Root Xperia Z3 D6603, D6653 23.1.A.0.690 5.0.2 Lollipop Firmware Plus TWRP

Sony released Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for Xperia Z3 with build number 23.1.A.0.690. The new update was equipped with Google’s latest Material Design and Sony’s own UI customizations. Sony’s own UI is quite simple and elegant therefore these two elements blended quite well.  Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update is the biggest update since Gingerbread update for Android. It is more powerful and secure than any other Android version. Moreover, it is more efficient, both in terms of battery and RAM management. Xperia Z3 was already a very good performer, especially for battery and this update is supposed to make the experience even more sweet.

Those who have updated their deviced to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop 23.1.A.0.690 firmware have now lost root access. There are those too who have not rooted their devices yet and want to dive in to the world of Power Android Users. This guide is made for those who want to root 23.1.A.0.690 firmware on Xperia Z3 without having to face much hassle. Most of the rooting methods for Xperia Z3 at this time require users to make a flashable zip and then flash it, after downgrading the device and then updating the device again. Sound pretty difficult and long, right! This rooting method follows the old methods of flashing a modified kernel with integrated recovery so that users can have both custom recovery and root access by using it.

This guide explains the steps involved in installing TWRP on Xperia Z3 with model number D6603 and D6653. After installing the cusotm recovery, users can root their devices using the recovery. The detailed steps and downloads are given below. Below are the requirements that you must fulfill to be able to use this method.

1. This Guide Is Only For Sony Xperia Z3 D6603 and Xperia Z3 D6653

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 Z3 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.

7. Unlock Bootloader

Use the following guide to unlock the bootloader of your Xperia device before proceeding. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Not doing it might brick your device.

8. Set Up ADB and Fastboot Drivers

Download and install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. If you are using Windows, then you should use Windows 7 to use ADB Drivers. ADB Drivers for Mac and Windows are given below.

ADB & Fastboot For Windows | ADB & Fastboot For Mac

Steps To Root Xperia Z3 D6603,D6653 23.1.A.0.690 Firmware

1. Install TWRP Custom Recovery on Xperia Z3 .690 Firmware

1. Make sure that ADB Drivers are working correctly.
2. Also make sure that you have unlocked bootloader of your smartphone.
3. Make sure that build number of your phone’s current firmware is 23.1.A.0.690.
4. Make sure that phone’s model number os either D6603 or D6653.
5. Once you have ensure these above mentioned tips, move to step 6.
6. Download Advanced Stock Kernel For Xperia Z3 .690 Firmware.
7. Unzip and place the contents anywhere on your PC.
8. Copy the boot.img extension to Fastboot folder or Minimal ADB Installation Folder.
9. Now turn off Xperia Z3.
10. Hold volume up button and connect with PC using USB cable.
11. LED should turn blue indicating phone is in fastboot mode. It can be any other color but phone must not go in charging. If it goes into charging mode then it means that fastboot drivers are not installed correctly and you have to install drivers again. Then jump back to this step.
12. Open the fastboot folder where boot.img is placed.
13. Hold shift button on keyboard and right-click on mouse.
14. Click on “Open Command Window Here” (For Windows).
15. Type fastboot devices and press Enter
16. If is shows only one device with random serial number, move ahead. If there are more than one devices than uninstall any Android Emulator on your PC and disconnect any other device. Also uninstall PC Companion if installed.
17. Type fastboot flash boot boot.img and press Enter.
18. The flashing will be done in few seconds.
19. Work here is done. Now move on to next step.

2. Root Xperia Z3 .690 Firmware

1. Download SuperSU flashable zip.
2. Place it in the SD Memory of your phone.
3. Now turn off phone.
4. Turn it on.
5. While phone is turning on, press volume buttons and power button to enter recovery mode.
6. Once in TWRP, tap on install and locate the folder where you have placed the SuperSU zip.
7. Install it (Flash it) and phone will be rooted automatically and SuperSU app will also be installed.
8. Now go back to main menu and reboot the device.
9. That’s all! Now your phone is rooted with TWRP custom recovery installed.

Got any question? Ask me in the comments below