Galaxy Note 3 just got an unofficial update to Marshmallow update thanks to CM13 custom ROM, which is based on AOSP and brings you Android 6.0 update in its pure form, as designed by Google.

An official Marshmallow update from Samsung is something we would never see happen on Galaxy Note 3 as the device is past its update life. That’s bad, but thanks to CM13, who cares anymore about Samsung’s official Marshmallow update, all topped with ugly TouchWiz UI, when you are getting cool UI of Marshmallow itself, completely unadulterated.

This is the same reason why we are loving Galaxy Note 3 CyanogenMod 13 ROM too.

Read: Galaxy S5 CM13

Galaxy Note 3 and Note 3 aren’t the only devices which have received CM13 AOSP ROM so far. Other Samsung devices like Galaxy Grand 2 and 4-year Galaxy Tab 7.7 are also seeing the day clad with Android 6.0 update thanks to CM13.

Read: Galaxy Grand 2 CM13

We won’t blame if you develop a taste for CM13 too, and are wondering when it would hit for other devices. Well, just check out our detailed blog post on CM13 linked below.

These are unofficial builds of CM13 ROM, while the official builds would arrive only later on. Right now, CM13’s code is pure AOSP only and its own much popular features )as we have seen on CM12 or earlier) are yet to be part of Marshmallow builds. Expect the official CM13 to arrive sometime in next month, December 15, if not in November’s end.

Read: CM13 Release Date

Downloads

  • CM13 Marshmallow ROM — Link | File: cm-13-20151101-UNOFFICIAL-hlte.zip (286.2 MB)
  • Marshmallow Gapps — Link  | File: gapps-mm-mini.zip (91.7 MB)

Note: Check the source page here (by Morningstar) for details and download link of latest release. As the ROM is under heavy development and new features are added and bugs ironed out, we recommend you check out the details to know current bugs and become fully aware of what’s working and what’snot, before installing the ROM.

Supported devices

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3, codename hlte
  • Don’t try this on Galaxy Note 3 from Sprint, US Cellular and Verizon (codename hltespr, hlteusc and hltevzw respectively)
  • Don’t try this on any device whose codename is not same as the one specified above.

→ Use the Droid Info app to determine the codename 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

Step 1. Also make sure that you have installed a custom recovery like TWRP on your device. TWRP recovery is required to be able to install CM13 ROM. For help, check out page on Galaxy Note 3 TWRP recovery.

Step 2. Download the CM13 ROM and gapps file from above.

Step 3. Connect your device to PC and transfer the ROM and gapps file to it. Disconnect the device then. Remember the location of the files on device.

Step 4. Boot your Galaxy Note 3 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 the device. Wait for 4-5 seconds after screen goes off.
  • Press and hold Volume Up + Home + Power button together until you see anything on screen. Then let go of the buttons.

You will enter recovery mode soon, and should see TWRP recovery. If you see android with exclamation mark, or 3e recovery, then you need to install TWRP recovery for this.

Step 5. [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 6. 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 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 Note 3.

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

That’s it.

Need help with Note 3 CM13?

Let us know if you need any help with installing of Note 3 CM13 ROM for unofficial Marshmallow Update.