This is the Xperia™ Z3 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 120.
To check the current software version of your device
1From your Home screen, tap .
2Find and tap Settings > About phone > Android version.
Make sure you insert the nano SIM card into the nano SIM card holder before inserting it into
the device. Also, don’t confuse the nano SIM card slot with the memory card slot.
If you insert the nano SIM card while the device is powered on, the device restarts
automatically.
1Detach the cover for the nano SIM card holder.
2Using a fingernail or other similar object, drag out the nano SIM card holder.
3Place the nano SIM card in the nano SIM card holder, then reinsert the holder.
4Re-attach the cover.
Make sure you reinsert the nano SIM card holder in the correct orientation. When you drag the
holder out to insert the nano SIM card, do not turn the holder around.
To insert the memory card
1Remove the memory card slot cover.
2With the gold colored contacts facing down, insert the memory card into the
memory card slot, then re-attach the memory card slot cover.
To remove the SIM card
1Remove the cover of the SIM card slot cover.
2Pull out the SIM card holder.
3Remove the SIM card.
4Insert the SIM card holder back into its slot.
5Re-attach the SIM card slot cover.
1Turn off the device, or unmount the memory card from Settings > Storage >
Unmount SD card.
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 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
2In the options menu, tap Power off.
3Tap OK.
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
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
.
Your device has an embedded, rechargeable battery that should be replaced only by
Sony or an authorized Sony repair center. You should never try to open or take apart this
device yourself. Opening the device can cause damage that will void your warranty.
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
•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
Screen lock
on the 38 page.
To activate the screen
•Briefly press the power key .
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
.
Home screen
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 lower part 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
screen pane, then tap
at the top corner of the pane.
To add a pane to your Home screen
1Touch and hold an empty area on your Home screen until the device vibrates.
2Flick left or right to browse the panes, then tap
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 the right.
2Select the desired option under SHOW APPS.
.
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, and
the recently used applications window, which lets you switch easily between all recently
used applications. Some applications are closed when you press to exit while others
are paused or continue to run in the background. If the application is paused or runs in
the background, you can continue where you left off the next time you open the
application.
1
Recently used applications window – Open a recently used application
2Favorites bar – Use a shortcut to access applications or widgets
3Task navigation key – Open the recently used applications window and the favorites 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
To open the recently used applications window
•Press .
To close all the recently used applications
•Tap
and then tap Close all.
To open a menu in an application
•While using the application, press
A menu is not available in all applications.
.
Small apps
Small apps are miniature apps that run on top of other applications on the same screen,
to enable multi-tasking. For example, you can have a webpage open showing details of
currency exchange rates, and then open the Calculator small app on top of it and
perform calculations. You can access your small apps via the favorites bar. To download
more small apps, go to Google Play™.
1To make the favorites 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 , 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 favorites bar
•Touch and hold a small app and drag it to the desired position.
To remove a small app from the favorites bar
•Touch and hold a small app, then drag it to
To restore a previously removed small app
1Open the favorites bar, then tap .
2Touch and hold the small app you want to restore, then drag it into the favorites
bar.
To add a widget as a small app
1To make the favorites 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 lockscreen
1From your Homescreen, tap
, then find and tap Settings > Security
2Mark the Allow widgets on lock screen checkbox.
3To lock the screen, press the power key.
4To activate the screen, briefly press the power key.
5Swipe inward from the upper part of the screen until
appears, then tap it.
6If required, enter your PIN code, pattern, or password to unlock the screen.
7Find and tap the widget that you want to add.
8Follow the on-screen instructions, if necessary, to finish adding the widget.
The items that appear when you tap
are available by default and cannot be modified.
To move a widget on the lock screen
1To activate the screen, briefly press the power key
.
2Touch and hold the widget that you want to move, then drag it to the new
location.
To remove a widget from the lockscreen
1To activate the screen, briefly press the power key
2Touch and hold the widget that you want to remove, then drag it to
The camera icon at the bottom of the screen is there by default and cannot be removed.
Use shortcuts and folders to manage your applications and keep your Home screen tidy.
1Access 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.
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 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.
To view your screenshot
•Drag the status bar fully downwards, then tap the screenshot you want to view.
You can also view your screenshots by opening the Album application.
Recording your screen
You can use the screen recording feature to capture videos of what’s happening on your
device’s screen. This feature is useful, for example, when you want to create tutorials or
record videos of you playing a game on your device. Recorded video clips are
automatically saved in Album.
3Record your screen when the front camera is activated
4Access the screen recording settings
5Close the screen recording window
To record your screen
1Press and hold down the power key until a prompt window appears.
2Tap .
3When the record screen window is open, tap
. The timer for recording appears.
4To stop the screen recording, tap the timer, then tap .
To record your screen when the front camera is activated
1When the record screen window is open, tap
to make front camera screen
recording window appears.
2To start recording your screen and video captured by the front camera, tap
3To stop recording, tap the timer, then tap .
4To deactivate the front camera screen recording window, tap
When the front camera screen recording window opens, drag to resize the window, and
tap to record a still picture.
.
To view the recent screen recordings
•After your screen recordings finish, drag the status bar downwards, then tap to
view the most recent recordings of your screen.
You can also view your screen recordings in the Album application.
.
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 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 Facebook™ application to engage in social networking with friends,
family members and colleagues around the world.
Browse and listen to FM radio stations.
Use the Album application to view and to work with your photos and videos.
Use the Gmail™ application to read, write and organize email messages.
Search for information in your device and on the web.
View your current location, find other locations, and calculate routes using
Google Maps™.
Go to Google Play™ to download free and paid applications for your device.
Use the Messaging application to send and receive text and multimedia
messages.
Use the Movies application to play videos in your device and share content with
your friends.
Use the Walkman® application to organize and play music, audio books and
podcasts.
View news stories and weather forecasts.
Make phone calls by dialing the number manually or by using the smart dial
function.
Use the Video Unlimited application to rent or 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 or listed 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
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 .
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
is displayed in the status bar once you are connected.
.
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.
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.
.
WPS
WPS (Wi-Fi® Protected Setup) is a computing standard that helps you establish secure
wireless network connections. If you have little background knowledge of wireless
security, WPS makes it easy for you to set up Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption
to secure your network. You can also add new devices to an existing network without
entering long passwords.
Use one of these methods to enable WPS:
•Push button method – simply push a button on a WPS-supported device, for example, a
router.
•PIN method – your device creates a random PIN (Personal Identification Number), which
you enter on the WPS-supported device.
To connect to a Wi-Fi® network using a WPS button
1From your Home screen, tap
2Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
3Turn on Wi-Fi® if it is not already on.
4Tap
1From your Home screen, tap
2Find and tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
3Turn on Wi-Fi® if it is not already on.
4Tap
5On the WPS-supported device, enter the PIN that appears on your device.
, then press the WPS button on the WPS-supported device.
To connect to a Wi-Fi® network using a WPS PIN
> WPS PIN Entry.
.
.
Sharing your mobile data connection
You can share your mobile data connection with other devices in several ways:
•USB tethering
– share your mobile data connection with a single computer using a USB cable.
•Bluetooth® tethering
– share your mobile data connection with up to five other devices via Bluetooth®.
•Portable Wi-Fi® hotspot
– share your mobile data connection simultaneously with up to 10 other devices,
including devices that support WPS technology.