Root Xperia Z Running Android 4.2.2 (10.3.1.A.0.244) Jelly Bean [TUTORIAL]

Sony recently released another official update based on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with base firmware version 10.3.1.A.0.244 for both the GSM and LTE version of Xperia Z bearing mode number C6602 and C6603 respectively. The update integrates a host of improved features. It is available as Over-the-Air update and via Sony Companion/Bridge.

Click here for our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.2.2 10.3.1.A.0.244 Jelly Bean on Xperia Z.

Those who have already installed the new official build may follow our guide to root the handset. This root method works on both locked and unlocked version of bootloader. The root files and tutorial are shared by recognised XDA developer, DooMLoRD. Head over to the development thread to know more about the root release.

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

Pre-requisites

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

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option then check the USB Debugging Mode.]

3) 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/TWRP already installed then backup data using recovery.

4) The Xperia Z should have above 80% of battery charge.

5) Rooting the phone will void it of its manufacturer's warranty. Users can reclaim the warranty by unrooting the device later.

6) The rooting toolkit and kernel work only with Sony Xperia Z C6602/C6603 running on Android 4.2.2 (10.3.1.A.0.244) Jelly Bean. As, flashing this on incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of device by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number.

Steps to root Sony Xperia Z C660X on Android 4.2.2 (10.3.1.A.0.244) Jelly Bean [For locked/unlocked bootloaders]

Step-1: Download Xperia Z C660X 10.3.A.0.423 Kernel

File name: xperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.A.0.423_Generic_NL.ftf

Step-2: Download Xperia Z rooting toolkit and extract it into a new folder on the computer

File name: DooMLoRD_Easy-Rooting-Toolkit_v18_perf-event-exploit.zip

Step-3: Xperia Z C660X 10.3.1.A.0.244 kernel

File name: XperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.1.A.0.244_BE.ftf

Step-4: Download Sony Flashtool on the computer. Double click on the flashtool.exe file to install the same. The flashtool folder should be seen in C Drive

Step-5: Launch the flashtool by double clicking on the flashtool icon

Note: Those who are first timers, navigate to C:/Flashtool/drivers folder to install Flashtool-drivers. Select and check the box of the device model and Flashmode Drivers.

Step-6: Connect the Xperia Z to the computer using USB cable. Ensure all drivers are installed properly

Step-7: Copy the XperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.A.0.423_Generic_NL.ftf and XperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.1.A.0.244_BE.ftf to the flashtool/firmwares folder on the computer

Step-8: On the flashtool, click on the lighting icon and click flashmode then OK

Step-9: A new windows should appear now. At the right sidebar, check Data, Cache, Appslog boxes if you wish to wipe the device before flashing. Uncheck all the boxes to remain the data of the device

Step-10: At source folder, browse and choose XperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.A.0.423_Generic_NL.ftf in the flashtool/firmwares

Step-11: Press flash button to start flashing

Step-12: Follow the prompt instructions

First to unplug the USB cable from the phone to disconnect it from the computer

Power off the phone

Third, enter to Flash Mode on the phone by pressing and holding Volume Down button while connecting the device to the computer using USB cable. The display of the device will still remain blank

Step-13: Monitor the Flashtool on the computer. It should continue to run and flash the XperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.A.0.423_Generic_NL.ftf

Step-14: Wait for some time until the installation process is completed which will be indicated by a message in flashtool saying Flashing finished

Step-15: Reboot the phone

Step-16: Connect the phone to the computer in USB Debugging Mode

Step-17: On the computer, close the flashtool

Step-18: Double click the runme_file extracted from the rooting toolkit (in step-2). This will root the device

Step-19: Once rooting is completed, repeat the similar procedure from step-6 to step-15, using the XperiaZ_C660X_KernelOnly_10.3.1.A.0.244_BE.ftf. This will flash back the stock 10.3.1.A.0.244 kernel to the device

Provided all the instructions are followed strictly, the Xperia Z should be rooted on Android 4.2.2 (10.3.1.A.0.244) Jelly Bean. To verify the root status of the device, download and install Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Also read: Update Xperia Z to Android 4.2.2 (10.3.1.A.1.10) new firmware

[Source: Android Teen]