Install Android 6 Marshmallow - Here's how
Android 6 Marshmallow is in the starting blocks and will be released with new functions soon. If you install the preview, you can have a look at the new operating system in advance. We'll show you exactly how to do this.
Install Android M Preview - you have to do that
Before you carry out the following steps, you should first make a backup of your smartphone, as a complete reset is necessary. This guide was done with the Google Nexus 9, but also works with the Nexus 5 and 6.
- Connect the Nexus device to your PC and make sure all drivers are installed. This is the case if you can access the device via Explorer. If this is not the case, you will have to reinstall the drivers.
- Activate the "USB debugging" mode on your smartphone. To do this, open the developer options on your Nexus device and activate the item "USB debugging".
- Then download the official Android 6 Preview.
- You also need the "Minimal ADB and Fastboot" software. Download the setup and install the tool on your computer.
- Then unzip the contents of the Android M package into the installation folder of "Minimal ADB and Fastboot", which you can find under "C: / Programs / Minimal ADB and Fastboot".
- Now you need to unlock your Nexus boot loader. To do this, start the "Minimal ADB and Fastboot" software and connect the Nexus to your PC.
- A new window opens with a command line. Enter the command "adb reboot bootloader" there. The device is now started in the so-called "Fastboot mode".
- After a short time, another command line opens in which you enter the "fastboot oem unlock" command. Confirm the process with [Enter].
- Now all you have to do is bring Android M to the device. Enter the command "flash-all.bat" and confirm again with [Enter].
- Then the installation starts. This can take up to 15 minutes. After that, Android 6 is successfully installed and you can close the boot loader.
- After that, you should set up your Android smartphone correctly.
- Tip: You can read about the features you expect with Android 6 and how you can use them in our detailed Android 6 Marshmallow article.
This practical tip is based on Minimal ADB and Fastboot 1.1.3 under Windows 7. In our next practical tip you will find an overview of all Android versions.