How to root Xperia Z/ZL on Android 5.1.1 and install TWRP recovery

If you have updated your Xperia Z or ZL with stock Android 5.1.1 firmware that brings build version 10.7.A.0.222 released by Sony recently and are now looking for a root method, here is some good news. You can use the modified boot images by recognised XDA contributor, shoey63, to get TWRP recovery. With the recovery installed, rooting the phones using SuperSU is pretty easy.

To help you with installing root on the Xperia phones, we have a detailed guide below. However, note that to install TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader. The recovery files are compatible only with Xperia Z codenamed Yuga and the ZL codenamed Odin. Applying these on any incompatible variants could damage the devices. Also, create a backup of all data before your jump directly to the rooting process. IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any damage to the device, therefore proceed with extreme caution.

Download TWRP recovery:

Xperia Z II Xperia ZL

SuperSU root package

How to install TWRP recovery and root Xperia Z and ZL

Step-1: First Unlock the bootloaders of your Xperia phone

Step-2: Install ADB and Sony drivers

Step-3: Enable USB debugging on your Xperia phones

• For this go to Settings>> About phone then tap on build number seven time until a message pop-up appears saying You are now a developer.
• Go to Settings then choose Developer Options, then scroll down to USB Debugging and enable the option.

Step-4: Connect the Xperia Z or ZL to your PC. You will get a pop-up message when connecting to the PC after the USB debugging is enabled. Select Always allow from this computer and click OK button

Step-5: Open command prompt in the folder where you have saved the TWRP recovery file

• To open command prompt, click on the empty space inside the folder. Hold the shift key and right click on the empty space.
• Choose Open command window here from the drop down menu.

Step-6: Boot Xperia phone into Fastboot menu

• Switch off the phone
• Press Volume Up button, connect the phone to the PC using USB cable while holding the Volume Up button
• The Xperia Z/ZL should be in Flash Mode and its LED light will turn blue

Step-7: Check if the fastboot is working by executing the following command

• fastboot devices

Once you execute the command, you will get a serial number with fastboot writter after it. In case you don't see fastboot on cmd window, then you will have to re-install adb and fastboot drivers or restart PC or use original USB cable

Step-8: Flash TWRP recovery by using the folllowing command prompt

• fastboot flash boot boot.img

Step-9: Reboot the phone into recovery mode

• For this switch off the phone
• Press Power and Volume Down buttons together until you get a vibration alert. Now release tthe Power button while keep holding the Volume Down button
• A screen will appear with green Android is the middle with an exclamation mark
• Now release the Volume Down button and your phone will enter into recovery mode

Step-10: In the recovery mode, create a full backup of the data of your phone, including the system partition. For this tap on Backup and select all partitions, then do a swipe at the bottom of the screen to confirm the process

Step-11: Tap Install, then browse to the location where you have save the SuperSU file, select it and do a swipe to install the root package

Step-12: Finally, tap on Reboot system to restart the phone

You should be now able to enjoy your rooted Xperia phone with custom recovery pre-installed.

Via AndroidSoul