How To Fix Common Sony Xperia Z1 Problems and Errors [Part 2]

Welcome to the second part in our series of troubleshooting articles dedicated to the Sony Xperia Z1. It’s been quite a while since the first part in this series has been released and ever since then we have been receiving emails from our readers seeking assistance with their device. Today, we will be answering some of the emails sent to us regarding this model.

If you own an Xperia Z1 or any other Android device for that matter feel free to send us an email at [email protected] regarding the issues you are facing with your device. We will be more than happy to help you in any way we can. This is a free service we provide to our readers without any strings attached. What we do ask though is that when you send an email try to be as detailed as possible so that we can make an accurate assessment of the issue and the correct solution can be given.

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Xperia Z1 Update Failed

Problem: I recently updated my Z1 phone. But due to some reason my system got restarted. Now my mobile is not starting, and I am getting an error message on my mobile, ‘Update failed. Please connect your phone to computer and try again’. Well I am also not able to connect my phone to computer, device not found.  Please help me. Thanks.

Solution: To resolve any problems related to the installation of new updates you will need the latest PC Companion tool of Sony installed in your PC. This is a collection of tools and applications you can use when you connect your Z1 to a PC, including content transfer, back up, restore, software reloads, and software updates.

Here’s what you will need to use the software

• Internet broadband connection
• Intel Pentium 4, 3.6 GHz or equivalent AMD processor
• 5 GB free hard disk space
• 2 GB RAM
• 1 available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port and USB cable
• Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (32 bit), Vista (32/64 bit) or Windows 7 (32/64 bit) or Windows 8 (32/64 bit)

If you have an old copy of the PC Companion I suggest you uninstall it and get a fresh copy

• Go to https://www.sonymobile.com/us/tools/pc-companion/
• Click Download PC Companion
• Once downloaded, open the file to begin the installation
• Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation

To update your device to the latest software follow the steps below.

• Open the PC Companion and connect your device to the computer.
• Scroll to and click Start underneath Support Zone.
• Click Start underneath Phone / Tablet Software Update.
• Click repair my phone / tablet.
• Review the information on the screen and click Next.
• Review the information on the screen and click Continue.
• Check the box and click Next.
• Wait while the latest software is downloaded and installed.

Xperia Z1 Lines Appear On Display

Problem: Hi, I just recently bought my Z1 and i see a line like we see in Televisions due to network connection, it seems screen is trying to adjust its screen settings, it normally happens when I call someone whose contact picture is not updated, i see a blank male face in light gray color I can clearly see the blur lines running on its face and on the other upper and lower grey colored part of the screen. I am confused if this is actually an issue or some settings issues. Fyi I still have time I can go for a change and replacement of my phone because it is till 3 days old and Sony have some policy that a customer can replace the phone if any issue faced within 7 days of the buying the same. Pls Assist and Advice further actions. Thanks in Advance!!!

Solution:  Since your device is still under warranty then it’s probably best to have the device replaced since this could already be a hardware related issue. By getting a new unit you lessen the risk of this issue happening in the future when the grace period for replacement has already lapsed.

You can however check the device first if an application that you recently downloaded is causing the issue by starting the device in Safe Mode. If in Safe Mode the lines do not appear then the issue is probably caused by a third party app that you have installed. You will have to determine what that is and uninstall it.

• Touch and hold the Power key.
• Touch and hold Power off.
• Tap OK on the Safe Mode prompt. The device will restart in safe mode.

If the lines do not appear then you can download the third party app that is causing the issue from Safe Mode

• From any Home screen, tap the Applications icon.
• Scroll to and tap Settings.
• Scroll to ‘DEVICE,’ and then tap Apps.
• If necessary, touch the screen and slide right to view the Downloaded screen.
• Select the desired application.
• Tap Uninstall, and then tap OK.

To get out of Safe Mode

• Touch and hold the Power key.
• Tap Power off.
• Once the phone is off, touch and the hold the Power key again to restart.

Xperia Z1 Left Earplug No Sound

Problem: I got my brand new xperia z1 last tuesday and it has been working really good! but i tried to play some music on it on my way home yesterday and it wouldnt play any sound on the left ear side, which i thought was strange so i looked over at options and tried to figure it out but no luck. when i got home i tried switching between other headsets and earplugs to test if it was just that one, but it didnt work either. any tips?

Solution: If after using other headsets that are known to work the left ear side is still not working then you might want to perform a hard reset on your device. Be sure to back up your data first as they will get deleted in the process.

Doing a hard reset on the Z1 is simple. Just open the SD card slot and you will find a small red button. Using a toothpick or any other small pointed object press and hold on the button for 3-5 seconds. Your device will then revert back to its condition when you first turned it on.

If the issue still persists even after the hard reset then you might want to bring your device back to where you bought it and have it checked. Since it is still new then you could probably have it replaced.

Xperia Z1 Text Messages Not Sorted

Problem: My one year old baby accidentally tapping my mobile phone and after that whenever I received new messages it will not go on top of the message board but I have to scroll and find it. If anyone ask my OS, it is updated.

Solution: All you have to do is to clear the cache and data of your Messaging app. It is important that you back up any important data you have stored in your text messages.

• Find and tap Settings.
• Tap Apps.
• Swipe to All
• Tap the Messaging application.
• Tap Clear cache.
• Tap Clear Data
• Reboot your phone

Xperia Z1 Battery Drains Quickly

Problem: I heard that the Xperia Z1 gives quite a good battery performance but I am not sure if my unit is defective or not as I have shut down the xreality engine, put the network mode to “WCDMA (preferred)/GSM”, screen brightness slider is full but the “adapt to lighting conditions” is on,  low battery mode is on, location-based Wi-Fi is on, Auto Sync is on (for dropbox, facebook, google, Whatsapp and Xperia with Facebook), location services is off and the bluetooth and NFC both are off! Even after doing all this my battery drains really fast, it’s down to 40% now with only about 5 hours of being removed from the charger! I just wanted to know if this was normal with the Z1 or is it something to do with my unit and since it’s only about a week old I can request for a replacement. It would be much appreciated if you guys can help me out!!

Solution: Have you updated your software to the latest KitKat version? If so then you are not alone in experiencing this issue. What you can do to resolve this issue is to perform a factory reset on your device first. Just make sure to back up your data before performing this procedure.

To do a factory reset simply open the SD card cover of your phone. You will see a small red button inside. Press this button for around 3-5 seconds. Your phone will now reset.

Xperia Z1 Does Not Stop Playing Notification Sound

Problem: I used my phone normally like anyone can used…. but today I appear a problem, when someone send me a message or notification for something the phone doesn’t stop the notification music….. I read the message or notification but the song not finish… :c I need to turn off the phone… and then… I received a message and the phone did again!!! My question is… is a problem in the phone or android?.. I only have 1 month with my cellphone.

Solution: Try to restart your device and see if the notification sound still continuously plays. If it does then try to boot your device in Safe Mode.

• Touch and hold the Power key.
• Touch and hold Power off.
• Tap OK on the Safe Mode prompt. The device will restart in safe mode.

In Safe Mode if your notification sound is normal then it’s probably a third party app that is causing the problem. Try to find out what it is and uninstall it.

Xperia Z1 Microphone Issues During Calls

Problem: I have a brand new z1 and this is the first time that I have an android phone. Just want to try something else then iPhone. Just noticed a problem during calls. When I’m calling like the regular way, the other side can’t nearly hear something and sometimes they don’t hear anything on the other side. But when I am make a call over the speaker, the other side can hear me loud and clear. Is this a setting/ software issue or could it be a hardware problem?

Solution: This issue could be caused by the noise cancellation feature of your device. Try to disable it from the sound settings and check if you can now be heard when making calls.

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Feel free to send us your questions, suggestions and problems you’ve encountered while using your Android phone at [email protected]. We support every Android device that is available in the market today. And don’t worry, we won’t charge you a single cent for your emails. Email us via any time. We read every email but can’t guarantee a response.