Upgrading your Xperia XA1 with aftermarket firmware provides several distinct advantages:
The exact steps vary per ROM, but the general process using TWRP is very similar.
To flash custom files, you need a custom recovery environment like Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP).
Wipe Cache/Dalvik and select . The first boot takes a few minutes. Conclusion Running a Sony Xperia XA1 sony xperia xa1 custom rom
I can provide the exact file downloads and tailored steps for your device version. Share public link
Note: The first boot after flashing a new ROM can take up to 10–15 minutes. Do not interrupt this process. Popular Custom ROM Options for Xperia XA1
Flash LineageOS 20 . Keep your expectations realistic. Enjoy security patches from 2025 on a phone from 2017. That is the magic of Android. Upgrading your Xperia XA1 with aftermarket firmware provides
Sony officially supports bootloader unlocking, making this step straightforward. Visit the official Sony Bootloader Unlock website.
Set up Android Debug Bridge (ADB) and Fastboot drivers on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
Retrieve your phone's IMEI by dialing *#06# and enter it into the portal to receive your unique unlock key. The first boot takes a few minutes
The grandfather of custom ROMs. The unofficial LineageOS 20 build for Rogue is the most polished. It uses the LeanDroid core, offers excellent battery optimization, and passes SafetyNet (with Magisk). You lose the Sony camera app, but gain a clean, Pixel-like interface.
LineageOS is the gold standard for custom ROMs, focusing on stability, speed, and a stock Android aesthetic. The unofficial ports for the Xperia XA1 strip away all manufacturer bloat, leaving you with a lightweight operating system that maximizes the phone's 3GB of RAM. It includes Privacy Guard features to control app permissions strictly. 2. AOSP (Android Open Source Project)
Before flashing anything, you must complete these non-negotiable steps: Check Unlock Status *#*#7378423#*#* to access the Service Menu. Navigate to Service info Configuration . If "Bootloader unlock allowed" says , you can proceed. Backup Your TA Partition : Unlocking the bootloader permanently erases DRM keys