Root and Install CWM/TWRP On Xperia Z Ultra 14.6.A.1.216 Firmware

Xperia Z Ultra is seeing a new update which moves the build number to 14.6.A.1.216. The new update has completely fixed the wide-spread Stagefright vulnerability. Xperia Z Ultra users do not need to worry about this annoying bug anymore. In the previous Android updates, Sony missed a fix to this vulnerability, but all the Lollipop goodies made their way to the device. In the new update, we are not seeing any new features or apparent enhancements. The new update is only meant to fix the Stagefright bug. Since this is a complete new update, if you’re going to flash or you’ve already flashed it, its going to result in loosing root access. In order to gain root access on this latest firmware, you have to adapt a different approach because the traditional rooting methods do not work on Lollipop anymore.

As per required by our loyal users, we have written down this comprehensive guide which will help you to root your Xperia Z Ultra running this latest 14.6.A.1.216 firmware. You will also be able to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. The guide will work for both, Locked and Unlocked bootloaders.

1. This is only for Sony Xperia Z Ultra C6802, Z Ultra C6806 and Z Ultra C6833

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

2. 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. 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. If you haven’t rooted your device previously, skip this step.
• Backup Nandroid – If CWM  or TWRP installed previously, otherwise skip this step and perform this at the end of flashing.

4. Enable USB Debugging Mode on your device.

Enable USB debugging mode on your device. To do so, tap settings>developer options>USB debugging. If you can’t find developer options in settings, then tap settings > about device and tap “Build Number” for 7 times and you’ll get em’ activated under settings.

5. 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 Ultra drivers from the list. If you do not find the Flashtool drivers in Flashmode, skip this step and install Sony PC Companion instead, for drivers support. [Important]

6. Use OEM data cable to establish connection.

Make sure that you use the phone’s original data cable to establish connection between your phone and the PC. Using a different data cable might result in interrupting the firmware installation.

Steps For Rooting Xperia Z Ultra 14.6.A.1.216 Firmware

1. Downgrade to .108 Firmware and Root It

1. If you have already updated your smartphone to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, then you have to downgrade your device to KitKat OS and Root it.
2. Use this guide to Install .108 firmware.
3. Root using this guide.
4. Now Install XZ Dual Recovery.
5. Now phone is rooted, USB Debugging must be enabled.
6. Download latest installer for Xperia Z Ultra from here. (ZU-lockeddualrecovery2.8.10-RELEASE.installer.zip)
7. Connect phone to PC using OEM date cable and run install.bat.
8. It will install the custom recovery.
9. Now work here is done. Lets move on to next step.

2. Make A Pre-Rooted Flashable Firmware For 14.6.A.1.216 FTF

1. Download 14.6.A.1.216 FTF and place it anywhere on PC (The Firmware must be specific to your device).
   • 14.6.A.1.216 FTF For C6802
   • 14.6.A.1.216 FTF For C6806
   • 14.6.A.1.216 FTF For C6833
2. Download ZU-lockeddualrecovery2.8.x-RELEASE.flashable.zip
3. Now create a pre-rooted firmware using this complete guide.
4. Now copy the pre-rooted firmware to the phone’s internal storage.
5. Our work in this step is now done. Move on to next step.

3. Root and Install Recovery on Z Ultra C6802/C6806/C6833 5.1.1 Lollipop Firmware

1. Custom recovery was installed in the first step.
2. The pre-rooted firmware was created and copied to phone in next step.
3. Now you have to turn off phone.
4. Turn it on again and press volume up or down repeatedly to enter custom recovery.
5. Click on install and locate the folder where you placed the flashable zip earlier.
6. Tap on it and install it.
7. Now reboot the phone.
8. Your phone will boot up, find out SuperSu in app drawer.
9. Phewww! You’re rooted with TWRP & CWM recovery installed on your Z Ultra. That’s all.

Let us know how did it go for you. In case you’re stuck with something, reach us out through the comment box below. We would love to help you out.