Can't transfer or back up apps using Xperia Transfer Mobile

Applicable to

• Android™ 12
• Android 11
• Android 10
• Android 9.0

You might experience that you can't transfer or back up apps using the Xperia® Transfer Mobile (XTM) app. From Android 9.0 and up, the XTM app can't longer be used to transfer and back up apps. Instead, we recommend using Google's services for copying apps and data.

On June 30th, 2023, the Xperia Transfer 2 service will end, and the app will no longer be available for download via the Google Play Store. The reason is that the Android Operating System can transfer data from older models when setting up your new Xperia smartphone, and the service has become redundant. We recommend you update your phone to the latest available Android OS version (for that phone) to make use of the Android OS data transfer. For more details, refer to Xperia Transfer 2 App Ending.

Reinstall apps from the Google Play™ store

• If you've already set up your new device, we recommend installing your apps one by one from your Google Play store library. The library lists all the apps you've previously downloaded but are currently uninstalled on your device.
• To install apps from your Google Play store library, follow the instructions below:
  1. Find and tap Play Store.
  2. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) → My apps & games → Library.
  3. Tap INSTALL beside the app's name (s) you want to reinstall.

Restore apps from the setup guide

• The setup guide offers two ways of copying apps and data from one device to another: Google Drive or NFC paired data transfer.
• To restore a backup to your device, you will need to perform a factory data reset to access the setup guide. Follow these instructions to copy apps and data from one device with Android 5.0 or later to another device with Android 9.0 or later.
  • Back up data using Google Drive
    • Android 8.0 or later
      1. On your sending device, find and tap Settings → System → Advanced → Backup.
      2. Tap the on-off switch beside Back up to Google drive to the right.
      3. Make sure you have set up a backup account.
    • Android 6.0 or 7.0
      1. On your sending device, find and tap Settings → Backup & reset.
      2. Under Google Backup & restore →, tap Back up my data.
      3. Tap the on-off switch.
      4. Make sure you have set up a backup account.
    • Android 5.0
      1. On your sending device, find and tap Settings → Backup & reset.
      2. Tap the on-off switch beside Back up my data to the right.
      3. Make sure you have set up a backup account.

Copy apps and data using Google Drive™ or NFC™-paired device connection

• If you can't see this menu, you need to perform a factory data reset to access the setup guide.

Perform a factory data reset and restore a backup

1. On your receiving device, find and tap Settings → System → Advanced → Reset options.
2. Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Tap RESET PHONE.
4. When the reset is completed, follow the on-screen instructions in the setup guide to copy apps and data.