How to fix CyanogenMod 12.1 connection error with Google Play Store or Google Now on Moto E 2015

Motorola Moto E 2015 users are reportedly in dire trouble, following the installation of Android 5.1 based CyanogenMod 12.1 (CM12.1) ROM, as a spate of unexpected connection errors with Google Play Store, Google Now and other Google services have been reported on the device.

With due credit to Manish_Sky (XDA junior member) who found the fix, it is now possible to overcome the connection issues with Play Store, Google Now and other Google-based services on the Moto E 2015.

It is ascertained that the connection error is basically triggered by the duplication of hosts file in the etc folder of system partition, as two different versions of hosts file from the phone and the ROM were reportedly conflicting with each other.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the installation of this fix. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads Required

• CM12 Gapps (172 MB) (File: gapps-lp-20141212-signed.zip)
• SuperSU root package (3.83 MV) (File: UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip)

Prerequisites

• The instructions and software provided in this guide are meant for the Motorola Moto E 2015 model only. Do not attempt this procedure on any other model or device, as it may permanently damage or brick the device.
• Back up important data and settings (contacts, photos and videos) on the phone and verify that it has at least 80% battery charge, before proceeding.
• Ensure the phone is rooted with CM12.1 ROM installed on it.

Steps to fix CyanogenMod 12.1 Connection Error with Google Play Store or Google Now on Moto E

1. Download the CM12 Gapps file (gapps-lp-20141212-signed.zip) from the download link provided above.
2. Copy and paste the Gapps file to the root folder on your phone's internal storage.
3. Reboot the phone into TWRP recovery.
4. In TWRP recovery, take a backup of your current ROM/firmware: Select Backup and then do a "Swipe to Back Up" from the bottom of the screen. Wait for the backup to complete as it takes some time.
5. Install CM12 Gapps as follows: Return to main menu of TWRP recovery, select Install. Browse to the location of the Gapps file (gapps-lp-20141212-signed.zip) which you copied earlier to your phone and then select 'Swipe to Confirm Flash' option from the bottom of the screen to flash the gapps on the device.
6. Now re-root the phone by flashing the SuperSU file (UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.46.zip). Hit the Install button again, and then choose the SuperSU file. Choose 'Swipe to Confirm Flash' option at the bottom of the screen to flash SuperSU on the device.
7. Return to recovery's Main menu, select Reboot > System.
8. Lunch File Manager app and allow root permission for the app.
9. Navigate to root folder of the device, where you should be able to see the system folder.
10. Now go to etc folder under the system folder.
11. Copy and paste the hosts file from etc folder to sdcard. Just for backup we did this.
12. Delete the said hosts file from etc folder under system folder.
13. Try connecting to Google now or Google Play Store and you will find that they are working fine now.

[Source: XDA]