Database Info

[Q] Aussie version GT-N8010

Hi all
Just got a question regarding the version software my note is running,
I understand there are a number of different versions getting around, I'm unclear as to what is the latest version for my particular model
Currently it is running 4.0.4, yet I know there are much newer versions getting around, yet when I try to run an update it says there are no updates for my device
Can anyone clarify for me if what I have is the newest version for my note
Cheers

I havent got a 8010 i have the optus delivered 4g version 8020 and im on 4.1.2 i think.plug yours into a pc and fire up samsung kies...let it do its thing and check for a update.you should have one available.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Ricbec said:
Hi all
Just got a question regarding the version software my note is running,
I understand there are a number of different versions getting around, I'm unclear as to what is the latest version for my particular model
Currently it is running 4.0.4, yet I know there are much newer versions getting around, yet when I try to run an update it says there are no updates for my device
Can anyone clarify for me if what I have is the newest version for my note
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash you device throught Odin:
Use BTU or NZC firmware.
h**p://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-N8010

Well believe it or not kies says it is the most current version, guess we must just miss out here in Aus

This is why I use other country roms...

I dont think I'd ever have the courage to do something like that on my own device, sounds a little complicated to the novice modder, I'd be too scared to brick it!!

You shouldn't be. It's a piece of cake.
http://techmell.com/android-tips/how-to-install-galaxy-note-10-1-n8010-zccma4-android-4-1-2-jelly-bean-official-firmware/

Is it possible however that I may lose some functionality by doing this? It does sound simple enough, I can build computers so I should be able to do it
Ohh, and I lose all software installed correct?, hence the extra special need to backup prior?

I didnt lose any apps or settings but I went from 4.1.1 to 4.1.2 updated without a hitch.it will sudgest a backup but I didnt have time or my pc to backup too.i was at work.but a backup is good while you are waiting for the file to download.not sure what the go is nowdays but I use to use titanium backup the paid version.you need a rooted tab tho....not a big deal....google exynos abuse and grab the apk and install that.its made by a dev called chainfire (very trustworthy)it can root your tab in about 30 secs.once rooted you can backup you apps and settings if needed.i somtimes had probs with the settings part, but no probs with the just apps. Once backup is done flash the new firmware, reboot and play for a few mins....then reboot again....root tab again with exynos abuse as it should loose root rights with the new firmware....then re install titanium and load your backup and or your sammy kies backup too. Clear as mud eh?
Sent from my GT-N8020 using XDA Premium HD app

Ricbec said:
Ohh, and I lose all software installed correct?, hence the extra special need to backup prior?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't loose apps, but it's recommended to factory reset your device. I went through 4.0.3 -> 4.1.1 -> 4.1.2 without wiping. But finally I did a factory reset to be sure

Okay, thanks for the info
Finally, what are the improvements, additions and removals for the device between 4.0.4 and 4.1.2
Cheers

I believe the jelly bean update is now available for GT-N8010 Australian model

Multi window manager is nice....there nice a app that enables it for every app you have installed too.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

MH1 Odin Full Restore for I9505G almost DONE!!

Hey Guys I just finished making and testing our I9505G Full Odin Restore Firmware package for our Google Edition S IV so now you do not have to update you can just flash this package and your done. I am currentluy uploading the MFD Package and I will have to upload the MH1 package tomorow this packages are huge and my Wifi sucks.
Thanks to SamuriHL for his Modem work and look for the package in the Android Dev Section for our phone soon.
( this is NOT for the I9505/I9500 )
MJ

does this mean full i9505 conversion to i9505G ?

Glotttis said:
does this mean full i9505 conversion to i9505G ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it does not this is for the I9505G only.

Cool, thanks. Was waiting for such an image.
Is there somewhere a description about MFD and MH1. Are these just different baseband firmwares? Why are there even different version for the Google Edition...

Guggenmusiker said:
Cool, thanks. Was waiting for such an image.
Is there somewhere a description about MFD and MH1. Are these just different baseband firmwares? Why are there even different version for the Google Edition...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some differences and really if you YouTube search 4.3 you can see instead of me trying to explain it. Notably the icons are larger the widget clocks are bigger but as far as smooth stability 4.3 still has some things that need to be worked out.
Update : my download was cut off tonight a Starbucks and I do have to fix something with the recovery image look for a release by Friday
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 2

MJHawaii said:
There are some differences and really if you YouTube search 4.3 you can see instead of me trying to explain it. Notably the icons are larger the widget clocks are bigger but as far as smooth stability 4.3 still has some things that need to be worked out.
Update : my download was cut off tonight a Starbucks and I do have to fix something with the recovery image look for a release by Friday
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for your efforts on this. I, for one, have been holding off on the update until this method is available.:good:

The New problem ( thanks Sammy ) so even when I extract the recovery image after the patch has been applied and package it with everything else including SamuriHL modem 4.3 everything flashes and updates but I cannot boot back into recovery it just reboots the phone back up normally. So we have a problem now with 4.3 stock recovery. I flashed back to 4.2.2 and now I'm starting over. This is easy but I'm tired I'm trying to upload the 4.2.2 full package for you guys now
SOLVED...NOW I JUST NEED TO UPLOAD IT
MFD will be up in a bit
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 2

news?
hi friend...any news on odin mh1 restore? byeee

Help backing up, rooting, installing custom ROM, and gapps.

Hi guys,
I recently purchased the Google Nexus 5. I had it rooted and a custom ROM installed for like $35 by oneclickroot. However, I ordered a tempered glass screen protector for it and when I peeled off the plastic they use for shipping the phone the phone had tiny little chips in the screen. Therefore, I contacted Google for a replacement. I now have the replacement and I would like to backup the stock image, apps, settings, etc. Then, root the phone, and install a custom ROM and gapps. When trying to return my damaged Nexus 5 to stock for sending it back I stumbled on the Nexus Root Toolkit which I used to flash the stock image back, and lock the bootloader again. Therefore, I will be using the Nexus Root Toolkit for the actual rooting process. Could you guys tell me what I would need to backup my stock ROM? Will using the backup button in the Nexus Root Toolkit backup my ROM, apps, and settings? If I was using a custom ROM and was rooted and restored the backup would it unroot my phone and put it all the way back to stock? I would like to flash Cyanogen Mod again. I have downloaded the hammerhead nightly build of Cyano Mod. Could someone tell where to get the proper apps version? I am confused on the whole gapps thing. For gapps is there one specific one I should be using for my phone, or will I need a different gapps version depending on the custom ROM?
Thanks,
Rocky

Don't know,I don't use tools kits. But I'd make a nandroid in a custom recovery then copy pics, music,etc to my pc. Don't backup your efs in the nandroid though
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Don't use the toolkit. rooting is simple enough anyway and it really benefits you to know what you're doing.
See signature.

rootSU said:
Don't use the toolkit. rooting is simple enough anyway and it really benefits you to know what you're doing.
See signature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help fellas. Can someone tell me how the gapps stuff works? Will I always use the same one or will I need a different one depending on the ROM I flash?

grimreaper1014 said:
Thanks for your help fellas. Can someone tell me how the gapps stuff works? Will I always use the same one or will I need a different one depending on the ROM I flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets just talk about a basic AOSP / CM rom. As long as you have the latest gapps package for the version of android you are on, you're fine. You'd use the same one whether you're on AOSP, CM, Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One M8 etc etc,,, as long as its the version for Android 4.4.2
Some ROMs such as Paranoid Andrid and SlimKat may have their own gapps packages. The norml gapps will work, but the special ones for slimkat my have more features for that rom built in,

grimreaper1014 said:
Thanks for your help fellas. Can someone tell me how the gapps stuff works? Will I always use the same one or will I need a different one depending on the ROM I flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gapps will always be the same if the rom requires gapps. There are a few different gapps packages out there which contain everything from a minimum, banks comes to mind, to a full gapps package. But they are not rom specific
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Gapps will always be the same if the rom requires gapps. There are a few different gapps packages out there which contain everything from a minimum, banks comes to mind, to a full gapps package. But they are not rom specific
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again fellas. I am looking up gapps now. I have 4.4.2 on my phone now. I have found a few different version and newer and older releases of gapps. For example goo.im gapps has this one gapps-kk-20140105-signed.zip and on the paranoid android website it has this one as the latest one pa_gapps-stock-4.4.2-20140531-signed.zip. So if I want to install anything other than Paranoid Android I could use the first gapps I linked too and if I want to use Paranoid Android I should use the second I linked too from there page? I am almost positive when oneclickroot flashed my phone they used the first one but they flashed Carbon. Can I make nandroid backups without rooting? I want to make a backup that will take me completely back to stock for warranty purposes in case I ever have to return the phone like I did my first one. Therefore, if root is needed that won't work because it would be backing up the rooted stock.

You paid $35 for a custom rom? I've got some magic beans you can have for £100

You can use paranoid android gapps on any ROM. There is nothing specific. Read the gapps thread here on xda to find out which package includes which apps
Sent from my Nexus 5

pepdavies said:
You paid $35 for a custom rom? I've got some magic beans you can have for £100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't pay $35 for a custom ROM. I paid $35 for my phone to be rooted and a custom ROM to be installed.

grimreaper1014 said:
I didn't pay $35 for a custom ROM. I paid $35 for my phone to be rooted and a custom ROM to be installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why?
Sent from my Nexus 5

Now there's a gig I need to get into
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Pirateghost said:
Why?
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I really didn't have the time at the time to readup on how to do it myself.

grimreaper1014 said:
Because I really didn't have the time at the time to readup on how to do it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's so, then you shouldn't be a root user. Stick with stock.

BirchBarlow said:
If that's so, then you shouldn't be a root user. Stick with stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah its a lesson learned. I had actually rooted my moms ZTE Merit a while back but I though things would of changed by now. I just didn't want to mess up the phone and there was things I didn't know at the time I paid for the rooting. However, I went through the steps to root my new phone yesterday and it was successful and I also got CyanogenMod successfully installed with gapps. I can't believe how damn easy it was. Makes me wish I had my $35 back! Oh well lesson learned I guess.
If I want to return the custom ROM back to a fresh state like you can do with the stock ROM can I just use the backup/reset feature and do a factory reset? I did that yesterday and the phone seams to be okay.

Yes
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

grimreaper1014 said:
Yeah its a lesson learned. I had actually rooted my moms ZTE Merit a while back but I though things would of changed by now. I just didn't want to mess up the phone and there was things I didn't know at the time I paid for the rooting. However, I went through the steps to root my new phone yesterday and it was successful and I also got CyanogenMod successfully installed with gapps. I can't believe how damn easy it was. Makes me wish I had my $35 back! Oh well lesson learned I guess.
If I want to return the custom ROM back to a fresh state like you can do with the stock ROM can I just use the backup/reset feature and do a factory reset? I did that yesterday and the phone seams to be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A factory reset doesn't touch the system partition, it only erases the data partition, so any changes made to the system (i.e. root) will persist after a factory reset.

[Q] Lollipop Backup and Restore Doesnt Work

I recently upgraded to the Nexus 5 two weeks ago, before this I was using a nexus 4.
When I first set up the custom ROM on the N5 (I don't think I bothered setting up the stock Lollipop, this may be a cause), the only options shown at the Restore page was from my Nexus 4 on the google servers.
The problem is, even after 2 weeks, setting up a new ROM only shows the Nexus 4, it looks like the Nexus 5 isn't backing up to the google servers (WiFi passwords and user dictionary etc), what's wrong?
My theory is that the backup only worked on the stock Lollipop ROM because if I remember clearly, when i stopped using stock on the N4, the backups never updated.

RedGoblinz said:
I recently upgraded to the Nexus 5 two weeks ago, before this I was using a nexus 4.
When I first set up the custom ROM on the N5 (I don't think I bothered setting up the stock Lollipop, this may be a cause), the only options shown at the Restore page was from my Nexus 4 on the google servers.
The problem is, even after 2 weeks, setting up a new ROM only shows the Nexus 4, it looks like the Nexus 5 isn't backing up to the google servers (WiFi passwords and user dictionary etc), what's wrong?
My theory is that the backup only worked on the stock Lollipop ROM because if I remember clearly, when i stopped using stock on the N4, the backups never updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could be the gapps package you flashed with the ROM. Try a newer or different one.

upndwn4par said:
Could be the gapps package you flashed with the ROM. Try a newer or different one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thanks! Thought of that just before you replied haha. Will report back.

RedGoblinz said:
Yeah thanks! Thought of that just before you replied haha. Will report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news? because I have the same issue :/

Tanged said:
Any news? because I have the same issue :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed pa gapps, still no backup (I check by going google dashboard)
Mentioned in pa gapps thread, someone said it wasn't a gapps issue so, I'm not sure. Looks like BaNks has an issue with this too.

Moto G 3rd Gen custom ROM newbie help?

Hi xda-developers,
I just received my new Moto G 2015 in the mail. I did some research and figured I want to replace my Android 5.1.1 with Cyanogenmod. I turn 67 in a month and always thought myself to be rather sharp, but I am entirely new to the world of smart phones and the guides I have found are very confusing, telling me to unlock my bootloading, root, TWRP, backup, etc. I noticed Cyanogenmod also does not officially support this Moto G 2015. Should I wait for when it does? If not, could one of you terrific developers outline for me what I have to do to install unofficial Cyanogenmod on my phone? Thank you kindly.

Hi, here is an unofficial port of cyanogenmod.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62245522
Your bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash custom recovery, then you use custom recovery to flash ROM and gapps package.
I'll update this post momentarily with guides for each.
Rooting isn't a must as most custom ROMs will tell you if it isn't rooted same with TWRP and TWRP which is a custom recovery will install root if it isn't detected.
Follow this link to a post with guides.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62558487
Cheers and if you need more help just ask.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

christopherrrg said:
Hi, here is an unofficial port of cyanogenmod.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62245522
Your bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash custom recovery, then you use custom recovery to flash ROM and gapps package.
I'll update this post momentarily with guides for each.
Rooting isn't a must as most custom ROMs will tell you if it isn't rooted same with TWRP and TWRP which is a custom recovery will install root if it isn't detected.
Follow this link to a post with guides.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62558487
Cheers and if you need more help just ask.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the help christopherrrg! Sorry to be a bother but I have more questions:
* My son tells me Motorola will normally send updates to me automatically over the air. Does Cyanogenmod do the same thing?
* I already downloaded some applications on my phone like Shazam and AccuWeather. When I install Cyanogenmod, will they still be there? How about when I install updates?
Thank you very much for explaining.

Hi! The answer is no to both questions. To avoid conflicts is better to full wipe your phone. Full wipe means the cleaning of /system and /data partitions. But your images and files you have won't be affected. Only the apps installed.
You need to download the updates from the post or from cyanogenmod site when officially supported. Installing updates won't affect apps and data.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

motomayor said:
Thank you for the help christopherrrg! Sorry to be a bother but I have more questions:
* My son tells me Motorola will normally send updates to me automatically over the air. Does Cyanogenmod do the same thing?
* I already downloaded some applications on my phone like Shazam and AccuWeather. When I install Cyanogenmod, will they still be there? How about when I install updates?
Thank you very much for explaining.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well your son is correct, however I believe he means while you leave device remaining on stock software ie. What it was shipped with. Yes cyanogenmod does do the same thing on OFFICAL maintained devices, because the moto g3 is fairly new the dev scene for this device is slowly speeding up and only maintained UNOFFICIALLY at the moment. (We could have an official port in the future.)
So unfortunately unless the dev states in the ROM description that it supports OTA (it can be implemented by developer) I'm afraid you will have to manually flash any updates. Which is easy and doesn't affect apps.
Now if you're changing from stock ROM I would backup your contacts as you will lose everything when installing a custom ROM. (You will only lose such as unlocking bootloader wipes the whole device.) As for any apps, if you have home WiFi just reinstall from play store instead of trying to back them up. You will have less problems that way as everyone insists on backing up. (I'm apologizing to you guys with the slow ISP though lol)
So anything afterwards should be okay!
Edit - you may not want to venture too far from stock if you're ever worried about warranty purposes.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 06:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 AM ----------
nelsonw said:
Hi! The answer is no to both questions. To avoid conflicts is better to full wipe your phone. Full wipe means the cleaning of /system and /data partitions. But your images and files you have won't be affected. Only the apps installed.
You need to download the updates from the post or from cyanogenmod site when officially supported. Installing updates won't affect apps and data.
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said he was fairly new to the scene so I didn't want to confuse him with any partition info just yet.
But yes, full wipe is recommended for new ROMs or first custom.
Any updates can be dirty flashed. Dirty flash meaning without worry of losing data.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

christopherrrg said:
Well your son is correct, however I believe he means while you leave device remaining on stock software ie. What it was shipped with. Yes cyanogenmod does do the same thing on OFFICAL maintained devices, because the moto g3 is fairly new the dev scene for this device is slowly speeding up and only maintained UNOFFICIALLY at the moment. (We could have an official port in the future.)
So unfortunately unless the dev states in the ROM description that it supports OTA (it can be implemented by developer) I'm afraid you will have to manually flash any updates. Which is easy and doesn't affect apps.
Now if you're changing from stock ROM I would backup your contacts as you will lose everything when installing a custom ROM. (You will only lose such as unlocking bootloader wipes the whole device.) As for any apps, if you have home WiFi just reinstall from play store instead of trying to back them up. You will have less problems that way as everyone insists on backing up. (I'm apologizing to you guys with the slow ISP though lol)
So anything afterwards should be okay!
Edit - you may not want to venture too far from stock if you're ever worried about warranty purposes.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 06:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 AM ----------
He said he was fairly new to the scene so I didn't want to confuse him with any partition info just yet.
But yes, full wipe is recommended for new ROMs or first custom.
Any updates can be dirty flashed. Dirty flash meaning without worry of losing data.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am beginning to understand, but I have but more questions my friend. Since Cyanogen is not officially supported yet, do you recommend that I first unlock my bootloading and TWRP then wait for the official version?
Or if I install the unofficial version, will I have to fully wipe before installing an official version? And if I fully wipe, does that mean I have to install again my applications? Thank you very much Christopher and Nelson.

motomayor said:
I think I am beginning to understand, but I have but more questions my friend. Since Cyanogen is not officially supported yet, do you recommend that I first unlock my bootloading and TWRP then wait for the official version?
Or if I install the unofficial version, will I have to fully wipe before installing an official version? And if I fully wipe, does that mean I have to install again my applications? Thank you very much Christopher and Nelson.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be entirely personal preference, I'm currently running TipsyOS found in the android development section for our device and I'm quite satisfied. Normally a full wipe would be recommended after switching to official. Also yes, anytime you change ROM you will need to reinstall apps. However when you update the same ROM to say a later dated revision then you don't need to wipe you just install over it and your apps automatically optimize. TWRP isn't official either but a dev did a great job porting it over for us, you can also find that lurking within one of the moto g XDA forums.
The only downside I have noticed so far is moto display isn't implemented in many custom ROMs besides 'Rapture' but sadly the dev doesn't own the device anymore.
& no problem! Ask away, we all share! :thumbup:
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

motomayor said:
Thank you for the help christopherrrg! Sorry to be a bother but I have more questions:
* My son tells me Motorola will normally send updates to me automatically over the air. Does Cyanogenmod do the same thing?
* I already downloaded some applications on my phone like Shazam and AccuWeather. When I install Cyanogenmod, will they still be there? How about when I install updates?
Thank you very much for explaining.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more thing I'd like to mention, Motorola doesn't send the updates out to you your carrier does. Motorola provides the updates to you carrier and it's up to them to send out the update. You may find some carriers send out updates quickly and some slowly or possibly not at all. The carrier needs to be able to support an update before they send it out.
I'm not sure why you're in a hurry to jump from the stock rom. I'm finding stock very stable with excellent battery life. I would think you would want to root, then debloat stock before jumping to CM.
Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

Tel864 said:
One more thing I'd like to mention, Motorola doesn't send the updates out to you your carrier does. Motorola provides the updates to you carrier and it's up to them to send out the update. You may find some carriers send out updates quickly and some slowly or possibly not at all. The carrier needs to be able to support an update before they send it out.
I'm not sure why you're in a hurry to jump from the stock rom. I'm finding stock very stable with excellent battery life. I would think you would want to root, then debloat stock before jumping to CM.
Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason is my son tells me Cyanogenmod is much more able to being customized. How do I debloat stock? Also unrelated, but is there any way to backup my applications if I ever fully wipe my phone? Thank you all!

motomayor said:
The reason is my son tells me Cyanogenmod is much more able to being customized. How do I debloat stock? Also unrelated, but is there any way to backup my applications if I ever fully wipe my phone? Thank you all!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup your son is correct. Yes, when you're rooted there are several apps that can backup your apps and data.
Personally myself I paid for 'Root Explorer' and use that to manually remove apps from /system/app because I love doing everything....... manually lol
You can find several free file explorers on the play store as well.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

christopherrrg said:
Yup your son is correct. Yes, when you're rooted there are several apps that can backup your apps and data.
Personally myself I paid for 'Root Explorer' and use that to manually remove apps from /system/app because I love doing everything....... manually lol
You can find several free file explorers on the play store as well.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Christopher. I successfully unlocked my bootloader =^) now my plan is to stick with stock ROM for now. In the future, if I install TWRP will I have to wipe my device again? Thank you!

motomayor said:
Hi Christopher. I successfully unlocked my bootloader =^) now my plan is to stick with stock ROM for now. In the future, if I install TWRP will I have to wipe my device again? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations! Nope! Just make sure to use fastboot commands to send over the new recovery, and you should be all set. TWRP will root you automatically too.
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA Free mobile app

If you do decide to install twrp, it is highly recommended that you make a backup before moving any further, as it can restore your device to it's previous state, in case anything goes wrong or you fowl up some place down the road in your journey
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

shadie21 said:
If you do decide to install twrp, it is highly recommended that you make a backup before moving any further, as it can restore your device to it's previous state, in case anything goes wrong or you fowl up some place down the road in your journey
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi shadie, correct me if I am wrong, but how do I back up my phone? I thought I need to be rooted to make a back up and since TWRP is how to root the phone, how do I backup before installing TWRP? Thank you kindly.

You use twrp to make the backup, and since your device is a Moto G3 (2015) you can download a copy of your stock firmware here on the site (so actually you will have two backups, a full device backup, and a backup on the device it self).
You can contact me on hangouts if you would like and i can walk you through the steps personally or one of my few buddy's in my group chat can assist you. Just drop me a line in a private message with your gmail and i can add you to the group. That's if you don't mind conversating with people of all age's, but we can assist you with around the clock help with your device, as we mainly deal with Moto devices (Moto E, Moto G, and Moto X) i am a member of the Motorola Feedback/Testdrive Community as well.
This also stands with anyone reading this post, If you would like to join my Hangouts group chat, you are all welcome to join, just drop me a private message with your name and gmail
If i take to long to respond just use my screen name @gmail.com to get a quicker response
I look forward to meeting you all
Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk