Sony Xperia Z3: Master Reset and Update the Android OS

MISE EN GARDE ! Master resetting your smartphone will result in the deletion of all personal data stored on the internal memory, including images, ringtones, downloaded apps, contacts etc. Data stored on the SIM et les cartes SD ne sera pas affecté.



REMARQUE: Before proceeding with the master reset you might want to back up your data. To learn how you can back up data on the Sony Xperia Z3, click the link. For a guide on restoring data on the Z3, visit this thread.



Master Resetting via the Settings Menu:

1. Tap "Apps" while viewing the home screen


2. Tap "Settings" and scroll to "Personal"


3. Touch "Back up & reset" and clear the "Automatic restore" check box


4. Swipe to "Personal data" and tap "Factory data reset"


5. Tap "Reset phone"


6. If your smartphone is protected by a lock screen, enter the PIN, password, pattern etc. and tap "Continue"


7. Press "Erase everything" to confirm

Master Resetting Using Hardware Keys (Recovery Menu):



REMARQUE: This is another method of factory resetting your smartphone via the recovery menu instead of the settings screen. Use this method in case your phone crashes, freezes or otherwise prevents you from applying the reset via the settings menu.

1. Turn off your smartphone


2. Press and hold the "Power" and "Volume Up" buttons at the same time


3. After the phone vibrates three times (after roughly 10 seconds), release the hardware buttons


4. Press and hold the "Volume Down" and "Power" buttons


5. At the "Sony" splash screen, release the "Power" button but keep pressing "Volume Down"


6. When the "System Recovery" screen appears, release all hardware buttons


7. From the recovery menu, press "Volume Up" or "Volume Down" to navigate to and highlight "Factory reset"


8. Press "Power" to select the highlighted option


9. Use the "Volume" buttons to highlight "Yes" and press "Power"


10. The smartphone will now factory reset and reboot automatically

Updating the Android OS:



REMARQUE: After you factory reset your smartphone, certain software updates that you may have applied in the past could be removed as well. As such, you should check for updates shortly after applying the factory reset. To do so:

1. Tap "Apps" on the home screen


2. Tap "Settings" > "About phone"


3. Check for updates and follow the on-screen instructions if new Android OS versions are available for download