How To Guide Flashing a Xperia 1 iii without unlocking

[Forbesii]

Things needed:​

1. An Xperia 1 iii (of corse)
2. A Windows PC (I don't know if there's a Mac or Linux version, but I didn't find it)
3. A reliable USB-C cable
4. NewFlasher
Download: [TOOL] Newflasher (xperia command line flasher)
5. XperiFirm
Download: Tool Archives - XperiFirm Tool

!!!FIRST THING FIRST!!! BACKUP EVERYTHING IMPORTANT
FLASHING A PHONE MAY CAUSE DATA LOSS. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR DATA.

1. Download and unzip the XperiFirm and select the ROM you want in the Available Firmware list and download.

2. Once downloaded, unzip the NewFlasher into the ROM folder.

Your folder should look like this:

3. Start a command line in the ROM folder and run "newflasher set_active:a" otherwise your phone will boot into a bootloop.

4. Power off your phone and plug it into your PC. Hold the volume down button and the power button until the LED turns GREEN.

5. Now you can double click on the newflasher.exe in your ROM folder and follow the guide. You can keep user data while flashing, just pay attention on the instructions on the Newflasher.

6. Don't disturb the flasher while it is working. Your phone will automatically turn on after the flashing is completed.



My Xperia was purchased in China (XQ-BC72). I have tried many ROMs like Hong Kong and Taiwan versions. Recently I flashed my phone with the XQ-BC62 ROM and everything works very well (mobile data, voice calling, data roaming, dual SIM, exposure alert, etc.). However, I haven't try VoLTE because my carrier doesn't support it (SO SAD).
I'm in Canada and my carrier is CMLink. The data icon for LTE shows 4G if you're curious.
The DRM is not damaged that the Windvine security level is still L1 so you can still enjoy the HDR content on Netflix after flashing using this method.

UPDATE Sept. 28, 2021​

I flashed my XQ-BC72 back. I have several issues while using the XQ-BC62 ROM.

The US ROM doesn't include my carrier's configuration so VoLTE, VoWiFi, showing LTE instead of 4G is not working. According to other threads, T-Mobile doesn't have the configuration as well and someone mentioned only Google Fi users can get a configuration (NOT SURE).
Actually, I didn't find any difference between the XQ-BC62 and the XQ-BC72 ROMs (I'm in Canada).

Although the phone is working fine, the LTE is auto-disconnecting every 30 seconds, while HSPA+ doesn't have this issue. I don't think it's my carrier's problem because I bought a new Fido sim card and it's still disconnecting until I flash it back. So if your LTE works fine, please share your solution down below if you don't mind.
I have heard that the new update 61.0.a.11.92 is enhancing the network performance. I don't know if it's because I didn't update my phone. I don't wanna "play" with my ROM since this is my daily using phone.
Thanks to DennisDD78 who discovered that the OTA is not available if a non-native ROM is flashed, even it's all XQ-BC72. Still, if you make your OTA work, please share your solution!

UPDATE Nov. 26, 2021​

I didn’t update the post due to the heavy university work (so sad).
You can keep your data during flashing now by simply choose an option while flashing, as the Newflasher is up-to-date. But still please backup your important data before flashing.
I can confirm that Gpay and android wear work perfectly after flashing, even a cross-model flashing.
Flashing a different rom doesn’t bring any carrier feature like VoLTE and VoWiFi, see this post.
I also tried XQ-BC62 roms again and also XQ-BC52 roms. Same issue, LTE disconnects every 10 seconds, and it brought no new features at all. I haven’t tried those Japanese roms. If you have any experience, please share.

 

[lowridincrew,]

Hmm, I'm debating on getting the XQ-BC72 model and crossflashing to the US but only if it come swith a warranty

 

[senzazn12]

Does anybody know what might be causing the flash to stop about a quarter way through? I followed the steps outlined above but still doesn't work. Still stuck on the device can't be trusted, five second power down logo.
It worked the first time, but now it’s not completing anymore.

 

[[email protected]]

Things needed:​

1. An Xperia 1 iii (of corse)
2. A Windows PC (I don't know if there's a Mac or Linux version, but I didn't find it)
3. A reliable USB-C cable
4. NewFlasher
Download: [TOOL] Newflasher (xperia command line flasher)
5. XperiFirm
Download: Tool Archives - XperiFirm Tool

!!!FIRST THING FIRST!!! BACKUP EVERYTHING IMPORTANT
FLASHING A PHONE WILL CAUSE DATA LOSS. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR DATA.

1. Download and unzip the XperiFirm and select the ROM you want in the Available Firmware list and download.

View attachment 5396817View attachment 5396819

2. Once downloaded, unzip the NewFlasher into the ROM folder.

Your folder should look like this:
View attachment 5396821

3. Start a command line in the ROM folder and run "newflasher set_active:a" otherwise your phone will boot into a bootloop.

View attachment 5396823

4. Power off your phone and plug it into your PC. Hold the volume down button and the power button until the LED turns GREEN.

5. Now you can double click on the newflasher.exe in your ROM folder and follow the guide.

6. Don't disturb the flasher while it is working. Your phone will automatically turn on after the flashing is completed.



My Xperia was purchased in China (XQ-BC72). I have tried many ROMs like Hong Kong and Taiwan versions. Recently I flashed my phone with the XQ-BC62 ROM and everything works very well (mobile data, voice calling, data roaming, dual SIM, exposure alert, etc.). However, I haven't try VoLTE because my carrier doesn't support it (SO SAD).
I'm in Canada and my carrier is CMLink. The data icon for LTE shows 4G if you're curious.
The DRM is not damaged that the Windvine security level is still L1 so you can still enjoy the HDR content on Netflix after flashing using this method.

Could you please tell me the difference between the XQ-BC62 ROM and other ROMs for example the Taiwan versions. Thanks for your reply.

 

[DennisDD78]

Things needed:​

1. An Xperia 1 iii (of corse)
2. A Windows PC (I don't know if there's a Mac or Linux version, but I didn't find it)
3. A reliable USB-C cable
4. NewFlasher
Download: [TOOL] Newflasher (xperia command line flasher)
5. XperiFirm
Download: Tool Archives - XperiFirm Tool

!!!FIRST THING FIRST!!! BACKUP EVERYTHING IMPORTANT
FLASHING A PHONE WILL CAUSE DATA LOSS. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR DATA.

1. Download and unzip the XperiFirm and select the ROM you want in the Available Firmware list and download.

View attachment 5396817View attachment 5396819

2. Once downloaded, unzip the NewFlasher into the ROM folder.

Your folder should look like this:
View attachment 5396821

3. Start a command line in the ROM folder and run "newflasher set_active:a" otherwise your phone will boot into a bootloop.

View attachment 5396823

4. Power off your phone and plug it into your PC. Hold the volume down button and the power button until the LED turns GREEN.

5. Now you can double click on the newflasher.exe in your ROM folder and follow the guide.

6. Don't disturb the flasher while it is working. Your phone will automatically turn on after the flashing is completed.



My Xperia was purchased in China (XQ-BC72). I have tried many ROMs like Hong Kong and Taiwan versions. Recently I flashed my phone with the XQ-BC62 ROM and everything works very well (mobile data, voice calling, data roaming, dual SIM, exposure alert, etc.). However, I haven't try VoLTE because my carrier doesn't support it (SO SAD).
I'm in Canada and my carrier is CMLink. The data icon for LTE shows 4G if you're curious.
The DRM is not damaged that the Windvine security level is still L1 so you can still enjoy the HDR content on Netflix after flashing using this method.

Unfortunately OTA update system stops working after flashing non-native f/w, please consider this and warn others.
Don`t know why, OTA just doesn`t work.

 

[cambosteve]

I was able to flash to the US firmware, but I have no signal (T-Mobile). I'm wondering if I did something wrong during the process.

 

[Cavaleur7]

Hey,

I tried flashing the US firmware for Xperia 1 iii.
So my first mistake was that I unplugged it too early during the initial flash. Now I keep getting "This device is corrupt. It cannot be trusted to boot. Power off in 5 seconds."
I did this as my device was set to "newflasher set_active:b" instead of "newflasher set_active:a".

Any suggestions on where to go from here?

This initial firmware is the HK firmware.

Thanks and cheers

 

[Forbesii]

I was able to flash to the US firmware, but I have no signal (T-Mobile). I'm wondering if I did something wrong during the process.

I don't think it's your fault. My XQ-BC72 with BC62 rom has some problems on LTE network as well. The LTE connection is auto-disconnecting every 30 seconds. So I flashed it back to TW rom and the problem is solved.

 

[Forbesii]

Unfortunately OTA update system stops working after flashing non-native f/w, please consider this and warn others.
Don`t know why, OTA just doesn`t work.

Yes you remind me that I've received a software update but no ROM update. I will update my post. Thanks for telling me!

 

[Forbesii]

Unfortunately OTA update system stops working after flashing non-native f/w, please consider this and warn others.
Don`t know why, OTA just doesn`t work.

Also can you tell me what do you mean by non-native? cause I didn't get an OTA on my CN phone with TW ROM as well

 

[cambosteve]

I don't think it's your fault. My XQ-BC72 with BC62 rom has some problems on LTE network as well. The LTE connection is auto-disconnecting every 30 seconds. So I flashed it back to TW rom and the problem is solved.

Yeah i went back to the TW rom and it works perfectly as well. I did some minor research so take this with a grain if salt, but I found that the Global Xperia 1 IIIs have different bands internally compared to the US Xperia 1 IIIs. I think that’s why the network keeps on disconnecting when using the BC62 rom on BC72 phones.

 

[OhayouBaka]

Here are the instructions for keeping data intact while flashing firmware in Newflasher on the Xperia 1 III:

If you only delete userdata.sin, your data partition will be corrupt and you will be forced to factory reset and lose all your data.

To prevent this from happening, not only do you have to delete userdata.sin, but also appslog.sin, diag.sin and metadata.sin from the firmware folder as well. Found this by checking the update.xml file in the firmware folder, all required sin files to delete are listed as "<NOERASE>".

@Forbesii feel free to edit your original post to include this important information.

 

[DennisDD78]

Also can you tell me what do you mean by non-native? cause I didn't get an OTA on my CN phone with TW ROM as well

The native firmware is the one that was originally installed in your new device, out of the box.
If you are flashing your device with the firmware of a different region, then now it is not the native firmware for your device.
You flashed your Chinese device with TW ROM, so now you have non-native f/w and OTA system won`t work. Reflash the device back to it`s native Chinese ROM, after that i recommend to you to make a repair with Xperia Comapsnion, and after all this OTA function will recover.

 

[TienDinh]

i am using 1iii chinese version, yesterday i flashed the rom but got an error, the device rebooted continuously, can anyone help me?

 

[TienDinh]

the screen shows the words "your device is corrutp. its can't be trusted and will no boot..."

 

[senzazn12]

the screen shows the words "your device is corrutp. its can't be trusted and will no boot..."

Yeah, it's a problem. I had to return mine because of it. There were issues with overheating and boot loop initially even when I wasn't even trying to flash it. I don't know if mine was just a lemon.

 

[dialfonzo]

Thanks for this guide.
I'm also from Canada and first try (before reading here) ended up in a Blue LED no boot (boot loop).

I now am on Russian XQ-BC72

 

[dialfonzo]

Anybody use TikTok ?
I think i have an weird issue since i'm on a Russian version now. Seems that once i am "logged" the comments / share icons just disappear.

I've completly reinstalled on my other phone and have no issues, just on that phone.

Going back to TW version.. will report

 

[morphius88]

Here are the instructions for keeping data intact while flashing firmware in Newflasher on the Xperia 1 III:

If you only delete userdata.sin, your data partition will be corrupt and you will be forced to factory reset and lose all your data.

To prevent this from happening, not only do you have to delete userdata.sin, but also appslog.sin, diag.sin and metadata.sin from the firmware folder as well. Found this by checking the update.xml file in the firmware folder, all required sin files to delete are listed as "<NOERASE>".

@Forbesii feel free to edit your original post to include this important information.

Can confirm, I was able to update just now via newflasher and everything seems to have survived.

 

[Forbesii]

Can confirm, I was able to update just now via newflasher and everything seems to have survived.

Thanks a lot for your confirmation! My Xperia is my primary phone, so I didn't try it. Please tell me if all Google Pay cards are still there and if the android smartwatch is still connected!