Sony might have lined up the Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS for the Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and the Z1 Ultra. With the latest OS, Xperia users will see a tremendous amount of improvement to their device’s performance as well as battery life.
This shouldn’t stop users from rooting their device. The KitKat might be great but if you wish to get more out of the phone, there is a rooting option made available by NUT. The root developer has created a way to unlock your Xperia Z1.
The root will bring with it the SuperSU integrated in system, Full Root, XZDualRecovery 2.7.96 BETA (CWM and Phil Touch and TWRP) pre-installed, init. D support and support for both locked and unlocked bootloaders.
If you’re interested in the NUT root, you can refer to the following guide on how to install it on your Xperia Z1.
Pre-requisites
1) Install USB Driver for Sony Xperia Z1 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.
2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the tablet to connect it with computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> About phone. Tap on Build Number several times until a message appears saying ‘You are now a Developer.’ Now enable USB Debugging Mode by navigating to Settings>> Developer Options.]
3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP then backup data using the recovery.
4) If the Android device powers off due to lack of battery while the rooting process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Xperia Z1 should have charge above 80% battery charge.
5) The device will lose manufacturer’s warranty once the root method is installed.
6) The root method and the rooted firmware files works with Sony Xperia Z1 C6902 and C6903. As applying these on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Xperia Z1 by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.
7) Flashtool 0.9.15.0
8) Xperia Z Dual Recovery 2.7.90 BETA or, newer.
9) The Xperia Z1 should be rooted on firmware version such as, 14.2.A.0.290 or, 14.2.A.1.136.
Flashing Instruction
1. Move C69XX_14.3.A.0.681.flashable.zip to the external SDcard
2. Place C69XX_14.3.A.0.681_Stripped.ftf inside the Flashtool/firmwares folder
3. Create a backup of the phone in TWRP and remember to backup the contents of SDcard (the internal storage)
4. Flash C69XX_14.3.A.0.681.flashable.zip in TWRP
5. Flash C69XX_14.3.A.0.681_Stripped.ftf using Flashtool
6. Reboot the system and it should be rooted already
