How to Root Sony Xperia Z Running on Official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean [GUIDE]

Announced at the international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier in January scheduled at Las Vegas, Sony's flagship smartphone Sony Xperia Z is now available for purchase in the UK. Featuring 5in full HD Reality display powered by Sony Bravia Engine 2, the phone boasts high pixel density at 443 pixels per inch (ppi). The water- and dust-resistant handset runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) firmware.

Before the new smartphone could see a market release, it was rooted, due to the efforts of recognised XDA developer, DooMLoRD, who has discovered and shared the root method. The developer states that the root method works only on Sony Xperia Z C6603 and C6602 versions running on Android 4.1.2 (with build number-10.1.A.1.350). Head over to the development page to know more about the root method.

Xperia Z users who wish to root their devices may follow our step-by-step guide below. IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Before following the tutorial users are advised to verify that their devices meet the requirements mentioned below.

Pre-requisites

1) Download and install USB Driver for Sony Xperia Z on the computer.

2) Create backup of all data of phone. In case the device is having a custom recovery installed, then create a backup of the same.

3) The battery of the Xperia Z should have more than 80 per cent charge.

4) The Bootloader of the phone should be unlocked.

5) The root method works only on Sony Xperia Z (C6603/C6602) running on Android 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.350). Applying this to any other device may brick it.

Steps to root Sony Xperia Z (C6603/C6602) on Android 4.1.2 (10.1.A.1.350)

1) Download and install Android SDK from Android Developers site. Then set it up with downloading platform-tools and USB drivers package in SDK

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode

3) Download Fastboot and extract it in android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory

4) Download Z_DooMLoRD_CF-Auto-Root-Ported _FW-350.img and Z_DooMLoRD_insecure_FW-350.img for Xperia Z and save it to the android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory on the computer

5) Connect the Xperia Z to the computer using USB cable

6) Now place the phone into Bootloader Mode. Navigate to android-sdk-windowsplatform-tools directory and open Command Prompt (Shift + Right Click >> Open Command Prompt)

7) Type the following command and then press Enter

adb reboot bootloader

8) The device will now reboot into the Bootloader Mode/Fastboot Mode

9) Install the Z_DooMLoRD_CF-Auto-Root-Ported _FW-350.img file. Then type the following command and press Enter

fastboot flash boot z_DooMLoRD_CF-Auto-Root-ported_FW-350.img

10) Reboot the Fastboot Mode by typing the following command and press Enter

fastboot reboot

11) A message saying 'Device will reboot in 10 seconds' will appear. Wait for the phone to reboot

12) After the reboot is completed, unplug the USB cable from the phone and switch it off forcefully by pressing and holding Power and Volume Up buttons for about 15 seconds

13) Press and hold the Volume Up button and connect it to the computer again using the USB cable. Keep holding the Volume Up button until the device enters Fastboot Mode

14) Install the stock kernel file Z_DooMLoRD_insecure_FW-350.img

15) Open Fastboot again and type the below mentioned command and press Enter

fastboot flash boot z_DooMLoRD_insecure_FW-350.img

16) Type the following command to reboot Xperia Z and then press Enter

fastboot reboot

The Sony Xperia Z running on Android 4.1.2 firmware is now rooted successfully. Check for the SuperSU app in the app list. To ensure the aforementioned root method is installed and working properly, verify with the Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

[Source: Team Android]