During the following lines we will be checking on which the pre requisites are. You cannot skip the next list because this step by step guide can’t be completed without you taking care of the preparation tasks first. So, take your time and perform all the guidelines that are being mentioned in this tutorial. In case you mess things up, you will also risk in bricking your phone.
- First of all, you need to root your Xperia S. There are many suitable procedures that can be used for the unchaining process, so use the one that you prefer the most (choose between: root Xperia S on ICS, root Xperia S on firmware builds 63 and 67, or use a general root method that can be applied for almost all the Android base devices out there).
- After rooting you need to install a custom recovery image, like CWM recovery, because the stock recovery can’t be used on the flashing operation. Also, be careful as by completing the mentioned procedure, the warranty of your smartphone will get void.
- You can restore the warranty if needed by: downgrading the stock ROM, or by updating to official Android OS, when such firmware will be released by Sony (you will have to do it manually because OTA updates can be applied only on locked devices).
- Backup the Xperia S data because a wipe will be required, which means that all of your personal data (contacts, messages, call logs, market apps and so on) will be erased.
- If you have a rooted device then you will be able (it is also recommended) to make a Nandroid backup.
- A computer or notebook will be required as well as for your handset and its USB cord.
- There shouldn’t be any security tools (antivirus, antimalware, or Firewall protection) installed or running on your computer or on your smartphone.
- The Xperia S must be charged; or ensure that there is at least 60% power left; if not your phone might get turned off while trying to update it to Jelly Bean 4.2.2.
- Enable the USB debugging option on your device: “Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging”.
How to Update Sony Xperia S to Jelly Bean 4.2.2 with ParanoidAndroid Custom ROM Firmware
- On your computer ADB should be installed, so learn how to do the same by following our suitable guides: how to set up ADB on MAC OS X / Linux, or how to Install Android SDK / ADB on Windows.
- Then, download the update file from here and the Google Apps package from here.
- Extract the ParanoidAndroid file into the fastboot folder from your computer.
- Also, connect the handset with the computer and place the update file and the Google apps package on your Xperia S.
- Unplug the USB cord.
- Turn off your phone.
- Connect your Xperia S (while pressing on Volume UP and Power buttons at the same time) with the computer by using its USB cable.
- Open the fastboot folder; from there you need to open a command prompt window (right click anywhere on the fastboot folder and select “open command prompt window here”).
- First in the cmd window enter: “fastboot devices”.
- If the “waiting device” message is being displayed you will have to re-install ADB on your computer again as something isn’t working properly.
- If the “fastboot devices xxx” message is being displayed then you can safely proceed to the next step.
- If everything works as expected, then in cmd type: “Fastboot flash boot boot.img”.
- Unplug your phone from the computer.
- Turn it on and when you see the fastboot logo displayed press the Volume Up button several time for booting into recovery mode.
- From recovery first select “wipe data factory reset”, “wipe cache partition” and “wipe dalvik cache”.
- Return to the main menu; by using the same select “install zip from SD card” and “choose zip from sd card”.
- Pick the update file and flash the same.
- Then, repeat the step and apply the Google apps package.
- In the end, from recovery select: “+++go back+++” and “reboot system now”; you are done.
