Update Xperia Z3 D6603 to 23.1.A.0.726 Android 5.0.2 Firmware FTF

Sony Xperia Z3 received the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update under .690 build number initially. Sony continues the tradition of releasing a buggy firmware for a new Android version first. Sony has reacted to the vows of its customers fast and released the new Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with build number 23.1.A.0.726 for Xperia Z3 D6603. Users experienced issues with battery and some FCs in the previous firmware which should be fixed in this firmware. The new firmware 23.1.A.0.726 for D6603 is rolling out and available for download.

The new firmware is not available for download over all countries yet. The rollout has begun but it always takes time before it receives all countries. Those who have updated their devices manually or those who have rooted their devices, must be looking for this guide. Those who have not installed the previous update can also use this guide to update their device manually. It should be made clear that although the installation method is manual but the firmware is official. It means that it has not special requirements like bootloader unlocking or root access. There are no risks involved in flashing the  23.1.A.0.726 ftf on Xperia Z3 D6603 as it does not void the warranty. The steps involved in the installation are given below. Make sure that you follow all the steps given below to install this firmware on your device.

Early Preparations:

1. This is only for Sony Xperia Z3 D6603

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.
• 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 drivers from the list. [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.

Install 23.1.A.0.726 FTF On Xperia Z3 D6603

 Before moving forward, please make sure that you’ve read the pre requisites and ensure that you are set to go ahead.

1. Download the latest firmware Android 5.0.2 Lollipop 23.1.A.0.726 FTF file.
2. Follow this link to get the ftf file for D6603 23.1.A.0.726 firmware.
3. Copy the file and paste in Flashtool>Firmwares folder.
4. Open Flashtool.exe now.
5. Hit the small lightening button on the top left corner and select Flashmode.
6. Select the FTF firmware file that you placed in the Firmware folder.
7. 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.
8. Click on OK, and it will start preparing the firmware for flashing. This may take a little while to load.
9. 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.
10. For Xperia Z3, 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.
11. 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.
12. As soon as you see “Flashing ended or Finished Flashing” leave the Volume Down key, plug the cable out and reboot.
13. That’s All! Congrats! You’ve installed latest Android 5.0.2 Lollipop on your Xperia Z3 D6603. Enjoy

Got any questions? Ask me in the comments below

Next: Root Xperia Z3 D6603 23.1.A.0.726 5.0.2 Firmware Plus Dual Recovery