Sony is currently working on the AOSP version of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean on Xperia Z and developers are encouraged to help out to speed things up. If you're an owner of Xperia Z and cannot wait till the official version kicks out, update your Xperia Z using CyanogenMod 10.1 custom firmware.

CyanogenMod 10.1 brings the latest features of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean to your Sony Xperia such as lock screen widgets and Quick Settings which isn't available with Android 4.1.2 pre-loaded on your device.

Requirements:

  • Your Sony Xperia Z must be rooted to flash this custom ROM.
  • Battery level should be at least 80 per cent to prevent power interruption.
  • Install all the necessary USB drivers for Sony Xperia Z on your computer.
  • Enable USB debugging mode on your phone.
  • Have a custom recovery app on your Xperia Z such as ClockworkMod or TWRP.
  • Create a backup of all your personal information, system settings and data files on your Xperia Z.
  • Download the CM10.1 Android 4.2.2 firmware on your computer.

Warning: This is a custom ROM and developers are not liable for any damages which may occur on your device. Flashing this ROM can brick your Xperia Z; read and follow the instructions carefully to avoid destroying your phone. Do this at your own risk.

Installation

1. Connect the Xperia Z to your computer via USB cable.

2. Copy the CM10.1 firmware you have downloaded earlier to the SD card of your phone.

3. Disconnect the phone from the computer and switch it off.

4. Go into Recovery mode by pressing Volume down for a few times as the device reboots.

5. Create a Nandroid backup for your current ROM in case you wanted to restore it later. Go to "backup and restore > backup" and confirm the backup creation.

6. After creating a Nandroid backup, go back and perform a full wipe on your device. Select "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition."

7. Now do a Dalvik cache wiping. Go to "advanced > wipe dalvik cache."

8. Install the CyanogenMod 10.1 to your Xperia Z, select "install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD card." Choose the custom firmware you have copied earlier and confirm the installation.

9. After the installation, go back and select "reboot system now." Be patient as the device boots for the first time using this ROM.

Done! Your Sony Xperia Z is now running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean using CyanogenMod 10.1.

In case you want to restore your old ROM, reboot into Recovery mode and select "backup and restore."

For comments and issues regarding the CM10.1 flashing instructions to Xperia Z, send your feedback to the Self Tricks main page.