How do I perform a software repair on my smartphone or tablet?

Information / Solution

Performing a software repair

If you have a problem with your phone or tablet, first restart the device. If restarting the device doesn't help, you should try a software update. If a software update doesn't solve the problem, the next action is a factory data reset or a software repair.

Important information before you perform a software repair:

• All data will be deleted from the device internal storage when you perform a software repair. Photos, videos, music and documents stored on an external SD card are not deleted. If possible, make sure that you back up data stored on the internal storage that you want to keep before performing a software repair.
• Make sure that you know your Google account username and password. Depending on your security settings, your Xperia device may lock after a repair procedure. You then need to enter your Google account username and password in order to use the device.
• If you don't remember your Google account username and password, you cannot unlock the device yourself. You can however try to recover your Google account username and password using the Google Account Recovery page at https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/. If you still can't reactivate your device, Contact us.
• From version 1.9.2, Xperia Companion checks if communication with the Xperia device is possible over MTP. If so, the device is still on (and charging) while the software is downloaded and after that, the update engine/repair is started. This lessens the chance of the device discharging during the repair.
• Since Xperia 1 IV, Xperia 10 IV, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 1 V, Xperia 10V, Xperia 5V, Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI due to system limitations, Xperia devices will not detect your computer. Please set the USB connection mode to file transfer with the instruction after connecting your Xperia to the computer.
     To set the USB connection mode to file transfer
       * Make sure that your device is connected to a computer via a USB cable.
       * From your Home screen, drag the status bar downwards. 
       * Find and tap Charging this device via USB, then select File Transfer under USB Preferences, find and tap File transfer.

To perform a software repair

1. Computer: If not already installed, download and install the Xperia Companion application from here.
2. Open Xperia Companion.
3.  Xperia device: Make sure your Xperia device is turned off.
4. Computer: Select a device type.
5. Computer: Check "Credentials" and "Backup" following the on-screen instructions.
6. Connect your Xperia device to the computer using a USB cable following the on-screen instructions
7. Computer: Follow the on-screen instructions.

Tip: If you don't remember your Google account username or password, you can try to recover them using the Google Account Recovery page at https://www.google.com/accounts/recovery/. If you still can't reactivate your device, Contact us.