Install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Sony Xperia L via CyanogenMod 13

Install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Sony Xperia L via CyanogenMod 13:

Sony Xperia L is pretty much of an old device with its software update lifecycle officially ended at Android 4.4.2 Jelly Bean. Sony is quite kind to its users when it comes to Android updates, but it looks like kindness is limited to Xperia Z series or other recent flagship and mid-ranges.

Let’s start:

Xperia L users haven’t been able to enjoy any higher version of Android version in the official form, but thanks to the developers keeping this device alive and letting the users flash latest and greatest versions of Android on their Xperia L by means of custom ROMs. Sony Xperia L did have the opportunity to enjoy Android 4.4 KitKat and also Android 5.0 Lollipop. Now that the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is there, Xperia L owners might be looking for a way to enjoy the highest Android version now. The good news is, you can actually get Android Marshmallow on your Xperia L.

Overview:

If you own an Xperia L and you’ve put it on a side, it might be the time for you pick it up, wipe the dust off from it and get ready to flash the latest available CyanogenMod 13 custom ROM on it. The current version of this ROM is in early development stages, but you should find most of the mainstream features working on it.

We recommend the power users only to flash this custom ROM. If you’re a newbie, you’ve to follow the instructions attached in this guide being very careful. Let’s have a look on some early preparations and then move forward to install latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on your Sony Xperia L via CyanogenMod 13 custom ROM.

Early Preparations:

1. This is only for Sony Xperia L!

This custom ROM 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 ROM on any other device will result in bricking it so make sure that you meet this requirement first of all.

2. The 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. Unlock Bootloader.

Your device’s bootloader must be unlocked in order to flash this custom ROM. You can unlock it by using our Sony bootloader unlock guide.

4. Install Custom Recovery

A custom recovery is required for installing this ROM. You may install Philz advanced touch using this thread.

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.

1: Backup SMS Messages
2: Backup Call Logs
3: Backup Contacts.
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. 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.

Update Xperia L To Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow:

1. Perform a factory data reset on your phone before proceeding.
2. Download latest CM 13 Custom ROM.zip file for Xperia L
3. Download Gapps.zip [Pico – Arm – Android 6.0 Marshmallow] file for Android 5.0 Lollipop.
4. Copy both the .zip files to the internal storage of your phone.
5. Turn off your phone now and boot into Philz advanced touch recovery. To do so, turn on your phone and then quickly press the Volume Up Key.
6. Now that you’re in recovery mode, wipe your phone completely (factory reset).
7. Now tap “install zip > choose zip from sd card > select CM 13 .zip file > yes”.
8. Once you’ve flashed the CM 13 file, now flash the Gapps file similarly.
9. Now wipe cache and dalvik cache from the recovery mode.
10. Reboot your Xperia L now.
11. The first boot may take up to 10 minutes, hold on tighter unless you see the CM logo.
12. That’s all.

Final Words:

In order to avoid bricking your device, avoid repartitioning your SD card. Repartitioning can result in potential harm. You can simply perform factory data reset in order to flash the firmware on your phone. In case something goes wrong, we will recommend you to return to your stock firmware immediately.

We hope that you find this guide helpful. If you’re stuck with anything or you got any queries regarding this post, make sure that you reach us by using the comment box below. We would love to help you out immediately. Thank you all.