While the instructions are for the third generation Moto G that came out this year as Motorola’s newest flagship device it works on most if not all other Motorola devices. Make sure that you have at least 50% battery just to be safe although I always recommend a full charge in case you run into any unforeseen issues.
Unlock Bootloader on Motorola Moto G 2015
- Download and install the Motorola USB drivers (Download Link)
- Download and Install Minimal ADB and Fastboot on your computer. (Download Link)
- Enable Developer option on the device by going to “Settings -> About Phone” and repeatedly tap the Build number until you get the message that you are a developer.
- Enable USB Debugging via “Settings -> Developer Options” and make sure you turn on “USB Debugging”
- Turn off your Moto G so that you can boot into ADB Mode.
- Hold both the power and volume down key for 5 seconds or so until you see the screen change to ADB Mode.
- Connect your Moto G to your Windows computer and launch Minimal ADB and Fastboot
- You should now see a command window and can type the following:
- Type “fastboot devices”, press enter (should show 1 device)
- Type “fastboot oem get_unlock_data”, press enter (will show a data string)
- Copy the entire data string (all 4-5 lines of it and paste it into notepad
- Remove all spaces and line breaks so you have a single line of randomness
- Open a web browser and go to Motorola’s Official Unlock Bootloader page. (Page Link)
- If you don’t already have an account you will have to create one here (You can also use your Google Account to login)
- Option number 6 asks the question “can my device be unlocked?” and that is where you want to paste the string you have in notepad.
- Click “Request Unlock Key” and Motorola will send you the code via the email address associated with your Motorola account.
- Go back to the command window you have open from earlier and type “fastboot oem unlock ” and paste the code Motorola sent you at the end. Press enter.
- After a few minutes of processing and rebooting your Moto G will come to a window that says “Warning Bootloader Unlocked”. This means you are now unlocked and all went as expected.
When you complete this process there are several things that you need to know. One is that all of the data on the device will be wiped out so make sure you back up pictures and things before starting the bootloader unlock. Next is the slightly annoying realization that your Moto G will give the Unlocked Bootloader warning every time you boot up the phone.
If you have any questions, concerns or maybe are just having issues with a step feel free to leave a comment and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.