For a smartphone released in 2012, the Sony Xperia T will most likely not receive the Android 4.4 update anytime soon (if that). However, Xperia T owners need not fret, as they still have the option of installing a custom ROM on their device in order to take advantage of the latest KitKat features.

Team Kang has recently started launching nightly AOKP custom ROM builds for the Xperia T, and this is a guide that will show you how you can flash the ROM onto your device. Keep in mind that the ROM is still under development, and may contain bugs. But, new "nightlies" will continue to be released in a timely manner, and these potential bugs will be sorted.

Also, before moving on, remember that AOKP is based on Android 4.4 and CM 11. As such, it features the Android user interface, and Sony's proprietary UI will no longer be available, once you apply the ROM.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This ROM works only for the Sony Xperia T codenamed "Mint". If you attempt to flash this ROM to any other device, it will not work and you risk bricking it, so don't do it
  • In order to apply this ROM, you need to have a rooted Xperia T, fastboot installed and the latest version of CWM or TWRP
  • During the installation process you will be required to factory reset your smartphone. Create backups if necessary
  • Sync your contacts with your Google account to back them up
  • To backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings, you can use applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" respectively
  • The guides below include details on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • Before proceeding, USB Debugging needs to be enabled on your smartphone. To do so, tap "Menu" > "Settings" > "Developer options" and mark the "USB Debugging" check box
  • Make sure your smartphone has enough battery to remain powered on throughout the entire installation process. 70% full should be enough
  • This guide includes unofficial operations and it's targeted at advanced users. Proceed with caution. If you brick your phone, you'll do it at your own risk / expense
  • Don't skip any steps and read the bullet points above carefully

Entering CWM or TWRP Recovery:

IMPORTANT: this is a short guide allowing you to enter CWM or TWRP recovery (depending on which recovery you use). DO NOT follow this guide at this point. You will need to refer to this guide later on during the installation process.

  1. On your Xperia T, visit the Play Store and download the "Quick Boot" application
  2. Open the application on your smartphone
  3. Tap "Recovery" in the app's main menu, and wait for your device to enter CWM or TWRP

Sony Xperia T – Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM Using CWM Recovery:

  1. Using your computer's Internet browser, visit this link and download the latest AOKP KitKat build available
  2. Visit this link to download the Android 4.4 Google apps zip file
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB
  4. Copy the downloaded files onto your phone's storage, and once the transfer is complete, disconnect it from your PC
  5. Reboot your smartphone in CWM recovery (refer to the guide above)
  6. In the main CWM menu, select "backup & restore", and then follow any self-explanatory steps to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. Do not skip this step!
  7. With the backup complete, it's now save to select "data wipeout / factory reset" from the recovery menu. You will also need to select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu
  8. Now, return to the main CWM screen and select "Install zip from SD card"
  9. Browse for and flash the AOKP zip file
  10. Select "Install zip from SD card" again, and then load the Google apps zip downloaded at step 2
  11. After both zips have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then "Reboot system now"

NOTE: usually, after you install a new ROM, the first reboot will take longer than it normally does. Be patient. However, if the process is not complete in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone keeps rebooting, then the installation has not been successful. Star the guide over, and make sure that you've properly factory reset your Xperia T, and that you haven't missed any steps

NOTE: the NANDROID backup can be used to return to your previous ROM. To do so, reboot in CWM recovery, select "backup & restore" and load the backup file

Sony Xperia T – Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM Using TWRP Recovery:

  1. Download the AOKP custom ROM on your computer, by visiting this link (grab the most recent nightly release available)
  2. Visit this link to download the Google apps zip file (the ROM does not include Google apps)
  3. Use the USB cable to connect your Xperia T to your computer
  4. Copy the downloaded files on your phone's storage
  5. Once the files have been copied, disconnect your smartphone
  6. Turn off your Xperia T and reboot it in TWRP recovery mode (refer to the guide above)
  7. In the main TWRP screen, the first thing you need to do is a NANDROID backup. Select "Backup", mark the type of data that you want to store, assign a name to the file and then swipe the "Swipe to backup" button
  8. Now, return to the main TWRP screen and tap "Wipe". From the "Advanced" menu, select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache". Confirm the process by swiping the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. Return to the main recovery menu and tap "Install"
  10. Browse for and load the AOKP zip file downloaded at step 1
  11. Tap "Install" again, from the TWRP screen, and load the Google apps zip file as well
  12. Once both files have been flashed, return to the main recovery menu and tap "Reboot"

NOTE: you may notice that the first reboot after a fresh ROM installation will take several minutes to complete. This is normal. But if the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is stuck in a boot loop, then the ROM has not been successfully applied. Redo the guide from the top and make sure you don't skip any steps. Also, most of the time, these issue appear when the phone has not been properly and fully factory reset

NOTE: in case AOKP is not what you're looking for, or if you simply need to return to your previous ROM, then you can do so by loading the NANDROID backup. Reboot in TWRP recovery, tap "Restore" and select the appropriate backup file


See More: Sony Xperia T (Mint): Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM via CWM or TWRP