You cannot install a Custom ROM directly with the stock Samsung recovery. You must replace it with Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP).
If you prefer Samsung features (like the camera interface or Samsung settings) but want a newer Android version than what Samsung officially provided:
This guide shows how to prepare, unlock, install a custom recovery, and flash a custom ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A6 LTE — model SM‑T285 (2016). It assumes basic familiarity with ADB/fastboot/Odin and Windows drivers. Target outcome: a working custom ROM (LineageOS-style or AOSP-based) with Google apps optionally installed.
Follow this process precisely. Rushing is the number one cause of bricking your tablet. samsung galaxy tab a6 smt285 custom rom
Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader
Step 2: Flash TWRP using Odin
Step 3: Wipe the System
Step 4: Flash the Samsung Galaxy Tab A6 SM-T285 Custom ROM
Step 5: Reboot and Patience
To return to stock:
If storage full or transfer fails:
Samsung didn’t have a traditional unlock toggle for this tablet. Instead: