0 How Update Any Xperia Phone Using FTF File & Flash Tool

Why do we need to use FTF file to update xperia phones, when we can update using PC Companion and Sony Update Service (SUS) ?

The following are the advantages :

• Freedom to flash any custom FTF file
• No need to download huge files again
• Re-update easily without internet connection.

Things you will definitely need for manually updating any xperia smartphone using ftf file & flashtool :

• Xperia Phone
• Flash Tool - Download
• FTF file specific for xperia phones - Download

Supported Xperia Devices for updating via Flash tool:-
Xperia go (ST27i), Xperia neo V (MT11i),  Xperia ray (ST18i), Xperia P (LT22i), Xperia ZL (C6502), Xperia Z (C6602), Xperia PLAY (R800i), Xperia E dual (C1605), Xperia E (C1505), Xperia T (LT30p), Xperia S (LT26i), Xperia arc (LT15i) , Xperia arc S (LT18i).

Check twice before proceeding :

• Your Phone must have unlocked bootloader.
• Make sure that your device is at least 75% charged.
• Back up everything you feel is important before you begin.
• Enable debugging mode on your phone (Setting>developer options)
• Enable unknown sources (Setting>security)

If your Bootloader is Locked - Learn How to Unlock bootloader on your Xperia Phone using the official guide from Sony.


Note : Follow every Step carefully, any damage caused to your phone will be your responsibility. Although the method is verified.

Step 1 :  Download the Flash tool and install it. Open "C:\Flashtool\drivers"

Run the program “Flashtool-drivers” as Admin. Check the option “”Select components to install” and find the phone for which you want to flash the ftf file. Select both ”Flashmode drivers” and “Fastboot drivers”. Click the “install” button and wait till drivers are installed on your PC.

Now open ”C:\Flashtool\firmwares”, copy paste the downloaded ftf file specific to your xperia device & latest firmware.

Run FlashTool 

Step 2 : Switch off your xperia,wait for 30 seconds, Insert USB Cable in PC first & hold “Volume Down” button while you insert cable in Xperia phone. Green light in notification LED confirms that phone has been connected successfully.

Step 3 : Notice the “Black Thunder” option in the top most left corner. Click & Choose option “flashmode”.

Click  “Select source folder” and select the copied ftf file from “C:\Flashtool\firmwares” and check the option “Wipe Data”. Under option “Misc” , check mark the option “No Final verification” if you are on Android 4.0.4 ICS Stock version.

Click OK, now Flashtool will prepare files for flashing & flash the selected ftf file on your xperia device.

 Note : Start the phone once the flashing is done. The first reboot will be very slow. after that. 

Do let us know in the comment section if you have any queries, we will love to help you out .