Update Xperia Z2 with CM12 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Firmware

Android 5.0 Lollipop will officially embrace the Sony Xperia Z2. But until the OTA will be released and even after that, you might try something different instead. So, without further introductions, CM12 is available for your own Xperia Z2. The new custom ROM is based on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS and comes with great new features and with a redesigned UI just for your Android smartphone. So, are you ready for the CM experience? If so, let’s see how to install CM 12 on Sony Xperia Z2.

First of all, CM 12 for Sony Xperia Z2 is provided thanks to those of xda-developers. The Nightly build of CM 12 is still under development stage so the official release from the CM team is currently in works. But, this unofficial port of CM12 is great too; the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS is stable and will smoothly run on your Xperia Z2. There are no important bugs included on the Android system and according to those who have already flashed it, the software has only minor problems so you can keep CM12 installed for a daily use.

Moreover getting and updating CM12 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop on your Sony Xperia Z2 is a must if you want to tweak and improve your smartphone. With this custom ROM your smartphone will run better, faster and the battery life will be upgraded. Also, the default Lollipop UI will be replaced with a new interface, developed by those of CM. In addition you will also get a new theme manager along with many other features and apps that cannot be found on the stock Android market.

Therefore, you have all the reasons for flashing CM12 on your Xperia Z2. But, before starting the steps from below, you must first prepare your phone. Without checking all the guidelines from this guide you can easily end up in bricking your Android device, so be careful and try not to mess things up in any matter.

Start by making a Nandroid backup in order to save the firmware that is now running on your phone. Having and using a Nandroid backup is great especially if CM 12 will not be on your taste, or if the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS will come with bugs and with other software related issues – you can anytime choose to restore the stock ROM by using recovery mode.

Continue the preparation process with a general backup. You see, CM12 can be installed only by using a custom recovery image. Well, that implies in making a hard reset during the update operation. So, you can lose all your personal data, info and accounts. That’s why you shouldn’t complete this tutorial without taking care of the backup process and without temporarily saving everything that’s important for you.

As mentioned already, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop can be flashed on your Sony Xperia Z2 only if a custom recovery image is installed on your phone. CM12 comes in form of a .zip file, so as you know these types of files can be applied only by using CWM, TWRP or similar software. Good; after ensuring the custom recovery image, you also have to root your smartphone. With root access you will remove factory and default restrictions from your device. Ensure this access because the custom ROM will have to change several in built programs, apps and features.

All these are unofficial processes and while completing them the warranty of your Sony Xperia Z2 will get void. Unfortunately you can’t update your phone to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop with CM 12 custom ROM without losing the warranty of your device, this being the only negative aspect that is related to the update operation.

Finally, you have to be sure that a computer can be used; on the same PC you have to temporarily deactivate antivirus protection while on your phone you need to check USB debugging option. Then, you must plug in the charger on your phone if the battery status is showing less than 50% power left. In the end, just remember that this step by step guide / tutorial is compatible only with Sony Xperia Z2 – don’t use these steps for installing CM12 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS on a different Android based smartphone or tablet.

How to Update Xperia Z2 with CM12 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Custom ROM Firmware

1. Access this page; that’s the official page from where you can get CM12 and Google Apps package for your Sony Xperia Z2.
2. Place the downloaded files on your computer – on desktop if possible.
3. Don’t unzip these files; just connect your smartphone with your PC via USB cable and place all the files on your phone’s SD card.
4. Unplug the USB cord and turn off your phone.
5. Enter your Sony Xperia Z2 in recovery mode.
6. In recovery navigate towards “wipe data factory reset” option and apply the same; then choose “wipe cache partition” followed by “wipe dalvik cache”.
7. Go back to recovery main menu and select “install zip from SD card” and pick “choose zip from SD card”.
8. Select the CM 12 update file and flash Android 5.0.1 Lollipop firmware on your Sony Xperia Z2.
9. Repeat the process and flash Google Apps package.
10. Select “reboot system now” when you are done.