How to Install CyanogenMod 12.1 on the Moto X 2016

The Moto X 2014 had been well received by almost all tech bloggers worldwide and part of why it received critical acclaim was the stock Android-y interface that Motorola chose to stick to. However with the update to android Lollipop being buggy in the initial 5.0.x builds, the result was that the build for the mOto X had it’s far share of bugs too. Now while Moto works to iron out the kinks in it’s stock ROM, you can enjoy the bug free experience of Lollipop through CyanogenMod 12.1 that is based on Android 5.1 Lollipop.

Pre requisites

• Your Moto X 2014 must be rooted with it’s boot loader unlocked.
• You must have a custom recovery installed, like TWRP or CWM.
• Your phone must be charged over 80%.
• Some common sense and ability to follow instructions!
• If you have not flashed a custom rom on your device before this you will need to format your data partition in TWRP or you will get an encryption error

Downloads

• Download the latest nightly from here.
• Download the GAPPs from here.

With that done, let’s get this show on the road.

Step 1

Boot into recovery mode. To do so, power off your phone press the power and volume down buttons at the same time for about 3 or 4 seconds and then release both. Scroll down to Recovery by using the volume down button – do not press the power button to select. Press the volume key up once when on Recovery and this will select the option.You will see a quick boot screen. Give it a moment and it will go to boot options in just a moment. Press the volume up and volume down buttons at the same time (in the middle) for about five seconds and then press power button once.

The Recovery Mode menu will be displayed.

Step 2

Backup your current ROM from your custom recovery.

Step 3

Do a complete wipe, data and cache.

Step 4

Navigate to your SD Card and select the ROM zip file. Flash the ROM. (For your convenience we advise that you keep the zip file at the root of your SD card)

Step 5

If you’re so inclined, flash the GAPPs package.

Step 6

Reboot. The first boot will take longer than others so don’t panic.

Sensors / Ambient Display

If you have “Ambient Display” enabled in Settings >> Display then:

* the stow sensor and flat up sensor will pulse the display when the phone is picked up
* the IR sensors will pulse the display when you wave your hand over the phone

By default the “doorknob” gesture will launch the camera and the chop-chop gesture will toggle the torch.

Finally, when there is an incoming call, waving your hand over the phone will silence the ringer.

If you want to change the behavior of these various gestures, go to Settings >> Gestures and you can change all of those options.

That is all from us for this article, for any questions or queries leave a line in the comment box below and we will be happy to help you out!