Moto G5S Plus: Unlocking Android Oreo 8.1

For owners of the Moto G5S Plus, a significant question has lingered for some time: does this device finally support Android Oreo? The definitive answer is yes, Android 8.1 Oreo has indeed been rolled out for the Moto G5S Plus, bringing a host of new features and improvements to this popular handset. While it might have felt like a long wait for many, especially given the device's 2017 release with Android Nougat, the update signals a welcome enhancement for users eager to experience a more modern operating system.

The Journey to Android Oreo 8.1 for Moto G5S Plus

Motorola, now under Lenovo, has historically faced criticism regarding the speed of its software updates. It took nearly a year to deliver Android Oreo to all 12 eligible devices, and by the time this update reached the Moto G5S Plus, Android Pie was already making its debut. Nevertheless, the availability of Android 8.1 Oreo for the Moto G5S Plus is a crucial development. The rollout began with a staged rollout, initially reaching users in Brazil and India.

This phased approach is standard practice for major software releases, ensuring stability and allowing for quick resolution of any unforeseen issues before a wider distribution. For users in Europe (EU) and other regions, the official Over-The-Air (OTA) notification might take a little longer to arrive. However, the good news is that there are well-documented methods to manually install the Moto G5S Plus Android 8.1 Oreo OTA update, allowing keen users to bypass the wait.

Motorola commenced "soak testing" Android 8.1 Oreo for the Moto G5S Plus back in June 2018. This rigorous testing phase, involving a select group of users, helps to iron out bugs and gather feedback before the public release. After several months of this diligent testing, the official OTA update became available. It arrives with the new build number OPS28.65-36 and is a substantial download, weighing in at 1.2 GB. This size indicates a significant upgrade, encompassing not just new features but also fundamental system enhancements.

Key Features Introduced with Android 8.1 Oreo

Upgrading to Android 8.1 Oreo brings a wealth of improvements and functionalities that enhance the user experience. The software is based on the core Android 8.1 platform, meaning it includes all the standard Oreo features, alongside specific optimisations for the Moto G5S Plus. Here are some of the most notable additions:

• Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Much like Android Nougat's split-screen feature, PiP allows you to minimise a video or navigation app into a small, movable window while you use other applications. Imagine watching a YouTube video while simultaneously replying to emails or browsing the web – this feature makes multitasking seamless.
• Password AutoFill: This highly convenient feature securely stores your login credentials and automatically fills them into apps and websites. It works more efficiently than many third-party password managers, integrating directly with the system for a smoother, more secure login experience across your device.
• Snooze Notifications: Similar to how you might snooze an alarm or a reminder in Gmail, Android Oreo allows you to temporarily dismiss notifications for a set period. This helps in managing notification overload, letting you focus on your current task without being constantly interrupted.
• Smart Text Selection: This intelligent feature makes selecting text more intuitive. When you highlight text, the system automatically recognises entities like addresses, phone numbers, or URLs and provides relevant actions, such as opening a map for an address or making a call to a phone number.
• Enhanced File Manager: The native file manager in Android Oreo sees significant improvements, offering a more user-friendly interface and additional functionalities. You can now view hidden files without needing third-party applications, making file management simpler and more comprehensive.
• Bluetooth Battery Percentage: For users with Bluetooth accessories like headphones or speakers, Android 8.1 Oreo displays the battery percentage of connected devices directly in the quick settings panel. This small but significant addition helps you keep track of your accessory's charge level, preventing unexpected power-offs.
• Fingerprint Gestures: Some devices leverage fingerprint scanner gestures for added convenience. With Android Oreo, you might be able to swipe down on the fingerprint scanner to pull down the notification panel, offering a quick way to access your alerts and quick settings.
• Customise Individual Apps Installation: Prior to Oreo, installing apps from "unknown sources" was a blanket permission. Android Oreo refines this by allowing you to grant permission for individual apps (e.g., Google Chrome) to install other applications, offering more granular control over your device's security.

Beyond these specific features, the Android Oreo 8.1 update also incorporates the August 2018 security patches, crucial for maintaining the device's security against emerging threats. Furthermore, general performance and stability improvements are part of the package, promising a smoother and more reliable user experience.

Checking for the Official Over-The-Air (OTA) Update

If you reside in India or Brazil, it's highly recommended to first check for the official OTA notification. This is the simplest and safest way to update your device. To do so, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Go to your device's 'Settings' menu.
2. Scroll down and tap on 'About Phone'.
3. Select 'System updates'.

Your device will then check for any available updates. If an update is found, you will be prompted to download and install it. This method ensures that the update is officially sanctioned for your device and region, minimising any potential risks.

Manual Installation of Android 8.1 Oreo OTA Update

For those who haven't received the OTA notification, or if you're in a region where the update hasn't officially rolled out yet, performing a manual update is a viable option. It's important to approach this process with care, ensuring all prerequisites are met to avoid issues. While sideloading an OTA update typically does not wipe user data, a complete backup is always a sensible precaution.

Prerequisites for Manual Update

Before attempting any manual installation, ensure your Moto G5S Plus and computer meet the following requirements:

• Data Backup: Although OTA sideloading generally preserves data, it is strongly advised to take a complete backup of all your important data (photos, videos, contacts, documents) to a PC or cloud service. This safeguards your information against any unforeseen complications.
• Battery Level: Ensure your Moto G5S Plus is charged to at least 60% battery level. A sudden shutdown during the update process due to low battery can lead to severe software issues or even bricking the device.
• Android SDK Tools / ADB Setup: You will need Android SDK tools set up on your PC. This includes ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot binaries. For simplicity, many users create a folder like "C:\adb" and place the necessary files there. Alternatively, the Minimal ADB and Fastboot tool can be used for a more streamlined setup.
• Current Firmware Version: Your Moto G5S Plus must be running a specific firmware version to be compatible with the OTA update package. For Indian users, the required firmware is NPSS26.116-61-11. For Brazilian users, it's NPSS26.116-64-11. If your device is not on one of these versions, you may need to flash the correct Fastboot image first.

Method 1: Internal Memory Method (For Stock Oreo Firmware)

This method is convenient as it does not require PC support and can be performed directly on your mobile. It is primarily for devices already running a stock Oreo firmware and aiming for a security patch update or a minor incremental update.

1. Download Firmware: Download the appropriate firmware package for your Moto G5S or G5S Plus.
2. Copy to Internal Memory: Copy the downloaded firmware file to your mobile's internal root memory (not inside any folder). Crucially, rename the file to Blur_Version.zip. Ensure the name is exact.
3. Enable Permissions: Go to 'Settings' > 'Apps and Notifications' > 'Show all apps' > 'Show system apps'. Find 'Motorola Update service' > 'Permissions' > 'Enable Storage permissions'. This step is vital for the update service to access the firmware file.
4. Initiate Update: Now, you can proceed with the standard OTA update method. Go to 'Settings' > 'Software Update'. You may need to refresh the page. Instead of downloading from a server, your device will now use the firmware file from its internal memory.

This method offers a seamless update experience, mimicking an official OTA without the need for an active internet download.

Method 2: ADB and Fastboot Method (For Stock or Custom ROMs)

This method requires PC support and is more versatile, suitable even if you are using a custom ROM and wish to revert to stock, or if the Internal Memory method fails. It involves using ADB sideload via the stock recovery.

1. Install Drivers: Download and install Moto USB drivers and ADB drivers on your PC.
2. Prepare Firmware: Copy your downloaded OTA firmware zip file to your PC. If it's a full firmware, extract all files from the .zip and copy them to the folder where your ADB and Fastboot binaries are located (e.g., C:\adb). For OTA sideload, just the zip file is needed.
3. Enter Fastboot Mode: Power off your Moto G5S Plus completely. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously for a few seconds until you see the bootloader screen.
4. Enter Recovery Mode: On the bootloader screen, use the Volume keys to navigate to 'Recovery mode' and press the Power button to select it.
5. Access Stock Recovery Menu: When the 'No command' screen appears (an Android robot lying down), hold the Power button and quickly tap the Volume Up key once. This will bring up the stock recovery menu.
6. Select ADB Sideload: In the stock recovery menu, select 'Apply update from ADB'.
7. Connect to PC: Connect your phone to the PC using a USB cable.
8. Verify Connection: On your PC, open a PowerShell window or Command Prompt within your ADB folder (Shift + Right-click > 'Open PowerShell window here'). Type adb devices. The output should show your device ID followed by 'sideload', confirming the connection.
9. Sideload OTA: Finally, enter the command: adb sideload ota-package.zip. Replace ota-package.zip with the actual filename of your downloaded OTA package (e.g., adb sideload block_delta-Blur_Version.26.366.18-28.31.40.sanders.retail.en.US.zip).
10. Reboot: Once the sideload process completes, select 'Reboot system now' from the recovery menu.

Your Moto G5S Plus should now boot into Android 8.1 Oreo firmware with build number OPS28.65-36 and the August 2018 security patches.

Method 3: RSD Lite Method (For Custom ROMs or Rooted Devices)

This method is particularly useful if you have a custom ROM installed, a rooted device, or need to unbrick your phone. It requires a PC and, crucially, an unlocked bootloader unlock.

Unlocking Bootloader (Prerequisite for RSD Lite)

If your bootloader is locked, you must unlock it first. Be aware that unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device's data.

1. Enter Fastboot Mode: Power off your device. Hold Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously.
2. Connect to PC: Connect your Moto G5S Plus to your PC via USB.
3. Verify Connection: Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell in your ADB/Fastboot folder. Type fastboot devices. Ensure your device ID is listed.
4. Get Unlock Data: Type fastboot oem get_unlock_data. Copy the displayed codes, removing any '<bootloader>' prefixes, and concatenate them into a single line.
5. Request Unlock Key: Go to the Official Moto Unlock Page (you'll need a Moto account). Paste the combined code into the designated box and check the unlock status. If eligible, request an unlock key. You will receive a 20-digit unique key via email.
6. Unlock Bootloader: In the Command Prompt, type fastboot oem unlock UNIQUE_CODE (replace UNIQUE_CODE with your actual key). You might need to type this command twice.
7. Reboot: Your device will automatically reboot after successful unlocking.
8. Enable Developer Options: After reboot, go to 'Settings' > 'About phone' > tap 'Build number' ten times to enable 'Developer options'. Then, go to 'Developer options' and enable 'USB Debugging Mode' and 'OEM Unlocking'.

Flashing Firmware using RSD Lite

1. Enable USB Debugging/OEM Unlock: As mentioned above, ensure these are enabled in 'Developer Options'.
2. Install Drivers/Software: Download and install Motorola USB drivers and RSD Lite software on your PC.
3. Connect Device: Connect your mobile to the PC via USB.
4. Enter Fastboot Mode: Power off your mobile and enter Fastboot Mode (Volume Down + Power Button). Ensure "Transfer Mode: USB Connected" is displayed.
5. Load Firmware in RSD Lite: Launch RSD Lite. Click the "..." symbol to select your downloaded firmware file (it's usually a .xml file within the extracted firmware package). RSD Lite will prompt to "Uncompress"; select that option.
6. Start Flashing: Verify your mobile details in RSD Lite. Click 'Start'. Wait for the process to complete. Your mobile will reboot automatically once finished.

After the process, you can verify the firmware details by navigating to 'Settings' > 'About phone' > 'Version'.

Does the Moto G5S/G5S Plus Have an Android Pie Update?

While the Moto G5S and G5S Plus received their Android Oreo update, the situation regarding Android Pie is different. Unfortunately, there has been no official indication or release of an Android Pie update from Motorola for these devices. They launched with Android Nougat and received one major OS update to Oreo. Therefore, if you're looking for Android Pie, you'll likely need to explore unofficial custom ROMs, which comes with its own set of risks and complexities not covered here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions users have regarding the Moto G5S Plus Android Oreo update:

Q: Can I update my Moto G5S Plus if it's rooted or running a custom ROM?

A: If your device is rooted or has a custom OS, you typically won't receive official OTA updates. For such scenarios, the manual methods like ADB and Fastboot or RSD Lite (which requires bootloader unlock) are necessary. Be aware that flashing official firmware might cause you to lose root access, and you may need to re-root or re-flash Magisk if you wish to retain it.

Q: What should I do if I don't receive the official OTA notification?

A: If you're in a region where the update has rolled out (like Brazil or India) and haven't received it, first try checking manually via 'Settings' > 'About Phone' > 'System updates'. If still no luck, you can try adjusting your region using a VPN and then checking for the update. Otherwise, the manual installation methods (Internal Memory, ADB and Fastboot, or RSD Lite) are your best bet.

Q: Will updating to Android 8.1 Oreo wipe my data?

A: Sideloading an OTA update (via stock recovery or Internal Memory method) typically does not wipe user data. However, flashing a full firmware via ADB and Fastboot or RSD Lite, especially after a bootloader unlock, usually involves a data wipe. Regardless, it's always strongly recommended to take a complete backup of your data before any update process to prevent data loss.

Q: What are the main benefits of updating to Android 8.1 Oreo?

A: Android 8.1 Oreo brings numerous enhancements, including improved multitasking with Picture-in-Picture, convenient Password AutoFill, better notification management with Snooze Notifications, smarter text selection, an enhanced file manager, and crucial security patches. It generally offers a smoother and more secure user experience.

Q: Is Android Pie available for the Moto G5S Plus?

A: No, as of the information provided, there is no official Android Pie update for the Moto G5S Plus. The device received one major OS update from Nougat to Oreo.

Q: My phone is bricked after an attempted update. Can these methods help?

A: Yes, the ADB and Fastboot method or the RSD Lite method (often referred to as Fastboot way) can be used to flash official firmware and potentially unbrick devices that have encountered software issues during or after an update. However, this is an advanced process and should be done with extreme caution.

Conclusion

The availability of Android Oreo 8.1 for the Moto G5S Plus was a welcome update for many users, finally bringing modern features and security enhancements to the device. While the official staged rollout means some users may have to wait, the comprehensive manual update methods provide a reliable pathway to experience Oreo without delay. Whether you opt for the simple internal memory update, the more technical ADB and Fastboot sideload, or the advanced RSD Lite method requiring a bootloader unlock, ensuring you meet all prerequisites and back up your data is paramount.

Ultimately, the Moto G5S Plus running near-stock Android with Oreo offers a robust and clean user experience. While Android Pie isn't on the horizon for this model, the Oreo update significantly extends the device's usability and security, making it a worthwhile upgrade for any owner.

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