Android 5.0.2 Lollipop started rolling out for Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact a few days back. It took too long for Sony to bring up this update for the Z series, and even then there were so many annoying bugs that made this an unworthy update. In the previous build, Sony missed the close all button in recent apps menu of the device, some performance issues were there as well. Recently, Sony started rolling out another update in which these issues seem to have come to an end. The close all button is back as well. Build number has been changed from 23.1A.0..690 to 23.1.A.0.726 for non-branded devices and for carrier branded devices build number is .728.
As usual, this update is also hitting different regions one by one. So, if you haven’t received it yet, it’s going to take a while. If you can’t wait for this update to hit your device via OTA or through Sony PC Companion, you may want to find a workaround to update to this latest firmware through a different method, and that’s what exactly we are here for. In the on-going guide we are going to flash this latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop based on build number 23.1.A.0.726 on our beloved Sony Xperia Z3 Compact D5803 and D5833. Let’s go through some early preparations and flash the firmware right away.
Here are the new firmware details:
- Sony’s latest software experience, with Android 5.0 – Lollipop
- A fresh look and feel, based on Google Material Design
- Intelligent lock screen notifications and customisable settings
- Multi-user profiles and guest mode
- Storage optimisation; move apps to SD card
Early Preparations:
1. This is only for Sony Xperia Z3 Compact D5803 & D5833
This ROM is only for the device mentioned above. Make sure that your model number matches the one listed above. To do so, go to Settings > About Device on your device and see your model number. Flashing this firmware on any other device will result in bricking it so make sure that you meet this requirement first of all.
2. Battery should be charged at least over 60%.
Make sure that your battery is charged enough to complete the flashing process. In case your battery is low and your device goes dead during the flashing process, you may end up soft bricking your device as it won’t complete the flashing process.
3. Backup everything!
Just to be on the safe side, you may consider backing up each and everything from your Android device. This is highly recommended so that in case anything goes wrong, you still have the access to all of your data and you can restore it immediately. You may backup everything as listed below.
- Backup SMS Messages
- Backup Call Logs
- Backup Contacts
- Backup Media – Copy your files manually to your PC or Laptop.
- Titanium Backup – If already rooted, use Titanium Backup to backup all of your apps, system data and other important content. If you haven’t rooted your device previously, skip this step.
- Backup Nandroid – If CWM or TWRP installed previously, otherwise skip this step and perform this at the end of flashing.
4. Enable USB Debugging Mode on your device.
Enable USB debugging mode on your device. To do so, tap settings>developer options>USB debugging. If you can’t find developer options in settings, then tap settings > about device and tap “Build Number” for 7 times and you’ll get em’ activated under settings.
5. Install and setup Sony Flashtool.
You must have installed Sony Flashtool. Find the full guide here.
After installing Sony Flashtool, open the Flashtool folder from the drive where you installed it. Now open Flashtool>Drivers>Flashtool-drivers.exe and install the Flashtool, Fastboot & Xperia Z3 Compact drivers from the list. If you do not find the Flashtool drivers in Flashmode, skip this step and install Sony PC Companion instead, for drivers support. [Important]
6. Use OEM data cable to establish connection.
Make sure that you use the phone’s original data cable to establish connection between your phone and the PC. Using a different data cable might result in interrupting the firmware installation.
How To Update Sony Xperia Z3 Compact To Official Android 5.0.2 Lollipop 23.1.A.0.726 Firmware
Before moving forward, please make sure that you’ve read the pre requisites and ensure that you are set to go ahead.
- Download the latest firmware Android 5.0.2 Lollipop 23.1.A.0.690 FTF file.
- For Xperia Z3 Compact D5803[Generic/Unbranded] Link 1 | You can also create your own FTF using this guide.
- For Xperia Z3 Compact D5833[Generic/Unbranded] Link 1 | You can also create your own FTF using this guide.
- Copy the file and paste in Flashtool>Firmwares folder.
- Open Flashtool.exe now.
- Hit the small lightening button on the top left corner and select Flashmode.
- Select the FTF firmware file that you placed in the Firmware folder.
- From the right side, select what do you want to wipe. Data, cache and apps log, all wipes are recommended, perhaps you may select if you don’t want.
- Click on OK, and it will start preparing the firmware for flashing. This may take a little while to load.
- As soon as the firmware is loaded, it will prompt you to attach the phone by turning it off and keeping the back key press.
- For Xperia Z3 Compact Volume Down key will do the job of back key, just turn off your phone, keep the Volume Down key pressed and plug in the data cable.
- As soon as the phone is detected in Flashmode, the firmware will start flashing, Do not leave the Volume Down key until the process is complete.
- As soon as you see “Flashing ended or Finished Flashing” leave the Volume Down key, plug the cable out and reboot.
- That’s All! Congrats! You’ve installed latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on your Xperia Z3 Compact. Enjoy
In case you got any queries or face any problems regarding this guide, please feel free to stop by the comment box below and let us know. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks all!
Next: Root and Install CWM/TWRP on Xperia Z3 Compact D5803 23.1.A.0.726 Lollipop 5.0.2 Firmware
dead links for the firmwares
@73173v2:disqus link updated.