How to update Xperia Z Ultra/Ultra GPE to Android 5.0.2 CM12 Nightly ROM

The first builds of CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) Nightly ROMs have just arrived for Sony Xperia Z Ultra (togari) and Z Ultra GPE (togari GPE) with due credit to the industrious CyanogenMod developers.

The CM12 Nightly ROM is based on the original AOSP release, which brings a fast and smooth Lollipop experience in a highly-stable release.

Some of the noteworthy features ported into this build can be found on the official developer page.

If you are one of those curious users who want to give a shot at the new Android Lollipop UI, themes and apps, then you could go ahead and install the CM12 ROM, using the step-by-step guide posted below.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

• The instructions provided in this guide are limited to Sony Xperia Z Ultra/Ultra GPE codenamed 'togari' and will not work with any other model. Verify your device model from Settings > About Phone/Tablet.
• Ensure your device has at least 80% battery charge to avoid inadvertent shutdown during the installation process.
• Make sure the correct USB drivers (download here) are installed for the device on the computer.
• Enable USB debugging on your phone from Settings > Developer Options.

Downloads Required

Android 5.0.2 CM12 Nightly ROM for Xperia Z Ultra (aka Togari)

Android 5.0.2 CM12 Nightly ROM for Xperia Z Ultra GPE

Google Apps for Android 5.0 Lollipop

Steps to flash Android 5.0.2 CM 12 Nightly ROM for Xperia Z Ultra and Z Ultra GPE

1. Download CM 12 Nightly ROM and Google Apps for Xperia Z Ultra and Z Ultra GPE. Note: You can further update CM 12 Nightly ROM with new builds after installing this update by going to Settings > CyanogenMod Updates menu.
2. Connect your phone to PC via USB cable and copy both zip files to your phone's internal storage without actually extracting the zip files.
3. Disconnect the phone from the computer once the files are copied or skip this step if you directly downloaded the files to your phone.
4. Turn off the Xperia Z Ultra/Ultra GPE and boot it into Custom Recovery Mode as follows: Power on the device while tapping Volume Up or Volume Down buttons a few times when the LED light turns pink or any other colour on your phone.
5. Perform a NANDROID backup via CWM recovery by selecting "backup and restore" option or use Backup if running TWRP recovery. Save the backup file with a name and confirm the action.
6. Once in CWM Recovery, perform a full data wipe by selecting wipe data/factory reset option. Use Power button to select options and Volume buttons to navigate up or down in Recovery Mode.
7. Perform a cache wipe by selecting wipe cache partition.
8. Perform a dalvik cache wipe to prevent boot loops or any other errors. From CWM recovery, go to 'advanced' and then select wipe dalvik cache.
9. Return to the main recovery screen and select "install zip from SD card".

10. Now select choose zip from sdcard. Use volume keys to go to the official CM12 ROM zipfile that you copied earlier to your SD card and select it by pressing Power button. Confirm the installation on the next screen and the installation procedure should begin.

11.Google Apps: Repeat the previous step to install Gapps on your phone.

12.Once the installation completes, go to "+++++Go Back+++++" and reboot the phone by selecting reboot system now from the recovery menu as show below.

Your Xperia Z Ultra/Ultra GPE device will reboot and it might take about five minutes for the first boot to complete. So, please do not interrupt the process.

Your phone should now be running Android 5.0.2 Lollipop via newly installed CM12 custom ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the ROM installed.

[Source: Android Geeks - Xperia Z Ultra / Ultra GPE]