The Sony Xperia Z2 D6503/D6502

The Xperia Z2 is the latest Sony device that is being updated to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. The update carries build number 23.1.A.1.28. If you have updated your Xperia Z2, you might have found that you are now missing root access as updating to this latest firmware wipes root.

If you want to root your device again, we have a method you can use. In this post, we’re going to show you how to root a Xperia Z2 D6503/D6502 that has been updated to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop 23.1.A.1.28 firmware while keeping the bootloader locked/unlocked. We will also be showing you how you can install custom recovery on it. Follow along.

Prepare your phone:

This guide is only for the Sony Xperia Z2 D6503, D6502. Using it any other device could brick the device. Go to Settings>About device to check the model number
Charge phone so it has more than 60 percent of its battery life to prevent it from running out of power before process ends.
Back up the following:
- Contacts
- SMS messages
- Call logs
- Media – copy files manually to a PC/laptop
Enable USB debugging mode. Go to Settings>Developer Options>USB debugging. If you do not see Developer Options, activate it by first going to About Device and then looking for Build Number. Tap the build number seven times then go back to Settings. Developer Options will be available now.
Install and setup Sony Flashtool. Open Flashtool>Drivers>Flashtool-drivers.exe. Install the following drivers:
- Flashtool
- Fastboot
- Xperia Z2

If you don’t see Flashtool drivers in Flashmode, skip this step and instead install Sony PC Companion

Have your OEM data cable available connect the phone and a PC or laptop.
Unlock phone’s bootloader

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.

Steps For Rooting Xperia Z2 D6503, D6502 23.1.A.1.28 Firmware

Downgrade to .167 Firmware and Root It

If you have already updated to Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, you need to downgrade to KitKat OS and root your device
Install .167 firmware.
Install XZ Dual Recovery.
Download the latest installer for the Xperia Z2 here. (Z2-lockeddualrecovery2.8.10-RELEASE.installer.zip)
Use the OEM data cable to connect your phone to the PC.
Run install.bat.
Custom recovery will be installed.

Make A Pre-Rooted Flashable Firmware For .28 FTF

Download and install PRF Creator
Download SuperSU zip and place it anywhere on the PC.
Download the .28 FTF that is appropriate for your device and place it anywhere on PC. [For D6502 | For D6503]
Download Z2-lockeddualrecovery2.8.10-RELEASE.flashable.zip
Run PRFC and add the three downloaded files in it.
Click create
A Flashable ROM will be created. When it is done, you will see a successful message.
Leave all options as is.
Copy pre-rooted firmware to the internal storage of your phone.

Root and Install Recovery on Z2 D6503/D6502 5.0.2 Lollipop Firmware

Turn off phone.
Turn it on and press volume up or down repeatedly. This will bring activate custom recovery mode.
Click install and find folder where you placed the flashable zip in step 2.
Tap and install it.
Reboot the phone.
If phone is connected to PC, disconnect it.
Go to the .28 ftf you downloaded in the second step and copy it to /flashtool/fimrwares
Open flashtool and then click on lightning icon located on the top left.
Click on flashmode.
Select.28 firmware.
In right bar, in exclude options, exclude System only. Leave every other option as is.
Turn off your phone.
Keep volume down button pressed and connect phone to PC with the USB cable.
Phone will enter flashmode.
Flashtool will automatically detect phone and flashing will begin.
After flashing, phone will reboot