Samsung Galaxy Note 3
A man talks on his mobile phone near advertisements promoting the Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 3 at the company's headquarters in Seoul October 21, 2013. Picture taken October 21, 2013. REUTERS/Kim Hong-JiReuters

Earlier this year, Samsung released Android Lollipop update to the Galaxy Note 3, but sadly the device is no longer eligible for the latest v6.0 Marshmallow.

The flagship phablet is well past its two year life cycle; and hence the company is no longer obligated to roll out the update.

However, for people who are still hanging on to Galaxy Note 3, we have good news to share. Prolific XDA Developer Forum member, who goes by the moniker Morningstar, has released Android Marshmallow based CyanogenMod CM13 series custom ROM to Galaxy Note 3 LTE model.

Also read: Google Android 6.0 Marshmallow: 7 key features you need to know

We would also like remind our readers that this custom ROM is an experimental version, so there are some bugs in it. Galaxy Note 3 users are advised to exercise some caution before going ahead with the firmware installation.

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the custom ROM):

  1. This new CyanogenMod CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM has to be installed on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005) LTE model only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
  2. Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  3. Make sure the PC has USB driver software, or else the device (Galaxy Note 3) will not be recognised by the computer.
  4. Make sure the device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
  5. Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM]

[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod [Unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 LTE via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-

Step 1: Download CyanogenMod [Unofficial] CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM (HERE) in to your PC.

[Note: Google Apps: HERE/ (Alternate) HERE]

Step 2: Connect Galaxy Note 3 to the computer

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]

Step 3: Place the CyanogenMod CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM  into the phone's storage memory.

[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

[Note: If faced with any other issues, please drop-in your concerns, HERE]

[Credits: XDA Developer Forum, CyanogenMod Team, Morningstar]

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