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 the issue persist, your phone may need servicing..
• 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 it is not already installed, please download and install the Xperia Companion application from Xperia Companion page.
2. Open the Xperia Companion application.
3. Under Manage your Xperia, click Software repair.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. (If your device cannot be detected or started, or is a Smartwatch 3, then check the box with this information before you get started.)

Tip: You can view a video on how to perform a software repair

Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

It takes about 10-15 minutes to perform a software repair using Xperia Companion.