It was recently observed that Motorola started soak testing their latest update, the Android 7.0 for G4 and Moto G4 plus in Brazil and India. To those who don’t know what soak testing is, it is a limited release to a very small range of audience for them to test the update and note the bugs in it, so that they be rectified before the final release which is phased out after successful soak test.
We were told by some of our readers that they’ve just started receiving the update to Android 7.0 Nougat on their Moto G4 and Moto G4 plus devices. It was observed that these people received the final release and not the soak test version. Thus it is safe to assume that this version should have most if not all the bugs fixed and it should render a smooth experience.
The Android update for the Indian version (XT1643) is the latest dessert from Google, the Nougat and it carries NPJ25.93-11 build number which has the November 1 Android security patch. However, updates of this size is generally gradually phased to the users and not all of them receive it together this is done to reduce the load on their servers.
Thankfully for us, an XDA-Developers author was successful in capturing the update on his device and has made the official zip available for the rest of us with a compatible device to enjoy. This new update comes with a bundle of new features and a few improvements like new multitasking features, better notification controls and improved data saver option. It also updates the heavily anticipated split-screen feature and improves Doze mode performance besides packing other enhancements.
The procedure to manually update your G4 Plus is very much straight forward, just follow the steps below and comment in a rare case that you’ve a problem.
Requirements: Moto G4 Plus running the latest official build of Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with stock recovery and no modifications done to the system directory.
Note:
- This method is applicable only for devices which run the build number MPJ24.139-63 and need to be updated to NPJ25.93-11
- No data should be lost in the process.
- Backup your important data (Recommended)
- Make sure you’ve atleast 60% Juice in the battery, and it is recommended to plug in the device to a wall outlet during the whole process.
A step-by-step guide on Manually Updating Moto G4 Plus to Android 7.0 Nougat (NPJ25.93-11) :
1. Before starting verify that your device is XT1643 and has a build number MPJ24.139-63
2. Grab the official OTA update zip package here: Google Drive | Mega (Mirror)
3. Move the update zip file that you just downloaded (“Blur_Version.24.31.64.athene.retail.en.US.zip”) (sized 733MB) to the phone’s internal storage in the default directory.
4. Boot Moto G4 Plus into Recovery:
First switch off the device and then hold the Vol down and the power button together for a few seconds till you see the device logo. Now, navigate down to recovery option using the volume rockers and select it using your power button.
If you come across the Android logo with ‘No command’ message, hold the power button for 2 seconds and then press the Volume Up key to enter into recovery mode.
5. Once you’re in the recovery, select the update from SD card option which should one a file manager, look for the file with name ‘Blur_Version.24.31.64.athene.retail.en.US.zip by navigating with the volume buttons and select it using your power button.
The whole update process should take around 10-20 minutes, make sure this is not interrupted in any way.
6. Once the update is successfully installed you should be presented with a message saying “Update successfully installed from SD card” now go back and select reboot now.
That’s is, you’re now running the latest and greatest that Motorola has for your device.
Now the device runs the latest version of Android 7.0 Nougat that’s available for it, despite updating the device manually, you will not be deprived of any future updates and all of them will continue coming. . We’ve tested the above method on our Indian Moto G4 Plus and it worked flawlessly. Do let us know in the comments below if you’ve any problems.
