Android Lollipop and Marshmallow are two of the most popular versions of the Android operating system. While Lollipop was released in 2014, Marshmallow was released in 2015, bringing several new features and improvements to the table. If you’re still using a device running on Lollipop, you might be wondering if it’s possible to upgrade to Marshmallow. In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and provide a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your device.
Understanding Android Version Upgrades
Before we dive into the process of upgrading from Lollipop to Marshmallow, it’s essential to understand how Android version upgrades work. Android is an open-source operating system, which means that device manufacturers and carriers can customize the software to suit their needs. This also means that the upgrade process can be complex and time-consuming.
When a new version of Android is released, device manufacturers and carriers need to test and certify the software for their devices. This process can take several months, and sometimes, it may not be possible to upgrade a device to the latest version of Android.
Factors Affecting Android Version Upgrades
Several factors can affect the possibility of upgrading your device from Lollipop to Marshmallow. These include:
- Device compatibility: Not all devices are compatible with the latest version of Android. Device manufacturers may not provide upgrades for older devices or devices with limited hardware capabilities.
- Carrier support: Carriers may not support upgrades for all devices, especially if they have customized the software for their network.
- Hardware limitations: Devices with limited hardware capabilities may not be able to run the latest version of Android.
Checking if Your Device is Eligible for an Upgrade
Before attempting to upgrade your device, it’s essential to check if it’s eligible for an upgrade. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your device’s Settings app
- Scroll down and select “About phone” or “About device”
- Look for the “Android version” or “Software version” section
- Check if your device is running on Lollipop (Android 5.0 or 5.1)
- Check your device manufacturer’s website for information on available upgrades
Device Manufacturers That Supported Marshmallow Upgrades
Several device manufacturers supported Marshmallow upgrades for their devices. These include:
- Samsung: Samsung supported Marshmallow upgrades for several devices, including the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and Note 5.
- Google: Google supported Marshmallow upgrades for its Nexus devices, including the Nexus 5, 6, and 7.
- Motorola: Motorola supported Marshmallow upgrades for several devices, including the Moto X and Moto G.
Upgrading Your Device to Marshmallow
If your device is eligible for an upgrade, you can follow these steps to upgrade to Marshmallow:
- Backup your data: Before upgrading your device, make sure to backup your data, including contacts, photos, and apps.
- Check for updates: Go to your device’s Settings app and check for updates. If an update is available, select “Download and install” to begin the upgrade process.
- Use a custom ROM: If your device is not eligible for an official upgrade, you can use a custom ROM to upgrade to Marshmallow. However, this method requires technical expertise and can void your device’s warranty.
Using a Custom ROM to Upgrade to Marshmallow
Using a custom ROM to upgrade to Marshmallow requires technical expertise and can void your device’s warranty. However, it’s a viable option if your device is not eligible for an official upgrade. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a custom ROM to upgrade to Marshmallow:
- Root your device: Rooting your device gives you superuser access, which is required to install a custom ROM.
- Install a custom recovery: A custom recovery is required to install a custom ROM. Popular custom recoveries include TWRP and CWM.
- Download a Marshmallow custom ROM: Download a Marshmallow custom ROM for your device from a reputable source, such as XDA Developers.
- Install the custom ROM: Use the custom recovery to install the custom ROM.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Lollipop to Marshmallow is possible, but it depends on several factors, including device compatibility, carrier support, and hardware limitations. If your device is eligible for an upgrade, you can follow the steps outlined in this article to upgrade to Marshmallow. However, if your device is not eligible for an official upgrade, you can use a custom ROM to upgrade to Marshmallow. Remember to backup your data and use caution when using a custom ROM, as it can void your device’s warranty.
Additional Tips and Precautions
- Backup your data regularly: Regular backups can help you recover your data in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process.
- Use a reputable source for custom ROMs: Only download custom ROMs from reputable sources, such as XDA Developers, to avoid malware and other security risks.
- Be cautious when rooting your device: Rooting your device can void your warranty and increase the risk of security vulnerabilities.
By following the steps outlined in this article and using caution when upgrading your device, you can successfully upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow and enjoy the latest features and improvements that Android has to offer.
What are the benefits of upgrading from Lollipop to Marshmallow?
Upgrading from Lollipop to Marshmallow offers several benefits, including improved performance, enhanced security features, and new functionality. Marshmallow introduces a new permissions system, allowing users to control what data apps can access, and also includes features like Doze mode, which helps to extend battery life.
Additionally, Marshmallow provides improved support for fingerprint recognition, USB-C, and other hardware features. The update also includes a number of user interface tweaks and improvements, making it easier to use and navigate. Overall, upgrading to Marshmallow can help to breathe new life into an older device, making it feel faster, more secure, and more feature-rich.
Is it possible to upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow on any device?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow on every device. The availability of the Marshmallow update depends on the device manufacturer and carrier, as well as the device’s hardware specifications. Some devices may not be compatible with Marshmallow, or the manufacturer may not have released an update for that particular device.
In general, devices that were released around the same time as Lollipop or later are more likely to be eligible for the Marshmallow update. However, even if a device is eligible, the update may not be available immediately, and it may take some time for the manufacturer to release it.
How do I check if my device is eligible for the Marshmallow update?
To check if your device is eligible for the Marshmallow update, you can check the device manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support. You can also check your device’s settings menu to see if there are any available updates. Go to Settings > About phone > System updates to check for any available updates.
If an update is available, you can download and install it directly from the settings menu. Keep in mind that the availability of the update may depend on your location and carrier, so it’s possible that the update may not be available in your area.
What are the system requirements for upgrading to Marshmallow?
The system requirements for upgrading to Marshmallow vary depending on the device, but in general, you’ll need a device with at least 1GB of RAM and a processor that supports the ARMv7 architecture. You’ll also need to have enough free storage space to download and install the update.
In terms of software, you’ll need to be running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later to be eligible for the Marshmallow update. Additionally, your device will need to have a compatible kernel and firmware to support the update.
How do I upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow?
To upgrade from Lollipop to Marshmallow, go to Settings > About phone > System updates and check for any available updates. If an update is available, you can download and install it directly from the settings menu. Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has enough battery life to complete the update process.
Once you’ve downloaded the update, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. The update process may take several minutes to complete, and your device may restart several times during the process. Once the update is complete, your device will be running Marshmallow.
What are the potential risks of upgrading to Marshmallow?
As with any software update, there are potential risks associated with upgrading to Marshmallow. One of the main risks is that the update may cause compatibility issues with certain apps or hardware components. Additionally, the update process may fail, leaving your device in an unstable state.
To minimize the risks, make sure to back up your data before attempting the update, and ensure that your device is fully charged and connected to a Wi-Fi network. It’s also a good idea to wait for a few days after the update is released to see if any major issues are reported by other users.
Can I downgrade from Marshmallow back to Lollipop if I’m not satisfied with the update?
Downgrading from Marshmallow back to Lollipop is possible, but it’s not always a straightforward process. The process for downgrading varies depending on the device and manufacturer, and it may require technical expertise and specialized software.
In general, it’s not recommended to downgrade from Marshmallow to Lollipop, as this can cause compatibility issues and potentially brick your device. If you’re not satisfied with the Marshmallow update, it’s recommended to try to resolve any issues you’re experiencing or to wait for a future update that may address your concerns.