Install Android 6.0 Marshmallow On Galaxy Tab S 8.4 [AOSP ROM]

Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is currently running on Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. This device is in the que to get Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Google has already released Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Since we are 2 iterations behind, we do not expect this device nearing Android 6.0 Marshmallow anytime soon. There hasn’t been any hint from Samsung either regarding updating the Tab S lineup to Marshmallow. While Samsung is silent on this, an AOSP custom ROM has already landed in for our beloved Tab S 8.4. You can now easily install this AOSP Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on your Galaxy Tab S 8.4 SM-T700 and enjoy a look and feel of all new Android 6.0 on your tablet.

Before we head towards the installation instructions, let’s have a recap on the Tab S 8.4. Samsung released this device back in July 2014 equipping an 8.4 inch 1600 x 2560 pixels dispay. Samsung planted an 8MP camera at the back, and a 2.1 MP on the front. Tab S 8.4 is powered up with Exynos 5420 CPU and a 3 GB RAM. It runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box.

Let’s go ahead and flash AOSP Android 6.0 Marshmallow on Galaxy Tab S 8.4 SM-T700 (WiFi) now.

Early Preparations

1. This ROM is only for Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 SM-T700. Also make sure that your phone is running Android Lollipop. Do not try this on any other device, please check your device’s model and firmware in Settings > About Devicel.
2. Your device must have a custom recovery installed, in case you’re missing it you may Follow our full guide here to install TWRP 2.8 recovery on your Tab S 8.4.
3. Your device’s battery should be charged at least over 60%. This is highly recommended in order to prevent any power issues during the flashing process.
4. Make sure that you backup your important media content, Contacts, Call Logs & Messages. This is highly recommended just in case something goes wrong and you need to reset your phone.
5. If you already have rooted your device, use Titanium Backup to back up all your important apps + system data.
6. Also if you are using a custom recovery, it is recommended that you backup your current system using that first. [Just for the sake of safety]. Here’s our full Nandroid Backup guide.
7. You will have to go through Data Wipes during installation of this ROM, so make sure that you have backed up all the mentioned data.
8. Make an EFS backup of your phone before you flash this ROM.
9. You need enough confidence to flash this ROM.
10. Alright! Go ahead and flash the custom firmware, follow this guide to the letter.

Disclaimer: The methods involved in flashing custom roms and rooting your phone are highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is SAMSUNG in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligible for any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.

To read what’s new in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you may checkout this.

How To Install Android 6.0 Marshmallow On Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4 Using AOSP Custom ROM

1. Download AOSP ROM.zip
   • AOSP Marshmallow .zip file for SM-T700
2. Download Gapps.zip file for Android Marshmallow.
3. Download SuperSu 2.50.zip file.
4. Connect your phone to your PC now.
5. Copy all .zip files to the storage of your Tab.
6. Now disconnect your phone and turn it off complete.
7. Boot into TWRP recovery now, in order to do so, turn it on by pressing and holding Volume Up + Home Button + Power Key. You should see the recovery mode in a while.
8. Now in TWRP  recovery, wipe cache, factory data reset and advanced options > dalvik cache.
9. After wiping all these three, select “Install” option.
10. Now select “Install > Choose Zip from SD card > Select AOSP 6.0.zip file > Yes”.
11. This will flash the ROM in your phone, once done get back to the main menu in recovery.
12. Now once again select “Install > Choose Zip from SD card > Select Gapps.zip file > Yes”
13. This will flash the Gapps in your phone.
14. Reboot your device.
15. You should see the Android 6.0 Marshmallow running on your device in a while.
16. That’s all!

First boot may take up to 10 minutes, you may not worry if it’s taking that much long. In case it’s taking too long, you may boot into TWRP recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache and reboot your device as it may fix the issue. In case your device is having issues, you may return to your old system using the Nandroid backup or follow our guide here to install stock firmware.

Got any queries? Reach us out through the comment box below.

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