topic Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update in XPERIA archive

Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 15:50:10 GMT

Hi everyone,
Though this is my first post, I am reading through posts for last couple of months.
Yesterday, I faced a peculiar issues, there was a update available for Android web view, so I just started updating over mobile data and also put the phone on charge. Then I was busy with something. Then when I checked the phone, it was on the screen shutting down and then it restarted with installation screen. After installation I realized it got factory reset.
All my phone data are wiped, and photos and videos of memory card also got corrupted.
Why so? Pretty weird that phone getting master reset as of itself. Any idea? Anyone else also faced this?
By the way, exchange service is enabled and it has administrative rights over the phone; just read in another forum that this could be a issue, though I am not convinced.
Any help or information would be appreciated.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

MarlonUk1 — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 16:55:23 GMT

It is really difficult to say what prompted the reset. I did also receive the update but nothing happened like this. It might just be a coincidence. However, I have experience a reset before brought on by a super depleted battery. Did you charge your device with enough life left?

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 18:01:01 GMT

I am not sure on the battery percentage, but certainly not below 25%, that's when stamina mode kicks in. As I remember, stamina mode was not set when I put for charge.
Anyway, thanks for pointing out this, I will be super careful next time for charging.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

Uliwooly — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 18:42:19 GMT

@UNM

If someone had access to your Gmail or MyXperia they could factory reset your phone using Android Device Manager or MyXperia

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 18:53:06 GMT

@uliwooly
Thanks for the concern, but I think I still own my Gmail account.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

Uliwooly — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 18:57:08 GMT

@UNM

Do you download apps ONLY through the PlayStore?

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 19:02:54 GMT

@uliwooly
Yes, for sure and installation from unknown sources are disabled.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

Uliwooly — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 19:07:54 GMT

@UNM

The only way the phone can factory reset after an update is if you use XC and select clean update, which delete everything from the phone.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 19:16:45 GMT

@uliwooly
That was the weird thing that, if you look at the sequence of events, the reset was automatic. When I got to the phone, the process was already underway.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

Uliwooly — Sun, 11 Dec 2016 19:28:20 GMT

@UNM

How did you updated the phone? OTA or XC?

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 06:56:48 GMT

@uliwooly

Update was through play store, thats make it OTA I believe.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

Uliwooly — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 07:13:25 GMT

@UNM

That doesn't make sense, system update (Android update) will be done either OTA or XC; PlayStore update(s) is only for app(s).

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 07:19:17 GMT

@uliwooly

Sorry for misunderstanding, I think I said I was updating Android system web view, not android OS update.

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

MarlonUk1 — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 09:15:25 GMT

it seems that this problem is an isolated one, not unless it happens again, we can not pinpoint the problem

here's some suggestion

1.) try to do a regualr back up of your device

2.) observe your phone while on safe mode before updates

3.) if there is an update for the android web view. make sure your device is at least 50% above

4.) and please report back in case this happen again..

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

UNM — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 09:28:31 GMT

nolramlb

Thank you verymuch.

I didnot loose much apart from the photos in memory card being corrupted. I am more frequent to back up after this insident.

I will keep to note the batery level for any future update. But do you suggest the safemode before each and every software update or more to android webview or system updates?

Re: Xperia XA, automatic master reset after android Web view update

MarlonUk1 — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:41:44 GMT

maybe with just the major updates, android web view would be disabled in safe mode since it a third party app, its just to make sure that your device runs as it should and there is no problem with the software.