Sony Xperia Z2A: Factory Reset and Reload the Software using Sony's PC Companion Tool

WARNING! Factory resetting your smartphone will return everything to the default factory value. All settings will be reset, and all the personal data stored on the phone's internal memory will be deleted. This includes downloaded content, apps, custom ringtones, personal images, contacts etc. Remember that the data stored on the SIM and SD cards will not be affected by a master reset.



Master Resetting via the Settings Menu:

1. Tap the "Apps" icon while viewing the home screen


2. Tap "Settings"


3. Scroll to "Personal" and then tap "Back up & reset"


4. Clear the check box next to "Automatic restore"


5. Tap "Factory data reset" under "Personal data"


6. Tap "Reset phone". Assuming that your smartphone is protected by a screen lock, enter the password or PIN and tap "Continue"


7. Confirm by pressing "Erase everything"

Master Resetting via Hardware Buttons:



IMPORTANT! Although you cannot factory reset the Sony Xperia Z2A via hardware keys, you can try to fix various issues such as freezing, crashing and unresponsiveness by performing the steps below.

1. Press and hold the "Power" and "Volume Up" buttons simultaneously


2. Keep pressing the buttons for about 10 seconds, until the smartphone vibrates three times


3. After the smartphone has vibrated the third time, release all hardware buttons


4. Power up your smartphone and see if the problems have been solved

Reloading the Xperia Z2A's Software Using the Sony PC Companion Tool:



NOTE: assuming that you are unable to reset your smartphone because you have forgotten the password or due to other issues, then you can reload the software using the Sony PC Companion Tool, as explained below:

1. Launch the Internet browser on your computer, and visit Download for PC - Sony Smartphones (Global UK English)


2. Download the Sony PC Companion tool installer


3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the companion tool on the PC


4. After the software has been installed, launch the PC Companion tool


5. Click "Start" under "Support Zone". NOTE: if this is the first time using "Support Zone", it will take a while for the system to load the necessary resources


6. Click "Start" under "Phone / Tablet Software Update"


7. Click "Repair my phone / tablet"


8. Select the Sony Xperia Z2A from the list of devices. If the smartphone is missing, click "Another phone / tablet"


9. Review the information and then click "Next" > "continue"


10. Wait for your computer to download the required software


11. Choose your smartphone from the list


12. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect the Xperia Z2A to your computer. Before doing so, make sure your smartphone is "turned off" and that the "Volume down" button is held pressed


13. Once the reload process begins, release the "Volume down" button


14. Wait for your computer to apply the software via the PC Companion tool. Depending on the quality of your internet connection and other aspects, the process of applying the software can take up to 30 minutes or more