CyanogenMod 13 for Xperia Z5 Compact
Unofficial CyanogenMod 13 build available for the Z5 Compact CyanogenMod/Twitter

An experimental build of CyanogenMod 13 build is now available for the compact variant of Xperia Z5 bearing model number E5823. The alpha build is based on Android Marshmallow version 6.0.1. While the developers are working hard to make it a fully functional build, a few hiccups still exist here and there including camera, video recording and Bluetooth. Following is a list of working and non-working features.

What's not working

  • Flash light / Torch
  • Camera button
  • Video recording
  • Bluetooth (crashes after a few seconds)
  • Microphone
  • Camera Colours
  • Incoming and outgoing calls (No sound)
  • When calling from CM incoming numbers and your outgoing number may be different (This only applies when using CM)
  • Full brightness
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Lag after booting up device (Will resolve after locking phone and waiting a few seconds)
  • Boot animation Lag at first boot

What has been fixed

  • Thermal regulation
  • Red flashy frames
  • RIL (SIM detection)
  • Dex pre-optimization
  • Camera
  • Sensors
  • Crash after locking device

If you want to try out the beta build of the CM13 ROM on your Z5 Compact to experience the latest Marshmallow version, check out the step-by-step guide below. Neither the developer nor IBTimes UK will be held liable for any damage to the device that occurs during the installation. Also do not forget to create a backup of all data of your phone before you go ahead with the installation.

How to install unofficial CyanogenMod 13 on Xperia Z5 Compact

  • First you need to unlock the bootloader of the phone
  • Download Z5C AndroPlusKernel v20 from here and then extract it
  • Download TWRP 3.0.0.0 and then extract it
  • Download TWRP 2.8.7.0 image, which is required if you want to restore backup
  • Download Gapps
  • Download CM 13 ROM for the Z5 Compact
  • Move the Gapps and CM13 files to the phone's storage
  • Switch off the Z5 Compact and wait about 10-15 seconds
  • Enter fastboot mode by holding the Volume Up button. Connect the phone to the PC using USB cable while holding the Volume Up button. When the notification light turns blue, the phone will enter fastboot mode
  • On the PC flash the boot.img extracted from Z5C_AndroPlusKernel_v20.zip through fastboot
  • Flash twrp-3.0.0.0 image using fastboot
  • Exit fastboot and wait for the notification light to turn yellow at the Sony logo
  • Your phone will now enter TWRP; for this, press Volume Up or Down button
  • If TWRP prompts to enable read and write, swipe to continue
  • In the recovery mode create a backup of your data
  • Head over to the main recovery menu and select Wipe>> Advanced Wipe. Also tick Dalvik/ART cache, system, cache and Data, then do a swipe on the swipe to wipe button
  • Return to the recovery menu and select Install then head over to CM13 zip saved on your phone. Select Add more zips and add the Gapps package, then swipe to install
  • Once the installation process is completed, select Reboot system
  • Once the installation succeeded you can select Reboot System

Wait for some time until the CyanogenMod 13 ROM boots up completely. Head over to XDA development thread to know more about the CM13 ROM.

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