Galaxy Grand 2 CM13 brings Marshmallow update unofficially

The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 won’t get the Marshmallow update officially from Samsung, ever, but you can still breathe easy as the developer community is gonna bring the the 6.0 update via CM13 custom ROM.

CM13 for Galaxy Grand 2 is under development right now, and the developers have also shared a progress chart showing what stuff is working, and what not with current CM13 build.

For a device that is 2 years old now, you have to rely on unofficial updates. Which is why the Marshmallow update for Grand 2 via CM13 is the best bet.

Another old device that got a swing at Android 6.0 thanks to custom ROMs scene is a Tab 7.7 from 2011 (yup!).

Read: Galaxy Tab 7.7 Marshmallow Update via OmniROM

Let’s see the Marshmallow installation on Galaxy Grand 2, but before that, let’s give a quick eye to Bugs list.

Bugs!

Working:

Audio
Camera
Sdcard
Sensors
MTP
Offline charging

Not working (as on October 30, 2015):

Radio (RIL) — calls and messages
FM
video playback
Wi-Fi
Other stuff

Downloads

Marshmallow custom ROM (Link not available at the moment)
Google Apps (Marshmallow Gapps) — Link |File: Slim_zero_gapps.BETA.6.0.build.0.x-20151024.zip (114.4 MB)

→ Check out source page (by mukulsoni) for download links of the latest release, and what’s working and what’s not in that release.

Supported devices

Samsung Galaxy Grand 2, model no. SM-G7102 (NOT for SM-G7105)
Don’t try this on any other device whose model no. is different than the one specified above.

Use the Droid Info app to determine the model no. of your device. 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 Galaxy Grand 2 CM13

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 Grand 2 TWRP recovery for this.

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 Grand 2 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 Up + Home + Power button together until you see anything on screen. You’ll enter recovery mode.

You will enter recovery mode soon, and should see TWRP recovery. If you see an Android with an exclamation mark, 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. 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 7. Tap on Home button to go back. Now, install the Gapps the same way you installed Marshmallow ROM on your Galaxy Grand 2.

Step 8. When it’s done, tap on Reboot system button to restart the device.

See here to fix force closes or errors with Google Play services.

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.