Motorola G85 not receiving security and OS updates

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cannonball

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#320054 1-Jul-2025 14:01

I bought a new Motorola G85 5G phone for the wife 5 days ago. The current Android OS version is 14 and the seucrity update is 1 August 2024. Running the system update in the settings just kept saying I am using the the latest software. So nothing got updated.

I am aware that Android 15 is available in NZ since early April 2025 and this model is eligible for Android 16 too in the future. What I am more concerned right now is the outdated security update. The Motorola support desk is hardly helpful. They said to wait for the update or to use their software fix tool which can be downloaded from the website. This tool is akin to flashing the phone to the latest software. And I think wiping out the data that is already there.

However, I am also aware of another person in NZ having the same problem who bought the same phone since March 2025. So I am worried that waiting for the OTA update will be futile.

So is it reasonable to expect a new phone to be updated using this "flashing" tool offered by Motorola?

Does anyone know how updates are pushed to the phones, the criteria for phones to receive the updates, etc..?

Very tempted to return the phone to the retailer if the phone doesn't get an update by next week.

The lack of security updates is a bigger worry followed by the older OS version. Appreciate any comments.

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#3388673 1-Jul-2025 14:57

Where did you buy it from, i.e. is it an NZ model?

Oblivian

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#3388675 1-Jul-2025 15:04

Depends on how you quantify the security updates. Some patch up bad thing's you need to click or approve. Rather than blindly leave a door open.

Back in the day, the trick wasn't exactly odin level flashing. But using the companion PC app to check and download the updates directly and apply it. Rather than OTA. (Which also had a quick backup or copy files in it)

If they have dates set on the OTA deployments it may fall outside the release until the next one is stood up.

Given they have a disclaimer to point the finger at network providers and release difference to potential delays in updates. Fair bet they do that.

https://en-au.support.motorola.com/app/softwarefix

Asteros

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#3388678 1-Jul-2025 15:13

I would run the software tool manually as you have described. I don't think it will wipe the phone - if it does you've only had it 5 days so you wouldn't have lost much information. Then if you aren't satisfied try asking for a refund and buy a different brand with a better reputation for Android updates. I can't say I've heard good things about Motorola Android updates mainly because they play in the lower cost bracket which historically doesn't provide updates on a timely basis.

cannonball

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#3388688 1-Jul-2025 16:14

@behodar, the phone was bought from Noel Leeming, so must be a NZ model.

cannonball

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#3388690 1-Jul-2025 16:26

@Oblivian, the last security update was dated 1 August 2024, about 11 months ago. So this issue is beyond having a bad update. Surely for most of us phone owners we do not have the skill or inclination to run those tools.

About the OTA schedule, I wish Motorola support should at least be able to tell me when to expect such an update and assuage any concerns. I too was thinking I may have missed the OTA schedule but the other person had his phone since March 2025 and still no updates.as at yesterday.

cannonball

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#3388692 1-Jul-2025 16:30

@Asteros, I am not that tech savvy but I may summon enough courage to run the software fix tool at some point.

Another worry is if things didn't work out during the process and ended up bricking it, will it still be covered by warranty?

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Asteros

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#3388696 1-Jul-2025 16:53

I agree it could brick your phone. If you are uncomfortable I would try to get a refund from Noel Leeming.If they won’t give you a refund, Another loophole to possibly get a refund is to check if it does 4g voice calling which is essential when 3G is shut down in late 2025 mid 2026. Free text 3G to 550. If it says no 4G calling press for a refund under the Consumers Guarantee Act.

Oblivian

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#3388697 1-Jul-2025 17:02

cannonball:

@Oblivian, the last security update was dated 1 August 2024, about 11 months ago. So this issue is beyond having a bad update.

I don't know what you mean by bad update. I mean update that patch bad things. Not everything they cover is OMG end of world danger.

My own Oppo X3 lite has the very same dated last update.

Surely for most of us phone owners we do not have the skill or inclination to run those tools.

Did you click the link? There's no tools as such that you probably found googling like ODIN and flashers. User friendly so they can get some phone help

It's their support app. A few buttons. Rescue. Backup. Hardware Test.

mentalinc

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#3388698 1-Jul-2025 17:03

Given it has 5G in the name not sure this is relevant advice

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Asteros

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#3388699 1-Jul-2025 17:06

I just checked and G85 doesn’t appear under tested and working 4G calling (VoLTE) handsets on 2degrees and One NZ.

Mrcutiepatootie

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#3388704 1-Jul-2025 17:26

You can count me as another person who's having issues with a Motorola handset as well, not the exact model as yours but is a G34 5G purchased late last year. I received a couple of small updates since, and is also supposed to receive Android 15 (in other countries at least).

My issue is the dreaded Package verification failed error. Literally an error that says the update is not compatible with the software on the device, and the only other fix is to, you guessed it, use their software to reflash the phone to latest software.

Their forums aren't very helpful either, it's a lot of copy/paste of the same solution. Just overall disappointing really.

My advice is to see if you can still return it and exchange for a Samsung model. I heard they're doing 7 year support on their handsets, but maybe less on the lower range.

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cannonball

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#3388753 1-Jul-2025 17:58

@Mrcutiepatootie, it so happens that I checked with someone who has a Motorola G34 5G phone this morning. The phone was bought in Aug 2024 and has received the Android 15 update. The security patch is up to 1 May 2025.

cannonball

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#3388755 1-Jul-2025 18:05

Thanks Oblivian for your suggestions. Apologies, I did misunderstand you.

cannonball

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#3388756 1-Jul-2025 18:11

Asteros:

I agree it could brick your phone. If you are uncomfortable I would try to get a refund from Noel Leeming.If they won’t give you a refund, Another loophole to possibly get a refund is to check if it does 4g voice calling which is essential when 3G is shut down in late 2025 mid 2026. Free text 3G to 550. If it says no 4G calling press for a refund under the Consumers Guarantee Act.

Just sent the 3G text to 550 on the new G85. It replied saying that "it appears you have a Vivo X50 Lite....". That was the old phone the G85 is replacing. Maybe it takes time for the reference data to be updated.

Oblivian

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#3388770 1-Jul-2025 18:48

Take a screenshot of your about phone, or the SW strings

If it says something like RETAPAC in the middle that is generic retail asia Pacific (heaps of countries but non specific) firmware

Times gone by there was specific NZ/AU market, like vfau, telau etc. And possibly NZ ones. If its broad it may be less targeted.

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