Because you want them as the easiest option to upgrade, we’re covering the custom ROMs based on Android 6.0 update, Marshmallow, for device on which it’s already available.

Remember, you need to flash the new boot and radio image for the custom ROM to boot and work alright, as both of these partitions are seeing an update with Marshmallow. So, don’t forget that.

If a flashable zip file isn’t available of the update, you will have to flash the new radio and boot file using fastboot mode, and then you can flash the custom ROM using TWRP recovery.

Marshmallow Custom ROMs

Nexus 5

Nexus 5 Marshmallow Radio and bootloader

Link — File: MRA58K_Radio+Bootloader.zip (22.5 MB)

→ Download the file above in .zip format, and be sure to flash the radio+bootloader file first using TWRP recovery., and then flash the Marshmallow ROM file, provided below.

Nexus 5 Marshmallow ROMs

1. Stock ROM — Link | File: hammerhead_mra58k.zip (539.6 MB)

Nothing is changed with this stock ROM. This is a good ROM if you don’t want any tweaks, and just want as Google meant it.

2. Lean ROM — Link | File: Lean_MRA58K.zip (344.0 MB)

It’s pretty debloated and remove Google apps like Chrome, Hangouts, YouTube, Google Camera, Keep, Videos, etc. all of which can be downloaded from Play store easily, if need be.

You can flash addons file to get useful apps like CM Gallery, ES File explorer, Google messenger, etc.

2. AOSP Stock ROM — Link | File: aosp_hammerhead-ota-eng.herna.zip (218.1 MB)

It’s made from source code, and is thus that minimal — just over 200 MB. You may find some icons and widgets are still dressed up with old look, which it seems is because Google is yet to update Android 6.0 source code fully. Anyway, if you are fan of AOSP ROMs, this is for you.

Also this comes without gapps, so you will need to flash Gapps too. Right now, Marshmallow Gapps aren’t available, so try your luck with the Android 5.1 Gapps here.

That’s it.

Nexus 6

Nexus 6 Marshmallow Radio and bootloader

To be added later, as and when it becomes available.

Nexus 6 Marshmallow ROMs

To be added later, as and when it becomes available.

→ We will add more ROMs for Nexus 5, Nexus 6 and other devices as and when they become available. Keep watching this space.

How to install Marshmallow custom ROMs

→ Make sure you uninstall Xposed framework (if you have it) before installing the ROM.

Step 1. Download the custom ROM file and the bootloader+radio file from above. Be sure to download the one meant for your device.

Also, it’s important you have the Marshmallow radio and bootloader installed before flashing the Marshmallow ROM.

Also, for AOSP ROMs, you need to download Gapps file too, which has been linked above. Be sure to flash the Gapps file after flashing the ROM in step 6 below.

Step 2. Transfer the Marshmallow custom ROM file to your device. Remember the file’s location.

Step 3. Make sure you have TWRP recovery installed on your device. If not, then first install TWRP recovery for your Nexus device:

  • Nexus 5
  • Nexus 6
  • Nexus 9
  • Nexus 7 2013 (WiFi): Download the TWRP’s .img file from here, and flash using guide on Nexus 5 TWRP page above.
  • Nexus 7 2013 (3G): Download the TWRP’s .img file from here, and flash using guide on Nexus 5 TWRP page above.

Step 4. Boot your device into recovery mode. Once you see TWRP, you are good to go to next step. (If you are rooted, you can use Quick Boot app from play store.)

→ Tip: Once you boot into TWRP, create a backup so that if anything goes wrong, you can restore this backup to fix your device.

Step 5. In TWRP recovery, tap on Install > locate the radio+bootloader file and tap on it. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to begin flashing the Marshmallow radio and bootloader.

Step 6. Tap on Home button at bottom left of the screen. Then tap on Install > now locate the Marshmallow ROM file and tap on it. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to begin flashing the Marshmallow update. Wait for the ROM to install.

→ If you are installing an AOSP ROM, then be sure to flash the Gapps file after above is done. Otherwise, ignore this.

Step 7. When done, tap on reboot system button to restart the device.

Enjoy!

And, look here if you need to root Marshmallow update.

Need help? Let us know via comments below.