Last Updated on April 12, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake

The Moto X is receiving a brand new OTA update that boasts the OS up to Android 4.4.4 Kitkat. The new firmware has the build number of 210.12.41 and is hitting devices as we speak. If you see the notification, you can download and install it right away. Otherwise, head to the About Device > Software Updates and check for the update when you arrive to a stable WiFi connection.

The last option is what we are presenting you with today called a manual installation. With it, I will run you through the steps to install the file yourself now so there’s no waiting around or time-wasting. Furthermore, this is the only way those of you with root access can get your hands on it because you won’t receive any over the air signal until you start running stock firmware again. However, if the operating system is currently unchained, we need to revert that back to stock in order for this to flash.

Verizon Moto X

The guide below is only to be followed by the Verizon version of the Moto X and no other phone carriers edition. They do vary and most importantly come, with different serial numbers. Never flash firmware on a smartphone or a tablet that doesn’t match up with the correct model number it was issued with because it can result in the soft-bricking of the handset. Ironically, the way to fix a soft-brick is by flashing the stock firmware, but make sure it is the right one.

  • Take a backup of all important data stored on the Moto X before continuing on with the guide. By flashing official stock firmware we do not expect to lose data. However, if you need to perform a full factory reset when something goes wrong there’s a strong possibility of the data being wiped. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to backup the market apps, contacts, call logs, SMS and MMS texts, videos photo galleries and anything else you need.
  • Use applications available from the Google Play Store such as helium or Titanium if you need help.
  • Temporarily disable any security of the smartphone until we finish the steps. That includes turning off the spyware protection, malware protection and virus protection on the Android-based phone and the computer.
  • Use the keys on the mobile to navigate to the Develop Options and enable USB Debugging mode from there.
  • Make sure you have the correct Motorola USB Drivers up to date and in perfect working condition. We need to connect to the PC for a short period to transfer the files.
  • You will need an SD card to complete this guide. There is a stage where we need to transfer the file from the computer to the card.
  • The battery will need charging up if it doesn’t have at least 40% power already. Check the icon located in the status bar when the phone it turned on to take a look at what is said. We are only connected to the computer for a minute and not the full guide. That means the USB charging feature will not get us out of trouble this time.
  • The tutorial I am posting is made for educational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damages or loss of data that occurs during the guide. You follow the steps at your own risk.
  • If you have root access or a custom ROM installed it will not work.
  • Do not start unless the VZW Moto X is running the Android 4.4.2 stock Kitkat build namely KitKat build 164.55.2 beforehand.

How To Update The Verizon Motorola Moto X With Android 4.4.4 KitKat Stock Firmware

1. Start with the smartphone turned off.

2. Download the firmware file here to the computer.
– use the desktop or the C: Drive
– the desktop is better if you want to delete it quickly after.

3. Turn the phone on and find the USB cable.

4. Plug the wire into the device and the computer system unit so it’s connected.

5. Transfer the file over to the mobile.

6. Turn the phone off again.

7. Boot it up in recovery mode.
– press Home + Volume Down and wait for 4 seconds.
– scroll using the volume down key and select using the volume up key.
– scroll down to where it says recovery.

8. Choose to ‘apply update from sdcard’ when in recovery.

9. Browse the SD card contents for the 4.4.4 KitKat file.

10. press the key to confirm the installation.

11. Wait for the handset to reboot itself when it finishes.

Is there a problem?

Sometimes they get stuck in a boot loop. Start it up in recovery once more and select ‘wipe data factory reset’ followed by ‘wipe cache partition’ to combat this issue. Now go back to the main menu and select ‘reboot system now.’