Prerequisites – Downloading and Installing the Sony PC Companion:

  1. On your computer, open the Internet browser and visit Download for PC - Sony Smartphones (US)
  2. Click "Download PC Companion"
  3. Wait for the file to be downloaded and begin the installation process
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation

Using the PC Companion Tool to Back Up Data on Your Computer:

  1. Launch the PC Companion tool on your PC
  2. Connect your Xperia Z1 Compact to your computer via USB
  3. Under "Backup & Restore", click "Start". NOTE: if this is the first time using this, it will take a moment for "Backup and Restore" to commence
  4. Click "Backup"
  5. Click the check boxes located next to the content that you want to save
  6. Click "Next"
  7. Wait for the PC Companion tool to retrieve information on the device's file system
  8. Type in a name for the backup file and click "Next"
  9. After the Sony PC Companion tool backs up the data, click "OK"

NOTE: you may receive an error message and the recommended troubleshooting step if not all the selected content has been backed up

Using the PC Companion Tool to Restore Data from a Backup File Located on a PC:

  1. Launch the PC Companion tool
  2. Establish a connection between your smartphone and PC via USB
  3. Scroll to and click "Start", right underneath "Backup & Restore". NOTE: on first-time use, it may take a while for the tool to start "Backup and Restore"
  4. Choose the desired backup file and click "Restore"
  5. Mark the check boxes associated with the content that you want to restore and click "Next"
  6. Wait for the PC Companion tool to retrieve information on the phone file system
  7. Click "Next" and the restore process will commence
  8. Follow any additional on-screen instructions and click "OK"
  9. When the data has been restored, click "OK" to finish the process

NOTE: if not all the information has been restored, you will see an error message and the recommended trouble shooting step to solve the issue

Using the PC Companion Tool to Reload / Install the Device Software:

  1. Open the PC Companion tool
  2. Connect your Xperia Z1 Compact to your PC via USB
  3. Scroll to "Support Zone" and click "Start" right underneath it. NOTE: if this is the first time accessing the "Support Zone", it may take a while before the system is ready
  4. Click "Start" underneath "Phone / Tablet Software Update"
  5. Click "repair my phone / tablet"
  6. Review the information provided on the screen and click "Next"
  7. Click "Continue" in the next screen
  8. Lastly, mark the check box and click "Next" one last time
  9. Wait for the software to be downloaded and installed on your smartphone

NOTE: depending on your Internet connection speed and other factors, the process can take up to 30 minutes or more

› See More: Sony Xperia Z1 Compact: Use the PC Companion Tool to Backup / Restore and Reload Device Software