How to Flash a Custom Recovery on the Sony Xperia ZL

Sony Xperia ZL, although being a new device, has been able to get some attention from the developers and as a result, we now have several custom ROMs that are available exclusively for this device. Getting these custom ROMs installed on the device is not a big deal, all you’re gonna need is a custom recovery and you’re good to go. This guide should help you how you can install ClockworkMod Recovery on your Sony Xperia ZL so you can begin flashing ROMs right away!

I. Before You Begin:

1. You must have done our How to Root the Sony Xperia ZL procedure.

2. This works for the 10.1.A.1.350 firmware only.

3. You must have unlocked bootloader of your device. You can do so from here.

II. Downloading Required Files:

1. Advanced Stock Kernel (Download link’s given in the first post)

2. Fastboot

III. Installing ClockworkMod Recovery on the Sony Xperia ZL:

1. Download and place both the files onto your Desktop.

2. Extract files from the Fastboot archive to your Desktop.

3. Turn ON the USB debugging option on your device by going to Menu>>Settings>>Developer options>>USB debugging.

4. Once enabled, connect your device to your PC via USB cable.

5. Launch a Command Prompt Window on the Desktop of your PC. To do so, press and hold the Shift button on your keyboard and right-click on any blank area on the screen, then choose Open command window here.

6. Type in following command into the Command Prompt Window:

adb reboot bootloader

7. Your device will reboot into the bootloader mode.

8. Once inside bootloader mode, enter the following command into Command Prompt. Make sure to replace kernel.img with the actual name of the Image you downloaded.

fastboot flash boot kernel.img

9. Once the file’s flashed, reboot your device.

10. And you’re all set!

Awesome! You’ve successfully installed ClockworkMod Recovery on your Xperia ZL and now comes the time to flash some ROMs!

IV. Flash a Custom ROM (Optional):

1. If you are ready to flash custom ROMs on your device, head to the How To Flash a Custom ROM on the Sony Xperia ZL to learn how to do that.

If this procedure helped you please thank/donate to the original developers here.

If you need help with this procedure, please ask in the comments below or in the forum.

This is part of our Android How To’s. We have how to’s on rooting, loading ROMs, and tons of other tips and tricks for your specific device or for Android devices in general! For all of our Android How To’s, head here.

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