Android 5.x restore from previous device

[asdffdsaasdf]

Lollipop added a "Restore from a Previous Device" option to the device setup, but Sony's unnecessary setup app seems to make it unavailable.  Is there any way to access the default Lollipop setup or at least the restore from previous device?  Why would Sony replace the onboarding process.... 

[Uliwooly]

@asdffdsaasdf

Once you enter your Gmail account you should be able to restore your apps and settings

[asdffdsaasdf]

@uliwooly nope, talking about http://www.droid-life.com/2014/11/25/android-5-0-feature-tap-go-restore-and-restore-from-specific-de... (not tap n go, the second section). Android has a built in restore from previous device feature that isn't accessable because Sony replaced the default Android onboarder.

[Uliwooly]

@asdffdsaasdf

Interesting, you should contact Sony directly with your feedback

http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/contactUs/

Perhaps @Johan and/or @Rickard could comment on this.

[Uliwooly]

@asdffdsaasdf

Isn't similar to Xperia Transfer?

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/apps-services/xperia-transfer/from-iphone-or-ipad/

[asdffdsaasdf]

One part of it is, but the Google version lets you restore from the cloud saved backups of previous devices.  I can see on another android device that there's a backup of a previous Z3 that I had, but I can't restore from that backup on my current Z3 because Sony disabled/removed the default Android setup flow.

[Rickard]

We do have this in our software. In the 3:rd step of the setup guide where you have the Google setup you tap "Get started" and you will get Tap & Go.

[Uliwooly]

Thanks @Rickard 

@asdffdsaasdf well there you have it. 

[asdffdsaasdf]

Nope, all adding your Google account does is sync contacts.  Android 5 allows users to restore completely (not just contacts and calendar stuff, but apps, app settings, and more) from a previous device all via Google's cloud services.  This is normally part of the device setup, but Sony's setup replaces the normal Google one.

Also, your Sony Entertainment Network password reset emails go to spam and direct people to a suspicious looking site with a bad TLS cert.

[asdffdsaasdf]

The 3rd step of the Xperia setup isn't even the Google setup... It's the SOE login which doesn't have anything to do with restoring previous data AFAICT.  As I said before, step 4 will let you connect your Google account which will sync contacts, calendars, etc, but misses out on the full device restore that is now part of Android. Step 5 has a link to a webpage that advertises Sony's backup and restore software, which isn't an option if the previous device isn't available.