Android 4.4 has been released and while all the Android users are expecting the firmware to be released for the non Nexus devices too, we have something exciting in particular for the Sony Xperia Go users. Those of xda-developers have ported the unofficial version of CM 11 custom ROM on the Xperia Go, so even though Android 4.4 will not be officially rolled out for the mentioned handset due to hardware limitation, its users can still receive the latest features and apps and all thanks to the devs who made this possible.
So, if you want to update your Sony Xperia Go to Android 4.4 now you can do so by following the guidelines from below. I will show you how to easily install CM 11 custom ROM firmware on your handset, so all the info needed will be explained during the present step by step guide. Anyway, as I have already mentioned this is not the official Android KitKat OS and also this is not the official version of CM11 software. This update represents a ported variant of the stock Android 4.4 OS and a modified CM 11 platform.
Don’t worry, as even though your Xperia Go is not a high end smartphone, the Android 4.4 CM 11 firmware will smoothly run on your device – there are no lags, bugs or things that aren’t working properly. Anyway, if you do find minor issues, don’t worry, as you will soon be updated with an improved version of CM11. But until then, this should do just fine as the system can safely be applied for daily use.
CM 11 is a free aftermarket of Android 4.4 KitKat platform and comes with both stock and extra features, apps and capabilities. Furthermore, with CM 11 you will not be able to enjoy the pure Android 4.4 experience on your Sony Xperia Go because the ROM is bringing its own looks and user interface. Anyway, since this is the only way in which you can test and enjoy Android KitKat on your Xperia Go, you really have nothing to complain about.
You should know that once CM11 is installed on your Sony Xperia Go, you will be able to make something incredible; you can speed up your Android devices, you can improve the web browsing experience, you can obtain more power, enjoy an upgraded battery life and customized looks and performances. And since you will have access to the internal system of your phone, the Go will become your new playground.
If you have decided to complete this update tutorial then you should know that this method will work only for a rooted Sony Xperia Go. This is how you can remove the factory and default restrictions from your handset and this is how you must prepare your device for the installation procedure that will shortly follow. Unfortunately by gaining root access the warranty will also get void, so if anything bad happens you will be by yourselves. Also, if an official update will be rolled out for your Xperia Go, you will not be able to flash the same as the OTA will not be spotted – instead you will have to use a manual update procedure just like this one.
Don’t worry though because the warranty can be reclaimed. In order to restore it you will have to downgrade your phone to stock Android OS, or as explained above you will have to manually update with an official version of Android firmware. Of course, then the root access will be revoked as your Xperia Go will be restored to its default state.
After gaining root access you also have to install a custom recovery image on your smartphone as CM 11 can be flashed only by using the same. Use the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery because the Android 4.4 software has been tested on the Go only via the mentioned apps. The custom recovery will offer an intuitive user interface between the user (you) and the phone’s internal system. That’s why the custom recovery tool can be installed only on rooted devices and that’s why you can install a custom ROM only by using the same.
For being able to safely complete this guide, you will have to use a computer or notebook, your Xperia Go and the phone’s official USB cable. Then, on the computer you should deactivate the security protection, while on your smartphone you should go to “menu – settings – developer options” for checking the USB debugging option. Finally, you have to charge your phone if the battery status is indicating less than 60% power left. Also, you should remember that this guide is compatible only with the Sony Xperia Go; don’t use the next steps for installing CM 11 Android 4.4 firmware on a different Android based device.
Another aspect is concerned in term of my personal recommendation: do a backup and also aNandroid backup before updating your Sony Xperia Go with CM 11 Custom ROM firmware. A wipe will be required and you will also have to clear the cache or else the software will not run properly on your handset. As you know, when wiping the system you can lose everything that’s saved on the internal storage memory. So, that’s why a backup is being indicated; as for the Nandroid backup, by doing the same you can safely save / and restore if needed the current ROM.
How to Install CM 11 on Sony Xperia Go and Update to Android 4.4 KitKat Firmware
- The first thing to do is to download the required files.
- So, from here download the CM 11 Android 4.4 KitKat file; place the update on desktop without unzipping.
- Then, from here download Google Apps package – similar place the files on desktop and don’t unzip the same.
- Connect your Sony Xperia Go with the computer.
- Use the USB cable for establishing the connection.
- Place the downloaded files (the update and the Google apps) on your phone’s SD card.
- Disconnect the devices by removing the USB cord.
- Turn off your handset.
- Wait a few seconds and then enter your Go in recovery mode.
- Select “wipe data factory reset”.
- Go back and choose “wipe cache partition”.
- Return and select “advance” followed by “wipe dalvick cache”.
- From main menu of recovery select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
- Pick the CM11 firmware file and install the update.
- Do the same thing and flash the Google Apps package.
- In the end, from recovery select “+++go back+++” and “reboot system now”.
- Done.
Good job; you have successfully installed Android 4.4 KitKat based CM 11 custom ROM firmware on your Sony Xperia Go. Since this is the unofficial version of CM11, on the platform there might be some minor bugs. So, test the software and see how it performs on your device. If you don’t like what you see, then if you had made a Nandroid backup, now you can easily restore the previous ROM. Anyway, do share your results with our team or with other users who might want to use our tutorial by using the comments field from below.
