Sony is not going to release the Google’s official Android firmware update for its old flagship phone, Xperia SP due to insufficient RAM and other specification to run the Android 6.0 Marshmallow firmware. But don’t worry you can still taste the latest Android M features, thanks to CyanogenMod 13 ROM which is based on AOSP Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
CyanogenMod ROMs are popular among the Android market for its better performance and stability. So the compatible CM13 built is available for the Sony Xperia SP and if you are interested then can enjoy the Android M experience on your device without waiting for the not coming OTA release.
Keep in mind that this ROM is in its early stages, actually this ROM is not released by CyanogenMod team but has been ported by xda-developers and you might face some not functioning features or minor bugs but many users have tested this ROM and according to them; this ROM is fully functional with a few minor bugs to be fixed, so you can safely use this Android 6.0 Marshmallow firmware as a daily driver.
Additionally, this pure CM13 ROM is based on AOSP Android 6.0 Marshmallow and any extra UI are not added by carriers or by OEM. Ready to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your Xperia SP? Go ahead and follow the given guide to install the new CM 13 Android M firmware for better and faster Android experience with improved battery life. In this guide you’ll be required a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP in order to flash the ROM and Google Apps .zip files on your device.
Note:
This guide containing CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM is working with Sony Xperia SP only. Verify device model number of your device by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
Warning:
AndroidBlog will not be held responsible for any kind of damage occurred to your Sony Xperia SP during or after the installation of this CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM. You will lose the warranty of your device by flashing this software. Proceed at your own risk.
Pre-Requirements:
- Take a complete backup of all your data and setting on your phone like contacts, call logs, SMS, MMS, internet settings, installed apps, photos and audio/videos files etc.
- Turn OFF the Antivirus and other security features from your computer to avoid unexpected issues while downloading the firmware and installation.
- Download and install Sony Xperia SP USB Drivers on your PC.
- Enable USB Debugging option on your Xperia SP by navigating to Settings – Developer Options.
- (Note:- Go to Settings – About Phone and tap on Built Number for a few times to enable Developer Options)
- The battery level of your Xperia SP should be at least about 70% before proceeding to the installation guide.
- The Xperia SP device should be rooted with the latest version of a custom recovery pre-installed.
Required Files:
- Download CyanogenMod 13 Android 6.0 ROM for Xperia SP
- Download Google Apps for Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Steps to Update Sony Xperia SP to Unofficial CyanogenMod 13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow Custom ROM:
1:- First, download the CyanogenMod 13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM (cm-13-20151101-UNOFFICIAL-huashan.zip) from the above links on the desktop of your PC. (Do not extract)
2:- Now connect your Xperia SP to PC using its USB data cable and mount the Memory Storage of the phone.
3:- Copy/paste the Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM .zip file to the root folder of your SD Card on the phone.
4:- Disconnect the device from the PC and boot into Recovery Mode [How To?].
5:- While your device is now recovery mode, perform a full data wipe by selecting wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik cache.
Note:- Wipe Dalvik Cache will help you to prevent boot loops and issues related to ROM while installation.
6:- Next, navigate to the main menu of Recovery and choose install zip from sdcard > choose zip from sdcard. Find the ROM .zip file that you’ve already transferred to the SD Card of your phone in Step No 3. Just select it and confirm the installation of CM13 Android 6.0 Marshmallow ROM file to begin.
7:- Install Google Apps Package by repeating the above steps on your Xperia SP.
8:- After flashing the ROM on the phone successfully, reboot it by selecting reboot system now.
Your device may take some time to boot for the first time after the installation. So be patient and wait for the process to be completed.
That’s All! You’ve successfully installed the Android 6.0 Marshmallow Custom ROM on Xperia SP.
Tell us in the comments area below if you have any query or problem while installing the latest unofficial CM13 Android M software on your Xperia SP.
