Google has recently launched the Android 4.4.2 update, and while the Sony Xperia Z is on the list of devices that will eventually make a leap to KitKat, it may take a while before version 4.4.2 will arrive. The good news is that the developer community is always at work, and OmniROM has recently started releasing 4.4.2 nightly builds for the device in question.

This guide will allow you to install the latest Android 4.4.2 OmniROM nightly builds on your Sony Xperia Z, codename Yuga. Please not that nightly builds are not necessarily stable. They are work in progress, and developers tend to release new nightly builds on a daily basis. As such, if you do install this ROM and you happen to stumble across a bug, the issue might be solved the next day.

IMPORTANT – PLREASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This is a guide specifically designed for the Sony Xperia Z codename "Yuga". Don't try to apply this ROM to another smartphone, as you may brick it.
  • In order to apply this ROM you will need a rooted Sony Xperia Z that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. If you don't meet these prerequisites, then don't proceed any further
  • The installation process requires you to factory reset your device. As such, it's advised that you create backups
  • This guide includes steps on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • You can use the "Helium" application to backup app data, the "SMS backup & restore" app to backup your text messages, and the "APN Settings Backup & Restore" application to backup your APN Internet settings
  • To backup your contacts, simply sync them with your Gmail account
  • Make sure that you have enabled "USB Debugging" before starting the tutorial. Go to "Menu" > "Settings" > "Developer options" and mark the "USB Debugging" option
  • Do not skip any steps
  • This is a guide for advanced users and contains unofficial actions. If you brick your phone or you lose important data, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible

Entering Recovery Mode:

IMPORTANT: it is not necessary for you to follow this guide at this point. This is a set of steps that allows you to boot your device in recovery mode, whether you're using TWRP or CWM. You will need to refer to this guide later on during the installation process, but for now, skip it.

  1. Go to the "Play Store" and download the "Quick Boot" application
  2. Install it on your device and run it
  3. From the main menu, select "recovery" in order to reboot your device in recovery mode

Sony Xperia Z (Yuga): Install Android 4.4.2 OmniROM Nightly – CWM Recovery Method:

  1. Download the OmniROM zip file by visiting this link. Make sure you download the latest available nightly build
  2. Download the Google apps zip file by visiting this link
  3. Don't unzip the files!
  4. Connect your Xperia Z to your computer via USB
  5. Copy both zips onto your phone's storage, and disconnect the device once the transfer is complete
  6. Now boot in recovery mode (refer to the guide above in order to do so)
  7. You will first need to create a NANDROID backup. To do so, go to "backup & restore" and save the file
  8. With the backup complete, select "data wipeout / factory reset". Then, from the "Advanced" menu, select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache"
  9. After the wipe, go back to the recovery menu and select "install zip from SD card". Browse for and select the OmniROM zip file
  10. Go back to the recovery menu and select "install zip from SD card" again. This time, select the Google apps zip file
  11. Once both files have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++"
  12. Select "Reboot system now". NOTE: this first reboot may take several minutes to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons. If your device does not boot after 10 minutes, or if you're stuck in a boot loop, you'll need to start over from the top, without skipping any steps

NOTE: you can always return to your previous ROM using the NANDROID backup. Simply reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore"

Sony Xperia Z (Yuga): Install Android 4.4.2 OmniROM Nightly – TWRP Recovery Method:

  1. Download the OmniROM zip file from this link
  2. Download the Gapps zip from this link
  3. Connect your Xperia Z to your PC via USB and copy both zip files onto your phone's memory
  4. Disconnect your smartphone and boot in recovery mode (refer to the guide above to do so)
  5. From the main TWRP menu, create a NANDROID backup by tapping "Backup". Give a name to the file and "Swipe to Backup"
  6. Once the backup is complete, select "Wipe" from the main recovery menu. Go to "Advanced" and select "Wipe cache" as well as "Dalvik cache". Then, swipe the "Swipe to Wipe" button
  7. After the device has been factory reset, return to the recovery screen and select "Install". Browse for the OmniROM file and flash it
  8. Select "Install" a second time, but this time flash the Gapps zip file
  9. Once both files have been flashed, return to the recovery screen and select "Reboot". NOTE: this first reboot in normal mode can take a while to complete. Don't panic and don't press any buttons. If the process does not finish in 10 minutes, or if the handset is boot looping, then something went wrong and you'll need to start over without skipping any steps

NOTE: If you wish to return to your previous ROM you can easily do so by using the NANDROID backup. Reboot your device in TWRP recovery, select "Restore" and select your backup file


See More: Sony Xperia Z (Yuga): Install Android 4.4.2 OmniROM Nightly