How to Install CyanogenMod on Samsung Galaxy S6

Have you been patiently waiting and watching the official CyanogenMod site for your chance to install one of their custom ROMs on your S6? It’s not there. The S6 isn’t supported by CyanogenMod. But why are you still waiting?

Despite the S6 being absent from the list of supported devices on the CyanogenMod website, Android is open-source, so there’s nothing stopping independent developers from creating their own ROMs. And that is exactly what has happened.

If you love the level of customization CyanogenMod provides, or you have grown weary of waiting on Samsung or Google to update your device to the latest operating system, this custom ROM is for you.

Installing any custom ROM, and perhaps especially an unofficial custom ROM is not without risk. Your warranty will be void, and there are bound to be some bugs. However, you can restore your device to its previous or original state if things go awry. While you need to keep this caution in mind, let’s get started. Here’s how to install CyanogenMod on Samsung Galaxy S6.

Update by Installing CyanogenMod 13 with Marshmallow

Note: This walkthrough is for rooted devices with a custom recovery already installed

If you can’t stand the suspense, installing CyanogenMod 13 is one way that you can get Marshmallow ahead of the rest. The S6 is right on the cusp of receiving the official update, but you can have it before all your friends. Marshmallow will bless your phone with an overall improvement in speed, customizable Quick Settings, better battery life, storage via SD card, and finer control over apps—just to name a few.

Must Read: 22 Best CyanogenMod Features For Making Your Life Easier

It is worth emphasizing that this is a custom ROM that was only recently released. Users have reported possible issues with the camera, GPS, 3D graphics, and more. This method is intended to be used with models SM-G920F, SM-G920S, and SM-G920K only. If you meet these requirements and you are the adventurous sort, this will be great for you.

Step 1: Complete a Backup of Your S6

• When backing up your Samsung Galaxy S6, you should include your messages, contacts, photos, and anything else you wish to save.
• You will also want to ensure that your S6 has at least 80% charge.
• There is, of course, at least one app for that. For suggestions, follow the link below.

Step 2: Ensure You Are Running the Latest Version of Recovery Program

• If you are using TWRP, make sure that it is v2.8 or greater. Older versions will most likely fail.

Step 3: Download Cyanogenmod 13 ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S6 to the Internal Storage of Your S6

• You can also download the file to your PC and use a USB connection to transfer it to your S6 if you prefer.

Step 4: Download: Cyanogenmod 13 ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S6

Step 5: Enable USB Debugging in Developer Options

• Go to Device Information from the Settings menu.
• Tap Build Number several times (approximately seven times). A window should appear, verifying that the Developer mode (is) enabled. If you have already done this step previously, your phone will tell you it’s unnecessary.
• You can accomplish this by going to Settings and tapping on Developer Options.

Step 6: While You Are in Developer Options, Go Ahead and Enable OEM Unlock as Well

• Move the toggle.

Step 7: Download Open Gapps (Open Source Version of Gapps Zip File) to Your Internal Storage

• If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can first place the files on your computer and then transfer via USB cable.
• Ensure that the proper USB drivers are installed first.

Step 8: Download: Open Google Apps

Step 9: Turn Off the Power to Your S6

• Hold down the Power button.

Step 10: Boot into Recovery Mode

• Press the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons simultaneously until the Recovery Mode appears.
• Now you can navigate by using the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons.

Step 11: Wipe the /data and /system Partitions.

• For CWM Recovery, press Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm.
• For TWRP, use the Wipe option.

Step 12: Install Cyanogenmod by Tapping on Install and Locating the Cm Rom Zip File That You Downloaded in Step 3

• In the custom recovery, the Install option is located on the Main Menu.

Step 13: Now Install the Open Google Apps Package

• Go back to the main menu of the custom recovery and tap Install again.
• Navigate to the Open Gapps zip file that you transferred to your Samsung in Step 6.

Step 14: Reboot Your S6

• From the main menu of the custom recovery, select Reboot System Now.

Conclusion

If you go with the CyanogenMod ROM, you will have the advantage of built-in battery improvement due to a lack of bloatware; nearly doubled by the battery advantage that Marshmallow brings. However, since the S6 is not on the list of supported devices, there are going to be some bugs. It is a trade-off.

Despite any risk, there are compelling reasons to install CyanogenMod on Samsung Galaxy S6 instead of just waiting for the OTA upgrade due very soon. To learn more about Marshmallow’s best features, click on the link below.

Tell us how you like having CyanogenMod on your Samsung S6 in the comments section below. If you are still having difficulty installing the custom ROM, tell us about your troubles. Problems with Marshmallow?

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