Root and Install CWM/TWRP On Xperia Z1 Compact 14.6.A.1.236 Firmware

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Xperia Z1 Compact has received a new minor update based on the build number 14.6.A.1.236. Xperia Z1 Compact has already got Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update, and the device has already received stragefright bug fix update as well. Then what’s new in this update? Well, there’s nothing new except a few minor bug fixes and a new build number. The update is hardly packed in 10 MBs. It doesn’t matter what’s the size of this update, flashing it on your Xperia Z1 Compact is going to revert everything back to stock and if you’re on a rooted firmware earlier, flashing this firmware will wipe off the root access. So, if you’re looking to install 14.6.A.1.236 update or you’ve already flashed it, you may be in need of a method to gain root access and also a custom recovery.Z1 Compact

As usual, we have compiled up the guide to root and install TWRP or CWM recovery on your Xperia Z1 Compact. Our latest guide will help you to root and install custom recovery on your Xperia Z1 Compact running 14.6.A.1.236 firmware. You will be able to do this by flashing a pre-rooted firmware which comes with a dual recovery installed on it. In order to flash the pre-rooted firmware, you need a custom recovery installed on your phone. If you are already on a rooted Lollipop firmware with custom recovery, you can flash this firmware straight away on it, but if you’re not rooted yet, you will have to downgrade to .108 firmware. The method may seem a bit difficult at first, but don’t worry since we’ve got your back. It’s going to be pretty easy rooting your Xperia Z1 Compact on .236 firmware with the help of the guide attached below. Let’s go ahead and get it done right now.

1. This is only for Sony Xperia Z1 Compact D5503

This rooting method is only for the device mentioned above. Make sure that your model number matches the one listed above. To do so, go to Settings > About Device on your device and see your model number. Flashing this firmware on any other device will result in bricking it so make sure that you meet this requirement first of all.

2. Battery should be charged at least over 60%.

Make sure that your battery is charged enough to complete the flashing process. In case your battery is low and your device goes dead during the flashing process, you may end up soft bricking your device as it won’t complete the flashing process.

3. Backup everything!

Just to be on the safe side, you may consider backing up each and everything from your Android device. This is highly recommended so that in case anything goes wrong, you still have the access to all of your data and you can restore it immediately. You may backup everything as listed below.

  • Backup SMS Messages
  • Backup Call Logs
  • Backup Contacts
  • Backup Media – Copy your files manually to your PC or Laptop.
  • Titanium Backup – If already rooted, use Titanium Backup to backup all of your apps, system data and other important content. If you haven’t rooted your device previously, skip this step.
  • Backup Nandroid  If CWM  or TWRP installed previously, otherwise skip this step and perform this at the end of flashing.

Note: This method will work for both, Locked & Unlocked bootloaders.

How To Root and Install CWM/TWRP On Xperia Z1 Compact 14.6.A.1.236 Firmware

1. Downgrade to .108 Firmware and Root It

  1. If you have already updated your smartphone to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, then you have to downgrade your device to KitKat OS and Root it.
  2. Use this guide to Install .108 firmware.
  3. Root using this guide.
  4. Now Install XZ Dual Recovery.
  5. Now phone is rooted, USB Debugging must be enabled.
  6. Download latest installer for Xperia Z1 Compact from here. (Z1 Compact-lockeddualrecovery2.8.X-RELEASE.installer.zip)
  7. Connect phone to PC using OEM date cable and run install.bat.
  8. It will install the custom recovery.
  9. Now work here is done. Lets move on to next step.

2. Make A Pre-Rooted Flashable Firmware For .236 FTF

  1. Download 14.6.A.0.236 FTF and place it anywhere on PC.
  2. Download Z1 Compact-lockeddualrecovery2.8.X-RELEASE.flashable.zip
  3. Now create a pre-rooted firmware using this guide: How To Create Sony Xperia Pre-Rooted Firmware With PRF Creator
  4. Once the Flashable ROM is created, it will show the successful message.
  5. Do not touch any other option while creating the pre-rooted firmware.
  6. Now copy the pre-rooted firmware to the phone’s internal storage.
  7. Our work in this step is now done. Move on to next step.

Note: If you do not want to create a pre-rooted flashable zip for your phone yourself, then you can download it for your phone’s specific model number and use it in the guide.

D5503 14.6.A.1.216 Pre-Rooted Flashable Zip

3. Root and Install Recovery on Z1 Compact D5503 5.1.1 Lollipop Firmware

  1. Custom recovery was installed in the first step.
  2. The pre-rooted firmware was created and copied to phone in next step.
  3. Now you have to turn off phone.
  4. Turn it on again and press volume up or down repeatedly to enter custom recovery. Make sure that you enter in TWRP recovery, using Philz recovery will not root your phone.
  5. Tap on install and locate the folder where you placed the flashable zip earlier.
  6. Tap on it and install it.
  7. Now reboot the phone and find SuperSu in app drawer.
  8. Install Root Checker from the Play Store to verify root access now.
  9. Pheww! That’s all. You’re rooted and have the custom recovery installed.

Stuck with something? Drop your queries below and we will get back to your ASAP.

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Usama is a software engineer by profession and at TechBeasts.com he uses his expertise to solve everyday consumer tech problems with his main areas of interest being Android, iOS and Windows.

3 COMMENTS

  1. I made it work eventually, but the settings say it’s build number 14.6.A.1.216, not 236. not a big deal, just thought I should mention it.

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