Install TWRP Recovery On The Sony Xperia Z3

Sony’s latest flagship, their Xperia Z3, was unveiled on September 3 of this year.  The device offers a minor upgrade from the Xperia Z2, there are no hardware changes but there are a few new features.

Out of the box, the Xperia Z3 runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat.  If you would like to get root access to the Xperia Z3, XDA senior member monx has developed Ady Stock Kernel here that will allow you to load TWRP 2.8 recovery on the Xperia Z3 and root it.

In this guide, were going to help you install TWRP 2.8.0.1 recovery on the Sony Xperai Z3 D6653, D6633 and the D6603.

Before we begin, here are a few things you need to consider and prepare:

1. Is your device a Sony Xperia Z3 D6653, D6633, or D6603?

• This guide will only work for the devices listed above. Flashing the files on this guide on other devices could result in bricking.
• Check the model number of your device by:
  • Going to Settings > About Device
  • on your device and see your model number. Flashing these files on any other device will result in bricking it so make sure that you meet this requirement first of all.

2. Is your battery charged to at least over 60 percent?

• If your battery run low and the device dies during the flashing process, the device could be bricked. .

3. Back everything up.

• This is highly recommended just in case something goes wrong. This way you will still be able to access your data and restore your device.
• Back up the following:
  1. SMS Messages
  2. Back up Call Logs
  3. Back up Contacts
  4. Back up Media by copying the files manually to a PC or Laptop.
• If your device is rooted, use Titanium Backup for apps, system data and any other important content.
• If you have CWM or TWRP installed in your device, use Backup Nandroid

4. Enable you device’s USB Debugging Mode

• There are two ways to do so. Either:
  • Tap settings>developer options>USB debugging, or
  • If you don’t find developer options in settings
    • settings > about device and then tap “Build Number” 7 times

5. Have Android ADB and Fastboot drivers installed

• You need these to flash Adv. Stock Kernel.

6. Unlock the device’s bootloader.

• Stock Kernel can only be flashed if you unlock your devices bootloader.

7. Have an OEM data cable to establish a connection between your device and the PC/Laptop.

• Using a different data cable could interrupt firmware installation.

Note: The methods needed to flash custom recoveries, roms and to root your phone can result in bricking your device. Rooting your device will also void the warranty and it will no longer be eligible for free device services from manufacturers or warranty providers. Be responsible and keep these in mind before you decide to proceed on your own responsibility. In case a mishap occurs, we or the device manufacturers should never be held responsible.

How-To: Install TWRP Recovery On Sony Xperia Z3

1. According to your device, download a copy of Advanced Stock Kernel:
   • D6653/D6603 [23.0.A.2.93 Firmware] – bootZ3monxtest01.img
   • D6633 [23.0.F.1.74] – img
2. Place downloaded .img file in Minimal ADB and Fastboot folder
   • If you have the Android ADB and Fastboot full package, you can simply place downloaded Recovery.img file in Fastboot folder or Platform-tools folder.
3. Open folder the Boot.img file is placed.
4. Press and hold the shift key while right clicking on an empty area in the folder.
5. Click on “Open Command Window Here”.
6. Completely turn off the Xperia Z3
7. Press the Volume Up Key continue pressing it as you plug in USB cable.
8. You will see a blue notification light on your phone. This means the device is connected in Fastboot mode.
9. Type the command: fastboot flash boot [filename].img
10. Hit Enter. TWRP recovery will flash in Xperia Z3.
11. When recovery is flashed, issue this command: “fastboot reboot”
12. Xperia Z3 will reboot now. When you see Sony logo and pink LED, press the Volume Up and Down key’s simultaneously. You will enter TWRP recovery.
13. You should now see custom recovery.

How-To: Root Xperia Z3

1. Download SuperSu.zip file here
2. Copy downloaded .zip file to phone’s SDcard.
3. Boot device into recovery mode. This is done the same way that we did in step 12.
4. In TWRP recovery, tap “Install > locate SuperSu.zip”. Flash it.
5. When flashing is done, reboot device.
6. Find SuperSu in the app drawer.
7. You can try installing “Root Checker” from the Google Play Store to verify root access.

If you followed your guide, you should find that you’ve successfully rooted the Sony Xperia Z3.

Do you have a Xperia Z3? Or are you planning to get one?

What do you think of it?

JR