In this article I’m going to share step by step guide to flash or install Android Marshmallow 6.0 (developer preview 3) on 2 on Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player. So, if you can’t wait to try the new developer preview, then don’t miss to check this guide.
Google finally confirmed that M is for Marshmallow, by following their tradition and placing a new statue in front of its Mountain View, CA HQ. Android Marshmallow (6.0) is going to be the successor to Android 5.0 Lollipop that was released last year. This update is going to be the incremental update for Android Lollipop (5.0)
Android 6.0 is not ready yet, but the final developer preview is released by Google which offer developers and enthusiasts to try the Android M beta before the official release. Google confirmed that Android 6.0 will arrive before the end of the September.
Developer Preview 2 comes with big enhancements and bug fixes, and this third (final) update also added lots of new feature to Android Marshmallow developer 3 (final version) including the new boot animation, which will definitely make you excited about Android Marshmallow 6.0. Like before, Google has released the Android M (Marshmallow) developer preview images for latest Nexus devices including Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player.
Google also pushing over the air (OTA) updated to Android M Developer preview 2 for those who have already flashed Android M developer preview 1. You can check about the OTA update in Setting> About and here you can see whether the OTA is available. If it’s not there yet, then you should see that, it should show up “within a few days of availability.”
If you can’t wait for the OTA update you can also flash preview images on Android M developer 3 on your Nexus device and taste the new Android M.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Flashing a new system image deletes all user data. Be certain to first backup any personal data such as photos.
- Make sure to install proper Google Nexus USB drivers and ADB drivers.
- Enable USB Debugging by going to Settings> Developer Options and Enable USB Debugging.
Download Preview Image of Android M Developer Preview 2
- Nexus 5 (hammerhead) Image: hammerhead-MPZ44Q-preview-55d76d3a.tgz
- Nexus 6 (shamu) Image: shamu-MPA44G-preview-6ad5fb56.tgz
- Nexus 9 (volantis) Image: volantis-MPA44G-preview-7ff8343a.tgz
- Nexus Player (fugu) Image: fugu-MPA44G-preview-f9cc2862.tgz
Steps to Flash Android M Developer Preview Images on Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Nexus Player
1. Download the appropriate system image for your device below, then unzip it to a safe directory.
2. Connect your device to your computer over USB.
3. Start the device in fastboot mode with one of the following methods:
4. Using the adb tool: With the device powered on, execute:
adb reboot bootloader
Using a key combo: Turn the device off, then turn it on and immediately hold down the relevant key combination for your device. For example, to put a Nexus 5 (“hammerhead”) into fastboot mode, press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down + Power as the device begins booting up.
5. If necessary, unlock the device’s bootloader by running:
fastboot oem unlock
The target device will show you a confirmation screen. (This erases all data on the target device.)
6. Open a terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.
7. Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.
Note: Installation process can take few minute. So don’t panic if you device doesn’t boot after 5 minutes.
Once the script finishes, your device reboots. You should now lock the bootloader for security:
1. Start the device in fastboot mode again, as described above.
2. Execute:
fastboot oem lock
Locking bootloader will wipe the data on some devices. After locking the bootloader, if you want to flash the device again, you must run fastboot oem unlock again, which will wipe the data.
Why don’t you try Android Marshmallow 6.0 Developer Preview 3 (final version) on your Nexus phone and let me know what things you like about this update.
