Update Xperia S LT26i to Official Android 4.1.2 (6.2.B.1.96) firmware

Sony Xperia S LT26i has received a new Android OS update, namely Android 4.1.2 6.2.B.1.96 Jelly Bean firmware, which comes with major bug fixed. This new update has been rolled out as a major update which comes as bug fixes for all bug issues spotted in its previous firmware version 6.2.B.0.211. It comes rolled by OTA for Sweden, Nordic countries, India, Brazil, Taiwan, Spain and several Nordic countries.

The new Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean 6.2.B.1.96 firmware packs some notable features such as Volume Up button lag fixed, 1080p HD video lag is fixed, Long pressing Home button launches Google Now, Screen not lightning bug fixed, Pressing Home button twice launches recent apps and small apps, Extended battery mode added as before, all camera bugs fixed, 685 MB RAM available (More free RAM now), No lags in keyboard, MMS pictures bug fixed, Music Unlimited update app in Walkman, Home launcher not redrawing anymore (perform data wipe for it), No more false warning of Stamina Mode when battery reaches as low as 14%, Camera Focus improved as compared to the previous firmware update and more.

To verify if the new update is available for your device by OTA then you should navigate toSettings>> System>> About phone>> Software update>> OK, or you can verify the same by usingSony PC Companion or Sony Bridge for Mac PC’s users.

For users who didn’t receive the OTA update they may use this step by step instructions guide to flash the new update manually.

We will present you two methods; one is via Sony Companion or Bridge and the second is using the Sony flash tool.

So, before to start our flashing methods some prerequisites are required to be applied firstly:

•  First, you need to know that this step by step guides are provided for educational and instructional purpose, so knowing that we (android.sc) team cannot be held liable or responsible for any data lost or if you’ll brick or damage your device during or after the flashing process.
•  Download and install the USB drivers for Sony Xperia S device, these drivers help you to connect the Android device with the PC.

• Navigate to Menu > Settings > Applications and from click on Development option and enable USB debugging mode by checkingUSB debugging mode.
• This guide might wipe your entire data stored intro device’s internal mode, so to prevent to lose your data create a backup.
• If your Xperia device has a custom recovery image tool such as CWM or TWRP then you can create a full Nandroid backup for your actual ROM using recovery.
• Make sure that the Xperia S device has more than 80 % battery charge.
• If your device has a custom ROM installed on it, after you’ll install  official firmware then the device will lose any custom firmware or custom configurations. Additionally the custom recovery images as CWM or TWRP will be replaced by a stock recovery when the official firmware will be flashed on the device.
• If the device is one rooted device the root rights will be revoked, after the official firmware will be installed on the Xperia S device.
• The new update (Android 4.1.2 JB  6.2.B.1.96 firmware) works only with Sony Xperia S LT 26i, so do not flashing the same for any other incorrect devices, you can brick them.

So, to make sure that the Xperia S device is the correct model number navigate to the next path:Settings > About Device > Model Number

How to Install Android 4.1.2 (6.2.B.1.96) on Xperia S via Sony Companion/Bridge

1.  Download and install the Sony Companion tool if you have a Windows Pc and the Sony Bridge for Mac computer’s users.
2. Connect the Xperia S device to PC using USB cord.
3. Now, open Sony Companion or Sony Bridge tool and wait until the device will be detected by the Sony tool.
4. Now, check for a new Firmware update at the home of Sony Campanion/Bridge, this new firmware should be presented there.
5. Press Firmware Upgrade button to start the installation process.
6. Accept all terms and conditions about the upgrade by checking the suitable box, and then press Start Upgrade.
7. Now, wait to download and flash the firmware.
8. The device will get an automatically restart.
9.  That’s all; the Xperia S should be running with the latest Android 4.1.2 update.
10. Navigate to Settings > About Phone > Android & Baseband version to verify the new firmware version.

How to Install Android 4.1.2 (6.2.B.1.96) on Xperia S via Sony flash tool     

1. Download the latest official Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean (6.2.B.1.96) firmware for Xperia S LT26i to PC.
2. Now, download the Sony Flashtool to PC (Flashtool-0.9.11.0-windows.exe). The flashtool folder should be located in C:
3. Install the downloaded Sony Flashtool by double clicking on flashtool.exe.
4.  Now, run the flashtool by double click on flashtool icon.
5. Note: when the flashtool is open for the first time on PC, navigate to C:Flashtooldrivers and install Flashtool-drivers. Select and check box of Sony Xperia S device and Flashmode drivers.
6. Now, connect the Xperia S LT26i device to PCC using USB cable.
7. Next, copy and paste the downloaded .ftf file to next folder: C:flashtoolfirmwares in PC.
8. On flashtool,  you need click lightning icon and after that click flashmode and OK. ( A new window will appear.
9. Now, check Data, Chache, Appslog boxes to wipe the Sony Xperia S device before install the new firmware. To retain the data uncheck all the boxes.
10. In source folder, select .tft inflashtool/firmwares. .ftf
11. Now, press Flash button, when you want to start the flashing process.
12. Follow all on-screen prompts to disconnect the smartphone from PC and turn off the device. Also, for entering on the device into Flash Mode you need to press and keep holding the Volume Down button while connecting the smartphone to PC using the USB cord.
13.  Now, monitor the Flashtool on PC, it will run and flash the official .ftf file.
14. When the flashing process is done, a notification message will say Flashing Finished will be displayed.