This instruction is primarily intended for owners of Xperia X, Xperia Z5, Xperia XZ and other smartphones who for some reason could not update their devices to Android 7.0 Nougat via PC Companion or over the air. This happens if the purchased device was originally intended for a specific mobile operator. Then you can wait for the update for many months until the operator's service deigns to distribute the update for "their" clients.
Secondly, the instructions will be needed for those people who, for some reason, did not like Android 7.0 Nougat, its design, functionality, or so on. Through FlashTool, you can easily roll back to the old firmware based on Android 6.0.2 Marshmallow.
WARNING!
Engaged in flashing your Xperia smartphone or tablet via FlashTool, remember that the responsibility for all the actions taken lies solely with YOU. Thoroughly understand the issue before you start installing the firmware.
If, as a result of imprudent actions, instead of an updated Xperia device, you get a brick, then you should not blame the site. All responsibility lies entirely with YOU.
When installing the firmware via FlashTool, the warranty is not lost and does not affect the service.
How to flash a Sony Xperia device to a new firmware. A simple step-by-step instruction for installing firmware via FlashTool
First you need to prepare the device:
- Enable USB debugging. Go to Settings> Developer options (if there is no item, then go to the "About phone" section and click several times on the item "Build number"), find the line "USB debugging" and put a tick.
- Go to Settings > Security and activate the "Unknown sources" mode.
- On the Xperia device, all the drivers necessary specifically for your model must be installed. It's best to just install PC Companion on your computer and sync them together.
Where to get Xperia firmware for installation via FlashTool
There are two options:
The first. You can download from a special page on the site, it contains the vast majority of ready-made firmware images for Xperia devices in .ftf format. It is in this form that the firmware is installed via FlashTool.
Full list of Xperia firmware
Second. Download the firmware yourself through the XperiaFirm utility, and then convert the downloaded files into an ftf image for subsequent flashing.
Getting Firmware via XperiFirm
This is just a super application, the developers of which we strongly shake hands with.
- Download latest version XperiFirm at Xda Developers.
- The program does not require installation, it opens as a self-extracting package. After launch, the main menu appears, on the left side you can see a list of models Sony Xperia devices (1). At the top, click on the "Check All" button so that the application detects the latest firmware versions for various countries, including carriers. Click on the “Latest Release” column (2) and you will see the latest firmware at the top of the list. Select the firmware of interest in the Operator column, for example, Customized_RU or Customized_UA (these will be unlocked versions of firmware for the regions of Russia and Ukraine). Take operator firmware it makes no sense, updates come to them with a big delay or do not come at all. After selecting the required assembly by clicking on it, you will see the suggested assembly versions in the rightmost column (3), click on the one you need.
- After that, a window will appear, in it click on the “Download” button (after checking the box “Unpack automatically”).
- Next, choose a folder to upload files.
- After that, the download of all firmware files will begin. At the end of the process, a special notification window will appear. Write down the values of the "Market" and "Release" lines that were displayed when the firmware was loaded, this data will then be used when generating the firmware files in the .ftf image.
- Then go to the folder that was selected for download and check if it contains required files. Example: screenshot below.
Create FTF image of Xperia firmware using FlashTool
- You need to download and install Flashtool (0.9.23.0) (follow the link).
- After installation, run the program. To do this, go to its installation folder in "C:\Flashtool" and click on the FlashTool.exe file. If an error pops up, then clear the contents of the "C:\Flashtool\firmwares" folder.
- With FlashTool open, go to the Tools > Bundles > Create tab, as shown in the screenshot.
- In the new window, click on the small button with 3 dots in the "Select source folder" line and select the folder with the previously downloaded firmware.
- You will see that all files are uploaded in the "folder list" field. Next, double-click on the hidden line "Devices" and select your model Xperia devices.
- In the "Branding" and "Version" lines, insert the values \u200b\u200bthat you needed to remember earlier when downloading the firmware.
- Select ALL files (do not forget to check) in the "folder list" field and click on the right arrow button. This will transfer all files to the "Firmware content" field. Next, click the "Create" button and the process of compiling the firmware will begin.
- After the procedure for creating the FTF firmware image is completed, a special inscription will appear (see the screenshot). The finished firmware in .ftf format should appear in the folder "C:\Users\Nickname_of_your_computer\.flashTool\firmwares\".
Installing firmware on Xperia devices using FlashTool
So, you already have a ready-made firmware in FTF format, which you downloaded in finished form or created yourself. It remains only to install it on your Xperia device.
- Turn on FlashTool, press the lightning key and select "Flashmode" in the new window.
- We find our FTF firmware, then in the "Firmware" field, select desired version. We leave checkmarks on the APPSLOG, CACHE and DATA items so that the device is completely cleaned. Next, click on " Flash«.
- FlashTool will begin the installation preparation phase, this will be indicated by the inscription "Preparing files for flashing".
For those who want to start the path to creating their own firmware for Sony based on official ones, you need to know how to unpack Sony firmware FTF format.
What is necessary?
1. Computer
2. Download the latest version not an official flasher FlashTool and install
3. Download Unix Image Manager ext2explore.exe
3. Download and install free archiver 7zip
4. Firmware Sony FTF format
Instructions on how to unpack Sony FTF firmware
1. Right-click on the FTF firmware - open the archive or unpack from the archive
2. After installing FlashTool, follow the path c:flashtool 
3. Run the FlashTool program and select the menu in the panel Tools -> sin editor 
4. Select the sin file extracted from the ftf firmware in the Sin Editor and click Extract data. After that, the process of converting the firmware file into a readable form will begin. 
5. At the exit, you can get new file with extension yassf2 or ext4 or elf
If the file *. yassf2
Select Tools -> Yaffs2, after which a window for selecting a file will appear, select a file with the extension *.yasff2
In a couple of minutes you will receive a folder with files that were in the firmware
If *.ext4 or *.elf file
1. If you have a file with the extension *.elf, then rename to *.ext4
2. Run the previously downloaded program ext2explore, select the firmware file and then the contents of the firmware will appear in the window, now you can save the contents. 
What's next?
If you plan to create a flashable update.zip in the future, then you should go to the article - creating an Updater Script
How to properly extract the kernel from FTF firmware?
In order to get the “correct” kernel for firmware using update.zip, you will need the same Flashtool.
1. Open the FTF firmware with an archiver and extract kernel.sin 
We hope we helped you solve the problem with the FTF file. If you do not know where you can download an application from our list, click on the link (this is the name of the program) - you will find more detailed information where to download the secure installation version of the required application.
Visiting this page should help you answer specifically these or similar questions:
- How to open a file with FTF extension?
- How to convert an FTF file to another format?
- What is the FTF file format extension?
- What programs support the FTF file?
If after viewing the stuff on this site, you still have not received a satisfactory answer to any of the above questions, this means that the information regarding the FTF file presented here is not complete. Contact us using the contact form and let us know what information you did not find.
What else can cause problems?
There can be more reasons that you cannot open a FTF file (not just the lack of an appropriate application).
Firstly- the FTF file may be incorrectly linked (associated) with the application installed to support it. In this case, you need to change this connection yourself. For this purpose, press right button mouse on the FTF file you want to edit, click the option "To open with" and then select the program you have installed from the list. After such an action, problems with opening the FTF file should completely disappear.
Secondly- the file you want to open may simply be corrupted. Then, the best solution is to find a new version, or download it again from the same source as before (maybe for some reason in the previous session the download of the FTF file has not been completed and it cannot be opened properly).
Do you want to help?
If you have Additional Information about the FTF file extension, we will be grateful if you share it with the users of our site. Use the form provided and send us your FTF file information.
This guide will help you update your device or return to previous version software.
First steps
1 . Make sure your Sony Xperia smartphone is fully charged (preferably).
2 . Make sure you are using the USB cable from the box (proprietary).
3 . Download and install Flashtool - http://www.flashtool.net/downloads.php .
After installing the program, a shortcut should appear on the desktop. If this does not happen, look for Flashtool in the root directory of your computer - this is usually C:/flashtool
4 . Install the drivers from the Flashtool folder - C:/Flashtool/drivers/ flashtool-drivers.exe
If you have problems installing drivers for Windows 10, 8.1 or 8- follow.
5 . Download firmware for your Sony smartphone Xperia format .ftf(firmware can be found on the Internet or on the w3bsit3-dns.com website) and put in a folder C:/Flashtool/firmwares/
Starting from version Flashtool 0.9.18.5 the firmware file must be placed in a folder
C:/Users/Username/.flashtool/firmwares/
Firmware process
1 . Launch Flashtool.
2 . After launching the program, click on the lightning icon. In the window that appears, select flash mode and click on OK
3 . In the left part of the window, select the firmware. In step wipe tick the boxes "DATA", "CACHE" and "APPSLOG". Click Flash
4 . In a new window you will see a graphical instruction of your actions: turn off the phone and hold down the volume button WAY DOWN, to plug USB cable to the computer. The firmware process will follow.
5 . We are waiting for a message about the successful firmware " Flash finished".
6 . We disconnect the smartphone from the computer. After the firmware, the first switching on of the smartphone will last about 2-3 minutes. Don't panic and wait for the OS to load.
Attention!
All your personal data - music, photos and videos, located on internal memory smartphone will be deleted, including call log, contacts, sms, etc.
Note from an anonymous guest - In addition to the article
I would like to report on my work. Patient - xperia M2 dual (2302), vaccination - official firmware orthodox kit-kat (4.4.4), operating table - win7 x64. The bugs I encountered:
1) when installing drivers from flashtool\drivers, pay attention to the following - first, in the file properties, in compatibility, specify compatibility with Vista and run as administrator;
2) when installing drivers selectively, black magic appears and nichrome does not work, ticked everything - it took off (Windows screams at each driver, they say, counterfeit, choose "install this driver anyway");
3) in flashtool, when you have selected the firmware, check all the checkboxes in the wipe section on the right (they are not by default), do not check them in other places. (if you do not complete this item, you will get an endless download, “will not take off”);
4) in the subject there is the phrase "the first boot takes a very long time." I clarify, if the download takes more than 10 minutes, then something went wrong;
5) if something went wrong, you need to press something sharp (I - a pointed match) the off button, which is next to the SIM card slots (under the lid) and start all over again.
As a result of the operation, I have a wonderful smart with an excellent system, everything shines and plows. With one hand I import contacts with the sim, with the second - I wipe my tears.
Note from Strikeresh - If it gives an error "this bundle is not valid"
So so. Hey guys. 2018 is in the yard, I bought a new Z2) was updated to android 6, but yes, as some said, the sound volume was not enough. Before that, I specifically checked it, on the 4th it’s really much louder and all the rules. And somehow suspiciously ate the battery ...
Decided to roll back, shoveled a bunch of things
I did everything strictly according to the instructions. Stricter nowhere.
Yes, there was an error: - ERROR - root: this bundle is not valid
We ignore her
I didn't succeed the first time. lol
when I connected it to the camputer, Windows started to install some driver, and the program wrote a crash
But I was not afraid, and tried everything again
Earned. Loading bar gone. At 90 percent, it stopped abruptly and did not move. Soul in the heels went nafig) but fortunately after thinking for two or three minutes, everything was successfully completed, and the cherished words about "Flashing finished" appeared in front of me. The phone has just started up, yes, you need to wait while peeking at the beautiful blue waves, this is normal. In the end, everything turned out better than ever.
Do not be afraid to try, and thanks to the owners of the site for everything. Guys, from the bottom of my heart!
Everything you do, you do at your own peril and risk! We are not responsible for your "crooked hands"! If for some reason you messed up your device, only YOU will be to blame!
Can be changed using the SP program Flash Tool. It is suitable for Sony Android devices. Modern phone has many different functions. And it's not just calls and SMS messages. With such devices, you can access the Internet, chat, watch videos, learn news, use navigators. Very often, operating systems come out with updated options, more user-friendly interface, new opportunities. If you want to try them, it will be useful to know how to flash a phone using Flashtool. For this you will need a computer.
Firmware must be changed if it does not work. The device slows down, freezes, turns off without the knowledge of the user or resets the settings itself, does not open system or installed applications. Of course, problems can be associated with a hardware failure of the gadget. But before taking it to a repair service or buying a new one, try booting a new OS.
Incorrect firmware using flashtool can end badly for the device. Firmware download via third party programs sometimes leads to errors. The same problems arise if you install custom (custom) software. These are unofficial programs created by the users themselves. So go to new system if you are sure that it works. If the device is under warranty, neither the manufacturer nor the seller will be responsible for the incorrect download of the program.
SP is not compatible with some types of smartphones. It works great with the entire Xperia lineup. Even with older models. But it is absolutely not suitable for Samsung devices - they need the ODIN program to change the OS.
Before flashing your phone using Flashtool, do the following:
Before downloading Firmware, you need to configure the phone:
Further actions depend on the software version.
Firmware via "classic" FlashTool
Here is how to install the firmware via FlashTool:
- Run the program.
- In the "Options" menu, select the port (COM Port) to which the phone was previously connected.
- The line "Download Agent" will automatically contain the path to the file with the .bin extension.
- Click the "Scatter-loading" button and select the txt file in the directory where the firmware is located. It is usually called "[Device Model]_Android_scatter_emmc.txt".
- Turn off your phone. Remove and insert the battery.
- Connect it to your computer with a USB cable.
- The firmware download should start automatically.
- If this does not happen, disconnect the device from the PC, remove and install the battery again and try installing the new OS again.
- Turn on your phone. The system will not boot immediately.
FlashTool 0.9.x
- Unzip the archive containing the firmware (there should be a .FTF file) to the /flashtool/firmwares folder. That is, in the root directory of this program.
- Run it.
- Click on the button with the lightning icon.
- Mark the item "Flashmode" with a marker and confirm the action.
- The "Source Folder" field should contain the path to the Firmware. If it is not there, click on the ellipsis icon and find the directory with the FTF file manually.
- On the left is a list of software versions. Select the firmware you need.
- Click on the Flash button at the bottom.
- The Tool will begin preparing for download. In the information window there will be an inscription "Preparing files for flashing".
- After a few minutes, a "Waiting for Flashmode" alert will pop up.
- Turn off your phone.
- Hold down the volume down button.
- Without releasing it, connect the device to the PC.
- The Flash Tool will automatically download the Firmware. When the process is completed, "Flashing finished" will appear.
Firmware should be rearranged only as a last resort. Since this may result in various problems and mistakes. There is a risk that after an unsuccessful installation, the phone cannot be restored.
Do not disconnect the device from the PC during the download, do not interrupt it. If the Flash Tool does not install the firmware, it may be a driver or version issue. operating system. Try using a different software.
Create an FTF file
Firmware files can be turned into an FTF image. This method is for Xperia models. To get the software for the device, you need the XperiaFirm program and Flash Tool 0.9.x.
- Find it on the Internet, download and run it.
- Select your device model from the list on the left.
- Click on the "Check All" button at the top. A list of firmware for all countries and operators will be displayed.
- Click on the build number of the Firmware you need.
- Versions will appear on the right. Click on one of them.
- The Downloader window will open with information about the software. Memorize or write it down. In particular, the lines "Market" and "Release". You will need this later.
- Check the box "Unpack automatically".
- Click "Download".
- Specify the directory where you want to save the files.
Now we need to act through FlashTool.
- Run the program.
- If an error appears, delete everything from the Firmwares folder and try again.
- Go to the menu Tool - Bundles - Create.
- In the "Select source folder" field, click on the button with the ellipsis.
- Specify the path to the folder with the firmware. Her files will appear in the list on the left.
- Double click on the line next to the word "Device". Select your gadget model.
- Now you need the build data you recorded earlier. In the "Branding" field, enter the value from "Market", in the "Version" field - the values from "Release".
- In the "Folder list" list, select all files and click on the right arrow icon. They should be in the "Firmware content" section.
- Click on "Create" and wait for the process to finish.
- The FTF file will be placed in the Firmwares folder.
With the Flash Tool, you can effortlessly reflash smartphones Sony. But with the wrong approach to installing Firmware, failures and errors can occur. Therefore, it must be done carefully, following the instructions.