This is the Xperia™ E3 User guide for the Android™ 4.4 software version. If you're not
sure which software version your device is running, you can check it via the Settings
menu. For more information about software updates, see
on page 107.
To check the current software version of your device
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > About phone > Android version.
A protective plastic sheet is attached to the screen. You should peel off this sheet before
using the touchscreen. Otherwise, the touchscreen might not function properly.
To remove the back cover
•Insert a fingernail into the gap (as shown in the illustration) and lift up the cover.
•Remove the battery cover, then insert the micro SIM card into its slot with the
gold-colored contacts facing down.
You must use a micro SIM card for your phone to work correctly. Some standard-size SIM
cards allow you to detach an integrated micro SIM card. Once you detach the micro SIM card
from the standard-size SIM card, you cannot reattach it and use the standard-size SIM card
again. If you do not have a micro SIM card, or if your current SIM card does not contain a
detachable micro SIM card, contact your service provider for information on how to collect or
exchange your SIM card.
To insert a memory card
1Remove the back cover.
2Insert the memory card into the memory card slot, with the gold-colored contacts
facing down.
To attach the back cover
1Place the back cover over the back of the device, then press down on the bottom
corners to lock them into place.
2Moving from bottom to top, press down the sides of the cover until the cover
The first time you start your device, a setup guide opens to help you configure basic
settings, sign in to some accounts, and personalize your device. For example, if you have
a Sony Entertainment Network account, you can sign in to it here and get set up
straightaway. And you can download Internet settings.
You can also access the setup guide later from the Settings menu.
To turn on the device
Make sure that the battery is charged for at least 30 minutes before you turn on the device for
the first time.
1Press and hold down the power key until the device vibrates.
2Enter your SIM card PIN when requested, then tap
.
3Wait a while for the device to start.
To turn off the device
1Press and hold down the power key
until the options menu opens.
2In the options menu, tap Power off.
3Tap OK.
It may take a while for the device to shut down.
Why do I need a Google™ account?
Your Xperia™ device from Sony runs on the Android™ platform developed by Google™.
A range of Google™ applications and services is available on your device when you
purchase it, for example, Gmail™, Google Maps™, YouTube™, and Google Play™—the
online store for downloading Android™ applications. To get the most out of these
services, you need a Google™ account. For example, a Google™ account is mandatory
if you want to:
•Download and install applications from Google Play™.
•Synchronize email, contacts, and the calendar.
•Chat with friends using the Hangouts™ application.
•Synchronize your browsing history and bookmarks.
For more information about Android™ and Google™, go to
www.sonymobile.com/support
.
To set up a Google™ account on your device
1Find and tap Settings > Add account > Google.
2Follow the registration wizard to create a Google™ account, or sign in if you
already have an account.
You can also sign in to or create a Google™ account from the setup guide the first time you
start your device. Or you can go online and create an account at
The battery is partly charged when you buy the device. You can still use your device
while it is charging. Read more about the battery and how to improve the performance in
Battery and power management
To charge your device
1Plug the charger into a power outlet.
2Plug one end of the USB cable into the charger (or into the USB port of a
computer).
3Plug the other end of the cable into the micro USB port on your device, with the
USB symbol facing up. The notification light illuminates when charging begins.
4When the device is fully charged, disconnect the cable from your device by pulling
it straight outward. Make sure not to bend the connector.
on page 108.
If the battery is completely discharged, it may take a few minutes before the notification light
illuminates and the charging icon appears.
Battery notification light status
GreenThe battery charge level is greater than 90%
Flashing redThe battery is charging and the battery charge level is less than 15%
OrangeThe battery is charging and the battery charge level is less than 90%
•Scroll quickly, for example, in a list or on a web page. You can stop the scrolling
movement by tapping the screen.
Locking and unlocking the screen
When your device is on and left idle for a set period of time, the screen darkens to save
battery power and locks automatically. This lock prevents unwanted actions on the
touchscreen when you are not using it. When you buy your device, a basic screen swipe
lock is already set. This means that you have to swipe in any direction from the middle of
the screen to unlock it. You can change the security settings later and add other kinds of
locks. See
To activate the screen
•Briefly press the power key .
Screen lock
on the 36 page.
To unlock the screen
•Place a finger on the screen and swipe up or down.
To lock the screen
•When the screen is active, briefly press the power key
The Home screen is the starting point for using your device. It's similar to the desktop on
a computer screen. Your Home screen can have up to seven panes, which extend
beyond the regular screen display width. The number of Home screen panes is
represented by a series of dots at the top of the Home screen. The highlighted dot
shows the pane that you are currently in.
To go to the Home screen
•Press .
To browse the Home screen
Home screen panes
You can add new panes to your Home screen (up to a maximum of seven panes) and
delete panes. You can also set the pane that you want to use as the main Home screen
pane.
To set a pane as the main Home screen pane
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates.
2Flick left or right to browse to the pane that you want to set as your main Home
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates.
2Flick left or right to browse the panes, then tap .
To delete a pane from your Home screen
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates.
2Flick left or right to browse to the pane that you want to delete, then tap
.
Application screen
The Application screen, which you open from the Homescreen, contains the applications
that come pre-installed on your device as well as applications that you download.
To view all applications on the Application screen
1From your Home screen, tap
2Flick left or right on the Application screen.
To open an application from the Application screen
•Flick left or right to find the application, then tap the application.
To open the Application screen menu
•When the Application screen is open, drag the left edge of the screen to the right.
To move an application on the Application screen
1To open the Application screen menu, drag the left edge of the Application screen
to the right.
2Make sure Own order is selected under SHOW APPS.
3Touch and hold the application until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then drag
it to the new location.
To add an application shortcut to the Home screen
1From the Application screen, touch and hold an application icon until the screen
vibrates, then drag the icon to the top of the screen. The Home screen opens.
2Drag the icon to the desired location on the Home screen, then release your
finger.
To arrange applications on the Application screen
1To open the Application screen menu, drag the left edge of the Application screen
To search for an application from the Application screen
1To open the Application screen menu, drag the left edge of the Application screen
to the right.
2Tap Search apps.
3Enter the name of the application you want to search for.
To uninstall an application from the Application screen
1To open the Application screen menu, drag the left edge of the Application screen
to the right.
2Tap Uninstall. All uninstallable applications are indicated by .
3Tap the application that you want to uninstall, then tap Uninstall.
Navigating applications
You can navigate between applications using the navigation keys, the favorites bar, the
quick launch apps feature, and the recently used applications window, which lets you
switch easily between all recently used applications. Some applications are closed when
you press
application is paused or runs in the background, you can continue where you left off the
next time you open the application.
to exit while others continue to run in the background or pause. If the
1
Recently used applications window – Open a recently used application
2Favorites bar – Open a shortcut for applications or widgets
3Task navigation key – Open the recently used applications window and the small apps bar
4Home navigation key – Exit an application and go back to the Homescreen
5Back navigation key – Go back to the previous screen within an application or close the application
You can set up your device so that a selected application launches when you shake it.
You can use this quick launch function for an application that you need to use quickly or
frequently, for example, the phone dialer or a social networking service.
To use the quick launch function
1Press and hold down the power key , then shake the device.
2When the pre-selected application opens, release the power key.
To set up the quick launch function
1From your Homescreen, tap
2Find and tap Settings > Personalization > Motion > Shake to start app.
3Select an application, then tap Done.
.
Small apps
A small app is a shortcut used for applications and widgets. You can get quick access to
the small apps at any time using the favorites bar. A small app only takes up a small area
of your screen, so you can interact with a small app and another application at the same
time on the same screen. For example, you can have a web page open and then open
the Calculator small app on top of it and perform calculations. You can download more
small apps from Google Play™.
To open a small app
1To make the small apps bar appear, press .
2Tap the small app that you want to open.
1From the small apps bar, tap , then tap and tap .
2Search for the small app that you want to download, then follow the instructions
to download it and complete the installation.
To move a small app
•When the small app is open, touch and hold the top left corner of the small app,
then move it to the desired location.
To minimize a small app
•When the small app is open, touch and hold the top left corner of the small app,
then drag it to the right edge or to the bottom edge of the screen.
To rearrange the small apps in the small apps bar
•Touch and hold a small app and drag it to the desired position.
To remove a small app from the small apps bar
•Touch and hold a small app, then drag it to
To restore a previously removed small app
1Open the small apps bar, then tap .
2Touch and hold the small app you want to restore, then drag it into the small apps
bar.
To add a widget as a small app
1To make the small apps bar appear, press
2Tap > > .
3Select a widget.
4Enter a name for the widget, if desired, then tap OK.
.
.
Widgets
Widgets are small applications that you can use directly on your Homescreen. They also
function as shortcuts. For example, the Weather widget allows you to see basic weather
information directly on your Homescreen. But when you tap the widget, the full Weather
application opens. You can download additional widgets from Google Play™.
To add a widget to the Home screen
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates,
1Touch and hold a widget until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then release
the widget. If the widget can be resized, for example, the Calendar widget, then a
highlighted frame and resizing dots appear.
2Drag the dots inward or outward to shrink or expand the widget.
3To confirm the new size of the widget, tap anywhere on the Home screen.
To move a widget
•Touch and hold the widget until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then drag it
to the new location.
To delete a widget
•Touch and hold the widget until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then drag it
.
to
Shortcuts and folders
Use shortcuts and folders to manage your applications and keep your Home screen tidy.
1
Access a folder containing applications
2Access an application using a shortcut
To add a shortcut to your Home screen
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates and
the customization menu appears.
2In the customization menu, tap Apps.
3Scroll through the list of applications and select an application. The selected
application gets added to the Home screen.
In step 3, alternatively, you can tap
available. If you use this method to add shortcuts, some of the applications available allow
you to add specific functionality to the shortcut.
Shortcuts and then select an application from the list
To move an item on the Home screen
•Touch and hold the item until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then drag the
item to the new location.
To delete an item from the Homescreen
•Touch and hold an item until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then drag the
item to
.
To create a folder on the Home screen
•Touch and hold an application icon or a shortcut until it magnifies and the device
vibrates, then drag and drop it on top of another application icon or shortcut.
•Touch and hold an item until it magnifies and the device vibrates, then drag the
item to the folder.
To rename a folder on the Home screen
1Tap the folder to open it.
2Tap the folder's title bar to show the Folder name field.
3Enter the new folder name and tap Done.
Background and themes
You can adapt the Home screen to your own style using wallpapers and different
themes. You can also change the wallpaper on the lock screen.
To change your Home screen wallpaper
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates.
2Tap Wallpapers and select an option.
To set a theme
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates.
2Tap Themes, then select a theme.
When you change a theme, the background also changes in some applications.
To change the wallpaper for the lockscreen
1From your Homescreen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
3Select an option, then follow the instructions to change your wallpaper.
Taking a screenshot
You can capture still images of any screen on your device as a screenshot. Screenshots
you take are automatically saved in Album.
To take a screenshot
1Press and hold down the power key until a prompt window appears.
2Tap
You can also take the screenshot by pressing the power key and volume down key at the
same time until you hear a clicking sound.
•Drag the status bar downward, touch to view your screenshot.
You can also view your screenshot by tapping the Album application from the Home screen.
Status and notifications
The icons in the status bar inform you of events such as new messages and calendar
notifications, activities in progress such as file downloads, and status information such as
battery level and signal strength. You can drag down the status bar to open the
Notification panel and handle your notifications.
To open or close the Notification panel
To take action on a notification
•Tap the notification.
To dismiss a notification from the Notification panel
•Place your finger on a notification and flick left or right.
To clear all notifications from the Notification panel
•Tap Clear.
Notification light
The notification light informs you about battery status and some other events. For
example, a flashing white light means there is a new message or a missed call.
Use the Video Unlimited application to rent and purchase videos.
Optimize settings to suit your own requirements.
Use the Hangouts™ application to chat with friends online.
Identify music tracks that you hear playing in your surroundings, and get artist,
album, and other info.
Use YouTube™ to share and view videos from around the world.
Use the Support application to access user support in the device. For example,
you can access a User guide, troubleshooting information, plus tips and tricks.
Download and install new applications and updates.
Some applications are not supported by all networks and/or service providers in all areas.
Google Play™ is the official online Google store for downloading applications, games,
music, movies, and books. It includes both free and paid applications. Before you start
downloading from Google Play™, make sure that you have a working Internet
connection, preferably over Wi-Fi® to limit data traffic charges.
To use Google Play™, you need to have a Google™ account. Google Play™ may not be
available in all countries or regions.
To download an application from Google Play™
1Find and tap Play Store.
2Find an item you wish to download by browsing categories, or by using the search
function.
3Tap the item to view its details, and follow the instructions to complete the
installation.
Some applications may need to access data, settings, and various functions on your device in
order to work properly. Only install and give permissions to applications you trust.
You can view the permissions granted to a downloaded application by tapping the application
under Settings > Apps.
Downloading applications from other sources
When your device is set to allow downloads from sources other than Google Play™, you
can download applications directly from other websites by following the relevant
download instructions.
Installing applications of unknown or unreliable origin can damage your device. Only download
applications from reliable sources. Contact the application provider if you have any questions
or concerns.
To allow the download of applications from other sources
1Find and tap Settings > Security.
2Mark the Unknown sources checkbox.
3Tap OK.
Some applications may need to access data, settings, and various functions on your device in
order to work properly. Only install and give permissions to applications you trust.
You can view the permissions granted to a downloaded application by tapping the application
under Settings > Apps.
The Google Chrome™ web browser for Android™ devices comes pre-installed in most
markets. Go to http://support.google.com/chrome and click the "Chrome for Mobile" link
to get more detailed information about how to use this web browser.
To browse with Google Chrome™
1From your Home screen, tap
2Find and tap
3If you are using Google Chrome™ for the first time, select to either sign in to a
Google™ account or browse with Google Chrome™ anonymously.
4Enter a search term or web address in the search and address field, then tap Go
on the keyboard.
.
.
1
Go to the homepage
2Search and address field
3Refresh the page
4Access browser tabs
5View help and options
6Go back a page in the browser history
Internet and MMS settings
To send multimedia messages, or to access the Internet when there is no available WiFi® network, you must have a working mobile data connection with the correct Internet
and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) settings. Here are some tips:
•For most mobile networks and operators, Internet and MMS settings come pre-installed
on your device. You can then start using the Internet and send multimedia messages
right away.
•In some cases, you get the option to download Internet and MMS settings the first time
you turn on your device when a SIM card is inserted. It is also possible to download
these settings later from the Settings menu.
•You can manually add, change or delete Internet and MMS settings on your device at
any time. Contact your network operator for detailed information.
•If you cannot access the Internet over a mobile network or if multimedia messaging is not
working, even though the Internet and MMS settings have been downloaded
successfully to your device, refer to the troubleshooting tips for your device at
www.sonymobile.com/support/
for network coverage, mobile data, and MMS issues.
To download Internet and MMS settings
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Internet settings.
3Tap Accept. Once the settings have been downloaded successfully,
appears in
the status bar and mobile data is turned on automatically.
If the settings cannot be downloaded to your device, check the signal strength of your mobile
network. Move to an open location free from obstructions or get close to a window and then
try again.
To check whether mobile data is turned on or off
1From your Home screen, tap
.
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Mobile networks.
3Check whether the Mobile data traffic checkbox is marked or not.
To add Internet and MMS settings manually
1From your Home screen, tap
.
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Mobile networks.
3Tap Access Point Names >
.
4Tap Name and enter a name as desired.
5Tap APN and enter the access point name.
6Enter all other information as required. If you don’t know what information is
required, contact your network operator for more details.
7When you're done, tap
, then tap Save.
To view the downloaded Internet and MMS settings
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Mobile networks.
3Tap Access Point Names.
4To view more details, tap any of the available items.
If you have several available connections, the active network connection is indicated by a
marked button .
To delete all Internet and MMS settings
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Mobile networks.
3Tap Access Point Names, then tap
.
4Tap Reset to default. All Internet and MMS settings are deleted.
Wi-Fi®
Use Wi-Fi® connections to surf the Internet, download applications, or send and receive
emails. Once you have connected to a Wi-Fi® network, your device remembers the
network and automatically connects to it the next time you come within range.
Some Wi-Fi® networks require you to log in to a web page before you can get access.
Contact the relevant Wi-Fi® network administrator for more information.
The signal strength of Wi-Fi® networks can differ. Moving closer to the Wi-Fi® access
point increases the signal strength.
Available Wi-Fi® networks may be open or secured:
•Open networks are indicated by
•Secured networks are indicated by next to the Wi-Fi® network name.
next to the Wi-Fi® network name.
Some Wi-Fi® networks do not show up in the list of available networks because they do not
broadcast their network name (SSID). If you know the network name, you can add it manually
to your list of available Wi-Fi® networks.
1Find and tap Settings.
2Drag the slider beside Wi-Fi to the right to turn on the Wi-Fi® function.
It may take a few seconds before Wi-Fi® is enabled.
To connect to a Wi-Fi® network automatically
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings.
3Tap Wi-Fi. All available Wi-Fi® networks are displayed.
4Tap a Wi-Fi® network to connect to it. For secured networks, enter the relevant
password.
To search for new available networks, tap , and then tap Scan.
is displayed in the status bar once you are connected.
To add a Wi-Fi® network manually
1From your Home screen, tap
.
2Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
3Tap
.
4Enter the Network name (SSID) information.
5To select a security type, tap the Security field.
6If required, enter a password.
7To edit some advanced options such as proxy and IP settings, mark the Show
advanced options checkbox and then edit as desired.
8Tap Save.
Contact your Wi-Fi® network administrator to get the network SSID and password.
Increasing Wi-Fi® signal strength
There are a number of things you can do to increase the strength of a Wi-Fi® signal:
•Move your device closer to the Wi-Fi® access point.
•Move the Wi-Fi® access point away from any potential obstructions or interference.
•Don’t cover the Wi-Fi® antenna area of your device (the highlighted area in the
illustration).
Wi-Fi® settings
When you are connected to a Wi-Fi® network or when there are Wi-Fi® networks
available in your vicinity, it is possible to view the status of these networks. You can also
enable your device to notify you whenever an open Wi-Fi® network is detected.
If you are not connected to a Wi-Fi® network, your device uses a cellular data
connection to access the Internet (if you have set up and enabled a cellular data
connection on your device). By adding a Wi-Fi® sleep policy, you can specify when to
switch from Wi-Fi® to cellular data.
To enable Wi-Fi® network notifications
1Turn on Wi-Fi®, if it is not already on.
2Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
3Press
.
4Tap Advanced.
5Mark the Network notification checkbox.
To view detailed information about a connected Wi-Fi® network
1Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
2Tap the Wi-Fi® network that you are currently connected to. Detailed network
information is displayed.
To add a Wi-Fi® sleep policy
1Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
2Press
.
3Tap Advanced.
4Tap Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.
5Select an option.
Sharing your mobile data connection
You can share your device's mobile data connection with a single computer using a USB
cable. This process is called USB tethering. You can also share your device's data
connection with up to eight other devices at once by turning your device into a portable
Wi-Fi® hotspot. When your device's mobile data connection is successfully shared, the
sharing devices can use your device's data connection, for example, to surf the Internet,
download applications, or send and receive emails.
You may need to prepare your computer to establish a network connection via USB cable. Go
to www.android.com/tether to get the most current information.
To share your data connection using a USB cable
1Deactivate all USB cable connections to your device.
2Using the USB cable that came with your device, connect your device to a
computer.
3From your Home screen, tap
.
4Find and tap Settings > More… > Tethering & portable hotspot.
5Mark the USB tethering checkbox, then tap OK if prompted.
is displayed in the
status bar once you are connected.
6To stop sharing your data connection, unmark the USB tethering checkbox or
disconnect the USB cable.
You cannot share your device's data connection and SD card over a USB cable at the same
time.
To use your device as a portable Wi-Fi® hotspot
1From your Home screen, tap
.
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Tethering & portable hotspot.
3Tap Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings > Configure Wi-Fi hotspot.
4Enter the Network name (SSID) information.
5To select a security type, tap the Security field. If required, enter a password.
6Tap Save.
7Tap
8If prompted, tap OK to confirm.
and mark the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot checkbox.
appears in the status bar once the portable Wi-
Fi® hotspot is active.
9To stop sharing your data connection via Wi-Fi®, unmark the Portable Wi-Fi
1From the Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Tethering & portable hotspot.
3Tap Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings > Configure Wi-Fi hotspot.
4Enter the Network name (SSID) for the network.
5To select a security type, tap the Security field.
6If required, enter a password.
7Tap Save.
Controlling data usage
You can keep track of the amount of data transferred to and from your device over your
mobile data or Wi-Fi® connection during a given period. For example, you can view the
amount of data used by individual applications. For data transferred over your mobile
data connection, you can also set data usage warnings and limits to avoid additional
charges.
Adjusting data usage settings can help you keep greater control over data usage but cannot
guarantee the prevention of additional charges.
To turn cellular data traffic on or off
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Data usage.
3Drag the slider beside Mobile data traffic accordingly to turn cellular data traffic on
or off.
When cellular data traffic is turned off, your device can still establish Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth®
connections.
To set a data usage warning
1Make sure cellular data traffic is turned on.
2From your Home screen, tap
.
3Find and tap Settings > Data usage.
4To set the warning level, drag the warning line to the desired value. You receive a
warning notification when the amount of data traffic approaches the level you set.
To set a cellular data usage limit
1Make sure cellular data traffic is turned on.
2From your Home screen, tap
.
3Find and tap Settings > Data usage.
4Mark the Set mobile data limit checkbox if it is not marked, then tap OK.
5To set the cellular data usage limit, drag the corresponding line to the desired
value.
Once your cellular data usage reaches the set limit, cellular data traffic on your device gets
turned off automatically.
To control the cellular data usage of individual applications
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Data usage.
3Find and tap the desired application.
4Mark the Restrict background data checkbox.
5To access more specific settings for the application (if available), tap View app
settings and make the desired changes.
The performance of individual applications may be affected if you change the related data
usage settings.
To view data transferred via Wi-Fi®
1Find and tap Settings > Data usage.
2Tap
, then mark the Show Wi-Fi usage checkbox if it is not marked.