Samsung Galaxy S6: what version of Android and how to update it in 2026

Are you still using the legendary Samsung Galaxy S6 and want to know which version Android works on it? This model, released in 2015became one of the most popular flagships of its time, but almost a decade has passed since then. Today we will figure out what firmware the device officially supports, how to check the current version of the OS, and whether it is possible to update it to more recent releases - including unofficial builds.

It is important to understand that Galaxy S6 (models SM-G920F, SM-G925F and their modifications) initially shipped with Android 5.0 Lollipop, but received several official updates. However, due to hardware limitations (processor Exynos 7420, 3 GB of RAM), Samsung stopped supporting the device at level Android 7.0 Nougat. This means that out of the box you will not be able to install a newer version - but there are workarounds.

In this article we will not only answer the question “what Android is on the Samsung S6”, but also:

• 🔍 We will tell you how check the current one firmware version through the settings menu.
• ⚙️ We will explain why Samsung stopped updates and what restrictions this imposes.
• 📱 We will show you how to update to Android 8.0 Oreo or Android 10 via custom firmware (with risks and warnings).
• ⚠️ We will warn you against typical errors during manual updating that can turn a smartphone into a “brick”.

If you plan to use Galaxy S6 in 2026, this information will help assess its capabilities and make an informed decision on further use or upgrade.

Official versions of Android for Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy S6 (including modifications S6 Edge i S6 Edge+) has received three major operating system updates from the manufacturer in its history. Here is the chronology of official firmware:

Android version	One UI version (shell)	Release date	Features
5.0.2 Lollipop	TouchWiz (without One UI)	April 2015	Initial firmware upon release. Interface with a heavy shell TouchWiz, high RAM consumption.
6.0.1 Marshmallow	TouchWiz (updated)	February 2016	Added support Doze Mode to save battery, multitasking has been improved.
7.0 Nougat	Grace UX	March 2017	Last official update. A split screen appeared, notifications in the style Android 7.

After Android 7.0 Nougat Samsung stopped support Galaxy S6 for several reasons:

• 📉 Hardware limitations: the processor Exynos 7420 did not support the new requirements Android 8.0+ k performance.
• 🔋 Battery problems: many users complained about rapid battery wear, which made the device unsuitable for long-term use.
• 💰 Marketing strategy: Samsung focused on promoting new models (Galaxy S8, S9).

⚠️ Attention: If your Galaxy S6 still works on Android 5.0 or 6.0, this means that the updates were not installed automatically. Check the settings or contact the service center for diagnosis.

How to check the current version of Android on Galaxy S6

You can find out what firmware is installed on your Samsung Galaxy S6in a few seconds. Follow the instructions:

1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select About device (or Phone information).
3. Click on Software information.
4. In the section Android version you will see the current firmware (for example, 7.0).
5. The following will be indicated Build number (for example, NRD90M.G920FXXU6EQH1) - it will be useful for finding custom firmware.

If the menu items are different, your device may have unofficial firmware installed. In this case, the path may look like this: Settings → System → About phone → Software information.

You can also find out the Android version through recovery mode (Recovery Mode):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons simultaneously Volume up + Home + Power.
3. In the recovery menu, select Reboot system now - the firmware version will be displayed at the top of the screen.

⚠️ Attention: If when checking the version you see Android 4.4 KitKat is a sign of a fake device. The original Galaxy S6 was never shipped with this firmware.

Is it possible to update the Samsung Galaxy S6 to Android 8, 9 or 10?

Officially - no. Samsung has not released firmware for Galaxy S6 above Android 7.0 Nougat. However, enthusiasts and developers have created unofficial (custom) buildsthat allow you to install more recent versions of the OS. options:

• 📦 LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1 Oreo) - the most stable custom firmware for Galaxy S6Supports most functions, but may be slower than the original one.
• 🛠️ Resurrection Remix (Android 9 Pie) - firmware with advanced settings, but less optimized for old hardware.
• 🧪 Android 10 (AOSP) - experimental builds with bugs (not recommended for everyday use).

Before installing custom firmware, please note:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if it is already valid).
• 🔧 Risk of "bricking" (turning the phone into a non-working device).
• 📵 Problems with the communication module: LTE or Wi-Fi may not work on some firmware.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to unoptimized code.

Details about the risks of custom firmware

Installing unofficial software requires unlocking the bootloader (bootloader), which erases all data and resets the settings to factory settings. In addition, some banking applications (for example, Sberbank Online) can block work on phones with an unlocked bootloader due to a security breach. There is also a high risk of encountering a “soft brick” - when the phone turns on, but does not load beyond the logo.

If you decide to update, here are the minimum ones. requirements:

• 🔌 Battery charge not less 80%.
• 💻 Computer with installed drivers Samsung USB Drivers and app Odin.
• 📥 Backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages).
• 🔓 Unlocked OEM Unlock in the developer settings.

Step-by-step guide: how to update Galaxy S6 to Android 8.1 (LineageOS)

If you are determined to install LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1 Oreo) on your Samsung Galaxy S6, follow these instructions. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk!

First, prepare:

• 🖥️ A computer running Windows 7/10/11 (other tools will be required for Mac/Linux).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or high-quality analogue).
• 📁 Firmware LineageOS 15.1 for zeroflte (G920F) or zerolte (G925F).
• 🔧 app Odin3 v3.14.4 and drivers Samsung USB Drivers.
• 🔄 File TWRP Recovery for your model.

Installation steps:

1. Unlock the bootloader:
   • Activate Developer mode: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and click on it 7 times.
   • Go back to Settings → Developer options and enable OEM Unlock.
2. Install TWRP Recovery:
   • Turn off the phone and hold Volume down + Home + Power to go to Download Mode.
   • Connect the phone to the PC, start Odin and upload the file TWRP to the field AP.
   • Click Start and wait for completion (the phone will reboot into TWRP).
3. Flash LineageOS:
   • In TWRP select Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
   • Click Install and select the downloaded file LineageOS.zip.
   • After installation, flash GApps (Google services) and Magisk (for root access, if necessary).
4. First launch:
   • Reboot the phone. The first boot may take up to 10 minutes.
   • Set up the system as a new phone (restoring from backup copy may cause errors).

⚠️ Attention: If after flashing the phone is stuck on the logo Samsung or LineageOS longer than 15 minutes, then an error has occurred. Try repeating the steps or returning the original firmware via Odin.

Problems after the update and how to solve them

Even if the installation of custom firmware was successful, you may encounter typical problems. the most common of them and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
Mobile network does not work (LTE/3G)	Missing drivers modem in the firmware	Install a patch Modem Fix for your model via TWRP
Rapid battery drain	Unoptimized kernel or background processes	Disable unnecessary services in Settings → Battery or flash the kernel Boeffla Kernel
Google services do not work	Not installed GApps or incorrect version	Flash the package Open GApps for Android 8.1 (option pico or nano)
CPU overheating	Old thermal paste or high loads	Limit performance in Settings → For developers → Background limitation

If none of the solutions helped, return to original firmware. To do this:

1. Download stock firmware for your model from the site SamFW or SamMobile.
2. Unpack the archive and upload the files to Odin:
   • BL → BL_...
   • AP → AP_...
   • CP → CP_...
   • CSC → HOME_CSC_... (so as not to reset the data)

Click Start and wait for completion (phone will reboot automatically).

If after returning to the stock firmware the problems persist, the hardware may be faulty (for example, the communication module or battery). In this case, we recommend contacting a service center.

Alternatives to updating: how to extend the life of the Galaxy S6 without firmware

If there are risks of installing custom firmware firmware scares you, but you want to improve performance Galaxy S6, there are several alternative ways:

• 🧹 Cleaning the system:
  • Remove unnecessary applications through Settings → Applications.
  • Clean cache in Settings → Memory → Cached data.
  • Use utilities like SD Maid or CCleaner (be careful - some functions can be harmful).
• ⚡ Performance optimization:
  • Disable animation: activate Developer mode and install Window animation = 0.5x.
  • Limit background processes: Settings → Battery → Optimization.
  • Install a light launcher, for example Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
• 🔄 Factory reset settings:
  • Create a backup copy of your data.
  • Go to Settings → General management → Reset → Reset data.
  • After resetting, the phone will work faster, but all data will be deleted.
• 🔋 Battery replacement:
  • Old batteries lose capacity and cause lags. Replacing with a new battery can return the device to its former speed.

It is also worth considering cloud services to unload the device:

• 📁 Transfer photos and videos to Google Photos or Yandex Disk.
• 🎵 Use streaming services (Spotify, YouTube Music) instead of storing music locally.
• 📱 Install light versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite, Messenger Lite).

⚠️ Warning: If your Galaxy S6 started to turn off spontaneously when the charge is above 30%, this is a sign battery swelling. Immediately disconnect the device from charging and replacing the battery - risk of fire!

Is it worth upgrading the Galaxy S6 in 2026?

Let's honestly assess what it's capable of Samsung Galaxy S6 9 years after release:

Pros:

• ✅ Design and assembly: glass and metal still look premium.
• ✅ Camera: 16 MP main module with optical stabilization will cope with basic tasks.
• ✅ Complete package: there is NFC, wireless charging (for S6 Edge+), fingerprint scanner.

Cons:

• ❌ Performance: Exynos 7420 and 3 GB of RAM do not support modern applications.
• ❌ Security: lack of updates makes the device vulnerable to viruses.
• ❌ Battery: even after replacement, the battery rarely lasts more than 4-5 hours of active use.
• ❌ Incompatibility: many applications (for example, WhatsApp, Banking Apps) require Android 8.0+.

Conclusion:

• 📵 For everyday use: Galaxy S6 in 2026 only suitable for calls, SMS and light tasks (social networks, instant messengers in the web version).
• 🎮 For games: even Brawl Stars or Clash Royale will slow down at medium settings.
• 💼 For work: not recommended due to the lack of support for modern versions Microsoft Office, Zoom and other business applications.

If you need a smartphone for basic tasks and you are not ready to spend money on a new model, consider budget alternatives:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy A14 (from 15 000 ₽) - a modern budget phone with Android 13 and 4 years of updates.
• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (from 18,000 ₽) - good performance and camera.
• 📱 Motorola Moto G32 (from 12,000 ₽) - pure Android and long-term support.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Samsung Galaxy S6 and Android

Can the Galaxy S6 be officially updated to Android 8.0 or higher?

No, Samsung has stopped supporting Galaxy S6 level Android 7.0 Nougat. Any versions higher are only through unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, etc.), but they are unstable and may disrupt the operation of some functions (for example, mobile network or cameras).

Why doesn’t my Galaxy S6 find updates through Settings?

Most likely, your device already has the latest official firmware installed (Android 7.0To make sure, check the version in Settings → About phone → Software informationIf indicated there NRD90M or newer - there will be no more updates. Also check if updates are disabled manually (Settings → Software update → Auto update).

Is it possible install Android 10 on Galaxy S6 without risk?

Technically yes, but with high risk. Firmware Android 10 for Galaxy S6 exist (for example, from the community XDA Developers), but they:

• Not optimized for Exynos 7420 —there will be lags and overheating.
• May not support the camera, NFC or wireless charging.
• Require unlocking the bootloader, which will reset all data.

We recommend staying at Android 8.1 (LineageOS 15.1) - this is the most balanced option.

How to return the original firmware if the phone does not turn on after the update?

If Galaxy S6 stuck on the logo or does not respond to buttons, try:

1. Hold Volume down + Home + Power to enter Download Mode.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and flash stock firmware via Odin (you can download on SamFW).
3. If Download Mode is not available, try holding Volume up + Home + Power to enter Recovery and do Wipe Data.

If all else fails, contact a service center - the memory (eMMC) may be damaged.

What applications will not work on Android 7.0?

List applications that require Android 8.0+ and are not supported on Galaxy S6:

• 📱 WhatsApp (since 2026 requires Android 5.0+, but some functions are disabled).
• 🏦 Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, VTB Online (require Android 8.0+ for security).
• 🎮 PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact (will not start due to weak hardware).
• 📸 Instagram, TikTok (work, but with lags and without some functions, for example, Reels in high quality).
• 🚗 Yandex Navigator, Google Maps (may slow down when building a route).

Solution: use web versions services (for example, WhatsApp Web) or easy alternatives (for example, Telegram X instead of the main client).