When it comes to software updates for Android smartphones, Sony is going the best so far. In the past few months, Sony has been leaving all other manufacturers far behind in terms of Android software updates for its Xperia series. Sony has been rolling out updates, one after another and sometimes the users just get confused which one is the latest firmware and which one they should flash on their device, confusion with the firmware region is another thing that might occur.
Since the firmware updates are rolled out through OTA or through Sony PC Companion, they take much time to hit different regions. Some regions receive the updates instantly while some receive the updates after long delay and this is something the Xperia enthusiast who are always willing to get the latest and greatest version of Android on their device, might not be able to tolerate. Users can also receive an update by changing the CDA of their device, but that can be done by going a little out of the way, and things should be kept as simple as possible.
Updating your Xperia device manually is the best choice if the update isn’t hitting your region and you are not seeing it coming your way anytime soon. If you’re going to flash the Generic firmware on your device, you don’t actually need to worry about the region as well as the region-specific firmware comes with some bloatware that you can probably remove from your device, but you need to be careful with flashing a carrier branded firmware on your device.
Flashing the firmware manually is possible through flashing a Flashtool Firmware File using Sony Flashtool. Although there’s a number of people who post FTFs for different Sony Xperia Devices on the XDA developers forum as soon as a new update arrives, and there’s a number of some sites as well who post the FTF files, but you might just fail sometimes locating an FTF file of your choice for your Xperia device. In this case what you can do is, you can download the stock firmware from Sony’s server, create your very own FTF file and flash it on your device.
Before you start wondering how you can download the firmware from Sony’s servers, you may not be aware of Xperifirm, a great little application by XDA Senior Member LaguCool. Xperifirm allows the Xperia device users to check the updates in all the available regions and shows the build number as well. You can simply choose your desired firmware and download the FILESETs and then compile the FTFs in order to flash.
Downloading the firmware and compiling up the FTF might seem a difficult job, but it won’t be difficult anymore once you scroll down. In the succeeding guide, we are going have a look at a comprehensive method that will help you to create the FTFs files successfully once you have downloaded the FILESETs for your desired firmware. Let’s start it now.
Contents
How to Download Sony Xperia Official Firmware FILESETs using Xperifirm
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- First of all, you need to know what’s the latest firmware for your device. You can always check the latest build number on Sony’s official site.
- Download and extract XperiFirm.
- Run XperiFirm application file now, the one with the black favicon.
- Once XperiFirm opens up, you will see a list of devices.
- Click on your device’s, select the model number carefully.
- Once the device is selected, you will see the firmware and their details in the next boxes.
- The tabs will be as
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- CDA: Country Code
- Market: Region
- Operator: Firmware provider
- Latest Release: Build number
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- Now see what build number matches the latest build number, and what region do you want to download it from.
- A firmware with the operator name like “Customized IN or Customized US” is a generic firmware, that means this firmware has no carrier limits of carrier boundaries. While other firmware will be carrier branded.
- Make sure that you choose the firmware properly, do not download a Customized firmware on a Carrier Branded device and do not download a Carrier Branded firmware for an open device.
- Once you have selected your desired firmware, double-click on it and in the third column within the same window, you will find your firmware’s build number. Click on and it will popup with the download option.
- Click on download button and select the path where you want to save the FILESETs and let it download.
- Once downloaded, head towards the next part where we will be compiling up the FTF file.
A new method to create FTF files using Flashtool – Android Nougat and Android Oreo supported
In the recent updates, Xperfirm has stopped creating the FILESETs. It downloads the bundles now and extracts them into your selected folder. Instead of converting FILESETs now, you will simply push the files of firmware into the Flashtool and create an FTF file. Here’s how this will be done now.
- After downloading the firmware files, open Sony Mobile Flasher Flashtool.
- In the Flashtool, click on Tools > Bundles > Bundler.
- In Bundler, select the folder where you downloaded the firmware.
- Sony Flashtool will show you the files from your firmware folder on the left side now. Select all the files except all .ta files e.g. simlock.ta, fota-reset.ta, and cust-reset.ta and all other such files. Also, drop the fwinfo.xml file if there is one.
- Click on “Create” and it will start creating the FTF.
- It will take some time to create the FTF file. Once the FTF is ready, it will appear in Flashtool > Firmware folder. You can share the FTF with your buddies as well now.
When you download a firmware, a “Manual” mode appears on the download box. The Manual mode is self-explanatory. If the method given above doesn’t work for you, you can get a guide for that particular manual mode using the Manual button on the downloader of Xperifirm.
How To Create FTF Using Sony Flashtool
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- Download and install Sony Flashtool on your PC.
- Now open Sony Flashtool.
- Now in Flashtool, click on Tools > Bundles > FILESET Decrypt.
- A small window will open up. Now in the source, select the folder where you downloaded the FILESETs using XperiFrim.
- Once you select the source folder, the FILESETs will be listed in the “Available” box. These FILESETs should be 4 or 5.
- Now select all FILESETs and push them into the “Files To Convert” box.
- Now click on “Convert” and conversion will begin.
- It will take 5 – 10 minutes for the conversion to get completed.
- As soon as the FILESET Decryption ends, a new window “Bundler” will open up that will allow you to create the FTF file.
- If this doesn’t open up or you just close it accidentally, you can still access it by going to Flashtool > Tools > Bundles > Create and select the source folder where you downloaded and decrypted FILESETs.
- Now select the click on the empty bar in front of the device from the device selector, enter firmware region/operator and enter firmware build number.
- Push all the files to Firmware Content except .ta files and fwinfo.xml file.
- Click on Create now.
- Sit back and wait for the FTF creation to finish.
- Once done, you can find your FTF in the installation directory > Flashtool > Firmwares.
- You can flash the firmware using our Sony Flashtool guide.
- And, You will also get a torrent file for the FTF. You may share it with others over the web.
- That’s all!
Updated: 9/5/2018
New flashtool not showing .ta files in the list is this okay
@aakib_ahmed:disqus if there is no .ta file, then go ahead without it. It will work fine.
hi Usama, when i launch the application, nothing happens. nothing can be clicked as no model no. appeared.
Same happened to me. It’s because the link is this post is for an outdated version of XperiFirm (v2.5). Get the lastest version. I use the v3.6 and it works fine.
You can download it by clicking on the link of the attached file of this XDA Developers thread: (replace spaces by dots) forum xda-developers com/crossdevice-dev/sony/pc-xperifirm-xperia-firmware-downloader-t2834142
@arom219:disqus thanks for letting me know. Link updated in the post now.
Excuse me, is there any way know the exact build number/firmware version that my Xperia M2 (D2306) is running?
I mean the complete version as shown in XperiFirm, for example: 18.3.1.C.1.13 / R1B. The thing is that in the “Build number” section from my Xperia “About phone” menu, “18.3.1.C.1.13” is only shown; the last three characters are missing. I would like to know those missing characters to make sure to download the same firmware that my Xperia runs.
Thanks.
Additional info: I bought my Xperia from a mobile virtual network operator that, as I expected, doesn’t appear in the XperiFirm operators list, it only appears the 3 main operators from my country. Besides, my Xperia doesn’t have any personalization trace from any operator, it just seems a pure and untouchable Sony stock ROM. I think that my Xperia must be running a “customized/generic” ROM, but I want to be sure.
@arom219:disqus ignore those last three digits.
And you should only match your Xperia M model number, there isn’t a need to worry about the carrier.
“Once you select the source folder, the FILESETs will be listed in the “Available” box. These FILESETs should be 4 or 5.”
Unfortunately in my case NO SINGLE file is listed. Why is it so?
I use Flashtool v0.9.18.5 and Xperifirm 4.5.1
did you unpack the files? If so dont
same problem here,,,.. why???
@disqus_6BEWI4GVz0:disqus Please show me a screenshot of the downloaded file.
Hi Usama, Level380 below was right about the reason. The files were just already unpacked/decrypted by Xperifirm. Thank you anyway!
You are right, thank you. After I uncheked in Xperifirm to unpack the files, it worked!
Processing of amss_fsg.sin finished and it will just go abort
here the log 12/055/2015 01:55:07 – INFO – Flashing data
12/055/2015 01:55:07 – INFO – Processing of amss_fs_1.sin finished.
12/055/2015 01:55:07 – INFO – Processing amss_fsg.sin
12/055/2015 01:55:07 – INFO – Checking header
12/055/2015 01:55:07 – INFO – Flashing data
12/055/2015 01:55:08 – INFO – Processing of amss_fsg.sin finished.
12/055/2015 01:55:08 – INFO – Ending flash session
12/055/2015 01:55:08 – ERROR –
12/055/2015 01:55:08 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
i am on sony z1 c6902 arleady tried 2 firmware one from thailand another one from US
@disqus_B9bX0J4NBB:disqus use latest version of Sony Flashtool.
tried it but it is still not working
it is alway stp after processing amss_fsg.sin
hi. I have a problem with this. I don’t know where to start ;/
“Now see what build number matches the latest build number, and what region do you want to download it from.
A firmware with the operator name like “Customized IN or Customized US” is a generic firmware, that means this firmware has no carrier limits of carrier boundaries. While other firmwares will be carrier branded.
Make sure that you choose the firmware properly, do not download a Customized firmware on a Carrier Branded device and do not download a Carrier Branded firmware for an open device.”
xperia z2 D6503 // UK
@dianka1054:disqus is your issue resolved or you are facing it yet?
,,,no, it’s not resolved:-( ,,, I really don’t know where to start with this. I can’t speak English very well and probably I don’t understand everything. Thank you for your reply
You wrote that I could download the desired firmware and should avoid flashing a carrier branded firmware on a generic no carrier limited firmware and vice versa. So, just to be sure, does it mean that I can choose any “Customized XX” firmware for my device with the operator “Customized XY” and it would not cause any problem?
@chidi9901:disqus yes you got it right. You can download any customized firmware, it won’t harm your phone.
Quick question about D5503 – why can I not install Customized AU 14.5.A.0.270 onto my Telstra AU with 14.4.A.0.133 – isn’t this the same process as ‘debranding’ and would just install a non-telstra firmware? Or will it not work at all?
I do not get the 3. point: do not download a Customized firmware on a Carrier Branded device. Why is this a restriction? I have a Vodafone Z3 with a tons of vdf bloatware and I thought I could overwrite it with pure Customized ROM. Why would be this a problem? Does it damage the phone? Thx a lot!
I do not get the 3. point: do not download a Customized firmware on a Carrier Branded device. I have a Vodafone Z3 phone full of vdf bloatware and I thought I could override it with pure clean Customized ROM. Why would this be a problem? Does this damage the phone? Thx a lot!
@disqus_luke123:disqus this apparently won’t be a problem but on a carrier branded device, customized FTF will not give you the carrier applications. if that’s not a big deal for you, go ahead and let me know how it goes.
ok thx for the info. I do not mind loosing the carrier applications. Thay are so much spam and especially vodafone has lots of them. Anyway, even if they would be usefull, it makes you dependent on the operator, so I prefer to use standard apps for everything. I give it a shot and let you know. It seems that I should be possible to return the phone to the original state when some problems occur.
yes it works, great thanks. happy to have clean phone now!
@disqus_bens:disqus you can install that firmware on your branded phone, it won’t cause any problem at all. Good Luck.
Thanks heaps for your response – I did it and it is working beautifully! I would recommend for anyone to upgrade z1 compact to lollipop! I used EasyRoot tool to root my KitKat firmware first, then I created an FTF using XperiFirm to download (Customised AU) and Sony Flashtool to create. I then used PRFCreator to pre-root the FTF and make it into a flashable .zip, adding SuperSU and Dual Recovery, and flashed the .zip to my phone from recovery.
After updating my Z Ultra phone to Lollipop , halve of my phone calls having problems to hear my voice ( weak signal signs ) , although when i call them from another phone , they can hear me clearly , At kitkat i didn’t face such problems , how can i fix that ?
@disqus_vQzDxAmBtR:disqus perform a clean installation of the firmware from scratch once again.
I have solved this problem once I have unchecked (Microphone noise suppression) and (Speaker voice enhancement) at Call settings .
@usamamujtaba:disqus bro i got xperia z2 d6503 the problem i am facing is that whenever i restart or turned off and on the phone the retail mode always poped brightness and and other stuffs turned on i tried codes but it did not work it says this phone is for stores only i can only disable it temporary by going to setting and stopping the service is there anyway to kick that shit out from the phone permanently can i override the software to use it normally or do i have to do clean installation and how to make clean installation i have flash tools and can i do flash of RU region in this phone…
@hadi_syed:disqus Flash a stock firmware using Flashtool. In flashtool, select all wipe options and then start flashing the firmware. Your phone will work perfectly fine afterwards.
Hi Usama. I just have a small query regarding this. I’m downloading the latest firmware for my Xperia Z1 (C903). It is open generic one. But I didn’t see any file with “Customized IN” or “Customized US”. So, now I’m downloading Customized AU. It’s specs are:
CDA: 1277-0078
Market: Australia
Operator: Customized AU
Network: GLOBAL-LTE
Release: 14.6.A.0.368 / R2D
Will it work fine on my handset or will it cause any issues?
Thanks for heliping 🙂
@sanjeevrai:disqus Yes, this will work fine with your handset. 🙂 Best of Luck.
You helped a lot and now I have my phone rooted. And enjoying it, of course, all thanks to you. 🙂
Hey Usama. I’m here again with a confusion;p
I downloaded firmwares from XperiFirm and unlike above pics which has 2 “.ta” they all have 3 “.ta” files. They are “cust-reset.ta” , “fota-reset.ta” and “simlock.ta”. So, should I exclude all of them while creating FTF file? And what will happen if I don’t exclude these files?
And somewhere it was written than “fwinfo.xml” file should be deleted before creating FTF. So what you can explain about that?
Thanks in advance for the help.
@sanjeevrai:disqus delete all three .ta files. If you won’t exclude these files, the firmware might restrict some features of your phone. Yes, delete fwinfo file as well. I am not sure what that file is for, however I’ll look and let you know. For now delete the file and create the firmware excluding all these files. Best of luck.
Okay, I’ll do it. Thanks… 🙂
According to Xperifirm Author here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/pc-xperifirm-xperia-firmware-downloader-t2834142
“Since XperiFirm 4.5.3 a file called “fwinfo.xml” will be created by XperiFirm inside the firmware’s folder! This file is used by Flashtool 0.9.18.6 to create an FTF for you automatically.”
So should we really delete fwinfo ?
@disqus_vQzDxAmBtR:disqus yep, delete the file and flash the firmware without fwinfo file. Best of luck.
plz ive got some problem i need some help
with my xperia z c6603.the file i downloaded i have to use it to create an ftf but it failed to create it
i tried to delete the 3 files u said but it failed
the zip contains these files
userdata.sin
,,system.sin
,,rpm.sin
,,preset.ta
,partition-image.sin
,,loader.sin
,,kernel.sin
,,fotakernel.sin
,,elabel-C6603-row_201310171741.1_10.6.A.0.454
,,cust-reset.ta
,,cache.sin
,,boot_delivery.xml
,,amss_fs_3.sin
amss_fs_2.sin
amss_fs_1.sin
META-INF
boot
plz i will b greatiful if u help me show me which me files to delete or show me which i can use to get another file
@jumaumar:disqus you have to delete all “.ta” files and “fwinfo.xml” file.
preset.ta, cust-reset.ta
Would it be possible to edit ta-files,and use it (push to firmware)? Is it possible to create backup of original ta-files?
How, and which text editor?
Have anybody noticed 1.3.0.64 firmware for D6503 on XperiaFirm? Since the last app update, I could see it.
Anybody tried this? Looks like it’s an internal test firmware.
What happens if I flash a Customized firmware on a carrier branded device?
@mikrjok:disqus It will only debrand your Xperia phone. Nothing else will happen. You may flash a carrier branded firmware later on to rebrand it. Best of luck.
I plan to flash a custom rom on my Xperia mini st15i, I want marschmallow (cm 13 legacy xperia) but is it possible to revert to the official Sony firmware this way if wouldnt be satisfied with the cusom rom?
@disqus_vMzQ50pSCR:disqus yes, you can always return to the stock firwmare using this guide. Best of luck.
conversion is taking so long. its been 20 minutes now. what should i do ? can it take so much time ?
@saiyamtandon:disqus Do you still have this issue?
28/039/2016 13:39:26 – INFO – Device connected in flash mode
28/039/2016 13:39:40 – INFO – Selected Bundle for SonyEricson Xperia Arc S(LT18i). FW release : 4.1.B.0.587. Customization : (1254-2716)
28/039/2016 13:39:40 – INFO – Preparing files for flashing
28/040/2016 13:40:01 – INFO – Please connect your device into flashmode.
28/040/2016 13:40:02 – INFO – Opening device for R/W
28/040/2016 13:40:02 – INFO – Reading device information
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Unable to read from phone after having opened it.
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – trying to continue anyway
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Phone ready for flashmode operations.
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Opening TA partition 2
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Start Flashing
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Processing loader.sin
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Checking header
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – ERROR – Processing of loader.sin finished with errors.
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Ending flash session
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – ERROR – Error in processHeader : 22 : The device does not recognize the command.
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – ERROR – Error flashing. Aborted
28/040/2016 13:40:07 – INFO – Device disconnected
how to resolve?
my xperia m dual was strucked at booting c2004
I am following ur process and I strucked at conversion of .ftf file
To convert ,there were no single showing help me how to convert
after installing the flashtool.when i opened it,it got strucked at syncing devices from github.what to do next?????
@disqus_t4VVSWaUQf:disqus What version of Flashtool did you download? Can you please try closing it an opening again? Sometimes it can take a whle on syncing devices.
Usama i have a same problem with reddy pamireddy,, can you help me??
@disqus_3vWWDWxFgM:disqus With the new version of Xperifirm, you no longer need to find those files.
hi my sony xperia z2 isnt starting up after showing poweresd by android the wavy screen that comes before starting is there forever what should be done??
@disqus_TsWe5OuxVY:disqus flash a stock firmware. It should be fixed afterwards.
hello, I’m trying to download a firmware for ma Sony Xperia V using XperiFirm, the one I’m trying to download is the same one that came with my phone (Customized MEA 1268-8838, firmware 9.2.A.2.5 / RJ1) but when it reached 22 % it keeps giving me a download error, it says that the program is unable to write data from the transport connection, connection closed. I am also unable to download any other firmware. What should I do?
hello, I downloaded a firmware for my Sony Xperia V (Customized MEA 1268-8838, firmware 9.2.A.2.5 / RJ1), but when I go to the bubdler, it only adds one file to the available files in the decryption, and at the moment of the bundle creation, it doesn’t show anything, what should I do?
@luisgcastro:disqus The tool’s working has been changed, it doesn’t show you the files like it used to do before. I’ll look into it and update the guide in a few days.
Having a problem with the flash tool. I have a Sony Z3v and Ive connected to the computer already but no devices show up on the list. Is it because I dont have an original cable? Please help 😡
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/a08ee5c66f6e8dc66f91b6d43d49ae68e11e50e15dcd0f281c951f7b0da8aa81.png
I downloaded the flashtools and xperifirm. When I run the xperifirm downloaded file with Flashtool, I cannot convert to ftf files via FILESET option. Those files are not even showing up. Please help me. I am trying to unroot my Z1 with stock android. Using Windows 10.. And trying with C6903_Customized UK_1276-0875_14.6.A.1.236_R6D firmware. The phone I have is already rooted with a Chinese 4.2.2 android and boot locked. Dont know what to do…
@phanindrabharadwaj:disqus it looks like you are using an updated version of Xperifirm and Sony Flashtool.
I have the same problem. Which version should we use and where can we get that version?
I haen’t done a guide on that yet, the new version of Flashtool is posted on our site, but a detailed guide is due yet.
You do not get the FILESETS anymore. You will only get the firmware files, Just follow the create bundle part and you are all good to go. Thanks.
where is this bundle part im losti have the same problem
Everything seems to be working, except flashtool always freezes trying to bundle all the files, I click create, it stays hilighted and the program freezes. I’m trying to bundle the latest firmware for my C6906 Xperia Z1.
(Edit: Never mind, used an older version of flash tool and it worked)
i have follow all your step but when i want to decrypt the FTF i download… nothing show there… what can i do to fix this
My phone is Sony Xperia E1 D2005
bootloader also unlocked… i hope a quick response for my problem here…
Thanks
Tried 3 times. Every time it gives me a Not Responding error when I create Bundles. I’m trying to fix my Xperia M dual(C2004)