Update Xperia Z1 to Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Sony Xperia Z1 (C6902 and C6903) can now be updated to Android 4.4.2 KitKat with the latest Cyanogenmod 11 ROM, which brings stock-like Android features for a bloatware-free experience.

The ROM brings a host of new features, apps and capabilities such as faster multitasking, enhanced Google Now, immersive mode and smarter Caller ID. The installation of this ROM requires custom recovery tools such as ClockworkMod (CWM) to be pre-installed on the device.

The CM11 ROM is based on the original Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and brings the best custom KitKat features to non-Nexus and older Android devices with powerful hardware configuration.

Interested users who wish to install the latest KitKat update on their Xperia Z1 can follow our step-by-step guide given below. IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to device during or after the ROM installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

• The CyanogenMod 11 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Sony Xperia Z1 C6902 and C6903 models only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE: Tap the phone's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
• Make sure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
• Ensure the device is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with the latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5) or install CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly which includes CWM recovery v6.0.4.5.
• If the device is stuck at booting or experiencing boot loop issues, perform Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
• Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before you start working on it.

Downloads Required

• Android 4.4.2 KitKat CyanogenMod 11 ROM for Xperia Z1
• Google Apps

Steps to Install Android 4.4.2 KitKat on Xperia Z1 with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.2 KitKat CyanogenMod 11 ROM for Xperia Z1 (C6902 and C6903) to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Xperia Z1 to computer via USB cable. Without extracting, copy the downloaded firmware zip and Google Apps zip files to the root folder of the phone's SD card.

Step-4: Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely. Disconnect the USB cable from computer.

Step-5: Press and hold Volume Up, Homeand Powerbuttons together, until the startup logo appears on screen.

Step-6: Release all three buttons at the same time to boot into recovery mode. NOTE:In recovery mode, use Volumekeys to navigate between options and Powerkey to select the desired option.

Step-7: Perform Wipe data/Factory reset(this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress) and choose Yes on next screen to confirm the action.

Step-8: Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage> Format System and click Yes on next screen to confirm. Then perform Wipe Cache Partition. From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advancedand choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.

NOTE: Flash CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly before you proceed (use step 9). Once CM 10.2 Nightly is flashed, you will have access to CWM recovery v6.0.4.5 and then you can install/flash CyanogenMod 11 ROM (repeat step 9).

Step-9: Select Install Zip from sdcardand then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CyanogenMod 11 ROM file which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.

Step-10: Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.

Step-11: Once Google Apps is also installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++"and reboot the phone by tapping reboot system nowfrom the recovery menu. Your Xperia Z1 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Xperia Z1 is now running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: Team Android]