Sony Xperia Z3 users can now update their phones to the latest Android 7.1 Nougat firmware. This update is available using CyanogenMod 14.1 custom ROM which is based on Android 7.1 Nougat that comes with tons of new features, and we recommend that you must install it on your phone. The Sony Xperia Z3 is Sony’s next high-range device in the Xperia Z range and this outstanding phone comes with 3GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage and 2.5Ghz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, new impressive camera, featuring a 20.7MP 1/2.3″ imaging sensor, with a Sony G 25mm lens and maximum ISO of 12800 for low light conditions.
The Sony Xperia Z3 won’t be getting the official update of Android Nougat, so the best way to update your phone to Android 7.1 Nougat is to flash the custom firmware CM14.1 on your device by following this step by step guide. This is not an official release by Sony but just a custom ROM. The CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat custom firmware need a custom recovery already installed on your device to flash a custom ROM. Before proceeding, keep in mind to take backup of all your valuable data. If you are interested in installing CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat custom, ROM on your Sony Xperia Z3 then go ahead and follow the given steps.
Note:
This guide containing the Android 7.1 Nougat CM 14.1 custom ROM is working with the Sony Xperia Z3. Do not try to install this ROM on any other device, or your device might get bricked.
Warning:
AndroidBlog will not be held responsible for any kind of damage occurred to your Xperia Z3 during or after the installation of CM 14.1 Custom Firmware. Proceed at your own risk.
Pre-Requirements:
- Make sure that the battery level of your Xperia Z3 is at least about 80% before moving on to the installation guide.
- Download and install proper USB Drivers for the Xperia Z3 on PC.
- It is highly recommended to take a proper backup of your important data and settings on the phone using a custom recovery such as CWM or TWRP. In case anything goes wrong then you’ll be able to restore your data.
- Enable USB Debugging Mode on Xperia Z3 from Settings > Developer Options.
- How to Set Up ADB and Fastboot with Android SDK (How To?)
- The Xperia Z3 should be rooted with the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery installed.
- The bootloader of your phone should be unlocked.
Required Files:
Steps to Flash Android 7.1 Nougat CM 14.1 on Sony Xperia Z3:
Step No 1: – First, download CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat ROM (cm-14.1-20161202-nailyk-SonyCM-leo.zip) for Sony Xperia Z3 on the desktop of your PC.
Step No 2: – Extract the downloaded ROM .zip file to get the boot.img file separately.
Step No 3: – Connect your Xperia Z3 to the PC and mount USB (mass) memory using the USB cable.
Step No 4: – Transfer the Android 7.1 Nougat ROM zip file to the root folder of your SD card.
Step No 5: – Now copy/paste the boot.img file to android-sdk-windows\platform-toolsdirectory.
Step No 6: – Next, power OFF your device to boot into Bootloader Mode.
Step No 7: – Power ON the phone while pressing and holding the Volume Up button while connecting it again with the USB cable. Your phone LED will turn blue, and it will get into the Bootloader Mode.
Step No 8: – Once the Xperia Z3 enters into Fastboot mode, go to android-sdk-windows\platform-tools directory on the PC and open Command Prompt within that folder.
9: – Type the given command and hit Enter.
Step No 10: – Now give the following command and press Enter.
Step No 11: – Now, boot the device into Recovery Mode. Turn ON the phone while pressing the Volume Up or Volume Down buttons a few times till the LED light turn pink.
Step No 12: – Go back to the main recovery menu and perform a full data wipe. This includes Dalvik Cache, Cache, System, Factory data reset.
Step No 13: – Go back the main Recovery menu and choose install zip from sdcard> choose zip from sd card.
Step No 14: – Find the ROM file that you’ve already transferred to the root folder of your SD Card. Select the ROM .zip file and proceed the installation process.
Step No 15: – Once the ROM is successfully installed on your Xperia Z3, install Google Apps package by following the same procedure as given above.
Step No 16: – After the installation of CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat custom ROM and Google Apps, select reboot system now to restart the Xperia Z3.
It will take about 5 minutes to boots up for the first time after installing ROM on your phone.
That’s All! You have successfully updated Xperia Z3 to the latest Android 7.1 Nougat with CM 14.1 custom ROM.
