Update Xperia Z1 C6906 to Official Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 Firmware

Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is available for Sony’s former flagship device Xperia Z1 and can be installed using Sony PC Companion or through OTA updates, but just in case you’re unable to catch this update in your region, this may cause a little worry and you may not be able to get the latest and greatest version of Android on your Sony Xperia Z1 C6906.

So, to overcome this problem, we’ve made a comprehensive guide that will help you to get Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 firmware running on your Xperia Z1 C6906. The new update comes with performance enhancements, the device is more responsive, multi-tasking has got better. Sony has also improved camera and there is a WiFi data transfer option available in the device, there is a number of other improvements you may find upon installing this latest update. All you need to do is, to move ahead and go through the following step by step guide to get it done successfully.

Pre Requisites:

1. As mentioned, this firmware is only for Xperia Z1 C6906. Do not try this on any other phone, that may result in bricking your device. Check your device’s model number in Settings > About device.
2. You must have installed Sony Flashtool. Find the full guide here.
3. After installing Sony Flashtool, open the Flashtool folder from the drive where you installed it.
4. Now open Flashtool>Drivers>Flashtool-drivers.exe and install the Flashtool, Fastboot & Xperia Z1 drivers from the list. [Important]
5. Your phone must be charged at least over 60%. This is highly recommended in order to prevent any power issues during the flashing process.
6. 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.
7. Make sure that you back up all your important media content, contacts, call logs and text messages. This is highly recommended and important in case something goes wrong during the flashing process or in case you select the data wipe option before flashing. You can easily restore whenever you need.
8. To flash this firmware, you do not need to root your device, you do not need to unlock the bootloader. All you need is, your device must be the one mentioned and must be running on Android 4.2.2 or 4.3 Jelly Bean.
9. Download the firmware file properly.
10. Use the OEM data cable to connect your phone to your PC. Using any other data cable might cause connection problems.
11. This firmware can be flashed on Xperia Z1 in any region/any country.
12. Alright! Follow this guide to the letter in order to prevent any mishap.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 on Xperia Z1 C6906:

1. Before moving forward, please make sure that you’ve read the pre requisites and ensure that you are set to go ahead.
2. Download the latest firmware Android 4.4.2 KitKat 14.3.A.0.681 FTF file. [Generic – Canada]
3. Extract the downloaded rar file and you will get the ftf.
4. Copy the file and paste in Flashtool>Firmwares folder.
5. Open Flashtool.exe now.
6. Hit the small lightening button on the top left corner and select Flashmode.
7. Select the FTF firmware file that you placed in the Firmware folder.
8. From the right side, select what do you want to wipe. Data, cache and apps log, all wipes are recommended, however you may select if you don’t want.
9. Click on OK, and it will start preparing the firmware for flashing. This may take a little while to load.
10. 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.
11. For Xperia Z1, 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.
12. 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.
13. As soon as you see “Flashing ended or Finished Flashing” leave the Volume Down key, plug the cable out and reboot.
14. That’s All! Congrats! You’ve installed latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat on your Xperia Z1 C6906. 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!