Xperia Tablet Z Gets Android 4.3 via CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM [How to Install]
Xperia Tablet Z Gets Android 4.3 via CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM [How to Install]

Xperia Tablet Z can now be updated to the latest Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) firmware via newly released unofficial build of CyanogenMod 10.2 (CM10.2) custom ROM. The CM10.2 ROM offers a fast and stable Jelly Bean experience for Xperia Tablet Z users on the latest Android platform.

As this is an unofficial nightly build ROM, it may harbour a few untested bugs or broken features leading to FC errors or boot loop issues. If any such issues arise, just reinstall the latest stock/official firmware or any other stable ROM to fix it.

Key Points to Note

  • The CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM and the instructions provided are limited to Sony Xperia Tablet Z. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Tablet.
  • Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool such as ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as data wiping process is mandatory in this tutorial.
  • Verify appropriate USB drivers for the tabletare installed on the computer (Download Sony Xperia Tablet Z USB drivers).
  • Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on device by navigating to Menu > Settings > Applications > Development or Menu > Settings > Developers option.
  • Double-check that device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing ROM.
  • Verify if the tablet is unlocked (not locked to specific carrier) and rooted with ClockworkMod Recovery (CWM) installed.
  • If device is stuck at booting or experiences boot loop issues, Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
  • Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before using the device.
  • If a Status 7 error message flashes while installing firmware, it could be due to an incompatible device or absence of a necessary kernel (for instance, a Jelly Bean Kernel must be installed before installing any Jelly Bean ROM).
  • Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any device damage during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

How to Install Android 4.3 Jelly Bean via CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM on Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Step-1: Download Android 4.3 CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM for Sony Xperia Tablet Z from the following links and also download Google Apps on computer.

  • Download CM10.2 for Xperia Tablet Z (3G + WiFi).
  • Download CM10.2 for Xperia Tablet (WiFi only).

Step-2: Connect the Xperia tablet Z to computer via USB cable. Without extracting the zip file, copy the downloaded firmware zip to the root folder on tablet's SD card.

Step-3: Disconnect the tablet from computer and then Power it off

Step-4: Boot the Xperia tablet Z into recovery mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Power buttons together. The recovery mode will appear soon.

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume buttons to navigate between options and Power button to select the desired option.

Step-5: In recovery mode first perform a Nandroid backup of the existing ROM which can be restored later if the new ROM does not work or users want to return to the previous firmware. To perform a Nandroid backup, select Backup and Restore then select Backup again on the next screen. When backup is completed return to the main recovery menu.

Step-6: Perform data wiping task to eliminate clash between the new ROM and the previous ROM. Select wipe data/factory reset then select Yes on the next screen to confirm the action. Then select wipe cache partition and after the wiping process completes select Wipe Dalvik Cache under advance option. Once the wiping process is done, return to the recovery menu.

Step-7: Select Install Zip from SD card then select Choose Zip from SD card. Now locate the Android 4.3 CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM zip which was earlier copied to the tablet's SD card. Hit the Power button to select it and confirm installation on next screen.

Step-8: Once the installation process is complete, return to the main recovery menu and hit Reboot System Now. The first boot will take some time.

The Xperia Tablet Z should now be successfully updated with Android 4.3 CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM. Navigate to Menu>> Settings>> About Tablet >> Software info to verify the new firmware installed.

NOTE: To go back to the previous ROM, boot the tablet into recovery mode. Then select Backup and Restore and restore the ROM by selecting it from the list.

ALSO READ: Xperia Z Gets Android 4.3 Update via CyanogenMod 10.2 ROM [How to Install]

[Source: Team Android]