How to Install Android 16 on Sony Xperia 1 IV [Download Link]

If you’re using a Sony Xperia 1 IV and want to breathe new life into your device, installing an Android 16-based custom ROM is a solid move. Google recently...

Mohammed Huwais

Last updated on January 6, 2026

Mohammed Huwais

Author

I started my career as a blogger in 2014 and also worked on an Android niche platform to gain extra income. I cover the topic on How to guides, software updates, Custom ROM updates and also product review. I'm 24 years old, completed MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Sikkim Manipal University.

Sony Xperia 1 IV Overview:

Sony Xperia 1 IV features a stunning 6.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1644 x 3840 pixels, offering a cinematic 21:9 ratio and a pixel density of approximately 643 ppi. The display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, supports a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR BT.2020, providing users with a visually immersive experience. Powered by the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and Adreno 730 GPU, the Xperia 1 IV runs on Android 12, with an upgrade path to Android 13. It comes in multiple internal storage configurations, including 256GB with 12GB RAM and 512GB with 12GB or 16GB RAM, utilizing UFS technology for faster data access.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the triple camera setup on the back, featuring a 12 MP wide lens, 12 MP telephoto lenses with continuous optical zoom, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 0.3 MP TOF 3D depth sensor. The front-facing 12 MP selfie camera ensures high-quality self-portraits. The camera system supports 4K video recording at various frame rates and is equipped with advanced features like Zeiss optics, LED flash, panorama, HDR, and eye tracking.

In terms of audio, the Xperia 1 IV excels with stereo speakers, a 3.5mm jack for traditional audio enthusiasts, and a dynamic vibration system for added sensory experience. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.2 with OTG and video output capabilities. The phone is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a range of sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, proximity, barometer, compass, and a color spectrum sensor. With native Sony Alpha camera support, this smartphone bridges the gap between mobile and professional photography. The 5000 mAh non-removable battery supports 30W wired charging, allowing users to reach 50% capacity in just 30 minutes, and it also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for added convenience.

Android 16 Features:

Android 16 introduces Material 3 Expressive, a refined evolution of Google’s design language for smartphones and tablets. While it doesn’t completely reinvent the interface, it represents one of the most noticeable user-facing changes in the OS. Rather than a dramatic visual overhaul, Material 3 Expressive enhances the foundation laid by Material Design 3 by introducing smoother, more dynamic animations, larger touch targets, and bolder typography.

This update arrives at a perfect moment. Material Design 3, first introduced with Android 13, had begun to feel dated. Material 3 Expressive breathes new life into the interface while preserving the familiar look and feel users have grown comfortable with. Instead of overhyping the changes, Google’s own animations showcase the polish and fluidity of this next step in Android design.

Android 16 introduces a wealth of new features, system optimizations, and UI refinements. Some of the highlights include:

Live Notifications: Track real-time activities like deliveries or ride status with persistent, interactive notifications.
Low-Light Camera Enhancements: Improved software-based night photography.
Pro-Grade Media Support: Includes advanced codecs and battery-efficient audio processing.
Desktop Mode for External Displays: Better support for multi-window UI on monitors and tablets.
Accessibility Upgrades: Features like outlined text and improved input customization.
Performance Boost: Enhanced power management and reduced background CPU usage.

These updates aim to improve user experience across different types of devices, including foldables, tablets, and standard phones.

Although Android 16 is rolling out first to Pixel devices, many brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus, Samsung, Realme, and others will follow soon. If you’re impatient, a custom ROM is the best way to get Android 16 today.

What Works & Known Bugs:

What’s working?

Everything seems to be working fine.

Known issues?

If you spot any bugs, report them along with proper logs to the developer.

Before You Begin: Requirements:

1. Backup Your Data:

Always back up your device before flashing any ROM. This prevents data loss if anything goes wrong. Backup guide here.

2. Battery Level:

Charge your phone to at least 50% to avoid shutdowns during the flashing process.

3. Download ADB and Fastboot Binaries:

You can skip this part if you have already installed TWRP Recovery on your Sony Xperia 1 IV. For those who haven’t, ADB and Fastboot commands (platform-tools) are required to boot your device into bootloader mode, allowing you to perform the necessary flashing operations. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) establishes a connection between your device and computer, while Fastboot is a more advanced command-line utility for flashing and modifying Android devices.

You can download the ADB and Fastboot Binaries (Platform-Tools) here.

4. Download USB Drivers:

You’ll need the appropriate USB drivers to ensure a successful connection between your Sony Xperia 1 IV and your computer. These drivers enable file transfers, flashing, and other operations between your devices.

You can download the latest Sony USB Drivers here.

5. Unlock the Bootloader:

Unlocking the bootloader of your Sony Xperia 1 IV. is essential before you can install any custom ROM. Make sure to follow Xiaomi’s official instructions for unlocking the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device, so back up your data beforehand.

6. Install TWRP Recovery:

You must install TWRP Recovery on your phone to install any custom ROM on your device. After unlocking the bootloader, follow our guide to install TWRP Recovery on your Sony Xperia 1 IV.

7. Download Android 16 ROM:

You can download the Android 16 custom ROMs for the Sony Xperia 1 IV from the links below:

OS	Download Link
Lineage OS 23	Download

8. Download Android 16 GApps:

Most AOSP ROMs don’t come with Google apps. You’ll need to flash Android 16 GApps separately.

Download Android 16 GApps

Note: Flash GApps right after flashing the ROM. Don’t reboot in between.

Warning!

GetDroidTips is not responsible for any issues that may happen to your device if you flash it on another device and brick it. Do it at your own risk.

Installation Guide: Step-by-Step

Connect your device to the PC via a USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
Then, go to the platform-tools folder, type CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
Execute the below command in the CMD window or enter recovery mode using the Volume and Power button combination to boot your device to TWRP Recovery:
```
adb reboot recovery
```
Now head to the Install section and navigate to the downloaded vendor and firmware. Perform a right swipe to flash it.
If you want Google Apps as well, you need to flash it at this instance. Go to Install, select the GApps ZIP file, and perform a right swipe to flash this file.
When that is done, you may reboot your device. Head over to Reboot and select System.

The first boot after installing a custom ROM may take a bit longer than usual, so don’t panic if it seems slow. After the device boots, you will need to set it up as a new device, just like when you first got it.

Final Words

By flashing Android 16 on your Sony Xperia 1 IV, you’re extending its life and unlocking modern Android features that Xiaomi may never officially provide. While this is an unofficial AOSP build, early reports suggest solid stability. That said, bugs may still appear, so always report them with logs to help developers improve the experience.

If you have questions or run into issues during installation, feel free to drop a comment. Enjoy your fresh Android 16 experience!