The much awaited update for the very first Xperia Z device and its siblings, Android 4.4.4 KitKat is finally here. Earlier today, Sony started rolling out Android 4.4.4 KitKat with the build number 10.5.A.0.283 to the Xperia Z users, the firmware is now listed on the official site of Sony as well. As usual, the new update packs up so many enhancements. Atop is the Android 4.4.4 KitKat tag and are its camera application enhancements, the device gets charged better now, performance and stability enhancements have been made. General improvements to WiFi, Calender and some other applications have been made as well.
The update is on a slow roll out and will take some time to spread all around the world. But not all Xperia enthusiasts will be able to calm themselves down and wait for this update through OTA or through Sony PC Companion. In this case the only way to get this update on your device as soon as possible is by flashing an official firmware using an FTF file through Sony Flashtool and that’s what we are going to do in the proceeding guide. We will be flashing Android 4.4.4 KitKat based on the build number 10.5.A.0.283 on our beloved Sony Xperia Z C6602 and C6603. Let’s go through early preparations and then flash this firmware.
Early Preparations:
1. This is only for Sony Xperia Z C6602 & C6603!
This 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 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.
- 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 drivers from the list. [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.
How To Update Sony Xperia Z C6602,C6603 To Official Android 4.4.4 10.5.A.0.283 Firmware:
- Before moving forward, please make sure that you’ve read the pre requisites and ensure that you are set to go ahead.
- Download the latest firmware Android 4.4.4 KitKat 10.5.A.0.283 FTF file.
- For Xperia Z C6602 [Generic/Unbranded]
- For Xperia Z C6603 [Generice/Unbranded]
- Copy the file and paste in Flashtool>Firmwares folder.
- Open Flashtool.exe now.
- Hit the small lightening button on the top left corner and select Flashmode.
- Select the FTF firmware file that you placed in the Firmware folder.
- From the right side, select what do you want to wipe. Data, cache and apps log, all wipes are recommended, perhaps you may select if you don’t want.
- Click on OK, and it will start preparing the firmware for flashing. This may take a little while to load.
- As soon as the firmware is loaded, it will prompt you to attach the phone by turning it off and keeping the back key press.
- For Xperia Z, Volume Down key will do the job of back key, just turn off your phone, keep the Volume Down key pressed and plug in the data cable.
- As soon as the phone is detected in Flashmode, the firmware will start flashing, Do not leave the Volume Down key until the process is complete.
- As soon as you see “Flashing ended or Finished Flashing” leave the Volume Down key, plug the cable out and reboot.
- That’s All! Congrats! You’ve installed latest Android 4.4.4 kitkat on your Xperia Z. Enjoy
In case you got any queries or face any problems regarding this guide, 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!
this 444 update is by far the worst same issues as 442 whats the fix??? glad i got my iPhone 6 plus, going to smash a fairly new white sony xperia z 6602, rescue it b4 i smash it android sucks!!!! heck they say apple has issues i don’t think so ANDROID SUCKS!!!! glad the sony was a good buy on ebay well time to smash the sony
@disqus_k53dCR4Egv:disqus No idea if Sony will roll out another new update or not. This is 4.4.4, 4.4.2 was old.
Hey, ur link for c6602 not working of .283
Plz help
@disqus_PYFuYcFu5j:disqus you can create an FTF for yourself using this link: https://techbeasts.com/2014/08/26/how-to-download-sony-xperia-official-firmware-and-create-ftf-file/
@jeyanarendran:disqus did you perform a clean install?
Hello ! Thank you for your great tutorial, I’m planning to install Lollipop 5.0.2 so if I don’ty like it of it doesn’t work I’ll downgrade using this tuto, but I just wanna know :
Do I need to do something specific if my phone’s unrooted ? Or do I just save all my data as indicated above and that’s it ? Sorry if it’s already answered in the post, I did not understand this point very well as I’m not a native English speaker..
@aqualune:disqus you can create SMS, Call Logs, Contacts, Media content backup without rooting. And install your applications later on once again. So you don’t need anything specific to create a backup, just follow the instructions, create a backup and go ahead. Good Luck.
I see ! Thank you for your reply.
CAN ANYONE GIVE ME Z3 KITKAT 4.4.4 TRF FILE?
will these instructions with the c6603 firmware work for the c6616? i’ve heard they’re the same phone, the c6616 is the bell canada variant?
@name no, you need firmware for c6616, instructions will remain the same.
Hello, i didn’t find the firmware folder after i installed flashtool, how can i find it
@disqus_1gKFc1oaYV:disqus the firmware folder resides inside the flashtool folder which should be in your installation directory. Best of luck.
Are these tft available for any region/country ??
@disqus_QNonCwfWyD:disqus you can flash any generic ftf on any device regardless of the region.
ok and the btw is there a need to hold down the volume down during the whole process ?
Hello usama I want your help
XPERIA Z C6602 UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER
Right now I am using custom rom unofficial cyanogenmod 12 but it’s buggy it hangs alot.
Now I want to get to back to my original Sony stock rom lollipop 5.0.2
Should I follow this same procedure? to install kitkat 4.4.4 and update lollipop 5.0.2. And after installing kitkat 4.4.4 can I get OTA update for 5.0.2.
Please guide me and help me out
@disqus_kh0Vf7YLf1:disqus yes you will get OTA if you update to 4.4.4 (purely stock). You can also update to 5.0.2 directly. Guide is available on our site, please use the update category to find it.
THANKS USAMA 🙂
one more doubt i have
i have already backed up my drm keys before unlocking bootloader i have a zip file
now my device is in unlocked bootloader state
now i just want to know after getting back to stock ROM how to restore my drm keys
please guide me
@disqus_kh0Vf7YLf1:disqus a little bit search on google will get you through this. On my site, I haven’t written anything about the DRM keys, so sorry about that. But there are applications that help you to restore DRM keys.
@disqus_QNonCwfWyD:disqus no, that’s not necessary. You can leave it once flashing starts.
help me pleassssse
@disqus_Shxv54OfTf:disqus Please make sure that you’ve downloaded the FTF file properly. Also make sure that you’re using latest version of Flashtool.
Link for C6602 is broken, can you upload in another host please?
hello I’m facing difficulties in downloading “For Xperia Z C6603 [Generice/Unbranded]” When I click the link brings me to lots of unwanted stuffs and I can’t see the download any more. help me please 🙂
@alexwmwangande:disqus that’s the uploader’s link. you have to spot the right download button and click it.
First you’ve to click on slow download. Then enter captcha, it will generate download link. After that you’ve to click the generated link.
hope it helps. stay connected. 🙂
please where can i find for my xperia T2 Ultra dual –D5322
hi i am having a problem with the flashtool drivers even after disabling driver signature enforcement from rebooting, also i cant find kitkat firmware android 4.4.4 for xperia t2 ultra. please help
Hi, I was trying to flash my Xperia Z.. I followed every step in the instructions, but got the following errors during flashing.. please help.
12/057/2015 10:57:29 – INFO – Selected Bundle for Sony Xperia Z (C6602). FW release : 10.5.1.A.0.283. Customization : Customized_UA
12/057/2015 10:57:29 – INFO – Preparing files for flashing
12/059/2015 10:59:24 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
12/059/2015 10:59:55 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
12/059/2015 10:59:56 – ERROR – Drivers need to be installed for connected device.
12/059/2015 10:59:56 – ERROR – You can find them in the drivers folder of Flashtool.
12/059/2015 10:59:57 – INFO – Start Flashing
12/059/2015 10:59:57 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
12/059/2015 10:59:57 – INFO – Checking header
12/059/2015 10:59:58 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
12/059/2015 10:59:58 – INFO – Ending flash session
12/059/2015 10:59:58 – ERROR –
12/059/2015 10:59:58 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
12/059/2015 10:59:58 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
12/001/2015 11:01:02 – INFO – Device disconnected
@disqus_mmuis7K3ZR:disqus install the drivers located inside flashtool folder > drivers. This is drivers issue.
What is difference between kitkat firmware for xperia z in India and UK
@libinbaby:disqus only region difference, nothing else.
I need to downgrade my xperia z c6602 to kitkat.do I need to follow same step above will it cause phone dead since it is downgrade.and do I have unlock bootloader to downgrade
@libinbaby:disqus no, your phone won’t go dead and this method is safe to follow.
Hello.
Hope so you can help to me too. I have Xperia Z3 Compact
1- I downloaded C6603, Sony PC Companion(I dont know why did i download it.) and flashtool lastest version(i checked it and its correct).
2- (there is some problem…) I installed flashtool and there isnt device and firmwares folders. Afterthat i installed drivers with z3c option and other flash things too. And I seached again and found it my documents .flashTool. opened it and there is devices and firmware folders. I copied C6603 to firmware folder.
3- started to flashtoolsx64 version. I did what it said to me. it said to me Pluged out and shut down the device and again pluged in. i did that too but when i was plugging in there is an error.
What shall i do that to fix it. Im really bored from Lollipop and i want to downgrade asap… I saw someone has same problem. and you said :
“install the drivers located inside flashtool folder > drivers. This is drivers issue.”
i installed that too. still same problem ! Thats why im asking that.
THis is new one :
10/047/2015 00:47:05 – INFO – Device disconnected
10/047/2015 00:47:20 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Reading device information
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Phone ready for flashmode operations.
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Opening TA partition 2
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Current device : D5803 – YT9111TBZM – 1289-4696_R5C – 1285-6521_23.4.A.0.546 – GLOBAL-LTE_23.4.A.0.546
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Closing TA partition
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Start Flashing
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Checking header
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Ending flash session
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – ERROR –
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
10/047/2015 00:47:21 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
10/047/2015 00:47:22 – INFO – Device disconnected
10/047/2015 00:47:24 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
10/048/2015 00:48:24 – INFO – Device disconnected
10/048/2015 00:48:32 – INFO – Device connected with USB debugging off
10/048/2015 00:48:32 – INFO – For 2011 devices line, be sure you are not in MTP mode
10/048/2015 00:48:38 – INFO – Device disconnected
Ty for your Helps and Concern
@disqus_mm7qvHXSOm:disqus You need to flash the firmware for Xperia Z3 Compact. You flashed the firmware of Xperia Z on Xperia Z3 Compact that’s why youre facing this issue. Kindly tell me the model number of your Z3 Compact so that I can help you out.
hello Usame Mujtaba
firstly thanks for reply.
my model number is D5803
i checked from internet and found a website but links are dead.
im living at Germany but if i download Central Europe Firmware
is it okey too or shall i download only Unbranded german version.
@disqus_mm7qvHXSOm:disqus Yes it’s okay to download and flash the german firmware. Please use this guide:
https://techbeasts.com/2015/07/24/update-sony-xperia-z3-compact-d5803-d5833-234a0546-android-511-lollipop/
i want to downgrade to 4.4.4 but you sent me upgrade 🙁 i have already lollipop
@disqus_mm7qvHXSOm:disqus use this guide to downgrade to lollipop: https://techbeasts.com/2014/10/09/how-unroot-restore-stock-firmware-sony-xperia/
I could not download german firmware because as i said, links are dead. I have now UK firmware. Hope so there ll be no problem. And your link is for Lollipop and i want to downgrade to kitkat
@disqus_mm7qvHXSOm:disqus I already updated the links in Xperia Z3 Compact post.
@usamamujtaba:disqus now i tried new UK version. and did not worked and i got this error msg
@disqus_mm7qvHXSOm:disqus you need to install drivers first. The log clearly says that. After installing drivers your installation will go fine.
This is last one : (im sorry but it makes me angry now..
12/036/2015 11:36:39 – INFO – For 2011 devices line, be sure you are not in MTP mode
12/036/2015 11:36:46 – INFO – Selected Bundle for Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803). FW release : 23.0.1.A.5.77. Customization : Customized UK
12/036/2015 11:36:46 – INFO – Preparing files for flashing
12/039/2015 11:39:20 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
12/039/2015 11:39:50 – INFO – Device disconnected
12/040/2015 11:40:08 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
12/040/2015 11:40:08 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – INFO – Start Flashing
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – INFO – Checking header
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – INFO – Ending flash session
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – ERROR –
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
12/040/2015 11:40:09 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
@disqus_mm7qvHXSOm:disqus Please make sure that you’re trying to flash the right firmware and you’re using the latest flashtool.
Provide me the details of the firmware you’re trying to flash. i.e. Its version and build. Also, Please comment in the appropriate thread. This is Xperia Z post, please comment on Xperia Z3 Compact post.
HI USAMA
I CANT FIND RTF FILES TO MY Z3 D6603
CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME ?
@alextesler:disqus What files to do you exactly need? Those are FTF files, not RTF. For what firmware do you need the FTF?
Can i downgrade my Xperia z1, model c6903, which has lollipop 5.0.2 to 4.4 ???
@disqus_R2LQhmpsVG:disqus Yes you can downgrade.
I’m in the USA I need stock 4.2 for Xperia Z, any help?
@disqus_D1MRlDrKjm:disqus use the FTF guide on our site and create your own FTF for Android 4.2
29/049/2015 20:49:59 – INFO – Preparing files for flashing
29/050/2015 20:50:22 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
29/050/2015 20:50:29 – INFO – Device disconnected
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – INFO – Start Flashing
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – INFO – Checking header
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – INFO – Ending flash session
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – ERROR –
29/051/2015 20:51:01 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
29/051/2015 20:51:02 – ERROR – Drivers need to be installed for connected device.
29/051/2015 20:51:02 – ERROR – You can find them in the drivers folder of Flashtool.
@ivanvidarte:disqus install flashmode and fastboot drivers as directed in the flashtool guide on our site.
Hi!.. i have sony xperia m4aqua android 5.0 Lollipop i can downgrade to 4.4 kitkat?
@zmadnessinsky:disqus yes you can.
Can you show me how to do this please ? or to go to 4.4 or 5.1 ?
@zmadnessinsky:disqus Just flash a 4.4 FTF on your phone. This guide might hel p you: https://techbeasts.com/2014/10/09/how-unroot-restore-stock-firmware-sony-xperia/
can you show me in the video>?…
hello there i have downgraded from lollipop 5.1.1 and installed 4.4.4 but the problem is my volume is not working but used to before but works when connected headphones helllpppp… 🙁
@disqus_KbsrcSh6UU:disqus try flashing the stock firmware once again.
hey please help
i’m living in india nd i hv purchased my xperia z from UAE nd my model no is c6602
nd i need to downgrade from lolipop 5.1.1
so can i use the above firmware
please help
@amitkandpal:disqus yes you can. Best of luck.
06/017/2016 15:17:29 – INFO – Selected Bundle for Sony Xperia Z(C6603). FW release : 10.5.1.A.0.283. Customization : Customized_IN
06/017/2016 15:17:29 – INFO – Preparing files for flashing
06/017/2016 15:17:33 – INFO – Device connected with USB debugging off
06/017/2016 15:17:33 – INFO – For 2011 devices line, be sure you are not in MTP mode
06/017/2016 15:17:37 – INFO – Device disconnected
06/017/2016 15:17:42 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – INFO – Start Flashing
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – INFO – Checking header
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – INFO – Ending flash session
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – ERROR – null
06/018/2016 15:18:39 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
06/018/2016 15:18:40 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
06/019/2016 15:19:40 – INFO – Device disconnected
06/019/2016 15:19:43 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
06/020/2016 15:20:44 – INFO – Device disconnected
06/020/2016 15:20:54 – INFO – Device connected with USB debugging off
My Xperia Z (6603) ist stuck in a reboot loop. I wanted to downgrade the phone but when I try to flash the firmware, flashtool gives me this errors. To be sure, I already installed all drivers.