Android 4.4 KitKat is the latest version of Google's mobile OS, and as most of you already know, new Android iterations are being released in a rather slow manner on devices that are not Nexus. The Sony Xperia Z is one of the smartphones that, although it will receive Android 4.4 KitKat at a later point in time, for now, the device runs on Jelly Bean.

Those of you who would like to experience Android 4.4 earlier can rely on custom ROMs, such as CyanogenMod 11. This is a guide that will allow you install the CM 11 Android 4.4 custom ROM on the Sony Xperia Z (codename "Yuga").

NOTE: This is a custom ROM and it's in its earlier stages. It is not an official CyanogenMOD release. In fact, this ROM has been developed / ported by xda-developers. As such, although the ROM seems stable, you might run into certain bugs when running this particular version of CM 11. New updates to the custom ROM are expected to be released soon.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING

  • This guide is meant only for the Sony Xperia Z. Do not attempt to apply this guide to any other device, at it will most likely brick your device
  • This is a custom ROM. In order to apply it, you will need to have a rooted Xperia Z that runs on the latest version of CWM Recovery
  • In order to apply this ROM, you will need to perform a factory reset during the flashing process
  • To create backups of data from installed application, you can use the "Helium" tool from the Play Store
  • To create backups of SMS, you can use "SMS backup & restore"
  • To create backups of APN Internet Settings, you can use "APN Settings Backup & Restore"
  • You can backup your contacts by syncing them with your Gmail account
  • Before proceeding, your smartphone's battery should be at 60-70% at least. It's very important that your smartphone does not shut down due to low battery during the flashing process
  • During the process you will create a NANDROID Backup as a safe precaution
  • Before proceeding, you need to enable USB Debugging from the developer menu. To do so, go to "Menu" > "Settings" > "Developer options" and mark the "USB debugging" option
  • Don't skip any steps
  • This is an advanced guide. If you brick / damage your phone or you lose data, you cannot hold the developers or anyone else responsible

Entering Recovery Mode:

IMPORTANT: Do not follow these steps at this point. This is a small guide that will allow you to boot into recovery mode when you will need to at a later stage. Refer to this guide when directed to do so

  1. Go to the Play Store and download the "Quick Boot" tool
  2. Install the tool on your device
  3. Run the app and from the menu, select "recovery" in order to boot in recovery mode

Flashing CM 11 Android 4.4 KitKat Custom ROM on the Sony Xperia Z:

  1. Download the necessary CM 11 file by visiting this link. (It should be the one with "Yuga" in the name)
  2. This ROM does not include Google applications. You will need to download a separate Gapps zip file by visiting this link
  3. Save both files in a folder on your desktop. Don't unzip the files
  4. Now, connect your smartphone to your computer using the USB cable
  5. Copy the downloaded zip files and paste them onto your phone's SD storage
  6. After the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from your computer
  7. You will now need to enter (CWM) recovery mode (refer to the guide above in order to learn how to do so)
  8. At this point you should create a NANDROID backup. This will create a save point for your current ROM, and it will allow you to rollback to your current ROM should you wish to do so. To create a backup, select "backup and restore", name your file and confirm
  9. After the process is complete, go back to the recovery screen and select "wipe data / factory reset"
  10. Then, perform "wipe cache partition" as well as "wipe dalvick cache"
  11. After the wipe is complete, go to the recovery screen and select "install zip from SD card" > "choose zip from SD card"
  12. Select the CM 11 file that you have downloaded at step 1
  13. After the CM 11 zip is flashed, select "install zip from SD card" > "choose zip from SD card" again, but this time, browse for and select the Gapps zip file downloaded at step 2
  14. After both files have been installed, go to the recovery menu and select "reboot system now". NOTE: this first reboot after the flashing process may take a while. Be patient and don't press any buttons.
  15. Congratulations!

NOTE: if you wish to return to your previous ROM, use the NANDROID backup file created at step 8

› See More: Sony Xperia Z: Install CM 11 Android 4.4 KitKat Custom ROM