Can I wipe my Z3 even if the screen is broke?

[steveyraff]

Hi guys. 

Can I do a fully back to factory settings wipe via connecting the z3 to my Macbook? 

On the 6th of October, I dropped my Z3. The screen appeared ok, but the touchscreen does not work. I sent it away to o2 repairs on the 7th. It's been a long and arduous battle, with many mishandlings, and they even lost it at one point, but finally today I was told I would be upgraded to a Z5 free of charge for all my troubles. 

They also agreed to send my Z3 back to me, but only temporarily, so that I can retrieve all the data I need on it. Now, obviously I would have backed it up before sending it away, except I was assured it would be a simple screen fix, and at the time I didn't have the cable to connect it to my MacBook. 

ANYWAY - I've tons of confidential business emails, passwords saved on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as plenty of conversations on WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, Skype, SnapChat etc etc.

I know when I connect the Z3 to my MacBook I will be able to backup photos and videos, but is there anyway of doing a full 'back to factory settings' wipe via this same connection, so that all saved info is completely wiped? 

[steveyraff]

Oh just found this, will it work for my needs? 

Master reset with hardware keys

A master reset restores the original factory settings and may delete your personal data on the internal storage, such as downloads, ringtones, images, apps, contacts, and Visual Voicemail. It does not delete data stored on the SIM card or SD card.

If the device menus are frozen or unresponsive, you can master reset using hardware keys.

1. Back up data on the internal memory.
2. Turn off the phone.
3. Press and hold the Power and Volume Down keys for 10 seconds until the green Android logo displays.
4. Use the Volume keys to highlight Factory Reset.
5. Press the Power key to select.
6. Use the Volume keys to highlight 'Yes', then press the Power key to confirm.
7. The device will reset and restart.

[exsanguinator]

I think if the screen is off and unresponsive,and you cant access the fone with your computer, like it doesn't recognise a device connected etc,then you can't access any features until a new screen is fitted.
Most times of the screen/lcd is cracked badly etc,you can't even switch it on.

[Uliwooly]

Sync with Google and also, you can use a USB OTG cable + mouse to access your phone

[Emir1]

Hi @steveyraff, I am very sorry to hear about what has happened.

There is no such master reset using hardware keys, but you can perform a software repair using Xperia Companion on your Mac.

As an alternative, you can do what @uliwooly suggested and get an OTG adapter in order to connect a USB mouse. Once you've done so, a cursor will appear (similar to on a computer) which you can use to navigate on your screen with. Unlock your device and simply reset it under Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data rest > Reset phone.  

Let me know if that helps!

[steveyraff]

Z3 screen is smashed. The screen looks ok, but doesn't respond to touch commands. The only buttons that work are the hardware keys and the 3 on-screen system buttons at the very bottom (back, exit, show all apps). 

When I was setting up my z5 it told me I could use NFC to transfer all my stuff over, but the NFC is turned off on the Z3 and I cant seem to find a way to turn it on using only hardware keys or the 3 working buttons previously mentioned. 

It also said I could go into Google Setting on the Z5 and search for nearby devices, but looks like thats also off on the Z3. 

The only other thing I can think of at this stage is using Xperia Companion app on my Macbook to transfer everything over. Would this work? I'm guessing not, because it keeps asking me to tap MTP mode on screen - which obviously I cant! 

Also, I can see on my broken Z3 I've recieved tons of Whatsapps and Telegram messages. Is there a way I can read all of them on my new Z5 ? I mean, I presumed if I installed them now on the Z5, it'd only show future messages and not past ones already recieved by the Z3  ? 

Thanks all. 

[Emir1]

Hi @steveyraff,

I merged your new thread with your old one because I think that they're related, is that OK?

To answer your question you can use the OTG solution that I mentioned above in order to access your Xperia Z3 and transfer the content. In addition, if you wish to use a computer you will still need an OTG adapter, but you can set the USB mode to MTP so that you then can access it from a PC as well.

To do so, go to Settings > About phone, tap Build number 7 times (until it says that you're a developer), then go to Settings > Developer options > Activate USB Debugging > USB configuration > MTP. Now when you connect your device to your computer, MTP should automatically be chosen.

Regarding Whatsapp and Telegram, unfortunately I am not familiar with those apps so I can't assist you there. I can't offer you assistance with third party apps.