Installing Android 4.4 on the Xperia Z

Despite launching more than a week ago, it’s still unknown what the roll out schedule for Android 4.4 KitKat looks like for most non-Nexus devices. This includes the Sony Xperia Z. But fortunately, XDA member pabx has already released his own custom AOSP ROM based on Android 4.4 KitKat.

As always, DroidReport assumes no liability for the firmware installation. Proceed with caution.

Before Getting Started

Before you get started, make sure that your Sony Xperia Z is rooted and unlocked. You must also have ClockworkMod installed.

As always, you want to backup your device and charge it to at least 80 percent.

Finally, enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings -> Developer Options.

Updating Sony Xperia Z to Android KitKat 4.4 via AOSP ROM

1) Download the Android 4.4 KitKat AOSP ROM, as well as the Google Apps package, which can be found here and here.

2) Using your USB cable, connect your Sony Xperia Z to your computer.

3) Copy AOSP custom ROM and the Google Apps package to the root folder of your handset’s SD card.

4) Boot your phone into Recovery mode by holding down the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together.

5) Perform a Nandroid back up of your device in case the ROM installation fails.

6) Perform a factory reset. Next, perform wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik cache.

7) Navigate to Install Zip from SD card and choose the ROM downloaded earlier. After the ROM is installed, repeat the steps above to install Google Apps.

8) After installation is finished, navigate to the recovery menu and select “reboot system now.” It may take a few minutes for your handset to boot up for the first time. Do nothing until this process is complete.

9) After restarting, your Sony Xperia Z will officially be running Android 4.4 KitKat AOSP ROM. Kudos.