What is Xperia Companion and how do I use it?
Xperia Companion is a programme for your PC to help manage your Sony Xperia device. This is particularly useful when you want to:
- Fix a smartphone that does not turn on.
- Perform a software update.
- Backup and restore data.
- Transfer content between your smartphone and computer.
For Xperia phones released in 2019 and onwards
Xperia smartphones released from 2019 onwards use Google Drive to back up and restore content. Xperia Companion is not supported for these newer models.
For Xperia smartphones released before 2018
From June 2020, Sony will end support for the “iCloud backup” function used for transferring data from iOS phones to Xperia smartphones released before 2018. You can still use “iTunes backup” to transfer data from iOS phones to Xperia smartphones released before 2018.
Step 1: Download and install Xperia Companion
Ensure your device fits the above criteria and download Xperia Companion to get started.
Important: When installing Xperia Companion on a MAC device, you may encounter an error message. Change your security settings on your MAC to proceed.
Step 2: Open Xperia Companion on your PC
Once you install the Xperia Companion software, open the programme and choose an action.
Step 3: Manage your Xperia
Software update: How to perform a software update
Software updates provide the latest improvements and fixes to ensure that your smartphone runs in optimal condition.
To perform a software update
- Connect your smartphone to your computer using a USB cable (charging cable).
- Open Xperia Companion on your computer.
- Click Software update to check for available updates. The update will begin downloading onto your computer if new updates are available.
- Click Update on the pop-up to install the new update onto your smartphone.
- When the software update process is complete, you can click Close.
Software repair: Fix a smartphone that does not turn on, crashes, overheats or does not hold a charge
Perform a software repair on a smartphone that does not turn on, frequently crashes, overheats or has issues with holding a charge.
To repair a smartphone that does not turn on
To minimise data loss, remove your SIM card and SD card from your device before you perform a software repair. Data on your smartphone’s internal memory (saved on your smartphone and not on your SIM or SD card) will be deleted when you perform a software repair.
- Open the Xperia Companion software.
- From the Xperia Companion home screen select Software Repair → Connect the device → Unlock the device → NEXT
Once the repair is complete
Before you turn your smartphone on, re-insert the SIM card and SD card.
Turn your device on. Press and hold the power key for a few seconds before releasing it.
Your device is now ready to use.
Backup: Transfer content from your smartphone to your computer
It’s a wise habit to regularly back up your data. Many people only store their data on their smartphone. This is convenient, but what if you misplace, replace or accidentally damage your smartphone? Backups can give you the peace of mind that your data is safe and retrievable. A backup is also necessary if you need to send your phone in for a repair or if you attempt a factory data reset.
To back up content using Xperia Companion
Restore: Transfer backed-up content from your computer to your smartphone
You can use the Restore feature to transfer a backup, back into your smartphone. Backup and restore work together to store and retrieve your data if you perform a factory data reset or if your smartphone needs to be sent in for a repair. Backups store data that can be transferred back when a repair is complete. Restore enables you to add your data back into the smartphone.
To restore a backup using Xperia Companion
- Open the PC Companion and connect your smartphone to your computer.
- Click Restore.
- Click Start underneath Restore. On first use, it will take a moment to start the Restore process.
- Select the desired phone backup file and click Restore.
- Check the desired content to restore and click Next.
- Wait while the Sony Xperia Companion retrieves the smartphone file system information.
- Click Next to begin the restore operation.
- Wait while the information is being restored to the device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and click OK. If not all of the information is copied over, you will see an error message and recommended troubleshooting step.
Xperia Transfer: Transfer data from one smartphone to another
Bought a new smartphone? Use Google backup or Xperia Transfer Mobile app to move content from an old phone to a new one.
- Google backup (to transfer content to smartphones produced in 2019 and onwards)
- (Old version) Xperia Transfer Mobile (to transfer content to smartphones produced in 2018 or before)
To transfer data from an older device to a new one produced in 2019 and onwards use Google Backup.
To transfer content with Google Backup
You can transfer data from an Android smartphone or iPhone using Google Backup.
To transfer data from an older device to a device produced in 2018 or before, download and use the (Old version) Xperia Transfer Mobile.
To transfer content with (Old version) Xperia Transfer Mobile app
- Download the app from the Playstore.
- Select the device that you want to transfer data from.
- Choose your preferred transfer method. e.g. Wi-Fi Direct, Cloud or SD card.
- Choose whether the device will send or receive data. In this case, select Send
- Select the data you want to transfer and tap Transfer.
- Transfer time can vary based on the volume of data you wish to transfer.
- Once the transfer process is complete, tap Finish & Exit.
Manage your Media
Music to Xperia
Easily transfer music stored on your computer to your Xperia smartphone.
To transfer Music to Xperia
- Open the PC Companion and connect your smartphone to your computer.
- Click Music to Xperia.
- Select the playlist or folder that you want to transfer. Select iTunes® if you are using a macOS device.
- Click Transfer.
Photos to computer
Transfer photos or videos from your Xperia smartphone to your computer
To transfer photos or video content to a computer
- Open the PC Companion and connect your smartphone to your computer.
- Click Photos to computer.
- Select photos or videos that you want to transfer.
- Click Transfer.
Browse Xperia
View files that are stored on your smartphone on the computer. Browse Xperia offers a central location to delete or rename content stored on your phone.
To Browse Xperia
- Open the PC Companion and connect your smartphone to your computer.
- Click Browse Xperia.
- Right-click on a folder to make changes if needed.
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