Xperia™ Backup & Restore, does not have a Restore function - help please

[craigd]

So I am reading the Xperia Z3 manual online:

To restore backed up content

1. If you are restoring content from a USB storage device, make sure the storage device is connected to your device using the USB Host adapter. If you are restoring content from an SD card, make sure the SD card is properly inserted in your device. If you are restoring content from an online account, make sure you have signed in to your Google™ account.
2. From your Home screen, tap .
3. Find and tap Settings > Backup & reset.
4. Under Xperia™ Backup & Restore, tap Restore data, then select a restore source and the data types that you want to restore.
5. Tap Restore data.
6. After the content is restored, tap Finish.

I used this app to backup to my SD card on my Z2, BUT now placing the SD card in my new Z3 and opening the app-  there is no "Restore data" to tap as it suggests in step 4 above. The Backup and Reset app on the Xperia 3 only offers: "Back up my data" and "Factory reset", other "tappable" options that are greyed out include "Backup Account" and "Automatic Restore"

Here is the screenshot: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B71mAijZYAHWbGh3czhwVGNOUW8

I can see backed up files on the SD card.  - help appreciated. regards, 

[Emir1]

Hi @craigd, from your screenshot I can see that you are running Android 5 Lollipop, is that correct?

Instead of going to Settings > Backup & Reset, could you try to see if you have an app in your app drawer called "Backup & Reset" instead? I think that since the menu looks like that in your screenshot you should have a standalone app with all the backup and restore features - so look for it there!

Press the Home button - tap the app drawer icon above it - Look for the "Backup & Restore" app, or press the magnifying glass in the top right and search for it by writing the name.

Did it help? If so, feel free to kudo my post and mark it as the accepted solution so that other users having the same concern can find the reply.

EDIT: Sorry, I just now reread your post and saw that you made the backup using your Xperia Z2 - I'm afraid that the backup is device specific and won't transfer over to your Xperia Z3.  

Do you still have the Xperia Z2? If so, you got a few options. You can simply use Xperia Transfer to transfer over content from your Xperia Z2 straight to your Xperia Z3 by using the app found in the Google Play Store here. In addition, you may create a backup of your Xperia Z2 in Xperia Companion using a computer and then transferring it over to your Xperia Z3 by using Xperia Transfer inside of Xperia Companion. Download Xperia Companion here:
http://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/xperia-companion/ 

[craigd]

Hi thanks for your comprehensive response. I am running version 4.4.4 which I believe is Kit Kat. Strangely when I tried to update the Z3, I get a message that it is "up to date" which doesnt seem right.

The old Z2 started switching itself off, I managed to turn  it on again tonight but only has 16% battery charge and doesnt want to charge so not enough battery to do the transfer using the app or Xperia companion. appreciate any other ideas. thanks.

[Emir1]

Oh I see, that does indeed sound strange. This thread turned into multiple different topics, and usually I would advice to create new topics but I'll make an exception and help to the best of my ability here for you!

Regarding the Z2, it does sound strange that it does not start - but is it recognized at all by the computer? If so, does Xperia Companion give you a notification stating that it has to be charged before backing up to Xperia Companion? Have you tried charging using different chargers, USB cables and power sources? Also, if you got any SIM or SD cards mounted, try removing these and then charge the device.

As for the Z3, could you provide me some information in a PM? Go to Settings > About phone > Phone model and note this, then go to the Phone app and enter *#*#7378423#*#* > Service info > Software info, note down Customization Version and Active Customization. Let me know these details in PM and I will try to see if I can find some more information about why your device has not received updates. However, please note that I can't guarantee that I'll be able to find something out, but I'll do my best. Remember, make sure to PM this information to me and don't post it in this thread.

In regards to the transfer, I'm afraid we do not have any other means of transferring content aside from the methods I mentioned. What do you specifically wish to transfer? Media can be transferred by using an SD card or a computer as a temporary storage, and from there it can be transferred to your Xperia Z3. Contacts could be backed up to Google if they are locally stored and so on - so if you let me know some more details I will try to suggest some means to transfer the content for you!

If you found my posts helpful, feel free to Kudo them or mark them as the solution, it helps other users find the reply if they have similar concerns as you!