Stability: 8/10 Best for: Power users who want customization.

Based on LineageOS, crDroid adds a massive amount of customization. You can change the status bar, gesture controls, animations, and even the lock screen clock styles. It also includes a built-in system-wide firewall.

Disclaimer: Custom ROMs void warranty, risk data loss, and may trip Knox (permanently disabling Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, etc.). Proceed at your own risk.

Verdict: If you use the tablet for productivity and note-taking, root it. If you use it for banking and streaming, skip root.

For the SM-P585Y, the decision depends entirely on how you use the tablet:

Disclaimer: Modifying your device carries the risk of "bricking" it (rendering it unusable). Always verify that a ROM is specifically built for the model number SM-P585Y before flashing. Flashing a ROM meant for the Wi-Fi only model (SM-P580) can damage your modem.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 with S Pen (SM-P585Y), released in late 2016, remains a capable device for note-taking and media consumption. However, as official software support has ended, installing a custom ROM is the best way to upgrade to modern Android versions like Android 13 or 14. Why Install a Custom ROM on SM-P585Y?

Modern Software: Transition from outdated Android 8.1 Oreo to newer versions like LineageOS 20 (Android 13).

Performance Boost: Custom ROMs often remove Samsung's "bloatware," leading to smoother UI animations and better battery management.

Security: Gain access to updated security patches that the official firmware no longer provides. Top Custom ROM Options

LineageOS (Unofficial): The most popular choice for the SM-P58x series. Unofficial builds of LineageOS 20 and 21 provide a clean, near-stock Android experience while maintaining S Pen functionality.

/e/OS: A privacy-focused ROM that removes Google services. Recent unofficial builds for the "gtanotexllte" (SM-P585) codename are available for those seeking a "de-Googled" experience.

Project Elixir / DotOS: Occasionally ported by community developers on XDA Forums, these ROMs offer deep visual customization. Essential Prerequisites Before flashing, you must prepare your device and PC:

For the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2016) with S Pen ( ), finding a "good piece" of custom software can be tricky because development is often grouped with its non-S Pen siblings. The SM-P585Y (code name gtanotexllte

) shares much of its hardware with the SM-T585, but specific S Pen functionality often breaks on standard ROMs unless they are explicitly built for the "gtanotexl" variants. Best Custom ROM Options (2025/2026) /e/OS (Unofficial Builds)

: This is currently one of the most active projects for this device family. It focuses on privacy and de-Googling. Recent unofficial builds for the have been reported as smooth, though some users on the e/OS Community forum noted potential Wi-Fi stability issues. LineageOS 20 (Android 13)

: While official support is rare for this model, unofficial LineageOS builds are the go-to for "reviving" the tablet. These ROMs can update the device from its final official Android 8.1 version to much newer Android versions, allowing for better app compatibility. GSI (Generic System Images)

: Since this tablet supports Project Treble (if updated to later stock versions), you can technically flash GSIs like

(Android 14). However, GSIs are often prone to bugs with specific hardware like the camera or Bluetooth on older Samsung devices. Key Considerations Before Flashing S Pen Support

: Most generic ROMs (LineageOS, etc.) will treat the S Pen as a basic stylus. You will likely lose "Air Command" and specific Samsung Note features unless you use a TouchWiz-based custom ROM. Performance : Custom ROMs typically improve speed by removing background bloatware and using a more lightweight system UI. Installation : You will need a custom recovery like

specifically for the SM-P585. Tutorials for the SM-T585 are often similar but not identical

—always ensure the recovery is for "gtanotexl" (P580/P585) and not "gtaxl" (T580/T585) to avoid bricking. Recommended Resources

This is the story of "The Phoenix Tablet"—a tale of a forgotten Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (SM-P585Y)

and the digital alchemist determined to give it a second life.

sat in the back of Elias’s desk drawer, a thin layer of dust coating its screen. In its prime, it was a workhorse—the rare "with S-Pen" variant that Elias used to sketch architectural designs and manage emails while traveling. But time is a cruel master to mobile hardware. Stuck on an aging version of Android, the once-snappy tablet had become a sluggish relic, stuttering through basic apps and losing support for modern security patches.

"One last try," Elias muttered, pulling the tablet from the drawer. He didn't want to buy a new one; the hardware was still solid, the screen vibrant, and the S-Pen felt just as natural as ever. He needed a Custom ROM. The Descent into the Forums

Elias began his journey where all such stories start: the dimly lit digital corridors of XDA Developers. He searched for " ," the specific LTE variant of the Tab A with the stylus.

He found a community of enthusiasts who refused to let their hardware die. They spoke in the language of bootloaders, kernels, and recovery images. He learned that the first step wasn't the software itself, but the "gatekeeper"—TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). The Ritual of Flashing

With a deep breath, Elias connected the tablet to his PC. He put the device into Download Mode, the screen turning a bright, clinical teal.

Unlocking the Gate: He used Odin on his computer to flash the TWRP recovery. One wrong move here could "brick" the device, turning his tablet into a very expensive paperweight. The progress bar crawled... Pass!

The Clean Slate: Entering the new TWRP recovery menu, he performed a "Full Wipe." He watched as the old, bloated Samsung software was scrubbed away.

The Incantation: He selected the Custom ROM file he had downloaded—a version of LineageOS (or perhaps a refined Project Elixir port). He swiped the slider to "Flash."

Lines of white text scrolled across the black screen like falling rain in The Matrix. He also flashed a "GApps" package, the secret sauce that would bring the Google Play Store back to life. The Rebirth

The tablet vibrated. The screen went black, then the new boot animation appeared—not the familiar Samsung logo, but a pulsing, minimalist loop. It stayed there for minutes. The "Bootloop" anxiety set in. Then, suddenly, the "Welcome" screen appeared.

Elias navigated the setup. The tablet was unrecognizable. The heavy "TouchWiz" skin was gone, replaced by the clean, airy aesthetic of near-stock Android. It was fast. Apps that used to take five seconds to open now snapped into view instantly. The S-Pen's New Soul

The biggest worry was the S-Pen. Would it still work? Elias pulled the stylus from its slot. A small cursor appeared on the screen, following the tip perfectly. While he lost some of the proprietary Samsung "Air Command" menus, he gained a device that felt five years younger and was secured against modern threats.

wasn't just a tablet anymore; it was a testament to the power of the open-source community. Elias put it back on his desk—not in the drawer, but right next to his laptop, ready to work.

, or are you interested in which ROMs are currently the most stable for that model?

Let’s be honest. Flashing a custom ROM is not for the faint of heart. You must understand the risks.

Most custom ROMs come without root (unlike old days). You can flash Magisk via TWRP to gain root access.

Before you search for an "SM-P585Y custom ROM download," ensure you have the following:

Critical Warning: This guide is for the SM-P585Y (International LTE version with S-Pen). Do not attempt this on SM-P585N, SM-P585M, or the Wi-Fi only SM-P580. The modem drivers are different.