Last Updated on July 23, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

The Motorola Moto X comes in two different model numbers. First is last years 2013 model and lastly is the 2014 edition with the XT1097 model number. You must only use this guide for the latter variant and not the first since the files change and are dependent on the phone model. Failing to listen to this request will often result in soft-bricking the device. You must sought after a guide from the XDA Developers forum to help you in un-bricking the handset if that happens to you.

As you know, Android 5.0 Lollipop is official and rolling out OTA for much of the Google Nexus range. From there you can expect it to find many of the flagships from Sony, Samsung and Motorola like we have here today. As long as you are up and running on the latest software version Android has to offer you can follow these steps. However, if you are still running the older KitKat version this is not the guide for you to follow.

5.0 Lollipop Moto X

Details of Note

  • Since we already know Android 5.0 Lollipop for coming with a new Material Design user interface, lock screen notifications, Battery saving mode, Priority Mode, device sharing, Android Smart Lock, new Quick Settings toggles, Android Runtime (ART), new Google Now and OpenGL ES 3.1m it’s a cinch to distinguish from the chocolate variety.
  • We are using the CF-Auto-Root package available from Chainfire’s links. Chainfire is the mastermind behind the tool and we love him for it. You will find countless guides on our site that are from him since he delivers a user experience that stays close to the stock Android experience. Furthermore, his tools are always easy to run and use. All up, users can finish the steps in a matter of minutes.
  • As usual, you must read through a list of essentials before starting the steps otherwise you are taking unnecessary risk by not being ready. You want to back up the data on the operating system of the phone before going any further. The data is sensitive and if you need a full factory reset the data is wiped. That’s why it’s wise to make copies of the phone contacts, call logs, SMS text messages, videos, music files, pictures from the galleries and any other sensitive data you don’t want to misplace. Once the pictures from the phone are gone, they are gone forever and there’s no getting any of the baby photos back.
  • You ought to have a Microsoft Windows-based operating system on a computer for the steps. Chainfire often looks after those running Windows and this is no different. The executable file has the name “Windows” in it so we are predicting it as a Windows only file. Correspondingly, you want to stop antivirus from running on the computer before starting since it can interfere with the program. Do the same precautionary measures for the Android-based smartphone. It comes in application form from the phone.
  • You must enable USB Debugging Mode. Use the Developer Options menu directly stemming from the standard Settings menu. We know the Developer Options as hidden during a previous Android 4.2 version. However, since all users must run Lollipop we don’t see that as an issue this time. Everyone will find the Developer options menu available on the phone.
  • You ought to have the latest USB drivers working for the Motorola device. Use the official website for downloading. Most of you will already have the latest USB drivers. You can always test out your device to see if it’s working by plugging it in to the computer and trying to get access to the phones data from the computer. If it works then you know the drivers are working.
  • You want to reach the recovery mode on the odd occasion that your device gets stuck in the boot loop. You know this since the phone won’t boot normally and it continuously goes around in circles. Find recovery, select “wipe data factory reset” followed by “wipe cache partition” if that happens to you. Now go back to the main recovery screen and tap the “reboot system now” option.
  • The latest flagship under the Motorola name comes with USB charging as a default feature. That means it automatically begins charging the battery once it’s plugged into the computer. You don’t need to worry about the battery levels if that is the case for you. We are using the computer for most of the guide. However, if you know the USB charging feature is not working, you must make sure you have at least 50% battery power. Verify the battery levels by turning the phone on and checking the battery icon available from the status bar.

How to root the Motorola Moto X XT1097 on Android 5.0 Lollipop (2014 model)

  1. Start by turning the computer on and logging into your user account.
  2. Down load the CF-Auto-Root-victara-victararetbr-xt1097.zip file from here.
  3. Extract the contents of the folder to the desktop of the computer.
  4. Find the USB cable.
  5. Boot the phone in bootloader mode by pressing “Volume Down” and “Power” at the same time.
  6. Connect the Moto X to the computer using the USB wire.
  7. Run the executable root-windows.bat file.
  8. Follow the set of on-screen instructions.
  9. Do not press any buttons or keys until the flashing of the file finishes.
  10. Click the “safely remove hardware” icon available from the Windows system tray and stop the USB mass Storage device before disconnecting.

That’s all.