Root Xperia Z3 Compact D5803/D5833 on 23.5.A.1.291 Android Marshmallow

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact was updated to latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow 23.5.A.1.291 build number. Sony has always remained consistent and bringing the stable and bug free software updates for its Xperia smartphones. The recent release replicates the same. The new build brings a number of fixes to the existing bugs. With the 23.5.A.1.291 build, Sony introduced its new and enhanced stamina mode into Android Marshmallow. Sony also fixed the multi-tasking bug and improved the overall performance and stability of the device. Sony has released a number of Android Marshmallow updates earlier, so this update only seems to improve the device experience. Rest of the features remain the same as previous build of Android Marshmallow. The update was rolled out in select regions, but it’s been already a month since Sony rolled this out. At the time of writing this, we expect to have this update hit almost all regions across the globe.

As soon as a new build from Sony comes up, users tend to update their devices. For average users, updating the device is not an issue as they don’t have to go through any hard and fast rules. The real issues comes up for Android power users who loose root immediately after updating their Sony Xperia smartphone to the latest firmware. This was supposed to happen with the Xperia Z3 Compact power users as well who update to the latest .291 firmware and probably it has. We have the good news for users looking for a method to root their Xperia Z3 Compact once again.

The succeeding guide iterates how you can install a custom recovery like TWRP on your Xperia Z3 Compact and then flash a pre-rooted Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow 23.5.A.1.291 firmware to gain the root access alongside a latest build of TWRP recovery. The method involves a bit of downgrading and upgrading the device so you need a lot of patience while following it. Have a look on it and head towards the open source world of Android customisation.

Early preparations:

1. This is only for Sony Xperia Z3 Compact D5803, D5833. This rooting method is only for the device mentioned above. Make sure that your model number matches the one listed above.
2. Battery should be charged at least over 60%. Make sure that your battery is charged enough to 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.
   1. Backup SMS Messages
   2. Backup Call Logs
   3. Backup Contacts
   4. Backup Media – Copy your files manually to your PC or Laptop.
4. Enable USB debugging mode on your device. To do so, tap settings>developer options>USB debugging. If you can’t find developer options in settings, then tap settings > about device and tap “Build Number” for 7 times and you’ll get em’ activated under settings.
5. You must have installed Sony Flashtool. Find the full guide here.
6. After installing Sony Flashtool, open the Flashtool folder from the drive where you installed it. Now open Flashtool>Drivers>Flashtool-drivers.exe and install the Flashtool, Fastboot & Xperia Z3 Compact drivers from the list. If you do not find the Flashtool drivers in Flashmode, skip this step and install Sony PC Companion instead, for drivers support. [Important]
7. Make sure that you use the phone’s original data cable to establish connection between your phone and the PC. Using a different data cable might result in interrupting the firmware installation.
8. Use the following guide to unlock the bootloader of your Xperia device before proceeding.

Disclaimer: The methods involved in flashing custom recoveries, roms and rooting your phone are highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is SONY in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligible for any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.

Steps For Rooting Xperia Z3 Compact D5803, D5833 23.5.A.1.291 Firmware

1. Downgrade to .77/.93 Firmware and Root It

1. If you have already updated your smartphone to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, then you have to downgrade your device to KitKat OS and Root it.
2. Use this Flashtool Guide to Install 23.0.A.2.93 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 Z3 Compact: Z3-lockeddualrecovery2.8.26-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. Root and Install Recovery on Xperia Z3 Compact D5803/D5833 on 23.5.A.1.291 Firmware

Download the pre-rooted firmware.zip file according to your device and copy it to your phone’s internal or external storage.

• D5833 23.5.A.1.291 (6.0.1)
• D5803 23.5.A.1.291 (6.0.1) 

1. Custom recovery was installed in the first step.
2. The pre-rooted firmware was downloaded and copied to phone just above.
3. Now you have to turn off phone.
4. Turn it on again and press volume up or down repeatedly to enter custom recovery. You should boot into TWRP recovery here. If pressing Volume Up boots into CWM/Philz, then pressing down will boot into TWRP and vice versa.
5. Once you are in TWRP, tap Install > Locate the pre-rooted firmware.zip file > swipe to flash it and complete flashing.
6. As flashing ends, reboot your phone.
7. Your phone will now boot into latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow 23.5.A.1.91 rooted firmware and you will have the recovery installed as well.
8. That’s all.

Got any questions? Ask me in the comments below