Due to its low price, many Android enthusiasts are sure to buy a Motorola Moto E to try out custom ROMs. However, to do this you need to have the bootloader unlocked, something that we can already do thanks to the inclusion of the device in the specific Motorola program.
The Moto E variants from the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America have been added to the program bootloader unlock, so all we have to do is follow the instructions that Motorola offers us to carry out the process correctly. In this way, we can use our phone to test ROMs such as CyanogenMod 11, AOKP and much more. Here are the steps you must follow to unlock your Motorola Moto E:
- Sign up on the Motorola page. You can do it in different ways, both through Google+ and through your email. The steps are quite simple and you can find them here.
- Install Android SDK and Motorola USB Drivers. As you might expect, it's pretty straightforward. The first of them you will have to download it from here fully updated and specially developed for your operating system, while you will find the drivers here.
- We put the Moto E in FastBoot mode and start a terminal. In this way, we can use the mobile from the computer. We will have to turn off the mobile and press the power button and volume down simultaneously. After this, we start a terminal (so it is called in Mac while in Windows it is Command Prompt), we go to the installed directory of Android SDK Tools, to the 'fastboot' folder using the command CD "folder name, or path where the folder is located ”, without the quotes.
- Get the Device ID. The only thing left is simple. We just have to enter "fastboot oem get_unlock_data".
- What to do with the Device ID?. In Windows, there are five lines with the word bootloader in front of them, while in Mac, the word INFO will appear embedded in each of the lines. You copy the code without any space between lines, as if it were a single line, and without the words bootloader or INFO being present.
- Checking unlock availability. We copy the code and paste it in the corresponding box in the process on the Motorola website, pressing the blue button and going to the next step.
- We accept the legal agreement and request the unlock key. Without further ado, a button will appear that reads: “Request Unlock Key”. We simply press the button and we will have our code.
- We return to the PC terminal, we introduce “fastboot oem unlock ”And we wait for the Motorola Moto E to reboot.
After these steps, and if everything has been correct, we will have the bootloader of our Moto E completely unlocked to be able to start install ROMs y take rootIf you'd like to learn more tutorials, just check out our dedicated section.
Before you start: warnings and requirements
Unlocking the bootloader erases all your data.. Make a full backup of your photos, apps, SMS, and files. Also, keep your phone with enough battery (at least 60%) and use a quality usb cable.
Motorola indicates the software status in Fastboot: In addition to the bootloader status (locked/unlocked), you will see if the system is official or if it has been modifiedEven if you flash a stock ROM, if it doesn't exactly match the factory ROM, it will still appear modified.
If you plan to re-block the bootloader, you will need the exact firmware that the phone came with (including the Carrier ID). Otherwise, when you re-brick, you may be stuck in fastboot mode until you flash the correct package.
Active Developer Options (Settings > About phone > tap "Build number" several times) and, if your variant requires it, enable it OEM unlock (applicable to certain Moto E). Install the USB drivers from Motorola and the platform-tools (ADB/Fastboot). On Windows, run the terminal as Administrator.
Troubleshooting common problems
“FAILED (remote: command unknown)” when using fastboot oem get_unlock_data. It usually indicates that: (a) the variant is not supported/locked by the carrier; (b) you did not activate OEM unlock; (c) you use an old version of fastboot. Update to the latest platform tools, check the Motorola website for eligibility (“Can my device be unlocked?”), and try again.
Fastboot does not detect the phone. Check with fastboot devices that the serial number appears. If not, reinstall drivers, use another USB port (preferably USB 2.0), change cables and disable interfering suites (e.g. sync software).
Differences by operating system. On Mac/Linux run ./fastboot from the platform-tools folder. On Windows, open CMD or PowerShell in the correct path and avoid unescaped spaces in the folder.
Error pasting Device IDThe code must be on a single line, without spaces and without the words "bootloader" or "INFO." One character too many or too few will cause the Motorola website to not recognize it.
The mail with the Unlock Key does not arrive.. Check the folder of spamConfirm that you're logged in to the Motorola portal with the same account and wait a few minutes. You can request the password again if the portal allows it.
Remove unlock warning at boot
After unlocking, the Moto E displays a unlocked bootloader warning at startup. If you want to hide it, it is possible to flash a logo.bin compatible:
- Download a logo.bin specific to your model/build.
- Copy it to the fastboot folder (platform-tools).
- In fastboot, run: fastboot flash logo logo.bin.
- Wait for the OK in the terminal and restart.
If the file doesn't match your variant, it may not apply or show artifacts. Make sure to use a logo.bin compatible with your Moto E.
Relock the bootloader safely
Before re-locking, flash the exact stock firmware that includes the Carrier ID correct. Afterwards, you can use the close command (depending on the variant): fastboot oem lock o fastboot flash lockIf the firmware doesn't match, your phone may be stuck in fastboot until you install the correct package.
Unlocking opens the door to custom ROMs, kernels, and recoveries, but it involves risks (loss of data, possible loss of warranty, changes in SafetyNet/Widevine). With the above precautions, and following Motorola's official process, you can do this as safely as possible.