Table of Contents
Prerequisites
Before you begin, here’s what you’ll need:
- Download ADB & Fastboot Tools (Windows).
- Unlock Bootloader via Motorola’s Official Site.
- Download the Latest Magisk Manager.
- Download TWRP for Moto G Pure.
- Install the Latest Moto G Drivers on your computer.
Rooting Moto G Pure with Magisk
This method uses Magisk, a popular tool for rooting Android devices. Don’t worry—it might seem technical, but I’ll break it down into simple steps so you can follow along.
Unlock the Bootloader
First, you need to unlock the bootloader. Without doing this, you won’t be able to make changes to your phone’s system files.
- Go to Settings > About phone and tap Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Options.
- In Settings > System > Developer options, enable OEM unlocking and USB debugging.
- Turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power to start it in Fastboot mode.
- Connect your phone to your computer. In the ADB tool, run this command:
fastboot oem unlock
You’ll be asked to confirm on your phone. Be aware that this will wipe your phone’s data.
Download and Patch the Boot Image
Now you’ll need the boot image for your specific model, and you’ll use Magisk to patch it.
- Download the boot image for XT2163-4.
- Download the boot image for XT2163-6.
- Open Magisk Manager, tap Install, and select Select and Patch a File.
- Find the boot.img file you downloaded and let Magisk do its thing. It will save the patched file in your Downloads folder as magisk_patched.img.
Flash the Patched Boot Image
Now it’s time to flash the patched boot image onto your phone.
- Put your phone into Fastboot mode again by pressing Volume Down + Power.
- Use ADB to flash the patched boot image. Run the following commands:
fastboot flash boot magisk_patched.img
fastboot reboot
After the phone restarts, you’re done! Your Moto G Pure is now rooted.
Unlocking Bootloader for Tracfone and Cricket Variants
For those using the Tracfone or Cricket Wireless versions (XT2163-1 and XT2163DL), there’s a little more work involved. These carriers place extra locks on the bootloader, but there’s a workaround.
Bypass Carrier Restrictions
If your phone carrier doesn’t allow you to unlock the bootloader, this trick might help:
- Factory reset your phone and remove the SIM card.
- Set up the phone without connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Then go into Developer Options and enable OEM Unlocking.
- If this works, follow the bootloader unlock instructions we discussed earlier.
Using MTK Client
If the trick above doesn’t work, you may need to use a tool called MTK Client. This is more advanced, but it has helped some users with stubborn phones.
- Download and install MTK Client on your computer.
- Follow the tool’s steps to unlock the bootloader.
If this feels too complex, consider reaching out for help on forums like XDA, where others have shared their experiences with these models.
And that’s it! By following these steps, you’ve successfully rooted your Moto G Pure. Whether you’re planning to install new apps or remove pre-installed ones, you now have full control over your device.