Install CWM 6.0.4.6 Recovery on Sony Xperia Z C6602/C6603 [How To – Guide]

Sony recently updated it’s past flagship Xperia Z to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean 10.4.B.0.569 firmware and then soon rolled out some more updates packing up some bug fixes and performance enhancements. With the new update, the build number changed to 10.4.1.B.0.101. The method posted earlier on our site to root Xperia Z on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean may not work with the least build number, so we’ve found a working CWM recovery which will allow you to root or flash any custom ROMs if you wish, not only on this build number, in fact it works on all stock firmwares of Xperia Z and also all variants of Xperia Z.

Before we head towards the custom recovery installation instructions, let’s first have a look at a brief intro of the custom recovery that is CWM [ClockworkMod] 6.0.4.6 in our case as many of you might be the first timers here.

A custom recovery allows you to install custom roms, mods etc. Along with these, you can make a Nandroid backup, this helps you a lot as you can move back to the previous working state of your phone at any time you want if you have backed up your current system. In some cases, to root the phone you need to flash SuperSu.zip file in the custom recovery, having installed the recovery may help you while in some cases to install the recovery easily, you need to have the phone rooted. You can also wipe cache and dalvik cache of your phone using a custom recovery. There is alot more you can do using a custom recovery, you mayinstall one and experience it yourself for further know-how.

1. 1. This guide is only for Sony Xperia Z C6602/C6603. Do not try this on any other model, please check yourdevice’s mode in Settings > About Device.
   2. The CWM recovery is only for Xperia ZZ C6602/C6603 running stock or stock based Android 4.3 [10.4.1.B.0.101 / 10.4.B.0.569] / 4.2.2 or 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. Check your firmware version in Settings > About Device and make sure that it matches the one mentioned here.
   3. You must have installed Android ADB & Fastboot drivers. Follow the quick guide here.
   4. Your device must have an unlocked bootloader. Follow our full guide here in order to unlock.
   5. 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.
   6. Backup each and everything on your Android phone as follows:
   7. Backup all your important contacts, find the full guide here.
   8. Backup all your important sms messages, find the full guide here.
   9. Backup all your important call logs, find the full guide here.
   10. Backup all your important media content manually. (Copy to your PC.)
   11. Backup all your apps / data. If you’ve rooted your device, use Titanium Backup to do so. Follow the full guide here.
   12. 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 CWM installation, you can use the custom recovery and return to the old working state of your system.
   13. Enable USB debugging mode on your device.  Get it in Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging mode.
   14. Use only OEM data cable to establish connection between your PC and Phone.
   15. Alright! Follow this guide to the letter now.

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 Install CWM 6 Recovery on Xperia Z:

1. 1. Download Doomlord’s Advanced Stock Kernel with CWM Recovery
   2. Copy the downloaded Advanced Stock Kernel.zip file to your phone’s SD card.
   3. Extract the downloaded .zip folder on your PC, you will get a Boot.img file.
   4. Place the extracted Boot.img file in the Minimal ADB & Fastboot folder that you created using our ADB & Fastboot Quick Setup Guide.
   5. If you are using Android ADB & Fastboot full package, you can place the downloaded Recovery.img file in the Fastboot folder or in the Platform-tools folder.
   6. Open the folder where you placed the Boot.img file. E.g Minimal ADB & Fastboot or Fastboot or Platform Tools.
   7. Press and hold the shift key and right click on an empty area within the folder, and click on “Open Command Window Here”.
   8. Turn off your Xperia Z completely.
   9. Now press the Volume Up Key and while keeping it pressed plug in the USB cable.
   10. You should see a blue light in the notification light of your phone, that means your device is now connected in Fastboot mode.
   11. Now type the following command: fastboot flash boot boot.img
   12. Hit Enter and it will quickly flash CWM 6.0.4.6 recovery in your Xperia Z.
   13. Once recovery is flashed, now issue this command “Fastboot reboot”
   14. Your device will reboot now, as soon as you see the Sony logo,  and the pink LED, press Volume Up key to enter recovery.
   15. Once you’re in recovery, select “Install Zip > Choose Zip from SD Card > Advanced Stock Kernel with CWM.zip > Yes”. [Important]
   16. This will flash the Kernel in your phone now. Once flashed, reboot your device.
   17. Congrats! You should now see the custom recovery.

That’s All with the recovery installation. In case you got any queries or face any difficulties regarding this post, please feel free to stop by the comment box below and let us know. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks all.

Credits: DoomLord – XDA Recognized Developer