The Sony Xperia V is soon going to receive a new software update, and this latest OS has been recently leaked on the blogosphere. This future update will not bring Android 4.4 to the table, but Android 4.3 is still welcomed. In any case, instead of waiting for the official release to commence and expand its reaches gradually, you can actually install the leaked version of the official OS manually. This would bring the Xperia V's firmware up to version 9.2.A.1.131.

The leaked OS has been put together into a ROM by XDA members and developers, but while you do need to apply the ROM via CWM or TWRP as you would any other custom ROM, this is actually an update on which Sony is working on. It's a leaked version, and ported by the developer community. This is a guide that allows you to apply the Android 4.3 leaked firmware on the Xperia V. Note that, the ROM seems to contain various bugs, and you can find out more about them by visiting this link.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This ROM works only for the Sony Xperia V. Don't try to apply it on any other smartphone
  • In order to apply this ROM, you need an unlocked bootloader, root access to the Xperia V and the most recent version of CWM or TWRP recovery
  • The installation process requires you to factory reset your smartphone. As such, you should create backups if necessary
  • Applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" can be used in order to backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings
  • Your contacts can be backed up with ease, by syncing them to your Google account
  • Instructions on how to create a NANDROID backup have been provided below
  • Since you'll need to connect your smartphone to a computer, you need to enable USB Debugging. To do so, go to "menu" > "Settings" > "Developer options" and mark the "USB Debugging" check box
  • It's mandatory that your smartphone does not run out of battery during the flashing process. Ensure that your device is at least 70% charged
  • This guide includes unofficial operations, and it's targeted at advanced users. Proceed at your own risk

Rebooting in Recovery Mode:

IMPORTANT: don't follow this guide at this point. This is a small list of steps allowing you to reboot your device in CWM or TWRP recovery, depending on which one you're using. You need to refer to this guide later on during the installation process.

  1. Visit the Play Store on your Xperia V and download the "Quick Boot" application
  2. Open the app on your smartphone
  3. Press "Recovery" and wait for the device to restart in CWM or TWRP

Sony Xperia V: Install Leaked Android 4.3 Firmware via CWM Recovery:

  1. On your computer, visit this link and download the Android 4.3 leaked file
  2. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB
  3. Copy the downloaded file and paste it onto your phone's storage
  4. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect your device and reboot it in CWM Recovery (refer to the guide above)
  5. While on the main CWM menu, select "backup & restore", and create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM (Don't skip this step!)
  6. Once the backup is in place, go back to the main CWM screen and select "data wipeout / factory reset". You also need to select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced' menu
  7. Return to CWM and then select "Install zip from SD card"
  8. Load the Android 4.3 zip file
  9. After the file has been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and "Reboot system now"

NOTE: When you first reboot your device after applying a ROM, the process will take longer than usual. If the phone doesn't fully restart in 10 minutes, or if the device is boot looping, then the ROM has not been successfully applied. Redo the guide and make sure you haven't skipped any steps

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

Sony Xperia V: Install Leaked Android 4.3 Firmware via TWRP Recovery:

  1. Using your computer, visit this link and download the Android 4.3 firmware
  2. Connect your Xperia V to your computer using the USB cable
  3. Copy the downloaded zip file onto your phone's SD storage
  4. After the file have been transferred, disconnect your device
  5. Reboot the Xperia V in TWRP recovery mode. (refer to the guide above)
  6. From the main TWRP menu, tap "Backup", mark the type of data that you want to save, give a name to the file and then swipe the "Swipe to backup" button. This will create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM, so don't skip this step!
  7. Go back to the main recovery screen and factory reset your device. You also need to select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" wipe menu. Finalize the operation by swiping the "Swipe to Wipe" button
  8. From the main recovery menu, tap "Install"
  9. Load the leaked Android 4.3 ROM
  10. Return to the TWRP screen and tap "Reboot"

NOTE: the first time you reboot your device after a fresh ROM installation, you'll notice that the process takes longer than normal. This is OK. However, if the phone does not reboot in 10 minutes, or if the device is stuck in a boot loop, then the ROM hasn't been applied correctly. Try redoing the guide and don't miss any steps.

NOTE: You can return to your previous ROM with the help of the NANDROID backup. Simply reboot in TWRP, tap "Restore" and load the right file.

› See More: Sony Xperia V: Install Leaked Official Android 4.3 Firmware (9.2.A.1.131) Using CWM or TWRP Recovery