WARNING! By applying a master reset on your smartphone, you will return it to factory values and settings. All data stored on the phone's internal memory will be deleted, including downloaded content, custom ringtones, apps, personal images, contacts etc. Keep in mind that data stored on the SIM and SD cards will not be affected.

NOTE: Before proceeding, you may want to back up your data. Click this link for a full guide on backing up and restoring data on the Sony Xperia C3.

Master Resetting using the Settings Menu:

  1. While viewing the home screen, tap "Apps"
  2. Go to "Settings" and swipe to "Personal"
  3. Tap "Back up & reset" and clear the check box associated with "Automatic restore"
  4. Swipe to "Personal data" and tap "Factory data reset"
  5. Tap "Reset phone". In case you have enabled a screen lock on the device, enter the PIN / Password / pattern etc. and press "Continue"
  6. Tap "Erase everything" to confirm

Master Resetting using Keys:

IMPORTANT! The Sony Xperia C3 cannot be factory reset via hardware keys; however you may be able to fix certain issues such as constant crashing and freezing, by performing the steps below:

  1. Press and hold the "Power" and "Volume Up" keys at the same time
  2. Continue pressing the buttons for 10 seconds, until the smartphone vibrates three times
  3. Once the phone vibrated a third time, release all hardware keys
  4. Power up your smartphone and check if the method solved the issues

Applying the Latest Available OTA Update:

NOTE: After you reset your smartphone and bring it to factory values, all software updates will be lost as well. As such, you will need to re-update your device by following the steps below:

  1. Ensure that your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network
  2. Tap "Apps" while on the home screen
  3. Go to "Settings" and tap "About phone"
  4. Tap "Software update"
  5. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and apply it

Reloading the Software via Sony PC Companion Tool:

NOTE: In case you are unable to reset your device due to a forgotten password or various other issues, you can still try and reload the software via the Sony PC Companion Tool. To do so:

  1. Open the Internet browser on your computer
  2. Visit Download for PC - Sony Smartphones (Global UK English)
  3. Download the Sony PC Companion tool installer
  4. Launch the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
  5. Install the PC Companion Tool on the computer, and launch it
  6. From the tool's main screen, click "Start" under "Support Zone". NOTE: Assuming that this is the first time using "Support Zone", it may take several minutes for the system to load the required resources
  7. Under "Phone / Tablet Software Update", click "Start"
  8. Click "Repair my phone / tablet"
  9. From the list of devices, select the Sony Xperia C3. If the handset is missing, click "Another phone / tablet"
  10. After reviewing the information, click "Next" > "Continue"
  11. Your computer will now download the required software
  12. Next up, select your smartphone from the list, and follow the on-screen instructions to connect the Sony Xperia C3 to your computer. IMPORTANT! Before connecting the smartphone, ensure that the device is powered off, and that the "Volume Down" key is pressed
  13. After the system begins reloading the software, release the "Volume down" key
  14. Wait for your computer and the Companion tool to install the software. The process may take a while (up to 30 minutes or even more), depending on your Internet connection and other aspects


› See More: Sony Xperia C3: Factory Reset; Update; Reload Software via PC Companion Tool