Android 5.0.2 - Wi-Fi Issues

[smjohns]

Hi,

My Z3c phone received the Android 5.0.2 update last week and although I have been generally happy with the update, the wi-fi performance has taken a big hit and doesn't seem as reliabile as it was. I have also noticed that connections are dropped and recreated randomly throughout the day even though the device has not moved from the access point. This is particularly true when using application such as Situations and Smart Unlock. The developers of these apps have confirmed that there are problems with the 5.0.2 update and that Google fixed these with v5.1. Do we know when Sony will be releasing this update for the series Z devices?

[smjohns]

Yep issue occurs in safe mode too.

[sunshower]

Is the new firmware build for our phones 23.1.A.0.740 intended to fix this problem?

[sunshower]

Ok I'm done suffering for the sake of nothing and waiting for answers or at least acknowledgements. Lollipop update made my phone unusable. I'm flashing KitKat back.

[smjohns]

Where did you get this firmware version number from? I am running 23.1.A.0.726? This issue is getting really frustrating now so hope Sony fix this soon. 

How are you flashing back to 4.4.4? I assume this requires a repair shop?

[Rickard]

This is not a known issue so it's something that we are investigating. But to me it sounds like you have two different issues.

@sunshower

This sounds like something that happens with a specific access point/router and we are looking into this.

@smjohns

As this happens with all WiFi-networks that you connect to and also in safe mode it seems you have a general issue with WiFi in your phone. I would recommend that you try to reinstall the phones software using PC Companion but please note that this will reset your phone and delete all your data.

If the issue should still remain I think that this needs to be examined and fixed at a repair center. For more information about how to submit your phone for repair and where, contact your local support team.

[smjohns]

Hmm....that is not helpful as it takes ages to set up the phone again after a complete factory reset. This is further complicated by me not being able to back up my phone as it is totally (internal and SD card) encrypted and your PC software only supports unencrypted phones. I.e. you either have an encrypted phone that you can't backup or you have an unsecure phone that you can back up. Also a bit annoying for me is that your PC software will only instally on my laptops C drive which does not have the necessary 5gb of space required for a phone re-flash.

If you are sure that this will sort my problems then I will give it a try. Judging by others commenting on wifi issues with v5.0.2, I am thinking that this will not help.

[sunshower]

Here is the info on the firmware build I refer to: http://www.xperiablog.net/2015/04/20/new-firmware-23-1-a-0-740-certified-for-xperia-z3-series/.

Today I tried the connection with the other wi-fi networks, the issue persists. So it is present always - in phone's safe mode and with different networks. This is just unacceptable because with previous KitKat firmware and same set of applications installed there were absolutely no issues.

What does this PC software "repair" do exactly? Just flashes the same latest firmware with full wipes? If so, you can do it without it, just from your phones setting menu - restore to factory settings. I suppose the result will be the same. Concerning flashing the previous build back - itis possible to do yourself at home if you''re skilled enough. There are detailed instructions on the internet.

[smjohns]

@Rickard

Well I have spent the day restoring my phone. I first factory reset to remove all encryption and data then performed a firmware repair using the PC Companion software. I then spent the next few hours re-encrypting the entire phone, restoring all of my settings, apps and data. I will let you know how the wifi performs over the next few days. One thing I did notice is that when the phone was encrypted but not set with a pattern, pin, password to unlock it, the phone re-booted fairly quickly (ok not as quickly as KitKat). I then enabled a pattern lock and now the bootup takes much longer and not far off what it was before I rebuilt the phone. Either Lollipop is really bloaty around this or you have an issue with the code. Thankfully it seems that PC Companion is now able to backup the phone after it has been totally encrypted so hopefully any future restores will be much easier to complete.

If there are bug fix updates for this firmware, please can you work really hard to get them out as the phone is definitely no longer fast on Lollipop.

[Rickard]

@sunshower

When you perform a repair of the phones software in PC Companion or Bridge for Mac it reinstalls the entire firmware. While you can perform a master reset from the phone i would recommend that you do a repair instead just in case something went wrong when the phone was updated.

@smjohns

Thanks for testing this! Please keep me updated if it has helped or not.

Regarding the time it takes to start or restart the phone i think you have selected the option "Require pattern to start device" when you set the pattern lock. This will increase how long it takes.

[Lazze79]

Hi

When i come home my phone tries to connect automatically to my home Wifi.

After Lollipop update Wifi connection fails almost every time.

When i go to wifi settings there is an authentication error.

Then i have to manually select settings and Wifi and tap connect, then wifi connects and everything works ok,

untll next time i leave home and come back.

This is annoying problem because i have limited mobile data and it would be enough if

phone would use wifi when i'm home.

I have tried to delete wifi connection and then connect it again but same problem occurs.

Thanks if you can help.