Categories How To RootSonySony Xperia

How to Root Sony Xperia Z1 14.2.A.1.136 Firmware

Sony’s Xperia Z1 has received new Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update based on the build number 14.2.A.1.136. Earlier, we posted methods to root and install CWM recovery on Xperia Z1 running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, but those methods only worked for the build number 14.2.A.0.290. As request by the users, we’ve found a working method to root the newest firmware on Sony Xperia Z1.

In the following post we’ll be going through the method. Before we begin, many of the users here might be the first timers and want to know about what is root access and why you should root your phone. So, we’ll first go through a brief intro of root access and then head towards the rooting method.

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 custom roms. By installing custom recovery, you can flash custom roms in the phone easily. Custom recovery also let’s you backup your current rom and restore it in case of any mishap. There is a laundry list of things you can do after having your device rooted and installed the custom recovery, now once you’re rooted and have installed custom recovery, go ahead and enjoy it on your phone. Here’s our collection of 10 Best Root Apps.

Here are installation instructions:

This guide is only for Sony Xperia Z1 C6903/2/6943. Do not try this on any other model, please check yourdevice’s mode in Settings > About Device.
The Root instructions are only for Xperia Z1 C6903/C6902/C6943 running latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean 14.2.A.1.136 firmware. Check your firmware version in Settings > About Device and make sure that it matches the one mentioned here.
Please make sure that your phone’s battery is charged at least over 60%. This is highly recommended in order to prevent any power issues during the recovery flashing process.
Backup each and everything on your Android phone as follows:
Backup all your important contacts, find the full guide here.
Backup all your important sms messages, find the full guide here.
Backup all your important call logs, find the full guide here.
Backup all your important media content manually. (Copy to your PC.)
Backup all your apps / data. If you’ve rooted your device, use Titanium Backup to do so. Follow the full guide here.
Backup your current system using a custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) if you’ve flashed one. This is recommended in case something goes wrong with rooting your phone, you can use the custom recovery and return to the old working state of your system.
Make sure that you read the instructions carefully and applied all precautionary measures. Let’s go ahead.

Disclaimer: The methods involved in flashing custom roms and rooting your phone is 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.

How to Root Xperia Z1 Running Latest Android 4.3 14.2.A.1.136 Firmware:

You need to install CWM recovery first. Follow our full guide here to install it on your device.
Download Supersu.zip file now.
Place the downloaded Supersu.zip file on your phone’s sd card.
Now boot into CWM recovery on your phone. To do so, turn off your device first. Now turn it on, as soon as you see the Pink LED, press the Volume Up Key rapidly.
You should see the CWM recovery interface shortly.
Once in CWM, select “Install Zip > Choose Zip from SDcard > Select SuperSu.zip > Yes”.
This will flash SuperSu.zip file, once flashing is complete, reboot your device.
Find SuperSu in app drawer now. You can also install Root Checker app from Play Store to check root.
Congrats! You’re rooted now!

That’s All! Let us know if the tutorial worked fine for you. In case you got any queries or face any issues regarding this post, please feel free to stop by the comment box below and drop us your words. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks all.

Usama M

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.

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View Comments

Rainmanone says:

March 2, 2014 at 10:52 am

I'm currently on rooted 4.2.2. if I update OTA to 4.3' I will probably lose the root, right ? so, should I update and then root as in the article, or do another procedure ? (I'm with a locked bootloader)
Weltenmeister says:

October 20, 2019 at 12:21 pm

Hello, I followed your guide to root my Z1. It worked nice. But, does it install a new kernel? The Sony kernel has some interesting security features. They would get lost if this rooting method installs a new kernel.
yata says:

October 20, 2019 at 12:22 pm

"Backup all your apps / data. If you’ve rooted your device, use Titanium Backup to do so. Follow the full guide here."

I thought this guide was for rooting your device, why not give an alternative that doesn't require rooting?

I'd like to thank you for making this guide though, it's really helpful for a helpless person!
Usama Mujtaba says:

March 26, 2014 at 6:11 pm

@disqus_kLzjGAajR0:disqus just a safety measure in instructions. For example if you've rooted your device on an old firmware, you can use Titanium to backup your data, then upgrade and use this guide to root it again :)
Usama Mujtaba says:

March 26, 2014 at 6:14 pm

@weltenmeister:disqus the CWM recovery kernel is based on the latest stock kernel, so no worries at all :)
- um009 says:
  
  March 26, 2014 at 6:15 pm
  
  @weltenmeister:disqus this kernel is totally custom, you may not expect any issues.
Keith William says:

April 3, 2014 at 9:55 pm

I'm sorry if this is out of place. I don't know where to ask. So here goes, I rooted my Xperia Z1 running Jellybean and I want to update it to KitKat. What will happen to the phone if I update it?
- um009 says:
  
  April 4, 2014 at 6:54 pm
  
  @keithwilliam:disqus nothing will happen. You will just loose the root access and everything stock will be back, but there is no need to worry about anything. We have posted the update, root and cwm guides for KitKat as well. Find them on our site.
  - Keith William says:
    
    April 5, 2014 at 7:55 am
    
    I tried updating it via the OTA update and an error appeared. I tried vi the PC Companion, it said the it cannot continue with the update because it has modifed software. What will I do?
    - um009 says:
      
      April 5, 2014 at 8:20 pm
      
      @keithwilliam:disqus that means your phone already is rooted. This is the guide for rooting the phone on latest firmware, if you want to update you will have to use our update guide that's linked above in the instructions. Good Luck.
Keith William says:

April 4, 2014 at 12:03 pm

I rooted my phone using this method. What will happen if I update it to KitKat?
- um009 says:
  
  April 4, 2014 at 6:52 pm
  
  @keithwilliam:disqus you will loose the root access, but you can again root it as we have already posted the KitKat update and root guide.
Usama Mujtaba says:

May 27, 2014 at 9:03 pm

@disqus_e9SXYI7qop:disqus what's your device's firmware build? please let me know so that i can help you properly.