Download/Install Lineage OS 18 on Sony Xperia Z5 (Android 11)

2015’s model Sony Xperia Z5 (Codenamed: sumire) came with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop version out of the box and upgraded to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. But it’s been around 5 years and the official update support is discontinued for this particular model from Sony. So, if in case, you’re still using the Sony Xperia Z5 handset then you should check out how to download and install the Lineage OS 18 on Sony Xperia Z5 based on Android 11.

Due to the customizations of the open-source Android OS, most Android users prefer to customize their handsets either via flashing a custom firmware or installing a custom recovery, or even installing root access. By installing the Custom ROM like Lineage OS, Android device users can easily install themes, icon packs, custom fonts, other visual changes, and more. While installing a custom recovery will allow users to easily install flashable zip/image files on the device, backup data, restore data, factory reset, and more. Whereas root access simply allows users to use rooted apps, uninstall preloaded apps/games (bloatware), and more.

It’s also worth mentioning that you have to unlock the device bootloader first as all the Android devices do come with a locked bootloader from its manufacturer out of the box. Once you unlocked your device bootloader, you’ll be free to customize, install custom firmware, custom modules, enable root access, and more on your Android device without any limitation. Whereas Google has also uploaded the Android 11 Source Code to AOSP so that the custom firmware developers can easily build their third-party ROM for compatible devices.

Lineage OS 18 Features

LineageOS is a free, community-built, aftermarket firmware distribution of Android 10, which is designed to increase performance and reliability over stock Android for your device. LineageOS is based on the Android Open Source Project with extra contributions from many people within the Android community.

It can be used without any need to have any Google application installed. Linked below is a package that has come from another Android project that restores the Google parts. LineageOS does still include various hardware-specific code, which is also slowly being open-sourced anyway.

Download/Install Lineage OS 18 on Sony Xperia Z5 (Android 11)

As mentioned, among all the aftermarket firmware, Lineage OS is the best one when it comes to performance, stability, and fully-featured Custom ROM. Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer tarkzim and the Lineage OS Team for this latest ROM.

So, the Android 11-based Lineage OS 18 firmware offers all the useful and popular features like the Conversation Notification, One-Time App Permissions, Notification History, Chat Bubbles, Built-in Screen Recording, Improved Media Player, Smart Reply, New Power Menu, Scoped Storage, Wireless ADB, Pin Apps to Sharesheet, and more.

  • Scheduled Dark Mode
  • Smart Reply & Smart Folders
  • Improved App Suggestions
  • Conversations Notification
  • Built-in Screen Recording
  • Pin Apps to Sharing Menu
  • Improved Voice Access (Accessibility)
  • Bluetooth Active in Airplane Mode
  • Improved Privacy & Security Features
  • A New Power Menu
  • Redesigned Device Controls
  • Redesigned Music Control
  • One-Time App Permissions
  • Permissions Auto-Reset
  • Chat Bubbles
  • Notification History
  • Wireless Android Auto
  • Google Play System Update (Security Patch)
  • Talkback braille keyboard
  • Improved Lookout Mode
  • Improved Camera features (Bokeh Mode, Built-in HAL, and Camera2 API support)
  • Enhanced Digital Wellbeing
  • Improved Enterprise Mode
  • Improved Autofill Keyboard Suggestions
  • Nearby Share
  • Scoped Storage
  • Resume on Reboot
  • Blocked Permissions
  • Soft Reboot
  • Background Location
  • Improved Call Screening (Identify Spams)
  • Picture-in-picture mode
  • 5G detection API
  • Hinge angle sensor support
  • Ethernet tethering
  • Gesture sensitivity

What’s Working?

  • Boot
  • Bluetooth
  • Bluetooth Headphone (Media / In-Call) (?)
  • Camera / Camcorder
  • Double Tap to Wake
  • Torch
  • Fingerprint Sensor
  • RIL (LTE/Call/SMS)
  • GPS
  • WiFi
  • WiFi Hotspot (2.4Ghz)
  • USB (ADB/MTP/PTP)
  • Audio Playback
  • Video Playback
  • NFC
  • LED lights
  • Sensors
  • ExFAT SDCard
  • USB OTG (From Quick tiles -> Add USB OTG tile -> Press it)

What’s Not Working?

  • FM Radio
  • Hardware Encryption
  • SELinux is permissive

How to Install Lineage OS 18 on Sony Xperia Z5 (Android 11)

The installation is pretty simple and easy. If you have installed any custom ROM before then you will have no issue flashing the ROM as the process is exactly the same. But before proceeding to the installation let me clear that this build is in the very early stage which means there will be bugs and many functions may not work properly. So, we do recommend not to flash the ROM on your primary device.

Supported Models: E6603, E6633, E6653, E6683

Pre-Requirements

  • Enable USB Debugging on your Sony Xperia Z5. Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.
  • Also, enable the OEM Unlock from the Developer Options.

Samsung Galaxy usb debugging

  • Make sure the bootloader on your device is unlocked and your device is rooted and you have a custom recovery installed.
  • Make sure your device has more than 50% battery.
  • Make sure you have taken a backup of your important data. Now proceed to install Lineage OS 18 ROM (Android 11) on your Sony Xperia Z5 device.
  • Download and install Android USB Drivers on your computer.
  • Make sure that you have installed TWRP recovery on your Android device.

Disclaimer

RootMyGalaxy.net is not responsible for any damage happened to your device(s) while following this guide, proceed at your own risk.

Download Link:

Flashing Steps: Lineage OS 18

  • Make sure your device is rooted and have the latest TWRP recovery installed. (Check the Pre-Requirement Section Above)
  • First, download the files from the above link and extract them.
  • Now transfer the downloaded files to the internal storage of your device.
  • Ensure that the bootloader is unlocked.
  • Now reboot to the TWRP recovery.
  • Take a Nandroid backup by selecting the option from the home screen and then your data and cache from the recovery menu.
  • Now return to the main menu of TWRP and wipe cache, data, and system before flashing the ROM

Wipe TWRP RMG

  • In order to Wipe data: Go to Wipe —> Advanced Wipe and select Dalvik/ART cache, cache, System, Vendor, and Data and then swipe to wipe. (Don’t select the internal storage)

TWRP Wipe Swipe

  • Now return to the main menu of TWRP again and install the ROM which is just a .zip file
    • Go to Install -> Install Zip > ROM File (.zip)

TWRP 3.0 RMG Install

Once the flashing process is completed, reboot your Sony Xperia Z5 and you will be booted into Lineage OS 18 ROM Based on Android 11. If you have any doubts regarding this process, feel free to comment below.

Source: XDA Developers

Ravis Sharma
Ravis Sharma
Ravis Sharma, a tech expert, simplifies complex Android, iOS and Windows topics, offering clear news coverage and user-friendly how-to guides.

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