How to: Root a Sony Xperia (J, Z, Z1, Z Ultra)

This is a guide on how to root your experia Z ultra. This will work with almost all sony Xperia devices...

Guide:
1) Enable USB debugging [/Settings/Developer options]
- To enable Developer options you need to go on /Settings/About phone/ and tap your 'Build number' 8 times...
2) Download your device drivers, then install them.... and then
4) Install VRoot
5) Your phone needs to be turned on and your lock screen unlocked...
6) Click the green button on the far right of the vRoot application.
7) Now, your phone will restart by itself. (repeat the steps again if this does not work)
8) Unplug your phone from the USB, and check to see if the chinese version of superSU is installed. (it will look like a blue shield)
9) Then go to the playstore, and download superSU/ superuser. Open superSU/ superuser.
10) Allow binary update, and then plug your device back into your laptop, and open vRoot.
11) Click the white button (unroot) and wait for your device to reboot
12) Click on superSU/ superuser (which ever you downloaded) and allow binary update (again!), then go into the superSU/ superuser settings and select 'install to system'
13) restart your device.... done!

You are now rooted for ever! or until you update your firmware...

LINK: (sorry for adfly links... if i don't shorten the links, youtube blocks them)

vRoot app:

Sony device driver page:

OTHER devies:

XDA Thread - Flash FTF ROM

[MenaceReality]

I used VROOT and now all my pictures on my camera are automatically uploaded to the people's republic of China. So much easier than Facebook!

[Kiwiguy]

yes. If you want to install a ROM, then you will need to backup your TA partition (for warranty purposes) then unlock your bootloader, flash CWM or a kernel that has CWM embedded. Then flash the ROM. I've made videos about all of these processes if you need a visual guide.

[cragetzimmer]

Easy lad. Got the phone running again thanks to your advice. I changed the usb cable and it seemed to do the trick. It's not as easy as the jailbreaking scene in my opinion but it was worth a look. Cheers mate ;-)

[harshaaithal]

Thanks for the video.. May I know where did you buy that case ???

[LilDark]

I'm trying to root my z ultra ( 4.3 / build number 14.2.A.1.136 ) but when i get at 3:55 it shows the ( x ) sign instead of the (✓) symbol.
I saw another video on how to root my device with my current build number but it requires unlocking the bootloader (which i dont wanna do it).
So any i ideas/sol. to my case?

[jacovnawfal]

Worked for my Xperia J! Thanks a lot! easiest way ever!

[saadi]

How to go back to stock rom? Where can I download the stock rom if I change my mind and I want to go back to stock? Also does it cripple the X-Reality Engine?

[Kiwiguy]

I have a screen protector on it. I didn't remove the original sheath on it until the protector arrived. It worked fine. But you do need to ensure that all dust and grime is off or it wont apply neatly.
- Yes we can take the sony shatter proof protector off. But the sony logo will come off to. I left mine on.

[TheShafwan]

hey, you install screen protector on it ?
i read someone said we cannot remove original scren protetor.
so, you just paste on orignial scren protector ?

[Kiwiguy]

flashtool is a PC application. you plug your ultra into a PC, and then flashtool will wipe your Ultra, and put whatevery on it. So in your case it will put CWM on it.

[cragetzimmer]

Also tried restoring from the backup I created using your tutorial, but again, the phone reboots too fast for the program to take effect. I've had a look into reflashing but it says you need and unlocked bootloader - which as far as i know, it isn't.
So any advice is greatly appreciated mate.

[Kiwiguy]

yes to backup your TA partition you'll have to have root access. To flash CWM, you will need an application called 'flashtool'
Then using that you can flash a kernel that has CWM. (easiest way) I have a video about using flash tool too.. : )

[Kiwiguy]

You will still get OTA updates from Sony. Rooting wont effect that.

To unroot - Within the superuser/superSU app you can go into settings and 'prep device for permanent unroot' that will delete superSU from your phone.

[kathymai]

Hi Kiwitech. It has been a month since I dropped my phone into water but still can't decide between the note 3 and xperia z1. You have been a owner of both Samsung and Sony phones what is your opinion of both?

[Kiwiguy]

Yeah vRoot tool doesnt work with the new update. What you could do, is flash a custom kernel that has CWM (krabapples one), and then flash the new FTF ""but only the kernel"". So you'll be able to boot up an have normal access with CWM.

[robbygutierrez]

hi good day..! i need some help on installing sony drivers.. I've always wanted to root my sony xperia J but the problem is I cant figure out how to install the drivers...hope you'll help me with this matter..! thanks..!

[wrecko]

Thanks for the clear instructions. So i can root my device first to backup my TA partition then unlock the bootloader. I thought it was the other way around. When you mean flash CWM u mean install from the playstore? not too sure what that means

[cragetzimmer]

Dude, need your help. I followed your tutorial yesterday and everything went off without a hitch. Made a backup and all that shit. Added market unlocker and Apptoide. Thought everything was sweet. Switched phone off last night and this morning it's stuck in a boot loop. It just about gets to the pin input screen then reboots. Can't get it into recovery mode. Tried XZU Recovery for windows, which does recognise the phone but can't do anything because the phone reboots too quickly.

[onlysevenel]

I have exactly the same problem with you. Didnt see any 2nd "binary update". let me know if you got the answer. thanks.

[Julian-bmsx]

+Kiwi Tech i only got kinguser is that the same as your super user? please answer