Highlights
- Xperia 1 VII faced long-standing issues with FeliCa and Mobile Suica since launch
- Users reported unresponsive behavior at ticket gates, stores, and vending machines
- Android 16 update appears to reduce or eliminate reading errors
- Sony has not yet issued an official statement on the fix
- Temporary user-led solutions had been circulating before the update
The Issue Since Launch
When Sony launched the Xperia 1 VII in June 2025, many users quickly noticed a frustrating problem. The smartphone often failed to respond when using FeliCa-based services such as Mobile Suica, Osaifu-Keitai, and other contactless payment systems.
Reports flooded in about the device being unresponsive at train ticket gates, convenience stores, and vending machines. For a phone marketed as a premium flagship, this was seen as a serious flaw that disrupted daily life in Japan, where contactless payments are widely used.
User Complaints and Temporary Fixes
In the absence of an official fix from Sony, users began sharing their own coping methods online. Some of the most common workarounds included:
- Holding the phone differently, especially near the rear camera
- Reinstalling the Mobile Suica app
- Turning off “Manage unused apps” in settings
- Setting the default wallet app to “None”
While these tricks sometimes worked, they were never a reliable solution. Many Xperia 1 VII owners continued to face frequent reading errors, sometimes several times a week.
Android 16 Brings Hope
The release of Android 16 has brought a wave of optimism. On social media platform X, users are now posting positive updates such as:
- “I passed through the ticket gate without problems.”
- “Credit card touch payments are working normally again.”
- “No problem is no longer a problem.”
For many, the reading errors have stopped completely after the update. This has raised hopes that the long-standing FeliCa issue may finally be under control.
Still No Official Word from Sony
Despite the improvement, Sony has not yet issued an official statement confirming whether the Android 16 update directly addressed the bug. The company has also not explained the root cause of the issue.
This leaves some uncertainty. While many users are experiencing smoother performance, others remain cautious, wondering if the fix is permanent or just a temporary improvement.
“As someone who closely follows mobile technology, I see this as a major relief for Xperia 1 VII users. The FeliCa bug was damaging Sony’s reputation in a market where contactless payments are essential. If Android 16 has truly solved the issue, it could restore confidence in the device. However, without an official statement from Sony, users should continue monitoring performance.”
Conclusion
The Xperia 1 VII’s Mobile Suica and FeliCa issues appear to be improving with the Android 16 update, but questions remain. Until Sony confirms the fix, users are advised to update their devices and test the functionality themselves.
