Sony has officially barred Xperia Z1 from Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. However, the device can still have a glimpse of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow via custom ROM.
Sony Xperia Z1 phones can still get the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update through a custom ROM developed by XDA. The unofficial build brings in almost similar features that the official software has.
Despite the device's exclusion from the official Marshmallow update as announced last year, many were still hopeful for a custom release and it did come. Per reports, Sony Xperia Z1 cannot qualify to the storage requirement for Marshmallow as it comes heavy.
Here's an easy and good way to download and install the custom ROM:
1. Download CyanogenMod Android 6.0 Marshmallow custom ROM and Google Apps to PC.
2. Download Cyanogen Recovery.
3. Plug in Sony Xperia Z1 to PC using a USB cable. Ensure that the USB driver software is installed to PC before plugging.
4. Copy all downloaded files to device's SD card's root folder memory.
5. Ensure the device is rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool before proceeding to installation.
6. Turn off device and disconnect from PC.
7. Press hold volume down and power button simultaneously to enter Recovery mode.
8. Wipe data or factory reset device.
9. Clear cache memory via 'wipe cache partition.'
10. Go back to Recovery mode.
11. Choose 'Advanced'.
12. Click 'wipe dalvik cache.'
13. Go back to Recovery mode again.
14. Click 'install zip from SD card.'
15. Click 'choose zip from SD card.'
16. Go to Android ROM .zip file in SD card and install.
17. Go to Google Apps .zip file in SD card and install.
18. When finished installing, go to '+++++Go Back+++++.'
19. Reboot device.
Before downloading and installing the custom Android 6.0 Marshmallow ROM, be advised to back up necessary files and make sure the storage has enough space. Further, charge up the phone to at least 50% to prevent power interruption which might damage it.
