Root and Install CWM Recovery on Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

The smaller version of Xperia Z1 is now on pre-order at several retailers in the UK. The new Sony Xperia Z1 Compact pre-orders, as Phones 4u notes, are expected on 31 of this month.

Prior to its market roll-out, recognised XDA developer, DooMLoRD has released a CWM-based recovery v6.0.4.6 for the Xperia Z1 Compact. Besides, the developer has shared easy methods to install CWM recovery and root package on the device. The root method uses SuperSU root package by Chainfire. Head over to the development thread to learn more about the CWM and root process for Xperia Z1 Compact.

Those who wish to root their Xperia Z1 Compact on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and install CWM recovery may follow our step-by-step guide.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are also advised to verify their devices meet following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact to connect the Android device with the computer.

2) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM or, TWRP then backup data using the same.

3) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Xperia Z1 Compact should have charge above 80% battery charge.

4) The bootloader of the phone should be unlocked. [Click here for a guide to unlock Xperia Z bootloader for help, as the process is similar on all Sony devices.]

5) The CWM recovery and SuperSU root files work only with Sony Xperia Z1 Compact D5503. As applying this to any other variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Xperia Z1 by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

6) Rooting the device will void manufacturer's warranty.

Download files

Kernel file [File name: Z1c_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-114_v01.img]

Fastboot files [File name: adb-fastboot-files.rar]

How to install CWM recovery on Sony Xperia Z1 Compact

Step-1: Extract the Fastboot zip file into a folder to get these files

adb.exe

AdbWinApi.dll

AdbWinUsbApi.dll

fastboot.exe

Step-2: Place the downloaded kernel file in the same folder where the fastboot files are extracted. Rename the kernel file as boot.img

Step-3: Boot the Xperia Z1 Compact into fastboot mode. For this, first switch off the phone. Press and hold Volume Up button and connect the phone to the computer using USB cable. The LED will turn blue

Step-4: Once the device is in fastboot mode, navigate to the place where you have extracted the fastboot file and hold SHIFT key on the keyboard and Right-Click and select Open Command Prompt

Step-5: Flash the boot.img from the command prompt. Type the following command inside the command prompt

fastboot flash boot boot.img

Step-6: When the boot.img is installed, reboot the phone into recovery mode from fastboot by typing the following command in the command prompt

fastboot reboot

Step-7: The phone will reboot now

Now you can boot the phone into recovery mode. Power off the Xperia Z1 Compact. Turn on the device again and when the phone's LED notification light turns pink, keep pressing either Volume Up or Volume Down button for a couple of times to boot the phone into recovery mode.

How to root Sony Xperia Z1 Compact via CWM recovery

Step-1: Download SuperSU file for Xperia Z1 Compact

File name: UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.91.zip

Step-2: Move the SuperSU root file to a separate folder on phone and remember the location

Step-3: Boot the phone into recovery mode. Switch off the phone. Turn it on again and when the phone's LED notification light turns pink (or, to any other colour), start pressing either Volume Up or Volume Down button for a couple of times to boot the phone into recovery mode

Step-4: Make a Nandroid backup from recovery. It is optional but, very important if something goes wrong you will be to restore to current easily. Go to Backup and Restore>> Backup

Step-5: Select Install zip>> Choose zip from sdcard>> now browse to the location where you have saved the root file. Select it and confirm installation

Step-6: When the installation process is completed, return to the recovery menu and select reboot system now to reboot the phone

How to root Sony Xperia Z1 Compact via TWRP recovery

Step-1: Boot the phone into recovery. To do so, turn off the phone. Turn it on again and when you see the phone's LED notification light turn pink, start pressing either Volume Up or Volume Down button for a couple of times to enter into recovery mode

Step-2: Create a Nandroid backup from recovery. It is optional but, very important if something goes wrong you will be to restore to current status easily. Navigate to Backup>> select all checkboxes and swipe on Swipe to confirm option at the bottom of the screen

Step-3: Tap on Install>> browse to the location where you have saved the root file and tap on the file. Now at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on Swipe to confirm flash option

Step-4: Once the installation process is completed, return to the main recovery menu and tap on Reboot >> tap on System to reboot the phone

As the Xperia Z1 Compact boots up, it should be successfully rooted with CWM recovery install on the phone.

[Source: Android Soul]