Root and Install TWRP on Sony Xperia Z running 5.1.1

The Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update was finally released for the Sony Xperia Z, ZL and ZR series via OTA (over-the-air). It comes with the build number 10.7.A.0.222 and it brings many improvements for these devices. If you own a Sony Xperia Z, ZL or ZR device and you’ll receive an update notification, you will need to select the “Yes, download” option, followed by “Install now” (after the download is complete). After the mobile device is updated to the new Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS, it will restart instantly and you will see that it runs on the latest Android version.

The Android 5.1.1 update comes with improvements and bug fixes and it is not considered a major update for the devices we’ve mentioned above. As any other OTA update, depending on the region you live in and the carrier you are connected to, you will receive the update sooner or later.

Unfortunately, the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update (build number 10.7.A.0.222) doesn’t come with a fix for the Stagefright exploit. According to the Xperia Blog, the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OTA update is also expected to be released for Sony’s mid-range devices such as: Xperia M2 Aqua, Xperia M2 and Xperia M2 Dual.

If you have updated your Xperia Z or ZL with stock Android 5.1.1 firmware that brings build version 10.7.A.0.222 released by Sony recently and are now looking for a root method, here is some good news. You can use the modified boot images by recognized XDA contributor, shoey63, to get TWRP recovery. With the recovery installed, rooting the phones using SuperSU is pretty easy.

Preparations

First of all you will need to ensure a few things before we start:

• Confirm you are using an unlocked Sony Xperia Z
  

Note: Carrier models might not work with this method. The user is to perform this at their own risk.

• Ensure that you have the necessary Sony drivers installed (Download here).
• Check if you have at least 80-85% of battery charge. We don’t want the phone dying in the middle of the process.
• If you have done this process before on other devices then you must be familiar with ADB and fastboot. Ensure that you have it installed.

For those who aren’t familiar with ADB and fastboot, Please refer to our detailed guide on How to Setup ADB and Fastboot on Windows within Seconds

• Enable USB-Debugging from Developer Options in the Settings menu.
  • If you cannot find Developer Options, then you’ll have to first enable it by going to Settings -> About Phone -> Build Number and tap it 7 times until you see a small notification that you have enabled it.
  • Then return to the Settings menu, you should find Developer Options there. Open it and enable USB Debugging.

• Make sure that you have backed up all your personal data and apps as all data might be erased!
  • For Contacts, Calendar and People details use Google Accounts Sync to backup
  • For Apps and App Data check out our detailed post here.

Disclaimer: The following procedure is highly risky and there are chances that you may brick your phone if not performed correctly, DroidViews cannot be held responsible if that happens. So the user should tread cautiously and at their own risk.

Downloads

You will need to download these files and save them on your Desktop.

TWRP for Sony Xperia Z: Download here 

SuperSU: Here

Flashing TWRP on your Sony Xperia Z

After preparing your device along with all the required files we can start flashing.

Step 1 – Connect your Sony Xperia Z to your PC using the USB Data cable.

Step 2 – Open Command Prompt and type the following command

adb devices

You should be getting a message saying ‘List of devices attached’ along with your device name. This will confirm that adb has recognized your device.

If you don’t see your device it means you haven’t properly installed your device USB drivers.

Step 3 – Next reboot your device in fastboot/bootloader mode by typing this command in Command prompt

adb reboot bootloader

Step 4 – Now change the directory of your Command prompt to your Desktop by typing this command

cd Desktop

Step 5 – Type the following command next and press Enter

fastboot flash recovery <name of the .img file>

This will flash TWRP custom recovery on your Sony Xperia Z replacing the stock recovery.

Step 6 – Once the flashing is complete, select RECOVERY from the Fastboot menu to enter Recovery Mode, use the volume keys to navigate.

Step 7 – If you see the TWRP logo, then you have successfully performed the steps on you now have TWRP custom recovery installed on your Sony Xperia Z!

Step 8 – You will now see the TWRP Touch Recovery Menu, Select ‘Reboot’ to reboot you device and exit from the recovery.

Rooting the Sony Xperia Z

Now that we have successfully flashed the TWRP custom recovery you have the freedom to start flashing custom ROMs, kernels and other modifications, it’s time to move ahead and root the device, so that we can start using root applications.

Step 1 – Once the device boots up normally, re-connect it to your PC using the USB cable.

Step 2 – Copy the SuperSU.zip file you had downloaded earlier from your Desktop into the root directory of your internal storage.

Step 3 – Reboot you Sony Xperia Z into Recovery Mode.

Step 4 – Select ‘Install’ and scroll all the way to the bottom till you see the ‘SuperSU.zip’ file.

Step 5 – Select the .zip file and swipe the bar to confirm. This will start flashing the .zip file.

Step 6 – Once the flashing finished you will see the ‘Reboot System’ option, click it to reboot your device.

Once the device reboots you will see the SuperSU app appear in your app menu. You can also confirm if your device is rooted by installing and running the Root Checker application.

[googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummyapps.rootchecker”]