The Sony Xperia Z, ZL, ZR and tablet Z are all receiving Android 4.4.2 KitKat next month in May. If you are an Android enthusiast and cannot wait until then I have some great news! Indian developer DooMLoRD has managed to release a leaked firmware that will give users firmware based on the hot new chocolate variety that so many smartphones and tablets are starting to use now. We have gone over many of the features in numerous posts before and it will not take you long if you browse our site to find just about everything that it brings. I will not take up space and list it here for that reason. I will very quickly list some of the stand out features such as a new camera icon from lock-screen, white status icons, new notification tray font, faster browsing between swipe gestures and more.

If you owned this smartphone from the beginning you would have started at Android 4.1.2, followed by 4.2.2 and lastly the most recent 4.3 jelly bean. It is necessary to update to the 4.3 Jelly Bean before doing this guide if you have not already. Do not try and install it from one of the older numbers. To check for the OTA update that is waiting, go to Settings > About Phone > Software Update > Software update check.

Sony Xperia Z1 KitKat

 

Checklist

  • ClockworkMod recovery is the more popular the custom recovery out there on the Android aftermarket. The good news is that you will find your own in this build.
  • If you want some additional and very cool Linux style commands then you will be pleased to know that Busybox comes also with this pre-rooted leak.
  • This firmware has been made for the Sony Xperia Z C6602/C6603 models. If your device does not have this model number then it will not work for you. To double-check the handset navigate to Settings > About Phone and look at the model.
  • Most Android-based smartphones come with external storage options. To use these we first need to take a trip to the local shops and buy a Micro SD card. It is this card that we will need to use as a memory card to transfer the file during the guide. If you do not use one yet, then go out and get one. You can never have too much storage!
  • As with most technology, do not start until you have backed up all data. The best way is to use internal memory. The second best option is to use external memory. Alternately, there are applications available from the Google Play Store.
  • Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
  • Do not try to install this on the Sony Xperia Z2, Z1 or Z Ultra as they are different devices.
  • It will only work on Xperia Z devices that have unlocked bootloaders.
  • It works with previous Android 4.3 Jelly Bean stock ROMs.
  • Turn off any security programs such as antivirus on the computer and an Android device if you have any running. It can interfere with proceedings.

Update Sony Xperia Z with Android 4.4.2 KitKat 10.5.A.0.227

1. Download the file from here or here. The first link will take you to the DooMLoRD page and the second will begin downloading the file direct to your desktop.

2. Collect the USB cable that came with the handset. Hint: most people use it daily to connect the charger!

3. Plug one end into the device and the other end of the USB cable into the computer.

4. Copy the file over to the SD card.

5. Power off the mobile and wait five seconds.

6. Turn it on in recovery mode. Wait for LED light to turn pink and then tap Volume Up repeatedly until you see the recovery mode startup.

7. Now choose Wipe data/Factory reset from the menu.

8. Do the same thing with the Wipe Cache Partition.

9. Click Install zip and then Choose zip from SD card. It is referring to the file you transferred over from the computer a few steps ago.

10. Confirm the installation of the file.

11. Select Reboot System Now.

12. Be patient as the new ROM will go through some short processes including an NFC update.

13. Safely remove hardware by right-clicking the taskbar on Windows-based PC’s. Next stop the USB Mass storage device. Click OK and wait until it says you can now safely remove the device.

Paranoid about it nor working? Navigate to Settings > About Phone > Build number and confirm that the numbers are matching with the title of this post. If it is then it worked!