Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

If you want to make the most out of your Sony Xperia Z1 then you should root it. Today you can root your phone using this guide easily.

Root process is not a legal or official process and not recommended by Google or Sony because this process is risky and may brick your device if not done carefully or don’t take precautions. After rooting your phone the warranty (is your phone have any) will get void and you can’t claim it till you unroot it back. Also root your phone at your own risk, do not blame us if you ended up with a bricked device.

Xperia Z1

First backup all of your important files and data so it will be safe if anything goes wrong during the process. Backup all of your important files to your PC or any other safe place. Sync all of your contacts to your Google account and sync them back to your phone after this root process. Backup all of your media files like photos, videos and music to your PC or any other external drive.

You need Windows-based PC with Flash tool installed on it. Also make sure that your PC doesn’t have any anti-virus or anti malware. If it have any disable it during this process. Your phone should have its boot loader unlocked and a custom recovery installed on it (TWRP recommended). Enable USB debugging on your phone from settings > developer options > check USB debugging option.

You might prefer to check what things to do with a rooted Android before starting so you can decide whether it’s worth the effort. Those finding it too long might prefer waiting for a simple Xperia One-Click rooting tool.

Steps to Root Sony Xperia Z1 on 14.5.A.0.242

Downgrading:

  1. Install the flashtool. The guide is done assuming you know how to install that already.
  2. Downgrade to 14.4.A.0.108 FTF (Android 4.4.4 Kitkat).
    – download the C6902 file or the C6906 file.
  3. Copy and paste that to the flashtool > firmwares folder.
  4. Open the flashtool.exe
  5. Click the lightening button in the top left corner, followed by flashmode.
  6. Choose the FTF firmware file of your choice form above.
  7. Select the options you want to wipe from the right side, we recommend wiping the data, cache and call logs.
    – make sure you backup the data, call logs and anything else you want to wipe before wiping them or else you’ll lose that data.
  8. Click the ‘OK” button.
  9. Once the firmware file loads it will ask you to please attach your phone via the USB, do that now.
  10. Connect the phone whilst holding down the back key. Xperia Z1 owners should press the Volume Down key instead of the back key. Keep holding the Volume Down key the time.
  11. The smartphone will now be detected in flash mode. Keep holding that Volume Down key down. Wait until it says ‘flashing ended” on the display before letting go of the Volume Down key.

Rooting

  1. Now you want to root the 14.4.A.0.108 firmware build.
  2. Do that by downloading the EasyRoot tool zip file.
  3. Download the file to the desktop and extract the package so you see the executable “install.bat” file.
  4. Connect the Xperia Z1 to the computer and run that install.bat file.
  5. Follow the easy on-screen instructions to root that.
  6. Now Install the official XZ Dual Recovery.
  7. Visit this XDA Developer page and download the latest installer. Extract the package to the desktop (unzip the file).
  8. Connect the Xperia to the computer once again and run the install.bat file.
  9. Now that will install the custom recovery on your device.

Making the pre-rooted flashable zip file:

  1. Download the PRF Creator and install it on the system.
  2. Download the 242 TFT for C6902 or 242 FTF for C6903 (model numbers) to the desktop of the computer.
  3. Download the SuperSU package to the desktop of the computer here.
  4. Download the Dual recovery from here.
  5. Run the PRFC and add in the three different required files.
  6. Click the “create” button.
  7. Wait until it says the flashable ROM is finished being made.
  8. Transfer the pre-rooted firmware over to the Xperia internal storage.

Rooting and installing the custom recovery:

  1. Completely power down the Xperia device.
  2. Reboot it in the custom recovery by repeatedly tapping Volume Up or Volume Down.
  3. Choose the “install” option from the menu once inside recovery mode.
  4. Upload the flashable zip file you made earlier.
  5. Go back to the main recovery screen and select the reboot system now option to reboot the phone.
  6. Unplug the phone from the computer.
  7. Boot the Xperia up in normal mode and copy the 242 ftf to the  /flashtool/fimrwares folder.
  8. Open the flash tool again and click the lightening bolt.
  9. Choose the flashmode.
  10. Upload the 242 firmware file.
  11. Look in the right bar and apply to exclude the system only. Do not exclude any others.
  12. Power down the Xperia device.
  13. Hold in the Volume Down button and connect the Xperia to the computer with the USb cable.
  14. The Xperia will now enter the flashmode.
  15. The flashtool will now detect your device now that it’s in flashmode.
  16. Wait until the flashing finishes before releasing your finger and reboot your phone one last time. Now you are finished after it reboots.

Now your phone has been rooted, be patient and let it boot for about 10 to 12 minutes but don’t worry if you done the process right it will boot. If you have any query about this root process then you can ask them using the comment section below. Also check the root access by downloading and installing root checker app on your phone from here.