Instructions for updating Sony Xperia Z1 to Android 10

Owners of a legendary smartphone Sony Xperia Z1 often face a situation where official support for the device has long been discontinued, but the desire to use modern applications remains. Officially, this device stopped at version Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, which makes it impossible to launch many current apps from Google Play. However, community enthusiasts continue to keep old flagships alive by creating unofficial builds of the operating system.

The process of installing a more recent version of the software requires deep intervention in the system, since it is impossible to do this using standard menu tools. Settings . You have to unlock the bootloader, install a custom recovery and flash a specialized system image. This is a complex technical process that carries certain risks, but allows you to significantly expand the functionality of the gadget.

Before you take active steps, you need to clearly understand what you will do with your device. Installing custom firmware completely voids the warranty (if it is still valid) can lead to data loss. In this article we will analyze in detail each step, from preparing tools to the first launch of a new system based on Android 10.

Technical limitations and project realities

Smartphone Sony Xperia Z1 (code name honami) is based on processor Snapdragon 800, which was very productive in its time. However, the architecture of this chip imposes certain limitations on modern versions of Android. Qualcomm officially stopped supporting this platform many years ago, so all subsequent versions of the OS are the result of the efforts of independent developers.

It is important to understand that porting Android 10 to such old hardware is always a compromise. Developers have to use old system kernels and adapt drivers, which can affect stability. Some functions, such as a camera with proprietary Sony algorithms or specific sensors, may not work correctly or require the installation of additional modules.

⚠️ Attention: The LineageOS project and other custom firmware for the Xperia Z1 are in the stage of experimental support or legacy status. Expect possible bugs in Bluetooth operation or power consumption.

However, switching to Android 10 provides tangible benefits in terms of security and application compatibility. You'll get access to modern APIs, improved permission management, and a fresher interface. This turns the old phone into a fully functional device for basic tasks, navigation or use as a media player.

Preparation of tools and backup

The beginning of any flashing process should be accompanied by careful preparation of the workplace. You will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, a working USB cable and a fully charged smartphone battery. The battery charge must be at least 80%, since turning off the power while writing flash memory sections can turn the phone into a “brick.”

The first and most important step is to save all personal data. The process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a prerequisite will completely delete all data from the internal drive. This includes photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. Make a backup copy to your computer or to cloud storage.

• 📁 Copy folders DCIM, Download i Music to your computer's hard drive.
• 📞 Export contacts to file .vcf or synchronize them with your Google account.
• 🔑 Write down passwords for Wi-Fi networks and important applications, as they will be reset.
• 💾 Download drivers Sony USB Driver and utility ADB/Fastboot to your computer.

You also need to enable USB debugging mode on the smartphone itself. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the item Build number seven times until a message appears stating that you have become a developer. After that, in the new menu For developers activate the item USB debugging.

Unlocking the Bootloader

The bootloader (Bootloader) is a app that runs when you turn on the phone before loading the operating system. By default, it is blocked by the manufacturer, which prevents the installation of unsigned software. To install Android 10 we need to obtain permission to change system partitions.

Sony provides an official unlocking method, but it requires obtaining a special code. Please note that this procedure is not reversible for some DRM (Digital Content Protection) features, which may affect the performance of the camera and some multimedia features. Decide for yourself whether you are willing to sacrifice this for the sake of a new OS.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader will void the device warranty. Please ensure that you accept this risk consciously.

To obtain the unlock code, visit the official Sony Mobile developer portal. You will need to enter the IMEI of the device, which can be found by typing the code *#06# into your phone. After submitting your application, you will receive a unique code by email. This code will need to be entered in fastboot mode via a computer.

Connect the switched off phone to the computer by holding down the volume down key. In the command line on the PC, enter the command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If the device is detected, enter the command to unlock, substituting your code:

fastboot oem unlock 0xYOUR_UNLOCK_CODE

The phone will ask you to confirm the action using the volume buttons. Confirm your choice and the process will begin automatically. Upon completion, the device will reboot and perform a factory reset.

What are DRM keys?

DRM keys are digital signatures that verify the authenticity of smartphone components. Unlocking the bootloader erases these keys, which may result in poor photo quality and loss of access to some Sony services. There are methods for backing up these keys before unlocking, but they require root access on the old firmware.

Installing custom TWRP recovery

The standard Android recovery menu has limited functionality and does not allow you to install unsigned firmware. We need to replace it with Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). This advanced menu allows you to create full system backups, clean up partitions and install zip archives with firmware.

Find the current version of the image twrp.img, specially compiled for the model Xperia Z1 (honami). The files can be found on the forum 4PDA or in the repository XDA Developers. Download the file and place it in the tools folder ADB/Fastboot on your computer.

Put your smartphone into mode again Fastboot (press and hold the volume down button when connecting to a PC). Enter the command to temporarily download the recovery:

fastboot boot twrp.img

Using the command boot instead flash allows you to boot into TWRP without immediately writing to memory. This is a safe way to test the image's functionality. If the recovery menu has loaded successfully, it is recommended to immediately perform a full installation through the TWRP interface by pressing the button Install and selecting the recovery image, or use the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

After successful recording, it is extremely important to exit the mode correctly. Don't let the phone boot into the old system right away, as it may overwrite the custom recovery with its stock counterpart. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery (usually the power button and volume up) immediately after the screen turns off.

Android 10 firmware and Google Apps packages

Now that we have a working custom recovery, we can begin installing the operating system itself. You will need to download two main files: an archive with firmware (usually LineageOS 17.1based on Android 10) and a package of Google services (OpenGApps). Make sure to download the architecture version arm and Android version 10.0.

Upload the downloaded files to the phone’s internal memory or SD card. If the phone's memory was cleared when unlocking, copy the files through the computer in MTP mode while you are in TWRP, or use the command adb push:

adb push lineage-17.1-honami.zip /sdcard/
adb push open_gapps-arm-10.0-pico.zip /sdcard/

In the TWRP menu, the first thing you need to do is clear data (Wipe). Go to section Wipe, select Advanced Wipe and mark sections Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache. Do not touch the section Internal Storageif your archives with the firmware are there. Swipe to confirm cleaning.

Section	Action	Purpose
System	Clear	Removing old OS
Data	Clear	Reset user data
Cache	Clear	Clear temporary files
Dalvik	Clear	Reset application cache

After cleaning, return to the main menu and select Install. Find the firmware file LineageOS and swipe to confirm the installation. Wait for the process to complete. Then, without rebooting the phone, go to Install again and install the archive from OpenGApps. This is a critical step, without which you will not have the Play Market store and Google services.

⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the installation process or disconnect the cable until the “Successful” message appears. Interrupting the recording may damage the partition table.

After installing both archives, press the button Reboot System. The first launch may take from 5 to 15 minutes as the system optimizes applications. The Android logo or boot animation may appear on the screen - this is normal. Be patient.

System setup and troubleshooting

After a successful boot, you will see a welcome message screen Android 10. Go through the standard setup process: select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to your Google account. Now your Sony Xperia Z1 works on a modern platform, but requires additional configuration for stable operation.

Due to the age of the device, you may experience accelerated battery drain. It is recommended to go into the battery settings and limit background activity for rarely used applications. It is also worth disabling unnecessary animations in the menu For developersby setting the animation scale to 0.5x or Disabled.

• 🔋 Enable power saving mode to extend the time work.
• 📶 Check the APN settings of your mobile operator for correct Internet operation.
• 📸 Test the camera; if the quality is unsatisfactory, consider installing alternative applications like GCam.

If you have problems with sound or microphone, check if there are conflicting Magisk modules installed. To obtain root access, you can flash the archive Magisk through the same TWRP menu as the firmware. This will give you complete control over the system, but use it with caution.

Remember that the developer community is constantly updating its products. Periodically check the forum where you purchased the firmware to check for security updates or bug fixes. Regular updating of custom firmware is the key to the security of your data on the network.

Is it possible to return the stock firmware back?

Yes, you can return the factory software. To do this, you need to unlock the bootloader again (if it was transferred) and use the official Sony Xperia Companion utility to restore the software. This will return the phone to its out-of-the-box state on Android 5.1.1.

Will NFC and payment via Google Pay work?

The operation of NFC depends on the specific build. However, Google Pay (now Google Wallet) requires a Play Protect security certificate. On an unlocked bootloader and custom firmware, payment via NFC most likely will not work without complex manipulations to disguise root access.

Why does the camera shoot worse than before?

This is due to the loss of DRM keys when unlocking the bootloader and the lack of optimization of old drivers for the new Android. Try installing ported versions of Google Camera (GCam), they often give better results on custom firmware.

How to update the firmware to a new version in the future?

If the developer has released an update, download the new zip file. Go to TWRP, make a backup of the current system, install a new archive on top of the old one (dirty flash) or with a complete cleanup (clean flash), and then install the current GApps package.