Database Users

[Q] Xperia arc s - android updates question

Hi, i just ordered an xperia arc s,bafter telling myself ill never buy a non google experience phone due to update issues with non google phones, cos the arc s just looks so nice and distinguished. So now i have a question about how updates work.
As far as i know from experience, updates are carrier based. For example i had a lg optimus before this, and its european version was slightly lagging behind with bug fix updates than my us carrier version, and short of custom rom, there was no way to oficially update the software to eu version.
With the arc s, my phone is unlocked, internstional version, bought off amazon. As far as i can tell its similar to the ones SE sells on its website which arent locked to any specific carrier. How do the updates on these official carrier free sim unlocked phones work? Are they quicker since they are not carrier dependent? Or are they on European schedule since this is an european phone? Im looking forward to ics and hope i get it soon,bso if someone could educate me id appreciate it..

Non carrier phones get it faster than branded ones.
ICS will come in April to Arc (S)
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

Flash whatever firmware you wish mate.
First thing I did was erase the branded fw and flash a generic fw.
Sent from my Arc via transwarp beacon.

Lord Takyon said:
Flash whatever firmware you wish mate.
First thing I did was erase the branded fw and flash a generic fw.
Sent from my Arc via transwarp beacon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive read guide upon guide of flashing different firmware, but for the life of me just can never figure it out. So for now im staying away fromm it. I actually think sonys android skin is pretty nice. Once sony leaves behind the device from updates then sure ill flash a different firmware, for now though the convenience of ota uodates, which are available for official firmwares but not for hacked ones, is too much to give up.

There's nothing wrong with the se skin, I prefer modded stock roms to miui/cm7. The branding is from the carrier, but if yours is a generic rom then there shouldn't be much to remove. Mines was sim-free but there are still delays to updates region-wise, which is why I unlocked my bootloader. Flashing roms is pretty straightforward once you have flashtool/fastboot/cwm.
sinkster©

zanky said:
Ive read guide upon guide of flashing different firmware, but for the life of me just can never figure it out. So for now im staying away fromm it. I actually think sonys android skin is pretty nice. Once sony leaves behind the device from updates then sure ill flash a different firmware, for now though the convenience of ota uodates, which are available for official firmwares but not for hacked ones, is too much to give up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use flashtool, it is really simple. Just go slow the first time so you don't make any errors.
Sent from my Arc via transwarp beacon.

So i just received my phone in canada (Lt18i), the international version, since im not using it in canada, its a gift for someone in europe. The box was sealed when i got it, and it said for sale in france, and it has a bunch of crap installed apps like canal+, warnervod, etc. does this mean this is specific to some carrier and thu would have carrier dependent updates? I was really hoping since it unlocked i wouldnt have all this junk on it. Itmdoesnt have any references though to any carrier in the documentation, neither does it have any carrier specific apps i can see. The version on it is 0.42 and it says no updates available. I did read about some 0.62 version out there.
So i have a few questions off topic:
- can i remove the crapware without rooting my phone? I tried es explorer but it tells me uninstll not successful for those apps.
- i did a factory reset the first time, and now the default pictures thwt came with it to show off the beautiful screen are also gone. I found the default ringtones and notificwtion by searching but have not found the default pics. Anybody got a source as to where to find these?
- if i want to stick with the sony software and sony updates, what is the downside of rooting my phone just to delete those bad apps? I read somewhere i lose ota update absility? True? Also can i root, delete the apps, and then unroot?
- what is the difference between simply rooting the device, and unlocking the bootloader, i thought they were both the same
Thanks

zanky said:
...
So i have a few questions off topic:
- can i remove the crapware without rooting my phone? I tried es explorer but it tells me uninstll not successful for those apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
zanky said:
- i did a factory reset the first time, and now the default pictures thwt came with it to show off the beautiful screen are also gone. I found the default ringtones and notificwtion by searching but have not found the default pics. Anybody got a source as to where to find these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If someone doesn't have them zipped already, I can probably find them on my phone and upload them.
zanky said:
- if i want to stick with the sony software and sony updates, what is the downside of rooting my phone just to delete those bad apps? I read somewhere i lose ota update absility? True? Also can i root, delete the apps, and then unroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do NOT lose OTA update abilities as long as you don't modify any system apps/files. e.g. notifications bar, battery indicator, etc.
Updates are based on whatever firmware you have on the phone.
e.g. I flashed my Rogers arc to a generic USA firmware. It typically gets updated 2-3 weeks before Rogers since they have to do their customization to it. Similarly, users will flash an international firmware or another region's if that region has released an update.
You can flash ANY firmware onto ANY arc and still get 3G in its coverage zone. (All firmwares contain BOTH software radios: i, a. However, HARDWARE is fixed: "a" radio, "i" radio and will ONLY get 3G in their respective coverage zones.)
That is, you can flash an "i" firmware onto an "a" phone and still get 3G in an "a" zone.
However, this does NOT work in reverse. You CANNOT flash an "i" firmware to get "i" 3G in an "i" zone on an "a" phone.
zanky said:
- what is the difference between simply rooting the device, and unlocking the bootloader, i thought they were both the same
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting = deeper access to the software on the phone. Does NOT allow you to load recoveries like ClockWorkMod or load non-Sony firmwares.
Bootloader unlocking (either paid or free) allows custom firmwares, overclocking, etc.
Flashing a (generic) firmware is quick and painless:
Backing up your current firmware:
Rooting:
Bootloader unlock process & FAQs:

You have no idea how helpful your info and those videos have been!! I think im actually going to attempt the generic rom thing especially because it says i dont even need to be rooted. And the vidos make it ridiculously easy to do it. After half a dozen guides this demystifies the whole process.
So just to confirm, if i update to a generic other rom, ill still be able to get ota updates based on that region? In your opinion which rom is the best for an lt18i? And by best i mean the one i can expect quickest updates on and with least amount of bloatware, cos i doubt there are or differences in them.European, north american. Or global generic?
Btw im on firmware 0.62 anything special i need to consider before attempting this?
This page has links to firmware for lt18i but no global. And the uk version is older. Should i just flash The uk version even though its older and then ota update?
Regarding the stock photos, would be awesome if you could zip and upload to your mediafire page, maybe other people can find them useful too.
P.s. your donate button is broken paypal says theres an issue with your email address.
BluechipJ said:
Updates are based on whatever firmware you have on the phone.
e.g. I flashed my Rogers arc to a generic USA firmware. It typically gets updated 2-3 weeks before Rogers since they have to do their customization to it. Similarly, users will flash an international firmware or another region's if that region has released an update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ifna bump is acceptable, bump.

zanky said:
You have no idea how helpful your info and those videos have been!! I think im actually going to attempt the generic rom thing especially because it says i dont even need to be rooted. And the vidos make it ridiculously easy to do it. After half a dozen guides this demystifies the whole process.
So just to confirm, if i update to a generic other rom, ill still be able to get ota updates based on that region? In your opinion which rom is the best for an lt18i? And by best i mean the one i can expect quickest updates on and with least amount of bloatware, cos i doubt there are or differences in them.European, north american. Or global generic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typically, Nordic gets updates first because Ericsson is Swedish. (From past observations, it typically goes Nordic, German, Hong Kong, UK, Asia, North America.)
zanky said:
Btw im on firmware 0.62 anything special i need to consider before attempting this?
This page has links to firmware for lt18i but no global. And the uk version is older. Should i just flash The uk version even though its older and then ota update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. There isn't anything you need to "do". If you're concerned about data, use a backup program such as Sony's original Backup & Restore that came with the X10 (still works). (http://jp1.ca/androidstuff)
This link should have the latest "i" version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330314
zanky said:
Regarding the stock photos, would be awesome if you could zip and upload to your mediafire page, maybe other people can find them useful too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which folder(s) are you looking for?
zanky said:
P.s. your donate button is broken paypal says theres an issue with your email address.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll update it!

The link you sent me only has a generic world for lt18i. This other thread i read though said that there is no such thing as generic world, and its just called that but its always for some region of the other. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1210776&page=3)
Not sure how accurate that is but i dont see the nordic one on the link you sent me anyway
Also another thread said that there will always be 8-9 bloatware apps on any firmware such as canal+, warner vod, etc. is this true or false?
Lastly, say i find an older version of the nordic flash file, can i just flash that instead of the 0.62 and then just get an ota update? I didnt see france on your list of status of updates, any idea where that is?
As for pictures, not sure what folder but i believe there were some stock pics that came with the phone to show off the home screen photo widget. If you dont know what im talking about dont worry about it.
BluechipJ said:
Typically, Nordic gets updates first because Ericsson is Swedish. (From past observations, it typically goes Nordic, German, Hong Kong, UK, Asia, North America.)
Nope. There isn't anything you need to "do". If you're concerned about data, use a backup program such as Sony's original Backup & Restore that came with the X10 (still works). (http://jp1.ca/androidstuff)
This link should have the latest "i" version: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1330314
Which folder(s) are you looking for?
Thanks. I'll update it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

zanky said:
The link you sent me only has a generic world for lt18i. This other thread i read though said that there is no such thing as generic world, and its just called that but its always for some region of the other. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1210776&page=3)
Not sure how accurate that is but i dont see the nordic one on the link you sent me anyway
Also another thread said that there will always be 8-9 bloatware apps on any firmware such as canal+, warner vod, etc. is this true or false?
Lastly, say i find an older version of the nordic flash file, can i just flash that instead of the 0.62 and then just get an ota update? I didnt see france on your list of status of updates, any idea where that is?
As for pictures, not sure what folder but i believe there were some stock pics that came with the phone to show off the home screen photo widget. If you dont know what im talking about dont worry about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! I was on the same situation as you when I got my device as this was my 1st ever android device and I was also curious about firmware regions. So I tested each and every firmware region I could get on .42 and all I can say is there's not much difference on all of them.
1. is of all the regions there each firmware differs only by so called bloatwares.
2. there are only 2 major differences of all the regions. Asia region contains Chinese keyboard, Japanese Keyboard & international keyboard but no arabic support. While non-Asia regions only has International Keyboard included + arabic support.
That's pretty much about it. All others softwares are similar like baseband version, branding, kernel version, applications, themes, etc.

How to update and review f8131 xperia x performance to new android 7.0 nougat.

Hey there, this is a Guide to Update the Xperia X Performance F8131 To the new Android 7.0 Nougat, also with a Small Review if you want to know what’s new, or you will wait for your region to be available.
I made this guide because i had an issue that i tried to flash the FTF via flash tool, but it is useless the flash tool needs to be updated before we can flash android 7.0 Updates. DO NOT TRY TO FLASH THE _39.2.A.0.327 YOU WILL BREAK THE SYSTEM OF YOUR PHONE. Also for those like me that doesn't want to wait for the update to be available in your region.
First of All i am not responsible of bricked phones by using this guide.
Review about the Software (WITH SCREENSHOTS)​
Well First of All is that the lockscreen have a few New Changes for the notifications and the clock (its bigger Now)
Now the Quick Widgets in the notification bar are now small al of them.
Also the Wifi and antenna icons are slightly different
Now we have Stamina levels that we can Change to get better Battery.
On Camera we have the new Camera APP that Xperia XZ Has that can change many more things in manual mode.
Contact and Dialer have a few Changes.
It feels Slightly Faster than before, so you can check it up.
Thats all i can tell from now, we will see in the time.
Process to do the Update:​1- You will need the latest flash tool available, you can download it in http://www.flashtool.net/downloads.php if you don’t know how to use this tool, please search on the internet first.
2- You will need the software update F8131 35.0.A.1.275 Customized RU you can download it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxPbn7RHkJD1WElDV2xHMkhyMzg/view Thanks to [email protected]
3- What you will actually do, it’s to flash the 6.0 MM ftf on your phone for Russia because in that region it’s available to download OTA the Update for 7.0 Nougat.
4- Flash the downloaded FTF on your phone with the usual method (Remember to charge your phone at least at 80%, you will need that battery).
5- When your phone finished and booted, just connect to a Wireless Network and go to settings ----> About Phone -----> Software Update and click update and let it work.
6- You will do 2 updates, one to the 6.0 Update .297 and then the 7.0 Nougat update will be available.
7- Enjoy the new software Update

The flashtool has updates for F8132. I just tried the Russian 39.2.A.0.327 and it didnt work... Im trying the same update but from Taiwan... Hope it works I think its the Nougat update..

nickcaper said:
The flashtool has updates for F8132. I just tried the Russian 39.2.A.0.327 and it didnt work... Im trying the same update but from Taiwan... Hope it works I think its the Nougat update..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one Nougat will be flashed successful by old flashtool

Desperanto86 said:
No one Nougat will be flashed successful by old flashtool
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the new Flashtool version out? Cant seem to find a version that allows nougat flash... Sux... Cause Nougat is now out for this X Performance... Officially OTA..

nickcaper said:
Is the new Flashtool version out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746&page=336 and http://www.flashtool.net/index.php

Desperanto86 said:
nope http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=920746&page=336 and http://www.flashtool.net/index.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this will be my last Sony product.. This company is half ass....

nickcaper said:
I think this will be my last Sony product.. This company is half ass....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's your problem. Everyone doesn't give a damn on your opinion.

Desperanto86 said:
It's your problem. Everyone doesn't give a damn on your opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seems you gave a dam enough to type all them words out... :laugh:
BTW.. Youre now muted... k bye...

If you install the nougat what do you need to wipe in flashtool

Has anyone tried going straight to nougat with the new flashtool?
http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/12/21/flashtool-update-0-9-23-0-brings-android-nougat-support/
Came from ab htc, not looking to make a brick
Sent from my F8131 using XDA-Developers mobile app

sssssbarn said:
Has anyone tried going straight to nougat with the new flashtool?
http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/12/21/flashtool-update-0-9-23-0-brings-android-nougat-support/
Came from ab htc, not looking to make a brick
Sent from my F8131 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to flash F8132 to Nougat directly with Flashtool and I get an error:
Code:
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - Device connected in flash mode
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - Opening device for R/W
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - Start Flashing
10/018/2017 17:18:45 - INFO - No loader in the bundle. Searching for one
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - INFO - No matching loader found
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - WARN - No loader found or set manually. Skipping loader
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - INFO - Ending flash session
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - ERROR - null
10/018/2017 17:18:53 - ERROR - Error flashing. Aborted
Any toughts?

chiobesek said:
Trying to flash F8132 to Nougat directly with Flashtool and I get an error:
Any toughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What boxes did you check off before flashing?

will this work for flashing on US ver. ?
i got one from Amazon US and the fingerprint is disabled. will this work if i flash the UK firmware?
sorry for the noob question. i don't want to brick it. just want US ver --> UK stock firmware change.

it asks for a fikin password

US Tablet User - Can I get to Nougat?

Hi all, I'm a US user with W09 and would like to get it to Nougat - I have read the entire "Update to EMUI 5.0" thread and there appeared to be several possible routes, but most were regarding the European version.
I have a US Wi-Fi model and have no allegiance in keeping it a US one, if there's a way to remove the regional aspect to gain access to the update (BETA or otherwise).
I would greatly appreciate if someone who has some experience with or is very confident of the correct path would shed some light for me.
Thank you!

Have you tried update via Firmware Finder? Witch firmware version do you have now?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

33adi said:
Have you tried update via Firmware Finder? Witch firmware version do you have now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just finished reading the entire thread linked above that mentions that method a number of times, so I'm certainly familiar with it, but haven't tried it because sprinkled throughout that thread are plenty of issues encountered. Also, there's no mention of US hardware/firmware specific instructions.
I'm on W09 as mentioned in the OP - thanks for the reply!

Install Firmware Finder from Playstore and post a screenshot with firmwares that appear there.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

33adi said:
Install Firmware Finder from Playstore and post a screenshot with firmwares that appear there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm away from my tablet at the moment but will do later on when I get home.

We will see after that what we can do. I have updated my tablet to Nougat, but I have BTV-DL09 (4G European version).
To change region I think you have to unlock bootloader.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

33adi said:
We will see after that what we can do. I have updated my tablet to Nougat, but I have BTV-DL09 (4G European version).
To change region I think you have to unlock bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what's in firmware finder @33adi

What's the advantage to switching from US to EU roms? I unlocked, rooted, enabled 5ghz band for wifi, and now only need nougurt but much like the original poster not sure the best route.
Sent from my BTV-W09 using Tapatalk

gaidin43 said:
What's the advantage to switching from US to EU roms? I unlocked, rooted, enabled 5ghz band for wifi, and now only need nougurt but much like the original poster not sure the best route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The advantage of removing the US stock rom is that the European one has a beta available that is very stable. My thread is seeking someone who's confident of the steps to 1st going European & 2nd installing nougat once there, as there was some debate of complexity to doing even that.

I've been through exactly what you are wanting to do @dutchdoggs54 . Unfortunately I can't tell you step by step how I got to where I'm at.
I was on W09128BXXX out of the box . Read the topic that you have linked in your first post and decided to do it using firmware finder to force the update to Nougat as they described. It actually went very well and Nougat worked great with the exception of Bluetooth not working.
I have to say during the upgrade when it booted into recovery and it was TWRP I was concerned. Believe it had an error but it worked and replaced TWRP as I recall with a stock recovery.
So after all that I decided I wanted my tablet branded as a BTV-W09C100B006. Below is the topic where a member thought they bricked their tablet.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mediapad-m3/how-to/bricked-m3-btv-w09-t3612699
They were given directions to download the Full update package for the version I just mentioned.
This member got their tablet working again and in the process found that 5Ghz wifi is enabled on C100B006 by default.
That was the main reason I rooted my tablet.
I followed the directions knowing I force install a different version of Nougat from your link.
Downloaded the full version software and dropped it in the dload folder on my US tablet and did the upgrade.
Tablet rebooted and shortly after it rebooted again going to recovery (I tried may times to boot). Don't recall the error but after I unlocked my bootloader again it reset the tablet and I was able to access it again. I did relock the bootloader so I can see updates without any problems after that.
In the end I got what I was after. My tablet shows as a BTV-W09C100B006 and can check for updates.
5Ghz wifi is enabled by default. As I said I relocked the bootloader so I'm not rooted. Overall it's works so well I'll wait for Nougat to get released and then do the official upgrade. After the scare of booting to recovery it was worth every nervous minute of it.

Try to talk to OP from this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/p9/...-root-t3374068
Maybe he can make this app available to Mediapad M3, then changing OEMINFO will be easy.
I posted a question there.

No luck
Ok, so I tried following @Samavb's great instructions and guidance in the other thread last night. Made it all the way to the point where he says to install 009 from the Huawei website - got it downloaded and loaded up on the tablet only to find that it wouldn't install because the 009 file on the website is BTV-DL09 not the BTV-W09 version a US tablet would need.
So I got frustrated and tried installing the B301 build that appeared on firmware finder when I was on the W09-006 build...this was nougat and was cool but no keyboard and the play store wouldn't install anything, so I was forced to revert back to 006.
So, long story short, hours of work have confirmed that there doesn't appear to be a way to get a US tablet to fully functional Nougat at the moment. If there was a 009 or 010 build like Samavb mentions for the US model, maybe it would work, but those aren't anywhere to be found - firmware finder, russian site he mentions or otherwise.
So, I'll happily sit on 006 and wait for a US OTA update. That is unless anyone can tell me exactly how to make this US model into a European model.

Same boat as original poster. US w09 on build c128b003. Firmware finder just finds the same version. Anyone know when there might be a us version update released. I thought it was supposed to be may so have been waiting patiently.....but may is over.

dr_pepper said:
Same boat as original poster. US w09 on build c128b003. Firmware finder just finds the same version. Anyone know when there might be a us version update released. I thought it was supposed to be may so have been waiting patiently.....but may is over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Firmware Finder select the menu in the top left corner. (3 bars)
Right below your model number, select change model and enter BTV-W09C100 and then search.
You should see B301 and it's a full OTA. However, as I understand it this is just a beta/test release.
Only issue I had with it, bluetooth didn't work. Seeing as how I don't use it, didn't bother me.
I highly recommend you fall back to the other topic about forcing the upgrade to Nougat.
Only difference from my tablet and yours. I was on C128B002. I had already rooted and couldn't get that update.

Also US 64gb version here and hoping for an update to Nougat and EM5. Would love to see it!
Huawei have been quite attentive for updates in other markets which is great. Too bad the non-LTE version in US doesn't get the same love.
Buying this tablet was a roll of the dice for me, banking on the hope that Huawei would be attentive to software updates (for all markets) and custom ROMs could serve as back up/enjoyment. This tablet has solid hardware and with another launcher it is decent.
Sadly, my experiment to try out a non-Nexus device without the latest (or close to pure) Android version is coming to an end. The last M3 sold on Swappa went for around $300.

johninsf said:
Also US 64gb version here and hoping for an update to Nougat and EM5. Would love to see it!
Huawei have been quite attentive for updates in other markets which is great. Too bad the non-LTE version in US doesn't get the same love.
Buying this tablet was a roll of the dice for me, banking on the hope that Huawei would be attentive to software updates (for all markets) and custom ROMs could serve as back up/enjoyment. This tablet has solid hardware and with another launcher it is decent.
Sadly, my experiment to try out a non-Nexus device without the latest (or close to pure) Android version is coming to an end. The last M3 sold on Swappa went for around $300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just updated the firmware finder app and it now shows the full ota for nougat. It wasn't found until I updated the app.

purple lady said:
I just updated the firmware finder app and it now shows the full ota for nougat. It wasn't found until I updated the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent and great news! Are you in the US and have the wifi only version?

johninsf said:
Excellent and great news! Are you in the US and have the wifi only version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep.

Thanks Purple Lady!
Too anyone in this thread, I want to install the latest version available in Firmware Finder.
When I select download, I get 3 file choices. Which should I pick to download then what are the steps to update? Please point me to the best post to reference as there are a few.

johninsf said:
Thanks Purple Lady!
Too anyone in this thread, I want to install the latest version available in Firmware Finder.
When I select download, I get 3 file choices. Which should I pick to download then what are the steps to update? Please point me to the best post to reference as there are a few.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from what i gather. if you're going from MM to Nougat, you need to install the Full OTA. for that, there are 2 files, you will need both of them. from there, i'm not sure.

How to switch back to "factory"?

Hi,
I recently unlocked my XC to flash Sailfish. I just would like to know what's the best path to get back to the official Android? Or is it locked to AOSP definitely?
I guess flashing AOSP and then install Xperia specific apps (if present on the Play Store) should be doable, but I wonder if there is a more direct way.
Thanks.

Just found Emma. I was able to flash the factory image...except the TA partition of course, but it's not a big deal.

romut said:
Hi,
I recently unlocked my XC to flash Sailfish. I just would like to know what's the best path to get back to the official Android? Or is it locked to AOSP definitely?
I guess flashing AOSP and then install Xperia specific apps (if present on the Play Store) should be doable, but I wonder if there is a more direct way.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think flashing via flashtool wiping everything should bring you back to the original form (except from Bootloader remaining unlocked). Then you have to gain back root, though (if I got your point).

Sorry for this later answer. @eresac it worked...almost.
Indeed it's pretty strange. I didn't notice first, Emma didn't offer to flash Android 8 but 6 instead ! Problem is now the XC never gets the notification to upgrade. Any idea how to change this?

romut said:
Sorry for this later answer. @eresac it worked...almost.
Indeed it's pretty strange. I didn't notice first, Emma didn't offer to flash Android 8 but 6 instead ! Problem is now the XC never gets the notification to upgrade. Any idea how to change this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Emma might offered you a firmware for non-retail device (ex. Demo unit in store, Review unit, Exchange unit at service center) which has no update and shouldn't be use as daily driver.
Try reflashing it with different firmware. If there isn't any different firmware to select in Emma, use Androxyde's flashtool instead.

Emma offers only one firmware. And this is 6.0.1.
Ok to flash a newer firmware with another tool, but where can I get a factory image?

You can download it from flashtool (via XperiFirm plugin) following this guide. The title said Marshmallow but this method is compatible with newer firmware too.
http://www.xperiablog.net/2016/03/12/install-xperia-marshmallow-using-flashtool-and-xperifirm-guide/
Also, make sure that the firmware you download has version number starting with 34.4 if you want Android 8.0

[F8331] Change stock firmware for a better LTE signal

Hi everybody,
I'm new here, I have bought my first sony (used) but I notice that the LTE signal is so poor specially indoor. The seller hasn't saw me that the firmware is an UK fw also I live in italy, infact, after a little research, I noticed that there is a carrier's app called EE and the fw version installed is of EE carrier's. The phone is sim unlock. There isn't root and I haven't unlook the bootloader.
My questions are:
- Can I change the stock uk firmware putting in an Italian stock firmware?
- Can I change it without root and without unlook the bootloader?
- How?
- Is there a guide that I can follow?
- Can I change the CSC for preserve the ota upgrade? How? I'd like to change fw preserving OTA update.
I don't wanna unlock the bootloader and root the phone cause I don't want lose the DRM licenses (widevine specially). I'm not interested to rooting or make any modding.
I'd like to put a stock room without bloat apps and with a strong lte signal.
Here the Info about the phone:
F8331
Android 8.0
Phone Software Version: 1302-9157_41.3.A.2.171
Global-LTE3A
Generic-41.3.a.2.171
S1 Boot version: 1299-4832 S1_BOOT_MSM8996_LA2.0_O_204
BASEBAND: 8996-8996.gwn.prodQ-00070-40
Customization version: 1305-7307R8E
Codes phone for CSC doesn't work.
Thanks y for the support
P.s.
Here a link to some pics about the phone:
4shared.com/s/dipBSZcFc

I think it should be possible to just Flash another Regions Firmware via Androxydes Flashtool.
No need for unlock as long as u have any offical fw (XperiFirm comes with Flashtool and downloads offical files)
But I may be wrong tho, this just came to my mind in the first moment

LoaderFabi said:
I think it should be possible to just Flash another Regions Firmware via Androxydes Flashtool.
No need for unlock as long as u have any offical fw (XperiFirm comes with Flashtool and downloads offical files)
But I may be wrong tho, this just came to my mind in the first moment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you LoaderFabi for the suggest, so I will waiting for a confirmation about that.
Meanwhile can y tell me a link to a guide and download the tool?
Anyway, thanks again ?

You can flash any region's firmware without unlocking the bootloader. You need Xperifirm to download the firmware, and Flashtool to flash it.

Kuarinfou said:
You can flash any region's firmware without unlocking the bootloader. You need Xperifirm to download the firmware, and Flashtool to flash it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, and about the OTA's update? Will it be automatically? Or do I have something about? And how?
Can you link me a guide to flash the fw and, eventually, to do something about OTA's update?
Thanks

Sean_Droid said:
Ok, and about the OTA's update? Will it be automatically? Or do I have something about? And how?
Can you link me a guide to flash the fw and, eventually, to do something about OTA's update?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since it's an official firmware, you always get updates OTA (i think XZ will no longer get updates but no need to worry). I didn't see any guide to flash, i'll probably today write a guide to flash firmwares.

Kuarinfou said:
Since it's an official firmware, you always get updates OTA (i think XZ will no longer get updates but no need to worry). I didn't see any guide to flash, i'll probably today write a guide to flash firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks y so much Kuarinfou, I will waiting for your guide. I don't remember where I red in this forum about the CSC and that it could not change also flashing a stock fw bringing the OTA's issue... Probably I remember wrong ?
Anyway, Quote me when you will do it.

Sean_Droid said:
Thanks y so much Kuarinfou, I will waiting for your guide. I don't remember where I red in this forum about the CSC and that it could not change also flashing a stock fw bringing the OTA's issue... Probably I remember wrong
Anyway, Quote me when you will do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/how-to/guide-flashing-firmware-xperia-phones-t3860048

Kuarinfou said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xperia-xz/how-to/guide-flashing-firmware-xperia-phones-t3860048
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you so much ?