[How To] Root Sony Xperia ZL

Sony Xperia ZL Root instructions

Both Xperia Z and Xperia ZL are identical hardware-wise, the steps on how to root the Sony Xperia ZL are slightly different from its cousin. For the tech folks, the CF Auto root file that used to root Xperia Z has been modified to work with the Xperia ZL. So, here are the instructions on how to root the Xperia ZL.

Requirements for rooting
  1. Firmware Version: 10.1.A.1.350
  2. Unlocked bootloader. Do not perform root if your bootloader is not unlocked. Follow step on               how  to unlock bootloader on the Xperia ZL.
  3. Fastboot files. Follow this post to get it up and running. It also covers problems that you might
      face if you are running Windows 8.

How to Unlock Boot loader
Only after unlocking the bootloader, you will be able to flash custom ROMs and root your Xperia ZL or Z phone. You will also be able to flash custom Kernels. Also, Sony gives early previews of their upcoming firmwares to those with unlocked bootloaders. Before you start, follow these steps

1. Get the IMEI code for your Xperia Z or ZL. This is obtained by typing *#06# in phone dialer.
2. Download the fast boot package for the ZL and Z from here.
3. Get a Windows PC with USB cable
4. Power down your phone and keeping the Volume Up button pressed connect the USB cable to PC
     this will trigger FASTBOOT mode and windows will start driver installation, extract the above
     package and point the driver install to that location (usb_driver) folder
5. Once you get the drivers installed, disconnect cable and power on the phone

 Instructions to Root
 
1. Reboot into bootloader
2. Flash modded CF-Auto-Root Kernel by typing (the file cfautoroot.img will soon be made
    available for  download)
3. reboot from fastboot
4. Xperia ZL will now start booting and you will get indication on screen saying (phone will reboot
     in  10 seconds) after CF-Auto-Root reboots device once, disconnect USB cable and do hard power
    off. For this very purpose, there is a special button under the ZL’s back cover. Disconnect the USB
    cable; press and hold the special OFF button for more than 10 seconds. The phone will vibrate 3
    times.

xperia zl hard power off
5. Connect device in fastboot mode and flash stock kernel fastboot flash boot insecure.img
6. Reboot device and the device will start booting into OS fastboot reboot
7. Download busybox installer from Play Market and install it in  /system/xbin/

That is it. You now have a rooted Xperia ZL.

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