How-to: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact: Factory Reset and Update the Software

WARNING! When you master reset your smartphone all personal data stored on the internal memory will be deleted. This includes images, downloaded content, ringtones, apps, contacts etc. Data stored on the SD and SIM cards will not be removed.

NOTE: Visit this thread to learn how you can back up your data on the Compact before proceeding. To learn how you can restore data, visit this thread.

Master Resetting Through the Settings Menu:

1. From the home screen, tap "Apps"
2. Go to "Settings" and swipe to "Personal"
3. Tap "Back up & reset"
4. Clear the "Automatic restore" check box and swipe to "Personal Data"
5. Tap "Factory data reset" > "Reset phone"
6. In case your device is lock screen protected, enter the password, patter or PIN and tap "Continue"
7. Tap "Erase everything" to confirm

Master Resetting via Hardware Keys (Recovery Menu):

NOTE: In case your smartphone prevents you from applying the master reset via the Settings menu, you can apply the factory reset by accessing the recovery menu through a combination of hardware keys. To do so:

1. Turn off the Z3 Compact
2. Press and hold the "Volume Up" and "Power" buttons simultaneously
3. Once the phone vibrates three times (it should take about 10 seconds) release the buttons
4. Press and hold the "Power" and "Volume down" buttons
5. At the Sony splash screen, release the "Power" button but continue pressing "Volume Down"
6. Release the volume key when the "System Recovery" screen appears
7. Use the volume buttons to navigate the menu and highlight "Factory reset"
8. Press "Power" to select the highlighted option
9. Use the volume keys to highlight "Yes" and press "Power" again
10. Your smartphone will now apply the factory reset, and reboot automatically when the process is done

Update the Android OS:

NOTE: After you apply a factory reset, it's possible that some of the software updates applied prior to the reset will be removed too. It's recommended that you check for updates after applying the reset. To do this:

1. Tap "Apps" while viewing the home screen
2. Tap "Settings"
3. Go to "About phone"
4. Check for software updates. If available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and apply the update

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