Motorola Moto G Problems and How to Solve Them (April 2022)

Moto G was first released eight years ago and offered an impressively affordable option for Android users. The Moto G series has grown and multiplied since then. In its tenth generation, there are plenty of options to choose from. Do you want a stylus? The Moto G Stylus series is perfect for anyone who does not want to spend on an expensive Samsung. The Moto G Power series offers impressive battery life for several days, and the Moto G Lite and G Play are perfect for anyone looking for an ultra-affordable smartphone. Unfortunately, with each new generation comes a new set of Moto G bugs and errors. But we are here to help! Here’s a look at some common Moto G issues and how to resolve them.

Read more: The best Motorola phones

Problem # 1: Unable to delete the cache partition through recovery mode

motorola moto g power 2022 moto app on the couch

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Some Moto G users cannot find a way to delete the system cache partition after going into recovery mode. Unfortunately, this is a feature and not a bug. This option is not available for newer Motorola smartphones.

Potential solutions:

  • You can still clear the cache of individual apps. Go to Settings–> Apps & Messages–> View All Apps and find the app you want. Push Storage and cache, and then press Clear cache. If you clear the cache as a troubleshooting step, you may want to do the same Delete data.
  • If you are already subscribing to a mobile antivirus program, most people have a good chance of clearing their cache. Motorola recommends using the Files by Google app to clear the app cache. Open the app, press Clean tab, and clear the data in Unwanted files or the section on temporary app files. It is an excellent app to use if you want to free up some storage space.

Problem # 2: Moto G microphone or speakers do not work

motorola moto g power 2022 porte

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Some Moto G owners have problems with the microphone or speaker not working during calls or when using them with other apps during video calls.

Potential solutions:

  • If you have connection problems during a call, try resetting the network settings. Go to on your Moto G phone Settings–> Backup & Reset–> Reset Network Settings and select Reset the settings. Remove the SIM card and put it back in the phone and it should automatically re-establish the network connection. If not, find the APN settings from your network provider and go to Settings–> Wi-Fi and network–> Sim and networkpress your SIM card and names of access points.
  • This could be a hardware issue. open Device help app (Unit care on some devices) and go to Device Diagnostics–> Hardware Test–> Full Test. It will tell you the functional status of all the hardware on the phone, such as the microphone and speakers. It is best to run a diagnostic test in safe mode (instructions can be found in the instructions section below) to confirm that an app is not causing the problem.

Problem # 3: Unable to screencast to a Moto G TV

moto g stylus m logo

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Some Moto G users are not able to cast content from their phone to a TV.

Potential solutions:

  • Recent Motorola smartphones do not support Miracast, so if you have an older TV, your only option is to get a Chromecast.
  • If you have a Chromecast or a TV with Chromecast built-in, make sure your phone and TV are on the same network. Some TVs do not support 5GHz Wi-Fi. If you have a hybrid connection, you may want to disconnect the two bands to make the connection easier.
  • You can use Wi-Fi Direct to cast personal media if your TV supports the feature. As the setup process is slightly different depending on the TV brand, review the user guide to see how to use Wi-Fi Direct.

Problem # 4: OEM unlock is not available / gray out

moto g stylus selfie camera earpiece

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Many Motorola Moto G smartphones are available directly from network operators and especially MVNOs. Unfortunately, this means that the phone may be locked to that operator.

Potential solutions:

  • First, make sure your Moto G phone meets the requirements to be unlocked. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS and more have different requirements that you must meet before the phone is eligible. This usually involves having an active paid account for a minimum period of time.
  • Call your network company and get an unlock code if the device is qualified.
  • If the OEM Unlock button is dimmed, there is probably a problem with the network connection. Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data for at least 72 hours and it will automatically unlock the OEM Unlock switch. Restart your phone after 72 hours. If the option still does not appear, contact your network operator. Some Moto G users found that it worked again to get them to lock the phone.

Problem # 5: Moto G performance issues

moto g stylus app drawer

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Some Moto G users face various performance issues like apps that freeze, random reboots and the phone gets uncomfortably hot.

Potential solutions:

  • A rogue app can be the cause of the problem. Start the phone in safe mode (instructions are below) and see if the problem persists. If it does not, an app is a problem. Uninstall any newly installed or updated apps and see if the issue goes away.
  • Some users experience performance issues after a major software update. In this case, it has worked for them to perform a factory reset (instructions below). However, be sure to back up all critical files and data.
  • Try clearing the app’s cache and data if a particular app is stuck. Go to Settings–> Apps & Messages–> View All Apps and tap the app. Push Storage and cache and select Clear cache and Delete data. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic app.
  • If your Moto G phone overheats, follow the steps above to resolve the issue. But while the phone is getting hot, it is best to turn off the phone and let it cool down first. Take off the case if you have one and store it in a cool place and away from direct sunlight.

Problem # 6: Mobile payments do not work

Motorola G Power front on table

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Some users have trouble using mobile NFC payments with their Moto G devices. Mobile payments are not an option or stopped working after a software / app update.

Potential solutions:

  • Keep in mind that many Moto G smartphones in the US do not come with NFC. Be sure to check your phone’s specifications before purchasing it if NFC payments are crucial. You can also try to import an international version, but it will have warranty issues.
  • If NFC payments stopped working, it may be because the device is no longer certified. Open Google Play Storetap the profile icon in the upper right corner and go to Settings -> About. That will be stated below Play Protect certification if it is not certified. Google removes Play Protect certification if the device is rooted, has an unlocked bootloader or custom ROM, or the device’s OEM disapproved device.
  • Motorola is aware of the issue and is actively working to resolve the issue where the device loses Play Protect certification after a major software update.
  • Clear the app’s cache and data if you encounter an issue with a particular app like Google Pay. Go to Settings–> Apps & Messages–> View All Apps and tap Google Pay. Push Storage and cache and select Clear cache and Delete data.

Problem # 7: Android Auto issues

moto g pure rear panel

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Problems connecting to Android Auto are pretty standard with new phones, and the Moto G devices are no exception.

Potential solutions:

  • If you have configured your new phone by transferring apps and settings from an older device, there may be a problem. Find the Android Auto app in the Play Store, and uninstall and reinstall it. Go to Settings–> Apps & Notifications–> View All Apps–> Android Auto and press Forced stop. Then press Storage and cache and select Clear cache and Delete data.
  • Go through the Android Auto setup process again. “Forget” the device connection on your phone and car, and set it up again. If you are having trouble getting Android Auto Wireless to work, it is best to set up a wired connection first.
  • The phone may not move automatically to the correct setting when you use a wired connection. In the Notifications panel, tap the Android system message and switch to File Transfer / Android Auto.

Issue # 8: Delayed messages on Moto G

moto g pure selfie notch and earpiece

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Some users experience a significant delay in receiving notifications. Notifications are sometimes displayed only when the app is open.

Potential solutions:

  • Your messages may be delayed due to the phone’s built-in battery optimization. Go to Settings–> Apps & Messages–> View All Apps and select the app. Push Battery and select Do not optimize.
  • Motorola also has a built-in app that makes it easier to manage your apps. open Unit shield app, go to Background runningselect the app and press Allow to run in the background. Go to the main page of the app Apps autostart and make sure the apps in question are enabled.

Moto G Troubleshooting Instructions: Factory setting, start in safe mode

Motorola Moto G Power camera close up

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

Factory setting of Moto G

  • Turn off the phone.
  • Press and hold the volume down key and the power key at the same time until the phone turns on.
  • Use the volume key to navigate Recovery mode and press the power button to confirm.
  • Go to Clear data / factory condition using the volume buttons and press the power button to confirm.

Start Moto G in safe mode

  • Press the power key while the phone is on.
  • Press and hold Power off pop up.
  • Press Okay when the option to boot in safe mode is displayed.
  • Restart the phone to exit Safe Mode.