Android 6.0 Marshmallow tethering
Moto E 2014 receives first Android 6.0 Marshmallow update via CM13 ROM Google

Moto E 2014 users are in for a special treat as the industrious CyanogenMod developers have unleashed their first Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the handset via CyanogenMod 13 custom ROM. With Motorola unlikely to release the Marshmallow based official firmware for the handset anytime soon, the arrival of CM13 ROM gains precedence.

The CM13 ROM is based on the original AOSP source code, which was released by Google recently. As the ROM is still under alpha stage of development, it may harbour a few untested bugs and broken features.

Here is the official list of known bugs and fully-functional features as reported by XDA Developers' senior member, ashwin007:

Fully-functional features

  • Wi-Fi
  • Display
  • SD card

Known bugs and broken features

  • Calls
  • Messages
  • Camera
  • Everything else

Downloads Required

CyanogenMod 13 Marshmallow custom ROM

Google Apps for CM13 ROM

Prerequisites

  • The Android 6.0 CM13 ROM is compatible with Moto E 2014 only. Do not attempt installing it on any other model or device as it could permanently damage or brick the device
  • Endure the TWRP recovery is installed on the device, before you proceed.
  • Verify that the correct USB drivers for the handset are installed on the computer to enable data (ROM and Gapps) transfer between the PC and the smartphone.
  • The device must have at least 60% battery charge before trying to install this firmware. This is to prevent unexpected device shutdown during the firmware installation, which could brick the device.
  • Back up important data and settings on the phone to your device's SD card or some external storage to prevent loss of data, especially if you encounter installation errors or bootloop issues for some reason.

How to install Android 6.0 Marshmallow update via CyanogenMod 13 ROM on Moto E 2014

  1. Download the CM13 ROM and Google Apps package from the download links provided.
  2. Copy and paste the two downloaded zip files to a separate folder on your device's internal storage.
  3. Reboot the device into TWRP Custom Recovery: Power off your device and then press and hold the volume down and Power keys at the same time. When the TWRP logo appears on screen, it indicates successful boot into the recovery mode.
  4. It is advisable to perform a nandroid backup. To back up your ROM, tap on backup option in TWRP and select the following options: System, Data, Boot, Recovery, EFS and swipe right to initiate backup.
  5. After performing the ROM backup, return to the TWRP main menu and hit wipe button and select Advanced Wipe. Then choose Dalvik Cache, System, Data, and Cache. Finally, swipe the confirmation button to backup.
  6. Return to the TWRP main menu or home screen and tap on the install option. Go to the downloaded ROM zip file and select it.
  7. Swipe the confirmation button to proceed with the installation and the ROM will be installed.
  8. Return to home menu in TWRP recovery and tap on the install option. Then go to the Google apps zip file and select it.
  9. Swipe the confirmation button to proceed with the firmware installation.
  10. Once the installation completes, reboot to system.

If the new boot logo appears on screen, it means you have successfully installed the ROM on your device. If any boot loop or system errors occur during installation, then try a factory reset via recovery or you can always restore your previous ROM or CyanogenMod release from the backup.

[Source: XDA]