Requirements
1. ADB and Fastboot Drivers:
ADB
is basic tool for any Android related operation and fastboot is one of
its applications. ADB installs all the necessary ADB drivers for Android
powered devices and activate the developer mode on device. Various
tools require ADB and other components to be installed on the PC for
proper functioning. Fastboot is used to issue various commands like for
flashing a recovery or a kernel. It is also used in commands related to
bootloader unlocking. You can use any of the two tools listed below for
ADB and Fastboot commands. First one is a full custom guide, and
requires heavy installation while Minimal ADB and Fastboot Installer
require a mere ~2MB install. However, the first one is more stable and
long-lasting. Choose the one suitable for you.
2.Sony Xperia USB Drivers:
Sometimes,
you might get the error, waiting for device or similar errors while
issuing commands or using any tool. This is mainly due to faulty
connection. If you have properly connected your phone with your pC, via a
healthy cable and phone is being charged but not being recognized, then
the problem is USB drivers. When a phone is connected, PC searched for
drivers online and also on PC. You can install USB drivers beforehand
and when you’ll connect PC with phone, it will install all the USB
drivers automatically. Download Flashtool from the following page,
install it, navigate to its installation folder and locate the drivers
folder. Install drivers specific for Xperia device, including fastboot
and flashmode drivers. Make sure that PC installs all these drivers when
you connect it.
3.Battery must be charged over 50%:
This
is one pf the most important precautions and requirements. You must be
aware of the fact that most OTA updates can be installed only if battery
is charged more than 50%. This is for the safety of device. The device
must not turn off during the whole process. Since these are custom
methods, phone may enter a bootloop or may plunge into some other
problem. Low battery can be a critical issue in these cases. Therefore,
you must charge your phone above 50%.
4.Check your Phone Model:
Many
times I have seen people bricking their devices because of their
negligence. Note that there are several model numbers, with prominent
changes for almost every device out there. Therefore, you must confirm
that the given guide is for your device’s model number. As an additional
precaution, you must also check that the guide is for your phone’s
Android version. This is not necessary in all cases. You can check model
number and Android version by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
5.Do not turn off Computer during Updating Process:
If
either your phone or PC goes down in the mid of process, you might end
up bricking up your precious device. Therefore, make sure that your PC
will not turn off or restart during the process. If you are using
Windows, make sure that there are no pending updates to be installed in,
for example ten minutes. PC will restart automatically, disturbing
everything. Therefore, make sure that your PC will remain turned on
during the whole process.
Also note that devices are not bricked in every case. It is very rare indeed. however, we must always choose the safe path.
6.Backup all your important Data:
Most
custom methods will wipe all dat stored on the device. Some methods
might not do so but a custom method can make your phone end up in a
bootloop and then a factory reset will be essential. Therefore, always
make a backup of your device before anything custom. Here is a guide for
non-rooted phones, which guides your through all steps to back up a
non-rooted device.
You
must backup all media files stored in internal storage. As a safe
precaution, you might remove SD Card while doing it, however it has
never caused anyone any kind of issue. All deleted applications can be
installed from Play Store My Apps tab.
If
your device is rooted then you have better options for making a backup
of your device. You can back up each and every settings along with all
applications and all system files along with it. It is pretty useful for
restoring your phone to previous state without much hustle. Here is the
recommended guide for rooted users.
6.Use correct commands for your smartphone:
You
must pay close attention to all the commands described here. You must
follow them closely in order to avoid anything unplanned and unpleasant,
for that matter. Therefore, always confirm before executing a command.
7.Enable USB Debugging:
Developer
Options are, as the name indicates, for development purposes. They are
available in all Android devices. The most used and talked about option
is USB Debugging. It allows your phone to be handled by PC. You can
execute direct commands to your phone via PC. Here is the list of ADB commands, which can be used with USB Debugging enabled. You can also recover data using ADB commands. Here is complete guide.
To enable USB Debugging, navigate to Settings > Developer Options and
enable USB Debugging. Note that in Android 4.2.x and higher, developers
options are hidden by default. To unlock these, navigate to Settings > About Phone and locate the build number. Tap is 7 times and you will see a pop up message saying “You are now a developer”.
| 
