Sony Ericsson W800i Mobile tips, tricks, shortcuts and FAQ complete collection
I’ve been using Sony Ericsson W800i for more than month’s time. Initially I was not able to make use of my phone complete without the required tips and guidelines. I’d to do manually search a lot and try out a few. So I thought of getting this page up so that other W800i users would be benefited. If you’re a W800i or similar model user definitely you will find this useful unless you a more advanced user.
Tips / Trick / Shortcuts
1. Quick activation of camera
Open the back capping strip of camera’s lens. Works even keypad is locked 🙂
2. In messages by pressing “*” you can turn on/off T9.
3. In themes, sounds, videos… use easy searching by typing letters as in contacts.
4. Turn off the ringing without decline incoming calls… Just press some side button of volume or “#”.
5. By right side double-button you can show status of your phone. In sleep mode you can light clock.
6. In main menu you can move faster with shortcuts on keyboard which comes up to dislocation of menu icons. In next sub menus, numbers belongs to number of lines from the top.
7. Service menu (firmware): >*<<*<* where <> is right joystick
8. IMEI number: *#06#
9. Shutdown camera sound: hold button “#”
10. In horizontal viewing mode you can use the “+” and “–” volume keys to zoom in and out of the picture. You can also use the 1 and 3 keys to zoom.
11. At active camera:
1 – change size of photo
4 – turn on/off macro mode
7 – turn on/off night mode
* – turn on/off lightning diodes
Change of zoom: with right side buttons you can zoom in/out
Change of photo brightness: by moving joystick up/down.
12. At active video:
1 – change video size
4 – turn on/off macro mode
7 – turn on/off night mode
* – turn on/off lightning diodes
Change of zoom: with right side buttons you can zoom in/out
Change of video brightness: by moving joystick up/down
13. Reading of text files: send txt file to your phone, file will be saved in “Web pages” and you can open it. Bold and commas don’t work.
14. By holding buttons 2-9 you will get to phone book in telephone on given first letter of given button.
15. By holding “c” at calling you will turn off microphone.
16. By pressing button 1-220 and pressing “#” will be displayed number on SIM card on given position 1-220. Option “Calling from SIM card” will appear.
17. You can move in calendar with these shortcuts:
1 and 3 – week
4 and 6 – month
7 and 9 – year
18. At minimized or locked MP3 player you can change volume by right side buttons, or you can jump to next song by holding one of this buttons.
19. By pressing “*” and “lock” you can lock keyboard in menu of MP3 player or Video recorder.
20. Some special secret-smiles (Any where you can type in the phone even phone book)
big-smile :-] or 😀
sad-smile :-[
chick-smile [:]
kiss-smile 😡 or :-*
lazy-smile |-l
neutral-smile :-l
surprise-smile 😮
21. If you are using Dictionary (T9) to write SMS, you can press the 1 key (3 times in line), than slide the joystick down to choose your smile.
22. Want to see your notes on the main standby screen? Simply access the Main Menu -> Organizer -> Notes -> Add a New Note. Once you’ve added the note, save it. Highlight the new Note, press the right button for the More option, and choose Show on Standby.
23. To capture a video frame as an image file, first Pause the Video, then select More -> Capture frame. The image will be stored in your phone memory’s Pictures folder.
24. Slide the joystick down during video playback and the video will be in slow-motion.
25. Press > for next track, <>
26. Press and hold > or <>
27. While player Minimized mode, press and hold the “-” volume button for next song. Conversely, press and hold “+” for previous song.
28. Behind the battery, on the white sticker inside the phone, you will see a code (4th line above the barcode), for example 03W21. This means your phone was manufactured in week 21, 2003
29. This code will lead you to the network-lock menu Code:
< * *< (<> means left or right with your joystick).
30. Instead of the joystick, you can press the 1 or 3 key to navigate between tracks. Press 2 to pause/play, and 4 or 6 can be used to fast forward or rewind a track.
31. Pressing # during radio play and you’ll be able to type in the radio station frequency.
32. While in Radio Minimized mode, press and hold the “-†volume button for next available station (note: not next preset station). The “+†volume button will tune to the previous available station.
FAQ
Messaging:-
1. How much SMS I can store the max in W800i?
You can save 200 SMS on your mobile. There are several methods to unlock the phone feature to store unlimited SMS by editing the SE FS.
2. How to check the status of number of messages stored in inbox?
Go to the file manager, press more-> memory status->scroll down to messages. You will see the message count there.
Camera:-
1. Pictures taken in daylight are awesome, but in artificial light I get some dots in the images, not that good clarity?
Off course night needs higher brightness, just night mode isn’t sufficient. With flash and adjustment in joystick (brightness) level clarity can be increased to certain level. But it would be injustice to expect more from a camera phone and not a high mega pixel digital camera 🙂
2. What is auto focus? How do I use that?
The camera automatically focuses on a subject or object at which it is pointed. The focus helps to achieve best image quality. It exactly the same technology used in Digital Cameras. To make use of Auto focus feature in W800i, make sure that you hear a peep sound and a green indicator not blinking point and frame. Once you get this go for the shot 🙂
3. How do I record videos longer than 10 seconds?
You’ll need to switch the Shoot Mode to High Quality. Press 0 when in video mode.
4. How to snap photos while in Flight Mode?
The w800i’s Flight Mode allows you to access the WALKMAN Player function without turning on the phone’s transmitting functions (ideal for use during flights). You can actually also access the Camera function while in Flight Mode. Simply lock the keypad, open the camera lens and snap away! (This function works only with the initial firmware release. Reportedly in most of the latest firmware release this option doesn’t work)
5. Can you use the camera without SIM?
Well it can be done. But needed some research to figure out this option. Thanks Sailesh for sharing this tip. He is running r1bc002 firmware. Here is the tip; Switch on the mobile and in the Main menu (where it asks to select Flight mode or Phone) lock the keypad. After locking the keypad, open up the camera. You’re snap all the way (don’t miss to check Sailesh snaps done this way, here)
Walkman:-
1. Does W800i support mp4 files?
Yes, the walkman phone support mp4 files to be plays. But make sure you give correct parameters while you convert the video into mp4 file. Check out the Rockstar sample video for correct parameter.
2. Does W800i support Bluetooth stereo headset to play song?
Unfortunately No, W800i does not support A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). Hence we will not be able to listen to music using Bluetooth stereo headset. 🙁
3. Can W800i play AVI files?
Sorry no, it does not support AVI files to be played. Current firmware supports Video Support: mpeg-4, 3gpp, h.263, xmf, svgt and Audio Support: midi, midi40, amr, aac, wav, mp3, mp4.
4. What is RDS and how do I use it?
RDS stands for Radio Data Service. If a particular radio station supports this, then info like the name of the station will be automatically shown. Not all stations support this, so it does not work for all stations.
Miscellaneous:-
1. What do those 3 overlapping squares at the top left denote?
It signifies that you are using a profile other than the default “normal†profile.
2. How do I read text files with the phone?
You can create *.txt files and then send the file to the Web Pages/Save Pages folder. You can also create text files with MS Word and save them as a web page (*.htm). This is useful especially if you are using foreign characters, as they will sometimes not appear if saved as a *.txt file.
3. What is the maximum storage supported?
According to the official specifications, w800i supports Memory Stick PRO Duo of up to 2GB.
4. Is it possible to use the phone as a remote control for the television, music system, etc?
Yes, it can be done if your system support Bluetooth interface. Unfortunately IR remote control doesn’t work in W800i since the IR features works well only with Symbian phones.
5. Can I set different ring tones for different profiles?
No, you can’t. Only one ring tone can be set for all profiles.
6. Is it required to drain the battery before every recharge?
With Lithium batteries there is no advantage to draining the battery. The battery will in fact last longer with partial rather than full discharges. There is no battery memory effect with a lithium battery – you can charge the battery whenever you like without fear of reducing its charge capacity, and you do not need to drain a lithium battery completely before recharging it. Please refer www.batteryuniversity.com for more information.
7. How to update my firmware?
If you are updating your firmware for the 1st time, follow the Step by Step Instructions available in SE official site. Your firmware can be updated through the Sony Ericsson Update Service II (SEUS II). In order to use SEUS you will need to have internet access (preferably Broadband) and attach your phone to your PC via the supplied USB cable.
Finally at Last, the cool, gorgeous, sexy W800i was discontinued by Sony Ericsson to promote its successor W810i. W800i is no more in production. Still W800i rockz!!!
At last but not the least thanks for the Sony Ericsson India community members in Orkut from where I’ve formulate the FAQ page and collate few good tips from esato.com
Most of tips mentioned here works well with Sony Ericsson K750 / W810i / W850i / W700i / W900i / W950i / W880i / W200i / W300i / W550i and most other Walkman models.
W800i Resources (Ring tones, Themes, JAVA apps, Screensavers, Wallpapers, Games)
Sony Ericsson Developer Tools:-
developer.sonyericsson.com
Exclusive W800i Site:-
Themes
www.zedge.no
www.mobile9.com
www.eseth.net
Games/ JAVA application :-
www.getjar.com
masyaka.ru/games
4se.ru/index.php?go=Files
www.mobileplayground.co.uk/uploads/SonyEricsson
kilgor-box.narod.ru/javagames.html
www.java2phone.ru/eng
www.zedge.net/?side=javagames
tagtag.com/site/javalist.php3
masyaka.ru/games
sonyericsson.paradisezone.net
www.esato.com/games
www.imserba.com/download
Other Resource:-
www.blanksms.com
www.funmaza.com
www.crazy4mobilez.com
Reviews:-
ww.gsmarena.com/nokia_n90_vs_sonyericsson_w800-review-46.php
www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/model.jsp?model_id=52130
If you think something is missing out here; Please add them as comments.
Update:- Read my review about W800i at MouthShut.com
Yogi, I’m surprised hear that… Good thinking though. Will suggest your ideas to Sony 🙂 I’ve never heard something like that exists before in Mobile.
Joe, you didn’t describe the problem correctly.. btw this is not a support forum 😉
joe, remove your memory card and do surfing. this is bcoz your memory card is highly loaded.
How do I disable the camera shutter sound on a w700i?
i don’t know how do i do flight mode on my phone
yogi – Thanks for stepping in and helping joe 🙂
Tejasvi – I believe you can’t do it in W700i; but I’m not sure on it, the behavior might vary based on the firmware too.
adil – You may want to go back and read the FAQ section in the top. Thank you.
Tejasvi,
I think its not possible to remove shutter sound in W700i. That option is available only in latter phones. You can make the phone to silent mode and then take pictures, in this case the shutter sound will also go into silent mode.
I have a w800i but i cannot take any pictures with it. Are there any specific setting i should set before using the camera?
Nirmal – Thanks for stepping in. The same trick is used in W800i to remove the shutter sound.
Bobby – You didn’t provide much detail. I assume you have a problem with Camera. In that case you have to take it to service center 🙂
Benedict here is the problem… whenever i press and hold the button, the a box appears on the screen as if i am taking the picture as well as the sound, but the picture is not taken. at first i thought it was a memory problem but its not. what do you think?
Bobby – Even I would have though it is a Memory card problem with the description you have given. I’m still wondering if that can be related to a memory issue. Have you tried to format the memory stick or use another one for testing?
HI,
how can i know how many sms i did send?
we can see such thing using nokia mobile like message counter how many msg did i send or how many recive? can i see same thing in w700i?
Deepak – Unfortunately, Walkman phone doesn’t have option to check message status like Nokia.
awesome post!! dint knew many tips n tricks.. especially the smileys!!! 😀 and other ones too…
but i m using w810i, and hence most of the tips used thru the camera cover is not applicable for me… 🙁
and regarding deepak’s query, i guess u can atleast can check out the total msgs sent if not received, settings -> calls -> time $ cost -> messages counter
hi! is there a screen capture software available for w800?
thanks for these tips and tricks. great job!
Archana – Glad to hear that helped 🙂 Yea. I think those tricks with camera cover mostly worked with only few firmwares in W800i too. Thanks for helping out Deepak.
rayz – Unfortunately, to my knowledge the answer is No 🙁 BTW, Thanks for the compliments
Hi ben,
Amazing tip’s and tricks…
Could u help me to unlock the msg.. the link u provided above was no so clear to follow plz .. help it ..
thx in advance 🙂
Hi Ben…
this is wht was given there.. could not able to follow this… guide me plz
You’ll need an advanced service tool for Sony-Ericsson (e.g. SEtool) to be able to modify the file system on your phone.
Replace content in the following file from “/smsdata” to “/tpa”
/ifs/settings/messaging/pref_store.txt
is it there a code 4 a sony ericsson w810 2 increse the volume if so could u send it to me pls thanks
Sasikumar– Thanks for the thumbs up 🙂 There is thread in W800i Orkut community that would guide you to achieve what you’re looking for. Here is the link that will directly take you to the thread. If you have any questions you can put it there. There are lot of experts who are there to help.
ada – I’m sorry I don’t have any information on that 🙁
how to activate keypad lock??
raajiv – Guess you didn’t make use of User Manual yet 🙂 To lock the keypad you have to Press * and then top right button on your phone.
Hi Benedict…….nice work continue it…..I am planning to but a new cell and i want to buy sony one frm W700i,W800i and W810i or any other u want to sugest.I want information regarding price as well which cell has value for money
Krishnakant – Thank you. I would suggest you W880i. It costs somewhere around 17K INR
I used to have the exact problem as Bobby. ” whenever i press and hold the button, the a box appears on the screen as if i am taking the picture as well as the sound, but the picture is not taken” . It jumped out back to the menu or the shooting mood screen instead of showing the picture I just took.
This only happened several times and now everything is okay. But my concern is that, were these pictures really not saved? Because I am going to give away my phone as a gift, I want to del all my pictures due to privacy reasons. I checked the folder that the pictures are usually kept, but none of these pictures can be found. Does it mean that these pictures dont exist because they were not saved? Or could they be put somewhere else?
Thanks!!!!!!!!
Chris – If you’re facing the same issue as Booby, then no worries. you might have not got the pictures saved. If still you have questions you can check both the memory stick and phone memory separately if they have picture stored.
Hi benedict, thanks for your prompt reply!
I checked the picture folder and none of these can be found. So I guess they were not saved?
Thank you so much!
Chris – you’re most welcome! yes. hopefully it is not saved:-)
I used to have a W800i it was a very good phone! So good I simply upgraded to its successor the K800i (basically the same phone, but with a better camera.) If you check the forums at http://esato.com you will find an optimized third party camera driver, which really improves the phones camera.
Whilst both phones support mp4, you will find AAC HE to provide the best sound from the phone at small sizes. All Sony Ericssons play AAC files well for some reason…
Tech Rant – Thanks for sharing information about 3rd party camera drivers. Most of the phones support AAC these days.
BTW, did anyone had a chance to try W880i?
i am using w700i; i would like to upgrade software. please let us know benefit of it and is there any disadvantages if i will upgrade software?
what precaution shall i take while upgrade software?
how to upgrade software?
is there any setting or data will lose while upgrade it?
Thank you,
Deepak
is there any software that would enable you to read text or .txt files from you w810??
Deepak – You would have certain benefits like bug fix, and few enhancement. I really don’t see much disadvantage over it unless you don’t mess up with the installation. Before upgrading make sure you’ve backed up entire data you have it in the phone. Make sure the battery charge is full as well. For upgrading you can checkout the sony service site which would have the software updater. You need to download it and follow the instructions provided there. that will do the rest. you won’t loose any data unless something goes wrong.
Ads – I guess software is not required to read txt files. You can normally view the TXT files.
forgive my ignorance but i seem to be able to dowload photos from my camera to my pc easily enough but i cannot dowload my videos
Can you pls help me?
Read in your FAQ abt “unlock phone feature to store unlimited SMS by editing the SE FS”. Pls advise the procedure. Thx!
Hi,
yes. i had taken backup before upgrade it. when i upgrade everything is working fine but i didn’t see any new changes so i though it was failed or not usefully…
let me know how to store unlimited sms using memory card?
what if i would like to copy .txt file from My laptop to sony phone and forward as sms to others..
is it possible…
Thank you,
Deepak
i don’t know how to put video files to my 810i phone.. please explain procedure.. the video i am trying to put is of 3gp format and i know its supports it.. when i use disc2phone to put the 3gp video it say.. no usable file found.. what shall i do?..
Thanks
how do i install the downloaded game into my sony eriscon 810i.. please thanks in advance
i forgeted my phone lock code,but now it is in unlocked condition bcoz i off my protection. what can i do now?
hello can anyone guide as to inwhich way/software download, i can view Hindi font messages in W810i phone??
I think this is one of the best and most informative site for w800 i phone. I have got a lot of information from this site and I thank all those who have contibuted. thanks once again
prakash
hello…
can anyone tell me how do i lock my inbox on w850i or receive some messages to private inbox?
How can I lock Walkman functionality, music store and all related keys. It's annoying especially you are not sure that you won't listen to music one day. every time i want to make a call or do something, there must have a wrong menu duo to complexity of keypad. any idea about how to lock/remove/disable Walkman feature? thanks
Hi Ben
In unlocking the msg content of w800,
i couldnt understand from this line wht is it can u reply me clearly saying that particular process plz…
i hv downloaded farmanager ((((((((wht is – [content suppressed]))))))))) i have Installed it too….Now starts the trouble ??????Wht is it…???? and wht to extract plz explain it to me clearly
{{{{{{
Download – [content suppressed] and extract the zip file into this folder "C:\Program Files\Far\Plugins"}}}}}}}}
Hi. I'm using an 4Gb card on W800i. The phone boot makes a lot delayed. About 1 minute.But it works amazing, no phone Lags, no Walkman problems. The "Tracks" option on the Walkman Player delays little if you have more than 200 tracs (as me).
Hi, I just bought a SE W810 and I'm very happy for that… But my mobile has some build-in sound that I don't like.. Can someone help to delete this files?
Regards
hi ben, this is defenitly one of the best, if is not the best, pages with tips for the sony ericsson W800.
I just wanted to know if I can connect my sony with the itunes and transfer the songs directly from there without using Disc2Phone
thank you very much
U ROCK
mica
how to format w800i phone pls help
Hi..
really liked da tricks n da forum as a whole.. i got this sony ericsson w810i, n unfortunately i put its' memory card into a computer which had viruses. I put in the memory card bak into da fone only realizing dat i could hav passed on da virus into the fone.. coz ther are items such as "desktop" which cannot be deleted!
What exactly am i supposed to do now? i strongly suspect it might hav da virus transferred. wat do i do?? plz lemme know! thanx.
Hi Ali…
Have you tried to scan your phone and you memory card from the computer?
I mean, plug the phone to the computer and scan it with your favorite antivirus..
Hope this help!
Regards.
hi all,
I am thankful to u all guys (Benedict Herold) for making such a good repository here about w810i, today i felt that my phone has enough to do with it and i m trying sms capacity increase right now.