Sony Xperia Z is the kind of device that will be remembered forever since it gave Sony the breakthrough it wanted. The Xperia Z died at Android 5.1.1 Lollipop in the aspects of software. After the 5.1.1 Lollipop Sony did not release any further update for this phone because of its hardware limitations. But that’s not actually where you end up using your device. As long as there are custom ROM developers, you are probably going to love having an Xperia Z. Just in case your phone is lying inside a drawer, it’s the time to take it out and wipe off the dust from it since the new Android 7.1 Nougat update is now available.
The Android 7.1 Nougat for the Xperia Z has come out based on CyanogenMod 14.1 custom ROM. If you haven’t already heard about CyanogenMod, you may like to know that CyanogenMod is the aftermarket distribution of the Android firmware. It is also the most widely used custom firmware and available for Android smartphones in masses. In order to flash the firmware, you will need a custom recovery running on your phone. That means you have to be an Android power user in order to perform this entire operation. Don’t worry, we are here to help you with that if you are coming without an experience.
The firmware is in beta stage. It keeps getting improved with time. For the time being, it may carry a few bugs here and there. Considering that you are getting a chance to enjoy the latest and greatest version of Android, those issue shouldn’t be a big deal for you. It’s time for us to end up the discussion and head towards what we are here for. Let’s go through the tutorial to learn how to install Android 7.1 Nougat on Xperia Z using CyanogenMod 14.1 custom ROM.
Precautions
- This guide is intended for Xperia Z only. Do not try this on any other device.
- Charge your Xperia Z up to 50% to avoid any power issues during the flashing process.
- Flash a custom recovery on your Xperia Z.
- Backup everything including your contacts, call logs, sms messages and bookmarks. Also create a Nandroid backup.
- Follow this guide to the letter to avoid a mishap.
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.
How to install Android 7.1 Nougat on Xperia Z using CyanogenMod 14.1
- Download Android 7.1 Nougat CM 14.1 ROM.zip file.
- Download Gapps.zip [ARM- 7.1 – pico package] file for Android 7.1 Nougat.
- Copy both the .zip files to your Xperia Z’s internal or external SD card.
- Boot your Xperia Z into custom recovery. If you’ve installed dual recovery using the guide linked above, you should use TWRP recovery.
- Now in TWRP recovery, perform a factory reset under wipe option.
- Now get back to the main menu in TWRP recovery and select “Install”.
- Under “Install”, scroll all the way down and choose ROM.zip file. Flash this file.
- Once done, get back to the TWRP recovery menu again and this time flash Gapps.zip file using the instructions as stated in the above step.
- Once you’ve flashed both files, wipe cache and dalvik cache under wipe option.
- Reboot your device into system now.
- That’s all. Your device should boot up in CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat now.
In case something goes wrong, you may considering restoring the Nandroid backup. Another way to fix your device from the bricked state is to flash a stock ROM. Here’s our comprehensive guide on how to flash a stock firmware on your Sony Xperia.
If you’ve got any queries, feel free to reach us out through the comment box below.
