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Sony Xperia Z3 Android update: latest news

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The Sony Xperia Z3 Android 6.0 Marshmallow update is officially rolling out from Sony now, following a beta test and a string of promises dating back to October. Read on for all the details on the Sony Xperia Z3 Android update.

Xperia Z3 apps
The Android 5.1.1 update for the Xperia Z3 brings new icons and themes. / © ANDROIDPIT

Xperia Z3

Android 5.0 Android 5.0.1 Android 5.0.2 Android 5.1 Android 5.1.1 Android 6.0
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T-Mobile         Yes Yes

Sony Xperia Z3 Android 6.0 Marshmallow update

The Xperia Z3 is now in the process of being updated to Android Marshmallow. Sony is issuing the update to devices with the model number D6603. The roll out looks to be occurring in stages, as is normal, with some areas of the globe seeing it before others, but rest assured that Marshmallow is spreading, and will be with you soon. 

To check if your device is ready to receive the update, head to Settings > About device > Software update.

xperia z3 back
The Android 5.1.1 update for the Xperia Z3 is now fully rolled out. / © ANDROIDPIT

The blog post suggests that early feedback points to the ROM being "fast" and offering "very good battery life", probably thanks to Marshmallow's new Doze feature. If you're interested in getting Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your Xperia Z3, head over to the link above and follow the instructions.

Given that beta testing began in October, an official rollout cannot be far off. Stay tuned for updates, because Marshmallow could arrive to the Z3 before the year is out.

Sony Xperia Z3 Android 5.1.1 update

Sony previously announced the Xperia Z3 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update on its blog. The video below outlines what's new in 5.1.1. The update includes a new volume slider menu, LinkedIn integration, improved enterprise support, SmartWear integration and camera improvements, plus some new themes and icons.

To check whether the Android 5.1.1 update is available for your Xperia Z3, go to Settings > About Phone > Software Update.

xperia z3 homescreen
The latest Lollipop update for the Xperia Z3 included SmartWear integration and camera improvements. / © ANDROIDPIT

The official Sony changelog for the Android 5.1 update is as follows: 

  • Increased customisation options – have even more control over the way volume, silent modes and your alerts function
  • Brand new LinkedIn integration – be more productive with intuitive contact synchronisation in your Calendar
  • Camera improvements – with faster, more accurate Superior Auto Mode focus for great images, regardless of conditions
  • Enhanced enterprise support – with our latest Xperia in Business features for work
  • SmartWear integration – selfie-snapping made that bit easier, with SmartWatch 3 as a remote shutter button
AndroidPIT Sony Xperia Z3 Settings Update Software
Make sure your Xperia Z3 is always up to date. / © ANDROIDPIT

Are you excited to get the Marshmallow update for your Xperia Z3? Let us know in the comments.

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Scott Adam Gordon

Scott Adam Gordon
Editor

Originally from the UK, Scott graduated in Popular Music Studies at Newcastle University and attributes much of his success there to his beloved Samsung Galaxy S2. His current aim is to write cool things about Android. And he loves it.

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51 comments
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  • 2
    Sherlin Oct 24, 2016 Link to comment

    i have sony Z3 SOL26 .my mobile coming some force close error . how can i repair it.i want update 6.0.1 otherwise Id stay worth kitkat. 4.4.4 if i were you after getting lollipop ,i had so many problems before on my old z3 i make any calls automatically strucked...........NOW WHAT CAN I DO???????


  • Lyubomir Vassilev 1
    Lyubomir Vassilev Aug 21, 2016 Link to comment

    Just updated Z3 and can not operate the phone at all ! The touch screen does not respond, so even can not log in! Sony & Android WHAT THE .... ARE YOU DOING ????


  • Gavin Blake 1
    Gavin Blake Jun 3, 2016 Link to comment

    I updated my Xperia Z3 today to android M 6.0.1. Since the update there are only a few updates present. The new apps menu layout (up/down) isn't there, the new chrome tab isn't there. Also, when I start up my phone, email, exchange services and Bluetooth share pop up as errors. It's only after the phone has been on for a few minutes that these pop ups stop. I've tried checking software update to see if it missed any components whilst updating, but I'm getting nowhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated


  • Darren Thorne 1
    Darren Thorne May 9, 2016 Link to comment

    Just had an automatic update on my Z3 and now I have no ring sound even when adjusting volume?


  • 1
    Stephen Evans May 3, 2016 Link to comment

    Tmobile isn't going to update their variant D6616. I'm stuck with 5.0.2 forever. I'll never buy another phone from Tmobile.


    • 1
      Pawel Lewski Jan 30, 2017 Link to comment

      I have 4.4.4. and am not able to do anything to update it to the higher android.


  • irene monte 1
    irene monte Apr 24, 2016 Link to comment

    What's wrong with the new software update for xperia z3?
    After I installed the new software, my phone now it doesn't work anymore. ..it is just showing the sony logo and off again, all the time like this.till my phone empty, and u almost cannot touch your phone because it's too hot.pls sony help us to fix this problem, not only me having this problem. .help us pls.ty


  • Thomas Hoe 1
    Thomas Hoe Apr 19, 2016 Link to comment

    After upgrade to Android 6.0, my phone contact messaging and system setting all gone unable to respond!!


  • 1
    benson Apr 14, 2016 Link to comment

    mi sony xperia z3 dosnt read sim card some help?


    • 1
      Pawel Lewski Jan 30, 2017 Link to comment

      If your update was as good as your english, forged it.


      • setsuna kazama 1
        setsuna kazama May 5, 2017 Link to comment

        the irony is strong in this one.


  • 1
    Chris Topher Jan 10, 2016 Link to comment

    Id stay woth kitkat. 4.4.4 if i were you after getting lollipop ,i had so many problems before on my old z3 tha i had to get a new one free of course though, as soon as i switched it on, ibturned off the data and wifi and switched off the update centre,as i didnt want autodownload on and ive kept my kitkat os,why change a good thing.i await for the marshmallow for reviews, but for now kikkat is best.


    • 2
      David Plant Feb 6, 2016 Link to comment

      Hey Chris, im new to sony - and sony z3, an it came with lollipop 5.1.1, dont no if i should get marshmallow or not? Any input would be great an appreciated! what did you do to get free z3??Also any other tips or advice u can give me? Thanx Dave

      Sherlin


  • 1
    Lotta Nilsson Dec 15, 2015 Link to comment

    Here we go again! after last update I had to blow my Xperia Z3 Compact clean because of huge speed problems. This time my phone hung up every time I try to answer a call. It doesn´t make any difference if I use a headset. Anybody knows what to do? Maybe time to stop using Sony...


  • 1
    Raymond Murphy Nov 26, 2015 Link to comment

    The Volume on my Z3 Compact has gone a lot lower since last update. What can I do to fix this.


  • 2
    Steve Jobs Nov 8, 2015 Link to comment

    How is it that Sony is talking about the new Marshmallow update when I can't even get the Lollipop update yet?? I'm still on KitKat 4.4.4!!!!

    setsuna kazamaSherlin


  • Lauren 2
    Lauren Nov 4, 2015 Link to comment

    I got the 5.1.1 update yesterday afternoon, started having lots of problems by the evening with it saying 'com.Facebook.katana has stopped' and 'com.Facebook.orca' not to mention all my games no longer work or the messenger app which also bring up error messages. That's just the ones I've noticed.

    I had to pay to get my z3 fixed after an update in june/July totally SCREWED UP my phone!! I thought the z3 was a good phone but since I've had to factory reset 4 times now in less than a year its disappointing :/

    Please can someone help me fix the problems I am having with the 5.1.1 update please and thankyou very much :)


  • 2
    Sherlin Oct 12, 2015 Link to comment

    Still not updated in Bahrain Android 5.0 lollipop don't updated my phone z3 sol26 any way to update.... Please tell


  • 1
    Smod Sep 25, 2015 Link to comment

    In my opinion the problem starts when a phone is locked by the Carrier, then the Carrier messes with the Update Sony releases before pushing it out!!! I've had ENDLESS problems with updates here in the UK with my previous phone (XPERIA SP) from 02. When I got it unlocked and then reinstalled Sony's original ftf ROM from its repair section on the PC companion, the phone worked like a charm !!!

    I just bought a Z3 Compact and bought it SIM FREE, I couldn't be happier. This phone is fast and lasts long, has no quirks. The odd force close of the Google app but that is Google, not Sony !! Google needs to fix ALOT of stuff. Its also worth noticing, how many things already exist in the Sony UI which are promised by Google only in Android M !

    My suggestion if you're ever having an issue with a quirky OS update on Sony, is to use PC companion repair. If you can (assuming you are locked) get the phone unlocked and then reinstall software from PC Companion.


  • 1
    Rai D. Aug 30, 2015 Link to comment

    Can someone help on how can fix stamina mode issue without FORCE STOPPING and CLEARING DATA on or before charging. Thanks


  • Jamila Obionu 1
    Jamila Obionu Aug 21, 2015 Link to comment

    Since the update I can't access mmi codes and my personalized ringtones don't function.


  • 1
    Pandaq126 Aug 21, 2015 Link to comment

    Why i cant access mmi code after upgrading this?


  • Timothy Green 2
    Timothy Green Jul 9, 2015 Link to comment

    It updated recently and I didn't even noticed before today... I agree. This Z3 is from far the best investment i did last year.

    Jan Karnath


  • 2
    Peter Lee Jun 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Had it for 2 weeks after my phone "force" me to update. HATE IT!!!! Here are the problems I have:
    1. Everything is slower.
    2. Heats up much more than before.
    3. In the year that I had the Z3 it never froze on me. 2 days into the update, my phone had already froze 3x.
    4. Calling out is sporadic, when I try to make calls now 30% of the time it will sound like jumbled up, with weird high pitch noises. I have to shut off the phone, restart and that will usually work. I tried the quick fix, putting it on airplane mode to get off the network and getting back on, but it does not work all the time.
    5. I have missing texts, I receive text from as far as 3 days ago, it is never on time, the delay in me receiving text is ridiculous ... I can 100% no longer rely on text. I have asked all my friends to send me text using either "Line" or "What's app".
    6. Incoming call displays no longer display the correct information. For example, the phone will show that I am getting a call from a friend with his work number. But in reality, he is calling me on his cell. So the information in my address book no longer match the incoming call display.

    I tried calling T-Mobile and Sony to see if I can "downgrade" to the previous version, but unfortunately for me, they said it was not possible...

    so I went from recommending all my friends to buy the Z3 to go buy an iPhone....

    THANKS SONY!!!

    Brad Gerrard


    • Vladimir Hristov 1
      Vladimir Hristov Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment

      You think IPhones don't have issues with updates? Google iOS 8.0.1
      Also, is your phone a T-Mobile variant or an unlocked one? My T-Mobile one doesn't have the update yet.


    • Jo Bishop 2
      Jo Bishop Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment

      I had a problem with an update and got told the same thing about downgrading by Sony and 3/ Three. So I took it to one of the Indian type places. It cost quite a bit but the guy was able to do it no problem. (Orpington, Kent) So I'm taking his advice now..... "If it ain't broke. Don't fix it" !! Hope this helps

      Brad Gerrard


    • Jo Bishop 2
      Jo Bishop Aug 1, 2015 Link to comment

      ?


    • n13L5 14
      n13L5 Aug 4, 2015 Link to comment

      @ Peter Lee,

      Since you're already updated now, I have this suggestion for you:

      1) remove your Micro SD card
      2) back up all data on your phone.
      3) do the 'factory reset' without data deletion first.
      4) see if it stopped crashing / freezing
      5) if that didn't do it, do the factory reset with data deletion.
      6) if this didn't resolve the issue, see a local Sony service center...

      There's a high chance the factory reset will fix all / most of your problems, because most of the time, new firmware gets messed up by old settings that don't wash with the changes made.

      Hope this helps...

      .

      Beyond that, no phone has ever forced an update without asking first, including my Z2... if it starts without getting permission, just turn off the data connection. If you go into settings, at the very bottom, there is a menu item for updates, 1 level down, where you should be able to tell it not to auto-update but ask first. Its one of the first things I set.

      My phone has been wanting to update for many months now, but I've denied it and it stopped bugging me about it.

      Peter Lee


      • 2
        Peter Lee Aug 13, 2015 Link to comment

        Thanks, it did help with the crashing, it's been about a month now and I've only had it restart it self 2x. So that's a huge improvement from before.

        It actually did ask me to update, but I've ignored it for about 2 weeks, then one day it just kind of magically updated it on its own...

        the little quirks are still around, but it's something I have learn to live with....

        Thanks for your help!!


    • 1
      Kappameinster Apr 20, 2016 Link to comment

      People like you should just stick with iPhones. You don't know how to use an Android Phone.


  • 2
    teknodogg Jun 4, 2015 Link to comment

    got my android lollipop 5.0.2 update today...everything looks smooth so far....hopefully the battery saving update will work (just updating) it went from 100% to 86% =/ I don't like the sound shortcut is now gone, you have to push volumn down and then select silent and the new lock screen you can only swipe up to unlock and that the tmobile myaccount notification is always on ....
    but phone seems like run smooth w/out lag or issues so far.....=)

    now let the waiting game begin on android M =P

    Brad GerrardScott Adam Gordon


    • Scott Adam Gordon 31
      Scott Adam Gordon Jun 4, 2015 Link to comment

      Haha nice!!


  • 1
    AndroidLayerCake May 5, 2015 Link to comment

    Still no update on mine. Guess T-Mo is taking its time. (US: SF Bay Area)


  • 2
    saifullah Apr 25, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi! I'm from india,
    My xperia z3(D6653) not receive 5.0 lollipop update.So what can I do? plz reply me.


  • 1
    James Holloway Apr 16, 2015 Link to comment

    My xperia z3 compact (D5803) unbranded got 5.0.2 (23.1.A.0.726) yesterday! im in the uk


    • Pieter Erasmus 3
      Pieter Erasmus Jun 23, 2015 Link to comment

      Hi James, how do you find version 5.0.2? I see so many complaints.


  • 1
    Ethan Apr 13, 2015 Link to comment

    Still not got the update in the UK, am I missing something or is it still rolling out? Got a Z3 D6603


    • 4
      Stephen Grant Apr 13, 2015 Link to comment

      Is your phone branded? 3 or Vodafone or such like... If so the provider needs to build their own release which takes a while. You could flash it and it will remove the branding and give you the opportunity to upgrade to 5.0.2.
      Just a thought.


      • 1
        Ethan Apr 14, 2015 Link to comment

        Nope bought outright from store, no branding. I was eagerly looking forward to try lolipop since they announced this but they're taking their time to roll it out! Can't see what's holding them. To bad you can't do it manually thru the pc companion.


      • 4
        Stephen Grant Apr 14, 2015 Link to comment

        I updated mine weeks ago with Sony bridge on my iMac, I am in Denmark though. How strange. The Z2 is also receiving 5.0.2 and has been for a couple of weeks at least.


  • 1
    Lukasz Muzyka Mar 17, 2015 Link to comment

    I have this "awesome" phone since it's official launch at IFA in Berlin. My first and last android phone. This system is like half a year old and I'm still waiting for it. Disappointing.

    After using iPhone for more than 3 years and android since September I have to say that as flashy as Z3 is, it has absolutely no start to any iPhone(including already old 4). I didn't even realise how good iPhone is comparing to all it's android competition...

    Waiting for update like this on phone that was 700+ Euro? This is a joke... wait, this is pretty common among Android devices...


    I really tried to like it, i really did. I will pass next time and go straight back to apple. Now you can vote me down for being agains the only good point of view.


    • 4
      Stephen Grant Mar 17, 2015 Link to comment

      You are trolling. I can't for the life of me see how anybody will read this without bursting out laughing.

      You are trying to say that an iPhone 4 is a superior device to the Xperia Z3?

      iPhone 5s is an inferior device to the Z3, as for the 4?!! it is an utter embarrassment to compare it too the Z3.

      iPhone is a fantastic phone for people who have zero technical mindset.

      Now!! Behave.

      Joey CurryRuben RovettoFrank Erik Krokstrand


  • 4
    Stephen Grant Mar 16, 2015 Link to comment

    I am in the process of downloading it now, in Denmark.

    Update.

    First day of use and I am very, very impressed. The device is very snappy, smooth and stable. It is clean and relaxed within the GUI, I have noticed my battery life has improved, Sony took a gamble waiting for 5.0.2 and it has paid off imo. I had a HTC One M8 before this and it was terrible under 5.0.1.

    Well done Sony fantastic update.

    Joey Currymark crister perino


  • 6
    Marc 'CuZZ13' S. Mar 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Middle March is here and the 5.0 update about to roll...
    I'm patiently waiting for remarks about it and the list of tips and tricks...

    Our local networks will only start rolling OTA updates towards the end of April.

    Update...

    Just been notified of the Lollipop update via Sony Mobile...
    Let's see how it pans out...

    Update on the software. ..
    Local service provider has just initiated the OTA download.. FFS ..!


  • 1
    Gros Nain Mar 4, 2015 Link to comment

    Now, March. Still no update, and no information.


  • 1
    cipnrkorvo Jan 31, 2015 Link to comment

    couldn't sony just give a version that's closer to stock android, but give it out sooner? 70% of the extra sony software on there is useless bloatware anyway.


  • 7
    Jon Crawford Dec 18, 2014 Link to comment

    For UK sim-free customers of Z2 & Z3 devices, that date will probably mean March 2015... Sony UK are very odd when it comes to updates to sim-free device owners; we normally end up waiting 4-8 weeks longer than the branded versions of the same devices...


  • 2
    Ashu Shaik Nov 18, 2014 Link to comment

    when micromax mobiles get update to lollipop please tell me


  • 14
    Sean Stockemer Nov 18, 2014 Link to comment

    I'll be waiting...anxiously.
    I'd love to root, but I really dig the camera and sound, as is. I'm hoping and wishing that someone over at xda will figure out how to clone the DRM crap, so I don't lose my low light algorithms. I'm not sure if it's even possible...probably not, when I think about it.
    (Thinking out loud)
    the drm keys are stored on some system partition, which is not accessible without root. they are lost in the rooting process. therefore, the drive location can't be accessed without burning that bridge...when i put it in text, it seems pretty hopeless. :'(
    hopefully Sony will do something about this. they could, in theory, release these or make them available to devs.
    I had forgotten how my S3 looked before root..and actually, I came to rely on it over those 2+ years. having our hands tied sucks. :-\

    Barry Plunkett


    • 2
      Dominik Jámbor Mar 15, 2015 Link to comment

      It is possible to back it up now. There is a root method called griefroot, it needs a specific firmware version, but if you root it with that you will be able to back up the drm keys, and restore them when needed. -> you can unlock the bootloader, then relock it and have the xmodR engine working. Also just to clarify: root is not the same as bootloader unlock, you can root it without losing the drm keys. (wich are located on the TA partition). -Sent from my z3c unlocked and relocked twice and the camera is perfect.


      • 2
        Dominik Jámbor Mar 15, 2015 Link to comment

        In addition: with a custom rom and unlocked bl of course you wont have the low light algorythms but you can restore them whenever you want

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