GrapheneOS Supported Motorola Devices

GrapheneOS currently supports a small, specific set of Motorola devices, primarily the Moto G Power (2022) and Moto G Stylus (2022) models sold in the United States. These are the only Motorola phones that meet the project’s hardware security and driver quality requirements, and support is limited to the US variants with specific model numbers. If you own a different Motorola phone, even a newer or more expensive one, it is not officially supported.

Background: Why Motorola at All?

GrapheneOS is a security-hardened Android distribution that focuses on privacy and device integrity. The project historically supported only Google Pixel devices because they offer the strongest hardware security features, including a dedicated Titan M2 security chip, verified boot, and full driver support. Motorola phones were added later because some models use near-stock Android and have unlockable bootloaders, but they lack the same level of hardware-backed security.

The two supported Motorola models are budget and mid-range devices released in 2022. They were chosen because they have a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, which GrapheneOS developers found easier to work with than some other SoCs, and because the US variants have relatively clean driver support. Support is not extended to international versions, which often have different firmware and modems.

Supported Models and Variants

As of the latest official documentation, these are the exact Motorola devices listed:

• Moto G Power (2022) – US model number XT2165-1 (also known as “tundra”)
• Moto G Stylus (2022) – US model number XT2115-1 (also known as “dubai”)

Both require the US firmware to be installed before flashing GrapheneOS. If you have a global or other regional variant, the installation will fail or result in an unbootable device. The project’s web installer automatically checks the device model and firmware version, so it will refuse to proceed if the hardware is not recognized.

How to Install GrapheneOS on a Supported Motorola

The installation process is similar to Pixel devices but with a few important differences. The official web installer (grapheneos.org/install) guides you through unlocking the bootloader, flashing the factory image, and then installing the OS. Here are the general steps:

1. Back up all data on the phone – unlocking the bootloader wipes everything.
2. Enable Developer Options and OEM unlocking in Settings.
3. Connect the phone to a computer and run the web installer, which will download the correct factory image.
4. Unlock the bootloader using the command provided by the installer.
5. Flash the GrapheneOS image and reboot.

Unlike Pixels, Motorola devices do not support the same level of verified boot. GrapheneOS still provides a locked bootloader after installation, but the hardware root of trust is weaker. This means the security guarantees are not as strong as on a Pixel, but the OS itself is still hardened with the same kernel and sandboxing improvements.

Common Problems and Limitations

Owners of supported Motorola devices often encounter a few issues that are not present on Pixels:

• No automatic updates via the built-in updater – Motorola devices require manual updates by re-flashing the new image, because the project does not have a reliable OTA channel for these models.
• Camera quality may be reduced – The GrapheneOS camera app uses the standard Android CameraX API, which works but may not produce images as good as the stock Motorola camera app.
• Some hardware features may not work – For example, the Moto G Stylus’s stylus button and certain gestures may not be fully supported.
• No support for the Moto G Power (2021) or earlier – Even though they look similar, they have different chipsets and are not compatible.

If you run into a boot loop or a brick, the official documentation provides instructions to restore the stock firmware using the same tools. The process is reversible, but it requires a computer and some comfort with command-line tools.

Comparison: Motorola vs. Pixel on GrapheneOS

If you are deciding between buying a supported Motorola or a Pixel, the differences are significant. Pixels are the primary target and receive the most testing, the fastest updates, and the full set of security features. Motorola devices are considered “best effort” – they work, but you should expect more bugs and a slower release cycle.

For example, GrapheneOS’s sandboxed Google Play services work on both, but on Motorola devices some apps that rely on hardware attestation may not pass SafetyNet checks because the device lacks the same hardware-backed key attestation. This can affect banking apps or games that use anti-cheat. On a Pixel, this is rarely an issue.

Battery life and performance are generally comparable, as the OS is lightweight. However, the Moto G Power (2022) has a 5,000 mAh battery, which can last two days with moderate use – a nice advantage over most Pixels.

Cost and Availability

One of the main reasons people look at Motorola devices is price. The Moto G Power (2022) and Moto G Stylus (2022) are budget phones that can often be found for under $200, especially refurbished or on sale. In contrast, a Pixel 6 or newer typically costs $400 or more. If you want a privacy-focused phone on a tight budget, a used supported Motorola is one of the cheapest entry points.

However, you must buy the US variant. Check the model number in the phone’s settings or on the box before purchasing. International versions are not supported and cannot be flashed with GrapheneOS.

Alternatives to Motorola

If you don’t have a supported Motorola, your options are:

• Buy a Google Pixel – This is the recommended route for the best experience and security.
• Use another custom ROM – LineageOS supports many Motorola devices, but it does not offer the same security hardening.
• Stick with stock Android – If you have an unsupported Motorola, you can still improve privacy by disabling Google apps and using a VPN, but you won’t get the full GrapheneOS benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install GrapheneOS on any Motorola phone?

No, only the two models listed above (US variants) are supported. The project’s installer will reject other devices, and attempting to flash manually will likely brick the phone.

Will GrapheneOS on Motorola get the same security updates as on Pixel?

No. Pixel devices receive monthly security updates directly from the project, while Motorola devices are updated less frequently and often require manual flashing. The updates are still based on the latest Android security patches, but they are not guaranteed to arrive on the same day.

Does GrapheneOS on Motorola support Google Play apps?

Yes, you can install the sandboxed Google Play services from the GrapheneOS app store. This allows you to run most apps from the Play Store, but some apps that require hardware attestation may not work properly.

Is it safe to buy a used Moto G Power (2022) for GrapheneOS?

Yes, as long as it is the US model (XT2165-1) and the bootloader can be unlocked. Check that the phone is not carrier-locked and that the previous owner has removed their Google account, otherwise you may have trouble.

Why doesn’t GrapheneOS support newer Motorola phones?

Newer Motorola phones often have locked bootloaders or use chipsets that lack proper driver support for the hardened kernel. The project focuses on devices that meet its security and maintainability standards, and currently only these two models qualify.

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