The waterproof device from Sony viz., Xperia ZR comes with some fine specifications and it can certainly handle the Marshmallow firmware and it’s material design. Also, the devices may not receive any official software updates from Sony. Even if it does, it will be long before it hits the device. Courtesy Chippa_a, an XDA forum member, the device can now run the latest Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow firmware. Although unofficial, the firmware is the only option to get your Xperia ZR to the latest Android OS right now. Being an alpha build, users may expect some bugs with the camera and some force close errors.
A similar build has been released for the Sony Xperia Z and has received only 2 updates till now. Whereas, with Alpha 3 release for the ZR device, the ROM is more stable and free from major bugs.
With further development stability improvements and bug fixes can be expected. The new material design from Google and the support from CyanogenMod will make your device more enchanting. Moreover, the Xperia ZR device comes with some fine hardware specifications to support the new software.
We have already listed various Android devices that have received the CyanogenMod 13 port, either officially- click here or unofficially- click here. If you own this device, then take your device to Marshmallow with this tutorial.
Download the ROM and follow the instructions carefully. You will need TWRP recovery setup on the device. Visit the developer page from the source given below for more details. We have also listed some of the best custom ROMS for the Sony Xperia Z device.
Changelog:
ALPHA 3
-Fix Wi-FI, when he suddenly disappeared (need more testing)
-Busybox killed. Now used “Sony init” via toybox
-Updated CM sources
ALPHA 1
– Fixed issues with changing network types
ALPHA 0
– Initial public release.
Bugs with Alpha 1 build:
-Camera bugs
-Some FC
Download Best Custom ROMS for Sony Xperia ZR
Here are some of the finest custom ROMS builds for your device:
Download Lineage OS 14.1 based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat or later
CyanogenMod 13 (CM 13 ALPHA 1)
→ Download Link [Developer Page] | File: cm-13.0-20160109-EXPERIMENTAL-yuga.zip (306.41 MB)
Recommended TWRP for CM 13
→ Download | Developer Page
PureX Z v1.0 port 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM for Xperia ZR
→ Download Link | Developer Page (For more information)
→ Download Link | V2.0 OTA
Compatible Google Apps:
→ Open Google Apps → Download links | File: open_gapps-arm-6.0-stock.zip
→ Dynamic Gapps for Marshmallow → Link | File: BaNkS-Dynamic-GApps-6.x.x-11-21-2015.zip
Flash SuperUser for Root Access
→ Latest SuperSU → Download link
Prerequisites
- Unlocked Bootloader is required in some cases, most commonly for TWRP installation. If you have a custom recovery installed, then you can flash the ROMS straight away. However, it’s recommended that you unlock the bootloader first.
- Verify your device before you proceed. The listed ROMS are compatible with Xperia ZR device only.
- Make sure you have a custom recovery installed on your device. Latest build from TWRP is highly recommended.
- Make sure you have latest device drivers setup on your PC in order to transfer the files to your device’s internal storage. Get it from the official page of your device manufacturer.
- Fully charge your device as the process make take a while.
How to Update Sony Xperia ZR to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Firmware With CM 13
Step 1: Download the ROM of your choice from above. Also, download the compatible Google Apps from the above download section. Download Marshmallow Gapps for CM 13. If you are looking for root after installation, then download the SuperSU package from the list.
Step 2: Transfer all the necessary files to you device’s internal storage or SDcard. Place the files where you can easily locate it.
Step 3: Now boot into TWRP recovery. To do so, turn off your device completely and then press and hold the power button and volume down key for a few seconds. Once you see the TWRP logo, that means you have successfully booted into the recovery. Alternatively, if you have rooted device, then use Android apps like the Quick boot or Boot Smart.
Step 4: Once into TWRP, take a Nandroid backup. To do so, tap Backup option and select all the partitions including the system, data, boot, recovery, EFS and cache(optional).
Step 5: Now wipe the current system. To do so, return to home screen and tap the Wipe option in TWRP. Tap Advanced Wipe and select partitions like system, boot, data, cache, Dalvik cache. Do not, in any case, select internal storage, unless you know what you are doing.
Step 6: Now return to the home screen again and tap Install option. Navigate to the ROM file from your internal storage and select it.
Step 7: Now swipe right on the confirmation action button below to install the ROM.
Step 8: Once installed, go back and select the compatible Google apps zip file from the location in your internal storage.
Step 9: Once selected, swipe right on the confirmation action button below to flash them.
Step 10: Once installation completes, you can wipe the Dalvik cache or simply choose reboot to system option.
Step 11: Once you reboot, you should see the new boot logo. This means that the ROM has been installed successfully. First boot may take a while. If the ROM doesn’t boot or you come across boot loop, a factory reset from the recovery should do the trick. If that fails, you can restore your previous ROM from the TWRP recovery.