Help Sony Xperia M - No Play Store, can't sideload

[Android Question]

Okay I've been trying to fix a phone for a friend (Sony Xperia M C19505) and having trouble with it. Not used to the Sony phones, rooting or ROM methods etc

Basically there's no Play Store app on the phone. I tried side-loading the apk but the phone doesn't have a file manager/browser to install it. Tried a factory reset but it has the same problem. Tried the Sony PC software to see if that'll fix it but it says everything is up to date/no issues.

Having no joy so any help would be appreciated. Cheers

 

[hiredgun]

It doesn't have any kind of app market at all so that you can at least download the file browser first?

 

[funkylogik]

When the slaystore app download, did you try tapping the notification in the notification pull down? That should trigger an install.
I think just installing play won't work without some other Google system apps though

 

[funkylogik]

Does the Sony software have an option to downgrade the firmware then update it again?