Install LineageOS on z3c

Basic requirements

Important: Please read through the instructions at least once before actually following them, so as to avoid any problems due to any missed steps!

Make sure your computer has adb and fastboot. Setup instructions can be found here.
Enable USB debugging on your device.

Unlocking the bootloader

Note: The steps below only need to be run once per device.

Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device! This also includes your DRM keys, which are stored in the Trim Area partition (also called TA). Before proceeding, ensure the data you would like to retain is backed up to your PC and/or your Google account, or equivalent. If you wish to backup the TA partition first, you can find tutorials related to your device on the internet.

On the device, dial *#*#7378423#*#* (*#*#SERVICE#*#*) to launch the service menu.
Go to service info > configuration and check rooting status - you can only continue if it says Bootloader unlock allowed: Yes.
Connect the device to your PC via USB.
On the computer, open a command prompt (on Windows) or terminal (on Linux or macOS) window, and type:
```
adb reboot bootloader
```
You can also boot into fastboot mode via a key combination:
- With the device powered off, hold Volume Up and connect the USB cable. The notification light should turn blue.
Once the device is in fastboot mode, verify your PC finds it by typing:
```
fastboot devices
```
Tip: If you see no permissions fastboot while on Linux or macOS, try running fastboot as root.
Follow the instructions on Sony’s official unlocking website to unlock your bootloader.
Since the device resets completely, you will need to re-enable USB debugging to continue.

Installing a custom recovery using `fastboot`

Download a custom recovery - you can download one here.
Connect your device to your PC via USB.
On the computer, open a command prompt (on Windows) or terminal (on Linux or macOS) window, and type:
```
adb reboot bootloader
```
You can also boot into fastboot mode via a key combination:
- With the device powered off, hold Volume Up and connect the USB cable. The notification light should turn blue.
Once the device is in fastboot mode, verify your PC finds it by typing:
```
fastboot devices
```
Tip: If you see no permissions fastboot while on Linux or macOS, try running fastboot as root.
Flash recovery onto your device:
```
fastboot flash recovery <recovery_filename>.img
```
Tip: The file may not be named identically to what stands in this command, so adjust accordingly.
Now reboot into recovery to verify the installation:
- With the device powered off, hold Volume Down + Power. Keep holding both buttons until the device vibrates, then release.
Alternatively, on some devices and recoveries you can use fastboot to boot directly into the freshly flashed or any other desired recovery:
```
fastboot boot <recovery_filename>.img
```
Tip: The file may not be named identically to what stands in this command, so adjust accordingly.

Installing LineageOS from recovery

Download the LineageOS installation package that you would like to install or build the package yourself.
- Optionally, download additional application packages such as Google Apps (use the arm architecture).
If you are not in recovery, reboot into recovery:
- With the device powered off, hold Volume Down + Power. Keep holding both buttons until the device vibrates, then release.
Now tap Wipe.
Now tap Format Data and continue with the formatting process. This will remove encryption and delete all files stored in the internal storage.
Return to the previous menu and tap Advanced Wipe, then select the Cache and System partitions and then Swipe to Wipe.
Sideload the LineageOS .zip package:
- On the device, select “Advanced”, “ADB Sideload”, then swipe to begin sideload.
- On the host machine, sideload the package using: adb sideload filename.zip
(Optionally): If you want to install any additional add-ons, adb sideload filename.zip those packages in sequence.

Note: If you want Google Apps on your device, you must follow this step before booting into LineageOS for the first time!
(Optional): Root your device by installing LineageOS’ AddonSU, (use the arm package) or by using any other method you prefer.
Once you have installed everything successfully, run ‘adb reboot’.

Warning: Depending on which recovery you use, you may be prompted to install additional apps and services. We strongly advise you to opt out of installing these, as they may cause your device to bootloop, as well as attempt to access or corrupt your data.

Get assistance

If you have any questions or get stuck on any of the steps, feel free to ask on our subreddit or in #LineageOS on freenode.