Install CWM Recovery and Root Sony Xperia Z1 Running 14.3.A.0.757 Firmware

Sony’s Xperia Z1 has got some new stability updates based on Android 4.4.2 KitKat having the build number 14.3.A.0.757. Earlier Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates had some performance issues and some annoying bugs including the sound bug that irritated the users and disappointed them, but the good thing here is, in the past few months, Sony has been quite fair with its customers, specially regarding the software updates. There has been a hefty list of device getting latest Android updates, and Sony is trying to keep the updates as stable as it can.

If you’ve already updated your Xperia Z1 C6903/C6902/C6906 or C6943 to latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.757 firmware, you might be looking out for a method to get your device a custom recovery and also root it on this latest firmware. The previous methods are all firmware specified and will not work with this update, so you will have to follow a new one. In a few minutes, we will be installing CWM recovery and root all variants of Sony Xperia Z1, you just need to follow this guide carefully. Before we move forward, I’m assuming that some of you’re familiar with flashing custom recoveries and rooting, and some of you are not. In order to make it clear and remove the confusions, we will first have a look on a brief introduction of a custom recovery and rooting the device as well.

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 casesto 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.

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. 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 haveinstalled custom recovery, go ahead and enjoy it on your phone. Here’s our collection of 10 Best Root Apps.

Here are the pre-installation instructions that you must follow:

1. 1. The CWM recovery is only for Xperia Z1 C6902/C6903/C6906/C6943 running latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.757 Firmware. Check your firmware version in Settings > About Device and make sure that it matches the one mentioned here.
   2. You must have installed Android ADB & Fastboot drivers. Follow the quick guide here.
   3. Your device must have an unlocked bootloader. Follow our full guide here in order to unlock. While you unlock your phone’s bootloader, make sure that you read the guide and all the precautions carefully.
   4. 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.
   5. Backup each and everything on your Android phone as follows:
   6. Backup all your important contacts, find the full guide here.
   7. Backup all your important sms messages, find the full guide here.
   8. Backup all your important call logs, find the full guide here.
   9. Backup all your important media content manually. (Copy to your PC.)
   10. Enable USB debugging mode on your device.  Get it in Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging mode.
   11. Use only OEM data cable to establish connection between your PC and Phone.
   12. Alright! Follow this guide to the letter now.

If you want to root your device without unlocking the bootloader, check out this post.

How to Install CWM 6 Recovery on Xperia Z1 C6902/C6903/C6906/C6943 Running 14.3.A.0.757 Firmware:

1. 1. Download Doomlord’s Advanced Stock Kernel with CWM Recovery.zip file and extract it to get a .img file.
   2. Rename the downloaded .img file to boot.img
   3. Place the downloaded boot.img file in the Minimal ADB & Fastboot folder that you created using our ADB & Fastboot Quick Setup Guide.
   4. If you are using Android ADB & Fastboot full package, you can place the downloaded and renamed boot.img file in the Fastboot folder or in the Platform-tools folder.
   5. Open the folder where you placed the boot.img file. E.g Minimal ADB & Fastbootor Fastboot or Platform Tools.
   6. Press and hold the shift key and right click on an empty area within the folder, and click on “Open Command Window Here”.
   7. Turn off your Xperia Z1 completely.
   8. Now press the Volume Up Key and while keeping it pressed plug in the USB cable.
   9. You should see a blue light in the notification light of your phone, that means your device is now connected in Fastboot mode.
   10. Now type the following command:
       

        fastboot flash boot boot.img

   11. Hit Enter and it will quickly flash CWM 6 recovery in your Xperia Z1.
   12. Once recovery is flashed, now issue this command
       

       “fastboot reboot”

   13. In case this doesn’t work, you may reboot the device manually.
   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. Congrats! You should now see the custom recovery.
   16. That’s all.

How to Root Xperia Z1 C6902/C6903/C6906/C6943 Running 14.3.A.0.757 Firmware:

1. You need to install CWM recovery first using the above instructions.
2. Download Supersu.zip file now.
3. Place the downloaded Supersu.zip file on your phone’s external sd card.
4. 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.
5. You should see the CWM recovery interface shortly.
6. Once in CWM, select “Install Zip > Choose Zip from SDcard > Select SuperSu.zip > Yes”.
7. This will flash SuperSu.zip file, once flashing is complete, reboot your device.
8. Congrats! You’re rooted now!

How to check if the device is properly rooted or not?

1. 1. To do so, go to Google Play Store on your Xperia Z1.
   2. Find “Root Checker“ and install it.
   3. Open Root Checker.
   4. Tap “Verify Root”.
   5. It will ask you for SuperSu rights, tap “Grant”.
   6. It should show you Root Access Verified Now!
   7. That’s All!

That’s all. In case you have some queries or you’re facing some issues regarding this post, feel free to stop by the comment box below and drop us your words. We surely will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks all.

Credits: Doomlord for CWM  | Chainfire for SuperSu.