------
    a) Download Ubuntu LiveCD
    b) Burn to DVD or write to USB pen
    c) Restart PC, Boot from DVD into Ubuntu
    d) Open Terminal and type the following:
    sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8
    sudo apt-get update
    sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb android-tools-fastboot​

    e) Test fastboot by typing: sudo fastboot devices
    You should see:
    <serial number> fastboot​
    f) You are now ready to flash the fastboot files


    3) Fastboot Commands:

    Do commands manually, one at a time - checking that each one returns an [OKAY].​

    NOTE: Do not simply copy and paste these commands! - system.img_sparsechunks may differ in number and name.
    Always check contents of folder you're working with. You must flash all of the sparsechunk files you have.

    fastboot oem fb_mode_set
    fastboot flash partition gpt.bin
    fastboot flash bootloader bootloader.img
    fastboot flash logo logo.bin
    fastboot flash boot boot.img
    fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.6
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.7
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.8
    fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
    fastboot erase modemst1
    fastboot erase modemst2
    fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
    fastboot erase cache
    fastboot erase userdata
    fastboot erase customize
    fastboot erase clogo
    fastboot oem fb_mode_clear
    fastboot reboot​

    ALWAYS CHECK YOUR MODEL
    FLASHING WRONG FIRMWARE CAN DESTROY A PHONE
    31
    Frequently Asked Questions:

    Can I restore Factory Firmware if my Bootloader is locked?
    Yes. However attempting to downgrade to an older version of Android may fail - 'Preflash validation' error. Even with an unlocked Bootloader, downgrading cannot be guaranteed. It's also important to be aware that flashing the wrong Bootloader (bootloader.img) for your model can have serious consequences. Always establish your model of Moto G before flashing.

    I get a 'Preflash validation' error when flashing a Firmware Image
    The Firmware Image you are trying to flash is too old. You can only flash a firmware image that matches, or is newer than the most recent system version you have had on your phone. However the former scenario can also sometimes return the error. In which case, your options are to wait for an even newer firmware image or unlock Bootloader and flash a ROM zip.

    After flashing Firmware Image files phone gets stuck during boot-up | will not load Android?
    Check you are naming the files correctly, and make sure you are flashing all of the 'sparsechunk' files - not just those mentioned in the tutorial. The 'sparsechunk' commands listed there are not to be copied exactly, different firmware images may have different files.

    How to flash Radio Firmware only?
    Use the following fastboot commands:
    fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
    fastboot erase modemst1
    fastboot erase modemst2
    fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn​

    How do I downgrade to an older Firmware?
    Downgrading carries risks, and may result in constant nagging notifications to update Android. Decide carefully if this is really what you want. With earlier generations of Moto G flashing bootloader.img and gpt.bin has resulted in a hard-brick. Avoid flashing these files if you are trying to downgrade. The safer option is to find a custom Stock ROM with OTA Updates disabled.

    Fastboot in Linux is not working?
    In Linux, root access is required for Fastboot and/or ADB to work.
    sudo fastboot devices​
    20
    Factory data reset via Stock Recovery:
    (1) Flash via fastboot stock recovery.img (found in firmware image zip)
    (2) Turn your phone off.
    (3) Press and hold Volume DOWN + POWER.
    (4) In recovery menu press Volume down twice.
    (5) Press power. You will see a red exclamation mark.
    (6) Hold power down, then tap Volume UP.
    (7) Go to Wipe data / Factory reset and press power button.
    (8) Scroll to Yes - delete all user data and press power.​
    4
    Yes and no.
    I mean reflashing same firmware.
    If I reflash same firmware, but only system partition (or all files), I think it could work (to unroot) without erasing anything.
    In nexus 7, reflashing same firmware without erasing user data is the right way to unroot.

    Three days ago I upgraded from 5.1 to 6.0 without performing 'Factory data reset' and Android boots ok
    With Moto G (3rd Gen) in particular - not doing a 'factory data reset' has prevented Android booting for many people. It's also my experience with Moto G generally that not erasing userdata can introduce a wide range of issues, from very minor to very serious. I am now of the opinion that if you have not done a 'Factory data reset' in Android and erased userdata during fastboot flashing - you have not flashed Android properly. For best performance / experience, do what I say.
    3
    @lost101, do you think the downgrade could result if we flash only gtp.bin and bootloader (it will flash the old bootloader), reboot to bootloader (the old one now) and then flash the other partitions?
    Sorry if this is a stupid question.
    The last thing you should ever do is touch the Bootloader on a device. It's completely unnecessary and stupidly dangerous.

    These are the only commands required:
    fastboot flash boot boot.img
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.0
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.1
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.2
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.3
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.4
    fastboot flash system system.img_sparsechunk.5
    fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin
    fastboot erase modemst1
    fastboot erase modemst2
    fastboot flash fsg fsg.mbn
    fastboot erase cache
    fastboot erase userdata
    fastboot reboot​

    If not booting, add the following command at the beginning of list:
    fastboot flash partition gpt.bin​