Flashing phones through the FlashTool program. Official firmware in ftf format

These instructions will help you update your device or return to the previous version of the software.

First steps

1. Make sure your smartphone Sony Xperia fully charged (desirable).

2. Make sure you are using the out-of-box USB cable (branded).

3. Download and install Flashtool program:

After installing the program, a shortcut should appear on the desktop. If this does not happen, look for Flashtool in the root directory of your computer - usually this C: / Flashtool

4. Install drivers from the Flashtool folder - С: / Flashtool / drivers / Flashtool-drivers.exe

If you have any problems installing drivers on Windows 10, 8.1 or 8- follow.

5. Download the firmware for your Sony Xperia smartphone in the format .ftf(firmware can be found on the Internet or on the w3bsit3-dns.com website) and put it in the folder C: / Flashtool / firmwares /

From version Flashtool 0.9.18.5 the firmware file must be put in the folder
C: / Users / Username / .flashtool / firmwares /

Flashing process

1. Run the Flashtool program.

2. After starting the program, click on the lightning bolt icon. In the window that appears, select and click on "OK"

3. Select the firmware on the left side of the window. In point Wipe check the boxes "DATA", "CACHE" and "APPSLOG"... Click on "Flash"

4. In a new window you will see a graphical instruction of your actions: turn off the phone and hold down the volume button DOWN, connect the USB cable to your computer. This will be followed by the firmware process.

5. We are waiting for messages about successful firmware " Flashing finished«.

6. We disconnect the smartphone from the computer. After flashing, the first activation of the smartphone will take about 2-3 minutes. Don't panic and wait for the OS to load.

Attention!

All your personal data - music, photos and videos located on internal memory the smartphone will be deleted, including call log, contacts, sms, etc.

Note from an anonymous guest - In addition to the article

I want to unsubscribe about the work done. PociEnt - xperia M2 dual (2302), vaccination - official firmware of the Orthodox kit-kat (4.4.4), operating table - win7 x64. The shoals I encountered:
1) when installing drivers from flashtool \ drivers, pay attention to the following - first, in the file properties, in compatibility, specify Vista compatibility and run as administrator;
2) when selectively installing drivers, black magic appears and nichrome does not work, ticked off everything - it took off (Windows screams for each driver, they say, counterfeit, we choose "install this driver anyway");
3) in flashtool, when you selected the firmware, on the right, put all the checkboxes in the wipe section (by default, they are not), in other places - do not. (if you do not complete this point, you will get an endless download, "will not take off");
4) the topic contains the phrase "the first download takes a very long time." To clarify, if the download takes more than 10 minutes, then something went wrong;
5) if something went wrong, you need to press something sharp (me with a pointed match) the off button, which is next to the SIM card slots (under the lid) and start all over again.
As a result of the operation, I have a wonderful smart with an excellent system, everything shines and plows. I import contacts with the SIM with one hand, wipe my tears of happiness with the other.

Note from Strikeresh - If it gives an error "this bundle is not valid"

So so. Hey guys. 2018 is in the yard, I bought a new Z2) was updated to 6 android, but yes, as some said - the volume of the sound was not enough. Before that, I specially checked, on the 4th it is really much louder and all the rules. And the battery was also somehow suspiciously consumed ...
Made the decision to roll back, shoveled a bunch of everything
I did everything strictly according to the instructions. Strictly nowhere.
Yes, there was an error: - ERROR - root: this bundle is not valid
We ignore her
The first time I didn’t succeed. Lol
when I connected it to the computer - Windows started to install some driver, and the program wrote a failure
But I didn't shy away and tried it all over again
It works. The download bar has gone. About 90 percent stopped abruptly and did not move. My heart went nafig) but fortunately after thinking for a minute or two, everything was successfully completed, and the cherished words about "Flashing finished" appeared in front of me. The phone has just started up, yes, you have to wait for the beautiful blue waves, this is normal. As a result, everything turned out better than ever.
Feel free to give it a try, and thanks to the site owners for everything. Guys, from the bottom of my heart!

Everything that you do, you do at your own peril and risk! We are not responsible for your "crooked hands"! If for some reason you spoil your device, only YOU will be to blame!

We were inspired to write this manual by the beginning of the regional update of the Xperia Z3 and Z2 devices to the new version of the Lollipop system. While some are already happy with the new firmware, others are waiting for it in their region, and sometimes for a very long time. Therefore, it was decided to write this detailed manual on how to flash a Sony Xperia using two programs XperiFirm and Flashtool. The firmware process is not at all complicated and the instructions are suitable for all models of Sony Ixperia smartphones and tablets. It can be used both to install new firmware and to rollback to more old version, which may also often be needed.

How to flash a Sony Xperia smartphone - step-by-step instruction using the example of Xperia Z2 firmware to Android Lollipop

Before you start, you need to remember - everything that you will do is done solely at your start and risk! The site administration is not responsible for all the actions you have taken - this is worth understanding. Read the instructions from letter to letter and delve into the whole process, be careful. There is no need to unlock the bootloader for firmware, no need to have root. Also, replacing the firmware in this way does not affect the warranty - warranty service is not lost. We recommend that you create a backup of your system before starting.

Preparation process

Initially it is necessary: go to Settings - Developer options and check the box next to the desired item.
Go to Settings - Security and check the box next to “Unknown sources”.
All drivers for your smartphone model must be installed on your smartphone. The best way to install all the drivers is to install the PC Companion program. Also, you can initially install the FlashTool program and find the latest drivers in the "C: \ Flashtool \ Drivers" folder, from where you can install them.

Getting firmware using XperiFirm(if you have already downloaded the FTF firmware file, then you can immediately go to the point. If not, then follow the further instructions.)
It's simple super app, whose developers are shaking hands tightly.

The process of creating firmware using Flashtool

First of all, download the FlashTool program and install it - Link
To run the program, go to the PC installation folder, which is located in “C: \ Flashtool” and run the FlashTool.exe executable file. If the program generates an error, it may be necessary to clear the contents of the “C: \ Flashtool \ firmwares” folder.
After starting the program, open the Tools - Bundles - Create tab
In the window that opens, click on the button with three dots in the “Select source folder” item and select the folder with the previously downloaded firmware.
After that, in the window you will see that all the firmware files are loaded into the “folder list”. Double tap on the hidden field “Devices” to select your model of smartphone or tablet.
Enter the values in the “Branding” and “Version” fields that you had to remember when loading the firmware.
Select all files in the “folder list” window and click on the right arrow button to transfer all files to the “Firmware content” window and click on the “Create” button.
After that, the process of creating the FTF firmware file will begin, which ends with the corresponding inscription. The firmware files will be created and moved to the folder “C: \ Users \ YOUR PC_NAME \ .flashTool \ firmwares \” (the path will be indicated in the creation window).

Sony Xperia flashing process using FlashTool

FlashTool is a powerful tool for flashing smartphones based on the MediaTek chipset. With this application, you can both install on your device more new version operating system, and completely replace it with a custom one (modified by third-party developers).

However, this whole process is accompanied by a certain risk, and one wrong action can lead to the fact that your smartphone turns into a useless "brick". To prevent this from happening, carefully read this article. From it you will learn how to flash through FlashTool correctly and not risk your phone in vain.

Determine the processor model

As mentioned earlier, FlashTool only works with MediaTek devices. In view of this feature, it is important to make sure that your smartphone is equipped with the processor of this manufacturer, otherwise the firmware program may not interact with it correctly. This, in turn, is fraught with serious consequences.

To determine the processor model, you need a special application - CPU-Z. It can be downloaded for free from Play Market so this process shouldn't give you any trouble. After you download and install the program, do the following:

Launch CPU-Z on your smartphone.
Wait a few minutes while the program collects information about the device.
Go to the SOC tab and pay attention to the very top line. This is where your processor model will be displayed.

If the above line says MediaTek, then your smartphone is suitable for working with the program. But still, before flashing through FlashTool, you need to perform a few more important steps. They will be discussed below.

Training

It is important to know that flashing your smartphone will cause it to revert to its factory settings. In other words, all information stored on the device will be deleted and cannot be recovered. To prevent this from becoming a nuisance to you, do the following:

Save all contacts from the phone book. They can be transferred to a computer using special programs or synchronized with your Google account.
Copy all important photos, documents and videos to your computer.
Check if there is any left in the SMS important information(passwords from payment systems, bank codes, etc.). If there is one, then it is better to rewrite it.
Check the calendar for significant dates.
If you still have the installation files of some rare programs, you can copy them to your computer before flashing them through FlashTool.

Do not neglect these simple tips, because they will help you save time and hassle. It is better to go through all the points several times, and only then proceed with the firmware.

Setting up the operating system

Before flashing Android via FlashTool, you need to set some operating system settings. The fact is that Windows does not quite adequately perceive smartphone drivers, therefore, it is necessary to cancel the verification of digital signatures. This is done like this:

Start Command Prompt (Admin).
Write the command gpedit.msc for a 32-bit OS or C: \ Windows \ SysWOW64 \ gpedit.msc for a 64-bit OS. Hit Enter.
The "Group Policy Editor" will open in front of you. Here you need to select "User Configuration", then "Administrative Templates", and then "System".
Now click "Install Driver", and then select "Digital Signature".
In the window that opens, select "Disable".
Click "OK" and confirm the changes made.

Now the operating system will not “swear” at the smartphone driver, and the firmware program will be able to work normally.

Installing smartphone drivers

At this stage, you need to download and install a driver for your device, which will allow it to interact normally with your computer. You should look for it in such places:

First of all, you need to look for the driver on the website of the manufacturer of your device. This way you can be sure not to catch a computer virus.
Sometimes the driver can be found on the disc that comes with some phone models. If so, then you need to insert the CD into your computer's drive and follow the prompts.
In the event that the above two methods do not suit you, you can look for the driver on the thematic forums. Keep in mind that in this way you risk the security of not only your phone, but also your computer. Therefore, be sure to check all downloaded files for viruses before installing them.

After you find the driver, download and install it. This is done by double clicking on the archive and should not cause any difficulties. But sometimes problems still arise, so such cases should be given special attention.

Problems installing drivers

It often happens that the driver does not want to be installed in any one. In fact, there is nothing wrong with that, and the problem is solved quite simply. Namely:

Disconnect the data cable from the computer and phone.
Turn off your smartphone and remove the battery from it. The memory card and SIM card can be left on.
Open "Device Manager" on your PC.
Place the driver files wherever you like.
Without inserting a battery, connect your phone to your computer and get ready.
For just a few seconds, a new device will appear in the manager. You need to have time to click on it with the right mouse button and select the line "Update driver".
Now just specify the path to the driver files and wait for the installation process to finish.

If you did not manage to update the phone driver in time and the device disappeared from the manager, you need to repeat the whole procedure again, starting from point 5.

Search for firmware

Now is the time to find and download the firmware that you will install on your smartphone. Here you have two options: use official software or custom software. In the first case, just go to the website of the phone manufacturer and find the latest update for your model. But if you decide to use custom firmware, then you should follow a few simple rules:

Make sure the selected firmware is suitable for your smartphone model. Failure to comply with this condition is fraught with serious problems, up to the transformation of the phone into a "dead" piece of plastic.
Only download files from reputable sites and forums. In this case, even if there is a problem, you can count on the help of software developers.
Carefully study the reviews of the firmware provided by other users. Better not to take risks if there are many negative ones among them.
Make sure that the smartphone firmware you have installed is older than the one you are about to download.

Remember, following these simple rules, you will save your phone from unnecessary breakdowns.

Making a backup

Most users have no problem flashing and the whole process goes smoothly. But it is still better to prepare in advance for unforeseen situations, because no one is immune from them. To do this, you need to create a backup copy of the system files of the smartphone before flashing through FlashTool. For this:

Connect your phone to your computer.
Select the read speed.
Specify the type of reading NOR.
Go to the Read back tab and click Add. Create a backup file by giving it any name. Then click Save.
You will see a window in which you should specify the size of the read data in the Length field. First, try entering the value 0x01000000, and if it does not work, then 0x02000000.
Unplug your phone from the cable and unplug it. Take out the battery, insert it back, and then reconnect the smartphone to the data cable (not including).
Press and immediately release the smartphone's power button.

If you did everything correctly, the backup process will begin. Be sure to wait until it ends.

Device firmware

If you have thought it over and prepared, then you have no choice but to flash through FlashTool. The instructions for this procedure, in fact, are not so complicated, and it looks like this:

Launch FalshTool and click Scatter-loading.
Specify the path to the MTxxxx_Android_scatter_emmc.txt file (instead of "xxxx" there will be numbers corresponding to the processor model of your device). Click Open.
Be sure to check the box DA DL All With Check Sum. Otherwise, you risk "killing" your smartphone.
Press the Firmware-Upgrade button and connect the switched off phone.
Multi-colored download bars will appear at the bottom of the main menu of the program.
As soon as the firmware process is completed, a green circle will appear on the screen, notifying of a successful operation.

Now you can disconnect your smartphone from the data cable and use it. Keep in mind that it can take a long time to turn on your phone for the first time, so don't worry if you have this situation.

By the way, if you do not know through FlashTool, then you can use the same instructions. It is equally valid for all Android devices.

Flashing Chinese phones

How to flash a Chinese phone via FlashTool? It is also possible to do this, but this procedure is somewhat different from the standard one; it will be considered separately. It is important to know the following here:

Never press the Memory Test button in FlashTool. For some reason, Chinese phones do not adequately respond to this operation, and it may happen that the firmware will be erased beyond recovery.
Carefully study the information about the firmware on the site from which you download it. It is possible that it contains bugs that can cause you serious problems.
Do not try to install the firmware on your smartphone from another device. So you run the risk of ruining it, and it is not a fact that you will be able to return the phone to working condition.

Also, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact the nearest service center. Chinese smartphones very specific, so let the specialists deal with them.

Actions after firmware

After the flashing of your phone is completed, you need to perform a few more simple steps:

Do not forget to set the current time and date.
Link your device to your Google account. This is especially useful if you've synced your phonebook with it.
It will be better if you format the memory card. System files from the previous firmware may remain on it, which do nothing useful, but only take up free space.

That's basically it. Now you can enjoy the new firmware that will surely make your smartphone work in a new way.

This manual is primarily intended for owners of Xperia X, Xperia Z5, Xperia XZ and other smartphones who, for some reason, were unable to update their devices to Android 7.0 Nougat via PC Companion or over the air. This happens if the purchased device was originally intended for a specific cellular operator... Then you can wait for the update for many months, while the operator's service deigns to distribute the update for "their" customers.

Secondly, the instructions will be needed for those people who, for some reason, did not like Android 7.0 Nougat, its design, functionality, or so on. Through FlashTool, you can easily rollback to the old firmware based on Android 6.0.2 Marshmallow.

WARNING!

Having engaged in reflashing your Xperia smartphone or a tablet via FlashTool, remember that the responsibility for all actions taken lies solely with YOU. Understand the issue thoroughly before installing the firmware.

If, as a result of imprudent actions, instead of an updated Xperia device, you get a brick, then you should not blame the site. All responsibility lies entirely with YOU.

When installing the firmware via FlashTool, the warranty is not lost and does not affect the service in any way.

How to flash a Sony Xperia device to a new firmware. Simple step-by-step instructions for installing firmware via FlashTool

First you need to prepare the device:

Activation of USB debugging. Go to Settings> Features for developers (if there is no item, then go to the "About phone" section and click on the "Build number" item several times), find the line "USB debugging" and put a tick.
Go to Settings> Security and activate the "Unknown sources" mode.
The Xperia device must have all the drivers required specifically for your model. The best way is to simply install the PC Companion program on your computer and synchronize them with each other.

Where to get Xperia firmware for installation via FlashTool

There are two options:

First. You can download from a special page to the site, it contains the vast majority of ready-made firmware images for Xperia devices in .ftf format. It is in this form that the firmware is installed via FlashTool.

Full list of Xperia firmwares

Second. Download the firmware yourself through the XperiaFirm utility, and then convert the downloaded files to an ftf image for subsequent flashing.

Getting firmware via XperiFirm

This is just a super application, the developers of which are shaking hands tightly.

Download the latest version of XperiFirm at Xda Developers.
The program does not require installation, it opens as a self-extracting package. After starting, the main menu appears, on the left side you can see a list of Sony Xperia device models (1). At the top, click on the "Check All" button for the application to detect latest versions firmware for various countries, including operator. Click on the “Latest Release” column (2) and you will see the latest firmware at the top of the list. Select the firmware you are interested in in the Operator column, for example Customized_RU or Customized_UA (these will be unlocked firmware versions for the regions of Russia and Ukraine). Take operator firmware it makes no sense, updates come to them with a long delay or do not arrive at all. After selecting the desired assembly by clicking on it, you will see the proposed assembly versions in the far right column (3), click on the one you need.
After that, a window will appear, in it click on the “Download” button (after checking the box “Unpack automatically”).
Next, select a folder to download files.
After that, the download of all firmware files will begin. At the end of the process, a special notification window will appear. Write down the values of the "Market" and "Release" lines that were displayed when loading the firmware, these data will then be used when generating the firmware files in the .ftf image.
Then go to the folder that was selected for download and check if it contains the necessary files. Example: screenshot below.

Create FTF image of Xperia firmware using FlashTool

You need to download and install Flashtool (0.9.23.0) (follow the link).
After installation, run the program. To do this, go to its installation folder in "C: \ Flashtool" and click on the FlashTool.exe file. If an error pops up, then clear the contents of the folder "C: \ Flashtool \ firmwares".
With FlashTool open, go to Tools> Bundles> Create, as shown in the screenshot.
In the new window, click on the small button with 3 dots in the "Select source folder" line and select the folder with the previously downloaded firmware.
You will see that all files are loaded in the "folder list" field. Next, double-click on the hidden line "Devices" and select your Xperia device model.
In the "Branding" and "Version" lines, insert the values that you had to remember earlier when downloading the firmware.
Select ALL files (do not forget to check) in the "folder list" field and click on the button with the right arrow. This will transfer all files to the "Firmware content" field. Then press the "Create" button and the process of compiling the firmware will begin.
After the completion of the procedure for creating the FTF firmware image, a special inscription will appear (see the screenshot). The finished firmware in .ftf format should appear in the folder "C: \ Users \ Nickname of your computer \ .flashTool \ firmwares \".

Installing firmware on Xperia devices using FlashTool

So, you already have ready-made firmware in FTF format, which you downloaded ready-made or created yourself. All that remains is to install it on your Xperia device.

Can be changed using the SP Flash Tool. It is suitable for Sony Android devices. A modern phone has many different functions. And it's not just calls and SMS messages. With such devices, you can go online, chat, watch videos, find out news, use navigators. Very often operating systems come out with updated options, a more user-friendly interface, and new features. If you want to try them, it will be helpful to know how to flash your phone via Flashtool. To do this, you need a computer.

Firmware needs to be changed if it doesn't work. The device slows down, freezes, turns off without the knowledge of the user or resets the settings itself, does not open the system or installed applications... Of course, problems can be associated with hardware failure of the gadget. But before taking it to a repair service or buying a new one, try downloading the new OS.

Wrong flashtool flashing can end badly for the device. Loading Firmware through third-party programs sometimes leads to errors. The same problems arise if you install custom software. These are unofficial programs created by the users themselves. Therefore, switch to a new system if you are sure that it works. If the device is under warranty, neither the manufacturer nor the seller will be responsible for the incorrect downloading of the program.

SP is not compatible with some types of smartphones. It works great with the entire Xperia lineup. Even with older models. But it is absolutely not suitable for Samsung devices - they need the ODIN program to change the OS.

Before reflashing your phone via Flashtool, do the following:

Before downloading Firmware, you need to configure your phone:

Further actions depend on the software version.

Firmware via "classic" FlashTool

Here's how to install the firmware via FlashTool:

Run the program.
In the "Options" menu, select the port (COM Port) to which the phone was previously connected.
The "Download Agent" line will automatically indicate the path to the file with the extension .bin.
Press the "Scatter-loading" button and select the txt file in the directory where the firmware is located. It is usually named "[Device Model] _Android_scatter_emmc.txt".
Turn off your phone. Remove and insert the battery.
Connect it to your computer using a USB cable.
The Firmware download should start automatically.
If this does not happen, disconnect the device from the PC, remove and replace the battery again and try installing the new OS again.
Switch on your phone. The system will not boot immediately.

FlashTool 0.9.x

Unpack the archive containing the firmware (there should be a file in .FTF format) into the / flashtool / firmwares folder. That is, to the root directory of this program.
Run it.
Press the lightning bolt icon.
Mark the item "Flashmode" with a marker and confirm the action.
The "Sourse Folder" field must contain the path to the Firmware. If it is not there, click on the ellipsis icon and find the directory with the FTF file manually.
On the left there will be a list of software versions. Select the firmware you need.
Click on the Flash button below.
Tool will begin preparing to download. The information window will say “Preparing files for flashing”.
In a few minutes, the notification "Waiting for Flashmode" will pop up.
Disconnect your phone.
Hold down the volume down button.
Without releasing it, connect the device to the PC.
The Flash Tool will automatically download the Firmware. When the process is completed, "Flashing finished" will appear.

Firmware should only be rearranged as a last resort. Since this may cause various problems and errors. There is a risk that after an unsuccessful installation, the phone cannot be restored.

Do not disconnect the device from the PC during download, do not interrupt it. If the Flash Tool does not install the firmware, it may be due to the drivers or operating system version. Try using a different software.

Creating an FTF file

Firmware files can be turned into an FTF image. This method is for Xperia models. To get software for the device, you need XperiaFirm and Flash Tool 0.9.x.

Find it on the Internet, download and run it.
Select your gadget model from the list on the left.
Click on the "Check All" button at the top. A list of firmwares for all countries and operators will be displayed.
Click on the build number of the Firmware you need.
Versions will appear on the right. Click on one of them.
The Downloader window will open with information about the software. Memorize or write it down. In particular, the lines "Market" and "Release". This will come in handy later.
Check the box "Unpack automatically".
Click Download.
Specify the directory where you want to save the files.

Now you need to act through FlashTool.

Run the program.
If an error appears, delete everything from the Firmwares folder and try again.
Go to Tool - Bundles - Create.
In the "Select source folder" field, click the ellipsis button.
Specify the path to the folder with the firmware. Its files will appear in the list on the left.
Double click on the line next to the word "Device". Select the model of your gadget.
You will now need the build data you recorded earlier. In the "Branding" field, enter the value from "Market", in the "Version" field - the values from "Release".
In the "Folder list" select all files and click on the right arrow icon. They should appear in the "Firmware content" section.
Click on "Create" and wait for the process to finish.
The FTF file will be placed in the Firmwares folder.

With the Flash Tool, you can effortlessly reflash Sony smartphones. But with the wrong approach to installing Firmware, failures and errors can occur. Therefore, this must be done carefully, following the instructions.