The Android Open Kang Project (AOKP) team has released nightly builds for a number of Android running device which bring Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for these devices. One such build is also available for Sony Xperia Z, which runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

Android 4.4.2 Kitkat
AOKP ROM based on Android 4.4.2 KitKKat is available for the Xperia Z. Android Police

Xperia Z users who wish to install Android 4.4.2 on their devices using AOKP nightly build may follow our step-by-step guide.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are also advised to verify that their devices meet following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP then backup data using the same.

2) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Xperia Z should have charge above 80% battery charge.

3) The bootloader of the phone should be unlocked.

4) The device should have a custom recovery such as CWM/TWRP. Ensure that latest version of recovery mode is installed on the device. Older versions of CWM an dTWRP recoveries are not working with Android 4.4 based ROMs, giving installation errors and Wi-Fi bugs, therefore install latest version of recovery mode.

5) The Android 4.4.2 KitKat AOKP ROM works only Xperia Z C6603. As applying this to any other variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Xperia Z by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

Download files

Download AOKP ROM featuring Android 4.4.2 KitKat for Xperia Z and copy the file to a separate folder on the phone

Download link: aokp_yuga_kitkat_nighhtly_2014-01-09.zip [Alternative link]

Download Gapps: aokp-gapps-kk-20140112-signed.zip

Note: Copy the ROM and Gapps files to the phone and remember the location.

How to install Android 4.4.2 KitKat on Xperia Z via AOKP ROM /using CWM recovery

Step-1: Boot the Xperia Z into recovery mode. First switch off the phone and wait for about 4-5 seconds until the lights completely go off. Restart the device and wait until the LED light on the device turns purple then press Volume Up button repeatedly until the device enters the recovery mode

Note: In recovery mode use Volume buttons to navigate up and down between options and use Power button to select an option.

Step-2: Make a Nandroid backup from recovery. This is optional but very important in case something goes wrong, you will be able to restore to current status easily. To do so, navigate to Backup and Restore>> Backup

Step-3: Perform a fill clean-up of the device (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress)

Select Wipe data/Factory reset, then select Yes on the next screen to confirm factory reset

Select Wipe Cache Partition then select Yes on the next screen to confirm wiping cache

Step-4: Select Install zip>> Choose zip from sdcard (or external sdcard where the files are saved). Now browse to the location where Android 4.4.2 ROM zip is copied. Select it and confirm installation

Step-5: After the ROM is installed, following the similar procedure flash the Gapps file

Step-6: When the installation process is completed, return to the main recovery menu and select reboot system now to reboot the phone

Note: If the device is stuck in bootloop or stuck at logo while rebooting, perform a factory reset everything will be fine.

How to install Android 4.4.2 KitKat on Xperia Z via AOKP ROM /using TWRP recovery

Step-1: Boot the phone into recovery mode. Power off the phone and wait for about 4-5 second after the lights go off. Restart the device and wait until the LED light on the device turns purple then press Volume Down button for some time until the device enters into recovery mode

Note: In recovery mode use Volume buttons to navigate up and down between options and use Power button to select an option.

Step-2: Make a Nandroid backup from recovery. This is optional but very important in case something goes wrong, you will be able to restore to current status easily. To do so, navigate to Backup >> and select all checkboxes and swipe on the Swipe to confirm option at the bottom of the screen to confirm backup

Step-3: Perform a Factory Reset (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress)

Tap on Wipe>> then at the bottom of the screen do a swipe on the Swipe to factory reset option

Step-4: Tap on Install>> browse to the location where the ROM file is saved and tap on the file. Now at the bottom of the screen do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin installation

Step-5: When the ROM is installed, repeat the similar procedure to flash Gapps file

Step-6: Once the installation process is completed, go back to the main menu of recovery and tap on Reboot >> then tap on System to reboot the phone

Note: If the device is stuck in bootloop or stuck at logo while rebooting, perform a factory reset and it will be fine.

The AOKP ROM based on Android 4.4.2 KitKat should now be installed and running on the Xperia Z. Head over to Settings>> About phone to verify the new software version of the device.

[Source: Android Soul]

Related
Sony