Use CM 11 Custom ROM To Install Android 4.4.4 KitKat

The Sony Xperia P is a great mid-range device that is still pretty popular. It ran on Android Gingerbread out of the box but has since been updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Unfortunately, the update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean seems to be the last official update that the Xperia P will have.

While Sony doesn’t seem about to release an update for the Xperia P, you can still update this device using custom ROMS. A good custom ROM for the Xperia P is CyanogenMod 11. This custom ROM can allow you to get Android 4.4.4 KitKat on your Sony Xperia P.

Follow along with our guide to install CM11 custom ROM on your Xperia P.

Prepare your phone:

This guide and the custom ROM we are installing are only for the Sony Xperia P. Don’t try this with another device as it could brick it. Make sure you have the correct device by going to Settings>About Device.
Make sure you’ve charged the battery to at least over 60 percent.
Unlock device bootloader
Back up important contacts, SMS messages and call logs.
Back up important media files manually by copying to a PC or laptop.
Create a backup EFS.
If you already have root access on your phone, use Titanium Backup to back up your apps, system data and any other important content.
If you have a custom recovery installed, use Backup Nandroid on your device.

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.

Download:

cm-11-20140804-SNAPSHOT-M9-nypon.zip
Google Gapps.zip for Android 4.4.4 KitKat Custom ROM.

Place these downloaded files into your phone’s internal or external SDcard.

Android ADB and Fastboot drivers. Install them.

Install Android 4.4.4 KitKat On Sony Xperia P:

Open the ROM.zip file you downloaded and extract the Boot.img file .
In the boot.img file, you should see a kernel file. Place this kernel file in the fastboot folder.
Open fastboot folder. Press shift and right click on any empty area in the folder. Choose “Open command prompt here“.
Type the following command into the command prompt: “fastboot flash boot boot.img”.
Boot the phone into CWM recovery. Turn off your device. Turn it on and quickly press volume up key, you should see the CWM interface.
From CWM wipe factory data, cache and dalvik cache.
“Install Zip>Choose Zip from Sd card / external Sd card”.
Choose the ROM.zip file you placed on your phone’s Sd card.
“Install Zip>Choose Zip from Sd card / external Sd card”.
Choose Gapps.zip file this time and flash.
When flashing is done clear cache and dalvik cache.
Reboot system. You should see CM logo on the boot screen now, it may take up to 10 minutes to boot into home screen.