When Samsung plans to release the Marshmallow update for Galaxy Tab S 10.5 isn’t clear yet, but it should be definitely upgrading the tablet to Android 6.0 as it’s quite capable device to run the said update.
Which is why you may wanna test out the unofficial build available the Tab S 10.5, LTE variant, already. After all, it’s been just 2 days since Google eleased the Marshmallow update for Nexus device, and it’s estimated 3-4 months minimum ahead of when Samsung could be coming out with Marshmallow update for Tab S officially.
You won’y Samsung’s TouchWiz UI in this build because it is based on AOSP Android 6.0 code, which means you get pure Android UI on your tablet, something we believe is far better than Samsung’s multi-color and quite outrageous UI.
There are some bugs associated with the update which may sour the Marshmallow update deal a bit, but if you are crazy enough for latest and greatest OS, you’d still want it.
After, all, if you don’t like it, you can simply install the stock Android 5.1.1 firmware back to go back to Samsung’s 5.1.1.
Bugs (7 Oct 2015)
- Modem Data / Phone
- GPS
- Camera
- SDCard not shown using USB MTP
- Bluetooth
Downloads
- Marshmallow custom ROM — Link | File: aosp-eng.ubuntu.20151006.220235.zip (215.88 MB)
- Google Apps (Gapps) — Link (not available yet, you will have to live without them for now)
→ Download the latest version of the ROM, which may have bugs fixed too, from official page 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.
How to Install
Required: You will need to have TWRP recovery installed on your device to be able to install 6.0 custom ROM, or any other ROM for that matter. Check out our page on Galaxy Tab S 10.5 TWRP recovery for this.
Also make sure you Tab S 10.5 is running Android 5.1.1, and not any other Android version than 5.1.1. It works only when you updated your device to Android 5.1.1.
Step 1. Download the Android 6.0 ROM file from above.
Step 2. Transfer the Android 6.0 ROM file to your Galaxy Tab S 10.5. Remember the file’s location.
Step 3. Boot your Galaxy Tab S 10.5 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 Samsung logo on the screen.
You will enter recovery mode soon, and should see TWRP recovery. If you see 3e recovery, then you need to install TWRP — linked above — first for this.
Step 4. 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 homescreen, tap on Wipe, and then do the Swipe action at bottom.
Step 6. Now, install the Tab S 10.5 Marshmallow update. On TWRP’s homescreen, tap on Install, and then locate the Android 6.0 file and tap on it. Then do the Swipe action at bottom to begin flashing the update. Also install the Gapps file (when available) just like that.
The update will start installing, so just hang on till then.
Step 7. When it’s done, tap on Wipe Dalvik cache button. Then, tap on Reboot system button to restart the device.
That’s it. Wait for Galaxy Tab S 10.5 to finish booting up, it may take some time. Once it does, check the Settings > About device. You should have Android 6.0 under Android version. Congos!
Let us know if you need any help with this, via comments below.
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