How To Root Sony Xperia Z,ZR,ZL 10.5.1.A.0.283 Android 4.4.4 KitKat [Locked/Unlocked BL]

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The very first siblings of the Xperia Z family, the Xperia Z, ZR and ZL received Android 4.4.4 KitKat update few days back. The new update came with the build number 10.5.1.A.0.283 and packs up some enhancements here and there including battery charging time, performance, stability. Improvements to the software components including Email, SMS and some other apps have been made as well. Android power users, who had their devices rooted on earlier Android version, must have lost the root access after updating their device to this latest firmware.

If you’re looking out to gain the root access once again on your device, and you don’t want to touch the bootloader of your device, there’s a way to get around it and root your device without unlocking the bootloader. That means you won’t loose the warranty and you won’t loose the DRM keys, neither you will loose any bravia engine functionality. Wondering how? well, that’s what we are going to do in the following guide. As you move forward, you should come across a comprehensive guide to root your Sony Xperia Z C6602, C6603, Xperia ZR C5502, C5503 and Sony Xperia ZL C6502, C6503 running latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat 10.5.1.A.0.283 firmware. All you need is, you need to follow this guide carefully.Screenshot_11

Here are the early preparations:

1. This guide is only for Sony Xperia Z C6602/3, Xperia ZR C5502/2, Xperia ZL C6502/3!

Make sure that your device is exactly as mentioned above. To check out what device you have, go to Settings > More/General > About Device or Settings > About Device and match the model number. Be careful about the device model number, flashing a file on a device not listed here might result in bricking it up.

2. Battery should be charged at least 60%!

Your device’s battery shouldn’t be weak. In case your device goes dead during the flashing process, your device may get soft bricked and you might be in need of flashing stock firmware and that will ultimately result in wiping up your data as well. So, make sure that you charge your device before you start the flashing process.

3. Use the OEM datacable to establish connection!

Always use the original data cable to establish connection between your Android device and your computer / laptop. Using ordinary data cables might interrupt the flashing process, so to avoid any mishap, you need to meet this requirement as well.

4. Enable USB debugging

Your phone must have the USB debugging enabled. In order to enable it, go to Settings > About device > tap the build number for 7 times. The developer options will be enabled, now go back to the menu screen in settings and open developer options. Once opened, enable USB debugging from within the developer options.

5. 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.
Backup Nandroid – If CWM  or TWRP installed previously, otherwise skip this step and perform this at the end of flashing.

6. Install and setup Sony Flashtool.

You must have installed Sony Flashtool. Find the full guide here. 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 Z,ZR,ZL drivers from the list. [Important]

7. 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. In case you’re not going to unlock the bootloader of your device, you may not worry about this. 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.

Downloads required:

Download .230 firmware for Xperia Z Download Latest .283 firmware for Xperia Z

Download .230 firmware for Xperia ZR C5503 |.230 firmware for For C5502 Download Latest .283 firmware for Xperia ZR

Download .230 firmware for Xperia ZL Download Latest .283 firmware for Xperia ZL

How to Root:

  1. First of all, download the .230 firmware ftf file for your Xperia Z/ZR/ZL.
  2. Copy the downloaded firmware ftf file to firmware folder, which can be located under the Flashtool installation directory.
  3. Open Flashtool.exe now.
  4. Hit the small lightening button on the top left corner and select Flashmode.
  5. Select the FTF firmware file that you placed in the Firmware folder.
  6. From the right side, exclude everything except kernel, as shown below.Screenshot_10
  7. Do not touch anything else on this screen, and click on Flash.
  8. It will start preparing the firmware (kernel) for flashing. This may take a little while to load.
  9. As soon as the firmware is loaded, it will prompt you to attach the phone by turning it off and keeping the back key press.
  10. For Xperia Z/ZR/ZL, Volume Down key will do the job of back key, just turn off your phone, keep the Volume Down key pressed and plug in the data cable.
  11. As soon as the phone is detected in Flashmode, the firmware will start flashing the kernel, Do not leave the Volume Down key until the process is complete.
  12. As soon as you see “Flashing ended or Finished Flashing” leave the Volume Down key.
  13. Once the kernel is flashed, make sure that you’ve enabled USB debugging on your phone.
  14. Download the latest One Click Root Tool and extract it.
  15. From the extracted files, execute the Run.bat file now.
  16. A command prompt will open up requiring you to connect your device to your PC now.
  17. Having the USB debugging enabled, connect your device.
  18. Follow the on-screen instructions unless your phone is rooted.
  19. Once rooted, disconnect your phone and turn it off.
  20. Now follow flash the .283 kernel using step 2-12 in order to get your device’s original kernel back
  21. That’s all! Enjoy!

Wondering what to do once you’re rooted? Here’s the answer.

Rooting your phone gives you complete access over all the data which is apparently locked by the manufacturers. This includes removal of the factory restrictions and making changes to the internal system and the operating system. Gaining the root access gives you the privileges to install various applications to enhance the performance of your device, allows you to remove the built-in applications/programs, helps you to upgrade the battery life of your device & install the apps which require the root access for the proper functionality and modify your device in so many other ways e.g using mods and flashing custom recoveries and custom ROMs. Here’s our collection of 10 Best Root Apps.

If you face any issues or difficulties regarding this guide, make sure that you drop your queries in the comment box below. We will get back to you as soon as we get it.

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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.

138 COMMENTS

  1. Sony Xperia ZL 6502
    Can I root the phone without installing the kernel. ie. i want to perform only steps from 14 to 18. Can we do it ?

  2. HK model.

    Got below error trying the flash the nordic 230 ftf

    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Selected Bundle for Sony Xperia ZR (C5503). FW release : 10.5.A.0.230. Customization : Generic NCB
    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Preparing files for flashing
    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Reading device information
    25/046/2014 20:46:52 – INFO – Unable to read from phone after having opened it.
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – INFO – trying to continue anyway
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – INFO – Start Flashing
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – INFO – Checking header
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – INFO – Ending flash session
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – ERROR – Error in processHeader : 6 : The handle is invalid.
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
    25/046/2014 20:46:53 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode

  3. I tried to download the .230 firmware twice (both today and yesterday) but I get this message on each try:

    “Sorry, you can’t view or download this file at this time.

    Too many users have viewed or downloaded this file recently. Please try accessing the file again later. If the file you are trying to access is particularly large or is shared with many people, it may take up to 24 hours to be able to view or download the file. If you still can’t access a file after 24 hours, contact your domain administrator.”

  4. It was aboarding the flash with errors first but after I changed the Log Level from Help to error it got through and flashed .230, at that point it had wiped the data, btw the Flashmode window also had a APPSLOG on the first Wipe box on the right, which I had unticked,

    When I went to the settings to turn on Debugging and Unknown Sources I noticed that it still said .283, I connected it to my PC, Flashtool recognized it and said it had root, in the kernel info there was both the old the new kernel, as if it had both of them at the same time or something.

    I flashed the new kernel again, hoped that my data would return but no luck, connected it to my PC again, Flashtool reports that it has the new kernel and also root.

    So I was able to root but my data got wiped after all, I had backed up my Contacts, SMS, Calls and Apps, but no App Data etc.

    Partial success!!! Hoping that Backup & Reset will restore most of my settings since I had it enabled.

    Oh and remove this part from the text it is not even possible
    “Titanium Backup – If already rooted, use Titanium Backup to backup all of your apps, system data and other important content.”

  5. Hi Usama Mujtaba, Why you never accepted my post about the users with ZL C6502, I had a difficult time, I placed that post so you could update yours to help ppl, don’t understand why u didn’t accept it mmm

    • @gonzalojarjury:disqus The guide is working fine for others, I guess you got confused with something and couldn’t perform the process smoothly, complexity will make the users more confuse, so it’s important to keep it as simple as possible.

  6. For step 20 am i suppose to follow the steps of 2-12 of this tutorial or the one that the link download latest .283 firmware for xperia zr leads to.
    Thanks.

  7. flash done. Rooting is stuck on “creating vm”. Does it normally take this long or is there something wrong. been over 20 minutes…

  8. I am applying the steps on my ZR and now i have been stuck on the Creating cm (loljavasucks) step for an hour and still not progressing. any help please??

  9. i want to root xperia z c6602 android ver 4.4.4 … i want to run an aap ”xmodgame” this aap asking for root .. so plzz help me out to make my xz root …

  10. in the firmware selector screenshot in the wipe section it shows cache and date checked so it ll lost my data ? plzzz reply soon …

    • @disqus_URf0gzCLtM:disqus You need to flash .283 kernel after you root your phone. Just in case you haven’t received the update using Update Center, you may flash this firmware manually

  11. I have a Sony Xperia ZL and I’m not at all happy with their 4.4.4 update. Battery drain is absolutely horrendous on .283 firmware. Is there any way I can switch back to 4.4.2?

  12. @disqus_3rzpegvZnu:disqus our purpose is to root by flashing a kernel only, it won’t cause any harm however if you have the link for your device’s model number, go with that. Don’t forget to let me know if it works or not. Good Luck.

    • @disqus_3xBC0OUN8a:disqus The root apparently has nothing to do with your WiFi, flashing a stock firmware will fix the issue, what’s your device model number, and what files you exactly flashed?

  13. I’m kindof new to rooting, have tried several tools on my xperia z with 4.4.4, the build number .283, no luck, the thing is that i still got warranty on the phone, so i’m worried a bit about if i have to send it in for some reason. i can’t find my original providers fw (1278-1186 Orange-ES), i’m using xperifirm, but get a message with an error when trying to download. i wonder if i can create a firmware backup of my fw before rooting, just to be able to flash it back on in case of warranty.
    could you explain a bit on what is done when only flashing the kernel? could i unroot my phone after using other fw and orange wouldn’t know the phone was rooted?
    thanks for your help on this

    • @novanutria:disqus what’s your device model number?
      If you flash a customzied firmware, your device will get unbranded, that means all the stuff of your telco Orange-ES will be removed and it will be an unbranded Xperia device, just like the international variant.
      If you don’t care about the brand, you may flash the generic firmware and get the root access using that.
      You can pull the firmware from your device but I haven’t posted any method for that here on our site, you may find those methods on the web, but i suspect that for those you will need root access and to create a nandroid backup, you need a custom recovery.
      If you have your brand’s firmware, flashing that will result in bringing your brand’s apps’ and name back on your device.
      I hope this answers all of your queries.

  14. will there be a problem if i’ve previously unlocked my phone’s bootloader?
    because otherwise i followed the procedure fine

  15. my phone kept vibrating after I flashed the .230 on xperia z. I panicked and flashed a generic .283 back on my phone. Is that supposed to happen?

      • @usamamujtaba:disqus I’m using mac to flash, but I cant seem to find the install driver option on flashtool, macOS file–>Driver–>empty, I have no idea what I can do next. all i can do is flash to .230, phone starts vibrating non-stop, then i’ll just flash back to .283… Im new to this so not as knowledgeable.

  16. the download link for .283 kernel for Xperia ZR eventually leads to iLivid DownloadMngr download link. How to pass this ? where’s the direct download link ?

    • @gaurangmhatre:disqus what link did you click? there’s no iLivid link here on our site, the download link for Xperia Z3 .283 is linked in our very own guide and that guide is linked above.

      • When i click on .283 link it goes to ur own guide for .283 update. On that page I found “3. For Xperia ZR C5502 [Generic/Unbranded – US]” this link. After clicking this it goes to uploadboy.com. On that page if i choose free/normal download then I arrive on the page for iLivid Download mngr.
        Do i have to register for premium on uploadboy.com to get .283 firmware ?

  17. @markjosephmbalunsat:disqus No problem.. Here are your answers

    1. if you get the vibration issue on .230, flashing back to the original kernel will fix this issue.
    2. One click tool won’t stop working if you follow the guide properly and carefully.
    3. If you will release the volume down button, the flashing will get aborted.
    4. You can only backup if you’ve a custom recovery installed earlier, but I assume that you’re doing this for the first time, so you cannot back it up without having a custom recovery. For flashing custom recovery you will need root access if you don’t want to unlock your bootloader and if you don’t have root access, you will have to unlock your bootloader to load custom recovery on your phone.
    5. After you’ve rooted it on .230 and then you flash .283 kernel, it won’t get unrooted. However flashing the whole firmware will unroot the device.
    6. Yes, the kernels linked above are the original kernels.
    7. You don’t have to unlock the bootloader for this method, so you won’t loose the warranty at all. Written above is just a precautionary measure as we don’t take responsibility for anything.

    I hope this answers all of your questions.

  18. I had success when I rooted my device Sony Xperia ZQ (ZL) using this method. So I received a notification to update Android to 5.0 (Yes!) today.

    How can I unroot my device to receive this update?

    I tried to use the Super SU but it failed.

  19. Hello again, I just want to ask now if, After I flashed it to 4.4.2, can I use the Update Center/Sony PC Companion to update back to 4.4.4’s kernel? Is it possible even if it is rooted?

  20. Thanks, it works fine for me! Though i lose all my data apps, you should mention this first so people will know this will not wiping your all data and apps. But i’m glad it works fine. Thank you sir.

  21. Hi, I was wondering, my Phone is still running 4.3, (there is no update tot 4.4 for the moment, probably not for a long time) but could I still do this root so I can get 4.4?
    Or does the Phone need to be running on 4.4 before beginning the flashing/rooting proces?

  22. hi Usama, i was flashing my sony xperia z c6603 i did exactly the steps that you put in your tutorial but when the flashng work begin it stuck like this, please i want to know what should i do??

    • @rhandyvizcaya:disqus make sure that you’ve disabled your antivirus / firewall. Also make sure that there are no connection issues, and do not leave the volume down key, keep it pressed unless the flashing is complete. Good Luck.

  23. i have created a problem for myself.. i have done everything right… until i downloaded Titanium Backup pro application.. after opening the app i went to batch file options and started integrating all the original apps like walkman,google chrome,playstore etc to ROM. and that process which was stuck at 70% in the beginning and later succeeded(i admit i was unaware of what i was doing)..since then i am getting error msg of “Google play services which some of your apps rely on,is not supported by device” since then the popup is coming and i am unable to use Google Play Store.. later i did this flashing process once again thinking the problem will resolve but its not. still facing the same problem. now i have uninstalled titanium backup pro..now i don’t have google chrome,play store.. and walkman app is showing error and not able to sync or download contacts from online backup. .. what to do.. can you help please 🙁 : ( (Sony Xperia ZR)

      • Hey thank you for your reply Usama man.. but after posting my query.. i suddenly checked my mobile with Sony pc companion and selected the choice to REPAIR. and yessss it went back to normal and then again i rooted the phone! 🙂 damn i am happy. do you think moving to Lollypop is a good idea? cos actually with 4.4.4 i am pretty happy…

        • @swapnilkashikar:disqus Great. I replied a bit late at that time as i was busy with an international trip, but now I’m back so I’ll be responding quickly. Wait for official Android 5.0 Lollipop, update once its available and it will be worth it. Once it comes out, the guides will be available on our site. Stay connected 🙂

  24. Hi i have the latest firmware for my Sony Xperia ZR C5503 Kitkat 4.4.4, firmware version: 10.5.1.A.0.292. Will rooting also work on this?

  25. @disqus_qfuDFD2eVb:disqus There are people who followed this tutorial properly and got it working, that can be seen using comments. If you couldn’t get it done, we have no fault, and we do list the disclaimer as well. We are not the ones to be blamed if you cannot follow properly and use your very own mind in between as well. The how to works perfectly great and has been verified by several users.

    You can flash stock firmware and fix your device right away anytime anyway. So there’s no need to panic about it.

    • you dont even listen to me 🙂
      i told you, the link you refered to ( in the chapter preparations – 6. install and setup sony flashtool) tells another way to flash the xperia ZL than you do in this post here.
      Therefore, this leads to consequences which only people with some experience in flashing can understand.
      Moreover, there is no option like Xperia Z/ZL/ZR in the flashtool drivers collection. There only is a Xperia Z and SO-O2E option, that you can choose.
      Dude, im telling ya, i did everything just like you said but i got in trouble at 6. in preparations cause the 2 threads tell something different 😀

  26. Solution in rooting Xperia ZL c6502 4.4.4 (only)
    As i was running on 4.4.4 its really hard to find the perfect rooting process, done lots of blogging and xda and finally I am able to successfully root my device. I am not a developer but will try to explain everything I did to root.

    The above process is kinda rite but not completely, because the .230 firmware provided above by @Usama is not actually for c6502 rather it is of c6503 Generic DE, so when u flash that file it will do the flashing but when it comes back after restart its really vibrate every 5 sec (don’t be afraid it can be solved easily) even when the phone is locked. But don’t worry those who are flashing it in c6502 let it be. But you have to download the STOCK FIRMWARE OF SONY 4.4.4 FROM XDA (search google “stock firmware / ftf file of Xperia zl c6502) u will get the file from xda (i dont know the .283 file above, caz i didn’t downloaded that).

    Requirement :
    Unlock the bootloader through Sony Official Guide (Google it)

    ADB Driver
    EasyFlashtool of Doomlord or Blaze
    .230 file above in the blog by USAMA
    Onle Click Root Tool above by USAMA
    Unknown Sources Checked in Settings
    USB Debugging checked in Developer Option

    Process:
    1> Follow the steps prvoided by USAMA above in Flashing .230 ftf file
    2> Do the same in the picture instructed above by USAMA
    3> If you use the Flashtool of Blaze (XDA or google it) while booting in flash mode holding Vol Down key, after u connect the USB cable with vol down and flash started – u can leave the vol down (u dont have to keep it pressing all the time) u can hear the Device plugin sound in ur pc and the connection guide of Flashtool also gone and the flash process started.
    4> Restart your phone after flashing .230
    5> Turn on or Check USB Debugging & Unknown Sources
    5> Do not turn off your device & run One click root tool
    6> Wait for instruction on the tool –> follow it, its simple
    7> You have successfully rooted your device
    8> Now back to the stock rom you downloaded from XDA for c6502 flash it like the way you flashed .230 above but
    a> on the left hand side check you have untick a few
    b> uncheck TA
    c> uncheck Apps on the top box

    Flash the rom and enjoy root in c6502 4.4.4

    Flashing the stock rom of c6502 will stop the 5 sec vibrate of phone which caused for the .230 ftf of c6503….

    Sorry for bad english

    • Thanks for providing this fix. I’m going to set your comment as featured. I wasn’t able to figure out what was the problem since I didn’t have Xperia ZL/ZR, however your comment will help the users a lot. Stay connected with us 🙂

  27. can y please tell me where can i find the kernal.ftf file for xperia z c6603 currently i have the 283 running on my device and i need to root it and add the cwm recovery mode !!!!

  28. i have an xperia ZR, in chapter 6 it says: “open Flashtool>Drivers>Flashtool-drivers.exe and install
    the Flashtool, Fastboot & Xperia Z,ZR,ZL drivers from the list.
    [Important]” i downloaded flashtool, and i installed flashtool and fastboot but i cant find the drivers for the ZR. what do i do? should i proceed to chapter 7?

    Also, my device’s model number is C5502, i downloaded the link for the ZR (Download .230 firmware for Xperia ZR). the downloaded file’s name starts with “C5503…” will that cause a problem?

  29. sir i followed the instruction but when i check the build number nothing change. the build number is 10.5.1.A.0.283
    can you please help me.

  30. This guide will wipe your phone unless you untick “wipe” from the flashtool. So be careful. Even more, link for the C6502 is not working and the rooting process doesn’t even work. Just flash previous kernel(.230) use towelroot.apk to root. Then flash 283 kernel back again using this tool without selecting “wipe” and that’ll work.

  31. hi usama,

    in the root section > step 6 : “From the right side, EXCLUDE everything EXCEPT kernel, as shown below”

    but in the provided picture, u have INCLUDED everything EXCEPT kernel.
    which should i follow mate ?

    • @arshad_imran:disqus The checked boxes mean you’re excluding. That doesn’t mean you’re including.

      In order to exclude, you have to check the boxes.

  32. So, I did that all to root my xz on lollipop, and i have a problem, i was too impatient with the download of .283 (100kb/s) so I downloaded one from somewhere else. that was a bad decision, cause I got a bootloop. I ignored that and flashed the .230 and rooted it, it works now.. a bit. It vibrates although nothing happens and its mute.
    so I’m at step 20 now. i have to flash the .283 again. How necessary is that if I don’t want to keep that? I’m waiting for the download to finish, cause I don’t want to flash that “broken” ftf again.
    My phone is not useful anymore. (the wifi doesn’t work, too)
    I’ll wait for the download and flash the ftf from your site then, will that help?
    Then I’ll just go on with the root of android 5.1.1
    Hope that works and will make my phone useful again..

  33. How to extract One Click Root Tool and From the extracted files, execute the Run.bat file ? Please Help !

  34. MY docomo xperia zr storage problem that show 4.59 gb and my mobile is 32 gb what can i do please any one solve my problem

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