It’s no brainer that Google is never going to release the Marshmallow update for our old hero Galaxy Nexus, but we had always hoped for an AOSP based build to show up for the device, and it seems the work is going on pretty seriously on that front already.

Although it’s easier to build an AOSP ROM for a Nexus device, it’s still a long shot when you are talking about Marshmallow update, for a device that was released as launchpad for Ice Cream Sandwich — yes, Galaxy Nexus is that old.

Bugs!

The above could be why the first AOSP Android 6.0 ROM for Galaxy Nexus is a bit off from becoming your daily driver.

It boots and works all fine, but it remains untested largely, and confirmed issues include NFC not working, and video recording crashing on the device.

Downloads

  • Marshmallow custom ROM — Link | File: aosp_maguro-M-2015-10-10_READ_1ST_POST.zip (238.67 MB)
  • Marshmallow Google Apps (Gapps) — Link

Supported devices

  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus, model no. GT-i9250 (codename maguro)
  • Don’t try this on any other device than the one having model no. specified above. This is not for Verizon and Sprint Galaxy Nexus!

Use the Droid Info app, to determine the codename of your Galaxy Nexus. If it is exactly the one specified above, then it should be compatible with the 6.0 custom ROM we have here.

Warning!

Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page. You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

Backup!

Backup important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below, so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have backup of all your important files.

How to Install

Required: You will need to have TWRP recovery installed on your device to be able to install Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps (Gapps). Check out our page on Galaxy Nexus TWRP recovery for this, but be sure to download the latest TWRP from here, and then use that guide to install it.

Step 1. Download the Marshmallow ROM and gapps file from above.

Step 2. Connect your device to PC and transfer the ROM and gapps file to it. Disconnect the device then. Remember the location of the files.

Step 3. Boot your Galaxy Nexus into recovery mode. If you are rooted, you can use Quick Boot app from play store. To manually boot into recovery mode, do this:

  • Power off your device and wait for 5-10 seconds until the device is fully switched off.
  • Press and hold Volume down + Power button together to boot into bootloader mode.
  • Now, use volume buttons to bring up Recovery menu, and press power button to select it.

You will enter recovery mode soon, and should see TWRP recovery. If you see 3e recovery, then you need to install TWRP recovery for this (linked above).

Step 4. [Optional] Once in TWRP, create a backup of your device. Tap on Backup, and then select all the partitions for back. Now do the swipe action at bottom to start creating a backup for emergency cases. This backup is really a lifesaver!

Step 5. Do a Factory Reset. On TWRP’s main screen, tap on Wipe, then advanced wipe, and now make sure you have selected these partitions: dalvik cache, data, system and cache. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to confirm it.

Step 6. Unmount System now. Use the TWRP’s mount menu, and then deselect the System from there, so that it’s not mounted while we flash the ROM.

Step 7. Now, install the ROM file. On TWRP’s homescreen, tap on Install, and then locate the ROM file and tap on it. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to begin flashing the update.

Step 8. Tap on Home button to go back. Now, install the Gapps the same way you installed Marshmallow ROM on your Galaxy Nexus.

Step 9. When it’s done, tap on Reboot system button to restart the device.

That’s it.

BTW, if you face force closes on apps, or Google Play services error, then install the ROM as said above again, but do not flash Gapps for now.

Need help? Let us know if you need any help with this via comments below.

Via Ziyan