This is the Xperia™ Z2 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 115.
device
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.
1Insert a fingernail into the gap between the micro SIM card slot cover and the
device, then detach the cover.
2Using a fingernail, pull out the micro SIM card holder.
3Place the micro SIM card on the holder, with the gold-colored contacts on the
micro SIM card facing up.
4Insert the micro SIM card holder back into the device.
5Re-attach the micro SIM card slot cover.
Inserting the micro SIM card into the device without the SIM card holder could damage your
micro SIM card or your device, and Sony Mobile does not warrant and will not be responsible
for any damage caused by such action.
To insert a memory card
1Insert a fingernail into the gap between the memory card cover and the device,
then detach the memory card cover.
2Place the memory card in the memory card slot, with the gold-colored contacts
facing towards you, then push the memory card all the way into the slot until
you hear a locking sound.
3Re-attach the memory card cover.
To remove the micro SIM card
1Remove the cover of the micro SIM card slot cover.
2Pull out the micro SIM card holder.
3Remove the micro SIM card.
4Insert the micro SIM card holder back into its slot.
5Re-attach the micro SIM card slot cover.
1Turn off the device.
2Remove the cover of the memory card slot, then press against the edge of the
memory card and release it.
3Draw the card outwards to remove it fully.
Starting your device for the first time
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 and Wi-Fi® settings.
You can also access the setup guide later from the Settings menu.
To turn on the device
Make sure 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.
Your SIM card PIN is initially supplied by your service provider, but you can change it later
from the Settings menu. To correct a mistake made while entering your SIM card PIN, tap .
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
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Add account > Google.
3Follow 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
www.google.com/accounts
Charging your device
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
Battery and power management
in
To charge your device
on page 117.
.
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.
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
Green
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 37 page.
To unlock the screen
•Place a finger on the middle of the screen and swipe in any direction.
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
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 small apps bar,
and the recently used applications window, which lets you switch easily between all
recently used applications. Some applications are closed when you press
while others continue to run in the background or pause. If the application is paused or
runs in the background, you can continue where you left off the next time you open the
application.
to exit
1
Recently used applications window – Open a recently used application
2Small apps bar – Open a small app
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 Home screen
5Back navigation key – Go back to the previous screen within an application or close the application
To open the recently used applications window
•Press .
To open a menu in an application
•While using the application, press
A menu is not available in all applications.
.
Small apps
You can get quick access to several small apps at any time using the small apps 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.
You can open several small apps at the same time.
To close a small app
•Tap on the small app window.
To download a small app
1From the small apps bar, 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.
, then tap and tap .
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™.
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates,
then tap Widgets.
2Find and tap the widget that you want to add.
To resize a widget
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
To add a widget to the lock screen
1To activate the screen, briefly press the power key
.
2Swipe inward from the top-left area of the screen until appears, then tap it.
3If required, enter your PIN code, pattern, or password to unlock the screen.
4Find and tap the widget that you want to add.
5Follow the on-screen instructions, if necessary, to finish adding the widget.
You cannot add a widget to the lock screen by default. To enable this feature, tap
Security and then mark the Enable widgets checkbox.
Shortcuts and folders
Use shortcuts and folders to manage your applications and keep your Home screen
tidy.
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 Home screen
•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.
To add items to a folder on the Home screen
•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.
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 and the volume down key simultaneously
until you hear a clicking sound.
2To view the screenshot, drag the status bar fully downwards.
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 select which system icons to display in the status bar
1From your Homescreen, tap
2Find and tap Settings > Personalization > Status bar icons.
3Select the icons you want to display.
1From your Homescreen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Personalization > Manage notifications.
3Select the apps that are allowed to send notifications.
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 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™
1From the Home screen, tap
2Find and tap Play Store.
3Find an item you wish to download by browsing categories, or by using the
search function.
4Tap 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
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Security.
3Mark the Unknown sources checkbox.
4Tap 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
Search and address field
2Refresh the page
3Access browser tabs
4View help and options
5Go back a page in the browser history
Internet and messaging settings
To send multimedia messages or access the Internet when there is no available WiFi® network, you must have a working cellular data connection with the correct
Internet and messaging settings. Here are some tips:
•For most mobile networks and operators, Internet and messaging 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 messaging 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 messaging settings on your
device any time. Contact your service provider for detailed information.
Sometimes you need to wait a bit to have a working cellular data connection, especially when
the signal strength is weak and unstable. To increase the signal strength from your cellular
network, move to an open location free from obstructions or get close to a window.
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Internet settings.
3Tap Accept. appears in the status bar once the settings have been
downloaded successfully.
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 add Internet settings manually
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Mobile networks.
3Tap Access Point Names >
.
4Tap Name and enter the name of the network profile that you want to create.
5Tap APN and enter the access point name.
6Enter all other information required by your network operator.
7When you're done, tap
, then tap Save.
To view the current Access Point Name (APN)
1From your Home screen, tap
.
2Find and tap Settings > More… > Mobile networks.
3Tap Access Point Names.
If you have several available connections, the active network connection is indicated by a
marked button .
To delete all Internet and messaging 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 messaging settings are deleted.
Wi-Fi®
Use Wi-Fi® connections to surf the Internet, download applications, or send and
receive email. 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.
Available Wi-Fi® networks may be open or secured:
•Open networks are indicated by
•Secured networks are indicated by
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.
To turn on Wi-Fi®
1From your Home screen, tap
2Find and tap Settings.
3Drag the slider beside Wi-Fi to the right to turn on the Wi-Fi® function.
next to the Wi-Fi® network name.
next to the Wi-Fi® network name.
.
It may take a few seconds before Wi-Fi® is enabled.
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 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).
Your device can only connect to an FCC-approved access point when using 5 GHz WLAN for
indoor and outdoor operation. This is because operation in the 5.15 GHz to 5.25 GHz
frequency band is only permitted for indoor use.
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.
1Turn on Wi-Fi®, if it is not already on.
2From your Home screen, tap .
3Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
4Press .
5Tap Advanced.
6Mark the Network notification checkbox.
To view detailed information about a connected Wi-Fi® network
1From the Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
3Tap the Wi-Fi® network that you are currently connected to. Detailed network
information is displayed.
To add a Wi-Fi® sleep policy
1From the Home screen, tap
.
2Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
3Press .
4Tap Advanced.
5Tap Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep.
6Select 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 SSID information.
5To select a security type, tap the Security field. If required, enter a password.
6Tap Save.
7Tap
and mark the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot checkbox.
8If prompted, tap OK to confirm. 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 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.