Sony Xperia Z2 was arguablythe device for Sony marking the strong presence of companyin high-end flagship smartphones category. While it struggles to keep its place in the A-list with some major design changes expected from Sony Xperia Z5, consumers find no strong reason to upgrade their Xperia Z2 or the Xperia Z3 smartphones.

Sony's latest Xperia Z4 had a limited regional release and that too with no improvements whatsoever. While you await the expected release of Sony Xperia Z5, here is how to keep your Xperia Z2 up to date with the latest software offering.

CyanogenMod earlier announced that Sony Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2 would be twoof the few devices eligible for CM12.1 Nightly custom ROM based on Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. We have already shared with you the link and steps to flash CM12.1 Nightly Android 5.1.1 on Sony Xperia Z3.

Here is how to update Sony Xperia Z2 toCM12.1 Nightly Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Of course, this will get you all the AOSP and signature CM features and customization options.

-Also, read: Galaxy S6 edge Tips to Help You Take the Best Out of Your Curved Phone

Prerequisites to flash CM12.1 Nightly Android 5.1.1 on Xperia Z2:

Backup any important datafrom your Sony Xperia Z2 as a complete wipe will be required during the flashing process.Make sure ADB and Fastboot is configured on your PC.Sony Xperia Z2 must berooted with unlocked bootloader and installed with a recovery tool.Your device must be charged to at least 60% of power.

Note:this is a nightly version and while developer is calling it bug-free, please be careful if you aren't very familiar with custom firmware in beta. This ROM is stable and constantly being updated with new features and developments.

Flash CM12.1 Nightly Android 5.1.1 on Z2:

Required files: downloadCM12.1 Nightly Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom firmware for Xperia Z2and save it on your computer. Extract boot.imgfile separately.

Connect your Xperiato your computer using a USB cable and copy the zip file to your phone memory's root folder.Copy the boot.imgfile toandroid-sdk-windows\platform-tools directory.Switch off your Xperia Z2 and enter Bootloader mode: press and hold theVolume Upbutton while connecting the phone with USB cable. Phone LED will turn blue indicating the Bootloader mode.Once in the Fastboot mode, on your PC navigate toandroid-sdk-windows\platform-toolsdirectory and open Command Prompt with Shift + Right-click > Open Command Prompt.Typethe following command and press Enter:fastboot flash boot boot.imgType the command and press Enter:fastboot rebootEnter in the Recovery Mode: switch onthe phone while pressing the Volume Upbutton a few times.Wipe data task: from CWM recovery menu, selectwipe data / factory resetand confirm the process.Also clean cache fromwipecache partition.From recovery menu, selectinstall zip from sdcardfollowed bychoose zip from sdcard.Locate the CM12.1Android 5.1.1 Lollipopcustom firmware and confirm the flashing process.Once done, return back to main recovery menu and reboot yourinto the new custom ROM.First boot takes a good 5 minutes so please be patient.

Don't forget to let us know if you liked the Android 5.1.1 based CM12.1 Nightly custom firmware for Sony Xperia Z2.