I cannot transfer/back up apps using Xperia Transfer Mobile (Android 9.0 or Android 10 or Android 11 or Android 12)

Valid for

• Android 12
• Android 11
• Android 10
• Android 9.0 Pie

Solution

You might experience that you cannot transfer or back up apps using Xperia Transfer Mobile (XTM). From Android 9.0 and forward, the XTM app can no longer be used to transfer and back up apps. We recommend using Google's services for copying apps and data. There are also third-party apps at Google Play store which can be used for the same purpose. 

Note: For Xperia 1 II, Xperia 5 II & Xperia 10 II, Xperia 1 III, Xperia 5 III, Xperia 10 III, Xperia PRO & Xperia PRO-I, Xperia Transfer 2 app is recommended for transferring photos, videos, music, or other files from your old device to your new Xperia.

On June 30th 2023, the Xperia Transfer 2 service will stop, and the app will no longer be available for download via the Google Play Store.
The reason is that the Android Operating System itself 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.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation.

Please find more details 

How to transfer the data or content from my old Xperia / Android phone by "Xperia Transfer 2"? 

How to transfer the data or content from my old iPhone by "Xperia Transfer 2"?

Note: Sony does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any third-party app. Neither is Sony responsible for any damage or reduced performance of your device attributable to the use of a third-party app. 

Reinstalling apps from 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 is a list of all the apps that you've previously downloaded but are currently uninstalled on the device you're holding.

To install apps from your Google Play store library

1. Find and tap Play Store.
2. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) > My apps & games > Library.
3. Tap INSTALL beside the name of the app(s) you want to reinstall.

Restoring apps from Google Drive via the setup guide

Google Drive is a cloud storage app which allows you to upload backups to Google. Your backups are encrypted using your Google account password. For some data, your device's screen lock PIN, pattern, or password is also used for encryption. The backup is used to restore your data and settings when going through the setup guide in a new device, or in a device which has been reset to its original factory settings. Check out this page for more information: https://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/apps-services/data-migration/#google-drive

To copy apps and data from one device running Android 5.0 or later to another device running Android 9.0 Pie or above, follow the instructions below.

To back up apps and data to 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 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 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 a backup account.

To restore or transfer apps and data from Google Drive

1. On your receiving device, find and tap Settings.
2. If you can see a menu title named "Finish setting up your device", then tap OK under it and follow the instructions to copy data and apps.

If you cannot see this menu, you need to perform a factory data reset in order to access the setup guide.

To 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.

Note! You must have a Wi-Fi connection with internet access for Google Drive and NFC-paired data transfer to work.