Update Galaxy S2 I9100 to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow via CyanogenMod 13

The Galaxy S2 I9100 has joined the league of lucky devices enjoying Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow based on CyanogenMod 13. CyanogenMod 13 is the aftermarket Android version of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Since it is the most widely used custom ROM, and also happens to be the pioneer of Android custom ROMs, user’s and developers have always remained inclined towards this ROM. CyanogenMod 13 is now available for quite many legacy devices which have been forgotten by their manufacturers in terms of Software updates. The Galaxy S2’s software updates stopped at Android Jelly Bean due to its hardware limitations. Users who still own this device and are also willing to update to the latest and greatest version of Android, they can now do so by means of this CM 13 custom ROM.

If you own a Galaxy S2, it may be the time for you to pull it out of your drawer and wipe off the dust in order to give it a whole new life. The newly available ROM is the nightly build, but it has got most of its mainstream features working. It’s in early development stages so expect a handful of bugs. This, in no way, is meant to be kept as a daily driver. We will only suggest custom ROM freaks to check it out to have a look and feel of Android Marshmallow on their beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. If you’re a newbie, we will recommend you to follow this guide to the letter in order to do everything properly. Let’s have a look on early preps and prepare your device for flashing. Scroll down now and learn to flash Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow CyanogenMod 13 custom ROM on your beloved Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100.

Pre-Installation Instructions:

1. This ROM is only for Samsung Galaxy S II GT-I9100. Do not try this on any other device, please check your device’s model in Settings > About Device > Model.
2. Your device must have a custom recovery installed, in case you’re missing it you may Follow our full guide here to install CWM.
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. Make an EFS backup of your phone before you flash this ROM.
8. You need enough confidence to flash this ROM.
9. Alright! Go ahead and flash the custom firmware, follow this guide to the letter.

How to Update Samsung Galaxy S2 I9100 with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow CM 13.0 Custom ROM

1. Download CWM 6.0.4.9.zip file [KitKat Compatible to flash Marshmallow.]
2. Download latest cm-13.0-xxxxxx-NIGHTLY/Stable-i9100.zip ROM .zip file.
3. Download Google Gapps.zip file.
4. Connect your phone to your PC now.
5. Copy all the three .zip files to the storage of your phone.
6. Now disconnect your phone and turn it off complete.
7. Boot into CWM recovery [that you installed using the link in early preparations] 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 select “Install > Choose Zip from SD card > Select CWM 6.0.4.9.zip file > Yes”. [v.important]
9. This will flash KitKat comaptible CWM recovery in your Galaxy S2.
10. Once flashed, reboot your device again into the recovery mode [use step 7].
11. Now in CWM recovery, wipe cache, factory data reset and advanced options > dalvik cache.
12. After wiping all these three, select “Install” option.
13. Now select “Install > Choose Zip from SD card > Select CM 13.0 ROM.zip file > Yes”.
14. This will flash the ROM in your phone.
15. Once again in CWM select “Install > Choose zip from SD card > Gapps.zip file > Yes”.
16. This will flash Gapps in your phone.
17. Reboot your device.
18. You should see the CyanogenMod 13.0 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow running on your device in a while.
19. 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 CWM 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.

In case you got any issues or you face any difficulties regarding this post, please feel free to stop by the comment box below and let us know. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you all.