Database Develop

[Q] Microphone not usable

Hi,
I'm unable to use my microphone on my Phone. When I call someone they can't hear my voice. When I launch the Google Search Mic, it doesn't detect any sound unless I scream or hit the phone, but the gray circle isn't big (meaning its not picking up too much sound). However, when I run the diagnostics tool within settings, I can hear even whispering.
This issue started since a few days ago. I was at a pool party and had the phone in my pocket. All ports were sealed, phone ON. I was recording audio at the time. I went in through the shallow end and I realized I had my phone in my pocket, 5 mins later. My phone was OFF when I pulled it out. When I powered it back ON after getting a towel to dry it, it did some weird sequence ( SONY logo, then picture of a triangle with a wrench and screwdriver inside). I had to hold the Power + Volume up to get out of it. I powered it back on and it booted into the OS, surprisingly. I found there were no problems...except for the mic. I dried my phone and all, no water internally.
Just yesterday I restarted my phone to clear out some RAM. I notice it was doing this weird sequence again, except that time instead of the triangle with a wrench it was a picture of android, progress bar on the bottom. It rebooted again to the OS, nothing's different.
Here's my configuration:
-STOCK 14.1.G.0.534
-C6903
-No Warranty
-Locked bootloader
-No Root, recoveries, and busybox
I flashed everything to defaults using SUS to see if it's a software problem, but that didn't fix it. I factory reset and it didn't work. What can I do to fix this? Is there an app I can download to amplify the mic (or file)?
Using Earbuds fixes the issue. But I don't prefer it attached to my phone all the time.

Flash and Update to the latest Firmware and check is the problem persist, wipe everything. If you do not want the latest FW then Update to JB 4.3 FW .136. It doing crazy so I will recommend to upgrade and wipe all. if then the problem still there and it still go out of software then I will start think about something worse than just a Software problem.

eclyptos said:
Flash and Update to the latest Firmware and check is the problem persist, wipe everything. If you do not want the latest FW then Update to JB 4.3 FW .136. It doing crazy so I will recommend to upgrade and wipe all. if then the problem still there and it still go out of software then I will start think about something worse than just a Software problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention on my post: When I use Speaker phone the mic works. I turned off the Mic suppression and tried with speaker phone off, but nothing.
I'm upgrading the phone to latest atm, will report back.

Upgrade did not help me.
Isn't there 2 mics on this phone? Maybe 1 of them broke...not sure.
Is this a hardware issue?

eclyptos said:
if then the problem still there and it still go out of software then I will start think about something worse than just a Software problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked at the service manual and saw there are two mics: one on the top at the back of the phone, and one on the bottom inside the speaker. I used Audacity to generate a mid-high range frequency of sound. I connected earbuds to my laptop and put the ends to the mics. The mic on the top back of the phone picks up sound. The mic inside of the speaker doesn't.
EDIT: Started the service menu. Secondary mic is ok, primary mic broken.
I'm convinced this is a Hardware issue. If I send my phone to Sony to service the primary microphone, how much will it cost, minus the inspection fee? Estimates are ok.

kentexcitebot said:
EDIT: Started the service menu. Secondary mic is ok, primary mic broken.
I'm convinced this is a Hardware issue. If I send my phone to Sony to service the primary microphone, how much will it cost, minus the inspection fee? Estimates are ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No body can tell. Just ask them.

[Q] Headphone jack not detecting headphones

Hey,
My headphone jack has stopped detecting whether headphones are plugged in or not, stopped a few days ago, my phone is just about 5 weeks old and fully stock.
The jack it self is working, by using the app soundabout I'm able to "force" the sound to the headphones, but only manually. The Z3 never detects that headphones are connected.
There are a few threads on sonys forum but other than recommending testing the soundabout-app which really is more of a poor workaround than a solution there doesn't seem to any working tips to solve it. I my self havn't tried factory reset yet, but others say they have without solving the problem.
Some one with advice on how to solve this (if it's not a HW-problem)?

Unfortunately I am seeing the same problem. I got this on private sale, but I have the receipt so hopefully it can be repaired if it isn't a software issue.
It works with Soundabout, and I've tried clearing that Smart Connect to no avail. Haven't tried factory reset though.

Had the same. Then the sound cut totally. Went back to sony.
Sent from my D5803 using XDA Free mobile app

Just spoke to Sony support and they said to run the Software Repair, I will try this out. If that doesn't work then it'll need to go for repair.
At least the phone is still under warranty, but it's pretty bad this issue is common. Definitely disappointed, I thought I'd just give Sony a try.

Have you tried the "Smart Key" app by Sony? It's actually just an add-on for Smart Connect (when you click on headset device you can see "Call key settings; Download and install", clicking that takes you to Play store to download "Smart Key").
When I installed it, my phone detected headset. The problem with app is that it's not working right. When I click the headphones button once - nothing happens, when I click it twice, then the action configured for 1 click starts. Strange.

Yeah I did try that as well, and it also does not detect.
This is one of the strangest issues I've seen.

Just tried factory reset, still does not work.
Currently downloading the update on the PC Companion, will see if this helps, honestly I doubt it.

Got an RMA to send for repair now, hopefully it won't be that long.

Yep, I too called Sony yesterday and they told me to just send it in, about 5-10 working days normal time for repair according to support (in Sweden). Pretty disappointed with this after less than a mount of use (and seemingly more or less common error). My store has pretty good return policy's normally, but wont accept an exchange, just repair on this ;(.
Thanks for all replies!

Just got my replacement Z3 compact, seems to be fine now, they replaced it altogether instead of fixing, I guess this was a serious issue.

I had the exact same problem. However, it's strange-- when I changed to a different pair of headphones, it works. The connection is not great, however. By pressing on either direction of the jack plug audio playback will stop sometimes and the headphones won't be detected. Because I bought mine from Clove UK and live in Thailand, there's no way I can get them repaired. I'm pretty disappointed with the build quality. My Z1C was a rock, and an all-around better phone to be honest. I miss it (drowed due to faulty water proofing, couldn't be repaired).

Eason85 said:
I had the exact same problem. However, it's strange-- when I changed to a different pair of headphones, it works. The connection is not great, however. By pressing on either direction of the jack plug audio playback will stop sometimes and the headphones won't be detected. Because I bought mine from Clove UK and live in Thailand, there's no way I can get them repaired. I'm pretty disappointed with the build quality. My Z1C was a rock, and an all-around better phone to be honest. I miss it (drowed due to faulty water proofing, couldn't be repaired).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have problem using apple earpods on this phone. In settings>sounds>audio settings>headphones change it to different ones (for ex i chose STH-30) unplugged my earphones and plugged it back.. might take 2 or 3 tries but hopefully it helps

I got a simmilar problem, if I move my phone, the sound begins to crack and wierd stuff.
Tomorrow I will send it back and will see if they repair or change the phone

I just picked one of these up, also private sale, and am having the same issue.. The headset is working fine then randomly stops being detected. I have to disconnect and reseat and twist the connection to get it to recognize it again.
Googling it finds a plethora of people complaining of the same problem.
I'm going to go direct to Sony and see whats up re:repairs.

I am having the same problem. Music is playing fine for a moment until he doesn't recognise him suddenly. is this a warranty problem?

I'm now on my fifth Xperia Z3 Compact, and still Sony fail to acknowledge a problem with the handset. It's disgusting.
Out of interest, what charger lead/headphones do you use? They're trying to blame it on my headphones/charger/apps when it's blatantly not the case.

toothpick solved my problem:good:
i found a big lump of cotton in it, i didnt have a problem like that before. And i didnt expect such a big thing will become in 2 months.

I think I have the solution
I had the same problem with my apple earbuds and Beats Solo's. I tried it with my sony earbuds that came with the phone, which were never used, and those worked. I tried it with my other beats cable which is hardly ever used, and it worked too. I think that maybe the 3.5mm connector on your headphones/earbuds may be dirty or old. try leaning the connector or try with brand new headphones/earbuds. Good luck!

SoundAbout works

the music app won't detect headphones, other 3rd party apps work fine. being a sony user and a walkman user all my childhood, this is just sad. tried clearing data too!

Sudden death and...root !

My phone decided to not switch on any longer. The only sign of life is the notification led blinking red when is in charge, no way to access it with any program if I attach it to the PC with a USB cable.
I should send it to the Sony repairing center (still under warranty) but the phone is rooted; given its situation do they discover it ?

I had that exact problem. Turned out that the battery suddenly died after about a year.
In my experience they never care what stuff is currently on the phone. Instead they'll just flash it with the latest stock rom after fixing the hardware.

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience. I really hope will be the same in my case as well. I'll post here what will happen.
PS I'm wondering about the batteries' quality: my daughter with a z1c had your same problem (a little more than one year life), you, may be myself... I know the sample is not significant but...

Same thing happened with mine & i was on a custom rom with unlocked bootloader...they probably had no way to get into the phone just like i couldn't so they probably couldn't tell it was modified...it was just a brick at that point...i noticed certain batches were affected by this sudden death and after pulling my tag out i noticed my phone was part of that batch that was poorly assembled in china...so brand new phone for me!

Fictional Reality said:
Same thing happened with mine & i was on a custom rom with unlocked bootloader...they probably had no way to get into the phone just like i couldn't so they probably couldn't tell it was modified...it was just a brick at that point...i noticed certain batches were affected by this sudden death and after pulling my tag out i noticed my phone was part of that batch that was poorly assembled in china...so brand new phone for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, another positive experience. I cross my fingers and I'll post what will happen to me

I have the impression they dont even check the software, they just flash a new fw and thats it. Or they dont care.

My phone locked up on me like this, but I solved it by pushing a pin into the reset button hole.

Geoff2 said:
My phone locked up on me like this, but I solved it by pushing a pin into the reset button hole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion but I tried any possible way to resurrect my phone, including what you're saying, without any result. I hope to confirm soon what all the contributors to this thread are saying...

Just received the device from assistance; everything went well: the motherboard was replaced.
The only drawback is that the lost the tiny grill that cover the mic at the bottom of the phone !!!!!

No DRM. Never unlocked bootloader

I was just looking at some pictures I have recently taken with my Z3c and noticed there is a lot of noise. I haven't looked at any pictures on a computer recently, but I know it is a lot more than it used to be.
I am running Slimm 2.0 and have never unlocked my bootloader.
When I type *#*#7378423#*#* I am shown the following:
MARLIN [Unknown Error][Active]
CKB [Unknown Error][Active]
WIDEVINE [Unknown Error][Active]
Everything else is [Key OK][Active]
I ran the Backup TA just now to see if it would throw any errors, however it completed successfully. Is it possible I still have them on there, they are just not active for some reason?

zreon said:
I was just looking at some pictures I have recently taken with my Z3c and noticed there is a lot of noise. I haven't looked at any pictures on a computer recently, but I know it is a lot more than it used to be.
I am running Slimm 2.0 and have never unlocked my bootloader.
When I type *#*#7378423#*#* I am shown the following:
MARLIN [Unknown Error][Active]
CKB [Unknown Error][Active]
WIDEVINE [Unknown Error][Active]
Everything else is [Key OK][Active]
I ran the Backup TA just now to see if it would throw any errors, however it completed successfully. Is it possible I still have them on there, they are just not active for some reason?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked against my settings as I am running Slim 2 as well, but on my phone they all say [OK][Active].
Did you use flashtool at all?
I'm guessing you don't have a backup of the TA partition.
Since you haven't technically unlocked it, you could put a stock rom on try and get Sony service involved.
I called the helpdesk when my screen cracked, it was a tiny hairline crack I could hardly see, they made me try a few things, PC Companion repair etc etc. Then gave me the address of the service centre to send it to with a helpdesk code. 5 days later I got the phone back with a new screen, free. It's always worth trying the telephone helpline rather than taking it into a Sony shop, they are paid to try and fix it, whereas the shop just want you to buy something. Make sure you register the phone first.

Didgesteve said:
I checked against my settings as I am running Slim 2 as well, but on my phone they all say [OK][Active].
Did you use flashtool at all?
I'm guessing you don't have a backup of the TA partition.
Since you haven't technically unlocked it, you could put a stock rom on try and get Sony service involved.
I called the helpdesk when my screen cracked, it was a tiny hairline crack I could hardly see, they made me try a few things, PC Companion repair etc etc. Then gave me the address of the service centre to send it to with a helpdesk code. 5 days later I got the phone back with a new screen, free. It's always worth trying the telephone helpline rather than taking it into a Sony shop, they are paid to try and fix it, whereas the shop just want you to buy something. Make sure you register the phone first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did purchase the phone used (so they may have unlocked/relocked the booloader and lost the DRM), however I don't remember the pictures being this grainy a few months ago. I could be imagining things though.
I have used flashtool before. Never to unlock the bootloader though.
The only backup I have is the one I ran earlier, which I am assuming doesn't contain the DRM even thought it did not throw any errors.
From what I have read, even Sony is unable to restore the DRM on the phone if they are gone.
I am thinking I may just unlock the bootloader and try out the DRM fix that is floating around. Does this sound like my best option?

zreon said:
I did purchase the phone used (so they may have unlocked/relocked the booloader and lost the DRM), however I don't remember the pictures being this grainy a few months ago. I could be imagining things though.
I have used flashtool before. Never to unlock the bootloader though.
The only backup I have is the one I ran earlier, which I am assuming doesn't contain the DRM even thought it did not throw any errors.
From what I have read, even Sony is unable to restore the DRM on the phone if they are gone.
I am thinking I may just unlock the bootloader and try out the DRM fix that is floating around. Does this sound like my best option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well since the the DRM keys throw errors in service menu, my guess is that they are gone, I think you should go for unlocked bootloader and DRM fix, it does work, but before applying the fix, make sure you do a Factory reset (/data, cache and Dalvik cache) and then flash a DRM fix. And note that even with original DRM keys, noise reduction works ONLY on 8mp and not on 15mp/20mp, that's where people get confused.
However you can root the device on stock KK, do a TA backup and unlock the bootloader, but since the keys are most probably gone, I think you shouldn't bother with that.

About Sony Warranty

Hey guys,
I have to sent my Z3C to repair on warranty, because of the microSD/microUSB flip problem.
During the time with my phone, I rooted it, installed TWRP from How-to: root, keep and backup DRM keys, etc. [KitKat/Lollipops/Marshmallow/etc.] and then, I installed SLiMM rom.
Now, I'm without root, without TWRP, closed bootloader (never changed that) and stock rom (Thank You Pokemon Go -.-').
I'm safe to call Sony for assistance?
Thanks

Yeah, you're fine. As long as the issue is clearly hardware related, there's no real concern about them denying the claim for software changes. Just don't be surprised if they factory reset your device before mailing it back to you.

PuffDaddy_d said:
Yeah, you're fine. As long as the issue is clearly hardware related, there's no real concern about them denying the claim for software changes. Just don't be surprised if they factory reset your device before mailing it back to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted them through chat, and they said I'll have to pay to change the microsd port because I changed the software...
Because of that I'm concerned...

Undeon said:
I contacted them through chat, and they said I'll have to pay to change the microsd port because I changed the software...
Because of that I'm concerned...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you restored to factory state before taking it to the service then I believe there is no way for them to know you actually did some software changes to the device

Anyone heard about any kind of track done by Sony of what has done to the phones?

Undeon said:
I contacted them through chat, and they said I'll have to pay to change the microsd port because I changed the software...
Because of that I'm concerned...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAHAHAHA! That's ridiculous!
First of all, never tell Sony customer support that you've done anything to the phone software. They will be more than happy to void your warranty to avoid losing money on the repair. Secondly, do not use any RMA number they provided to you (because it probably has a note attached to it in Sony's system indicating that the repair is not warrantied). Finally, chat/call Sony support, tell them the SD card isn't working. Tell them you tried all the BS techniques to fix it (reboot, factory reset, sony PC companion, etc), and then get a new RMA number that will get the device fixed under warranty.
Send in phone, wait a week, get repaired phone, enjoy!

PuffDaddy_d said:
HAHAHAHAHA! That's ridiculous!
First of all, never tell Sony customer support that you've done anything to the phone software. They will be more than happy to void your warranty to avoid losing money on the repair. Secondly, do not use any RMA number they provided to you (because it probably has a note attached to it in Sony's system indicating that the repair is not warrantied). Finally, chat/call Sony support, tell them the SD card isn't working. Tell them you tried all the BS techniques to fix it (reboot, factory reset, sony PC companion, etc), and then get a new RMA number that will get the device fixed under warranty.
Send in phone, wait a week, get repaired phone, enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First first of all, I had a insight to ask to not keep any information of any kind during the chat session... Only after that, I told I rooted, changed the firmware, insisted that the software and hardware is working perfectly. They said I lose the warranty anyway... Later, I contacted them to erase all information they had about me. So I don't have an RMA ticket yet. But thanks for the advise.
Hmmm one more thing.... Because of my poor english, I wasn't clear enough.. The microSD is working fine. The problem is the microsd cover. The small rubber is loose and the cover wont close correctly. I cleaned everything but wont solve. It may be a "small" problem, but I lose the water resistance....

Undeon said:
Hey guys,
I have to sent my Z3C to repair on warranty, because of the microSD/microUSB flip problem.
During the time with my phone, I rooted it, installed TWRP from How-to: root, keep and backup DRM keys, etc. [KitKat/Lollipops/Marshmallow/etc.] and then, I installed SLiMM rom.
Now, I'm without root, without TWRP, closed bootloader (never changed that) and stock rom (Thank You Pokemon Go -.-').
I'm safe to call Sony for assistance?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashtool + original stock firmware 23.5.A.1.291 from Brazil (if you really bought your phone in Brazil)
and your phone is NEW again
Look at this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706

istux said:
Flashtool + original stock firmware 23.5.A.1.291 from Brazil (if you really bought your phone in Brazil)
and your phone is NEW again
Look at this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm with 6.0.1 stock blessed with a lot of apps and stuff that I don't like T-T but I'll contact them...

I contacted them again. Since they have a repair center here, I just have to go there and leave my Z3C for repairs.
I will appreciate if they give my a brand new cellphone (I'm dreaming to much? hehehe). A friend of mine received a Z3+, but his case was more serious. Anyway... I'll update this thread when I have an update on the situation.
Until then, thanks everyone.