hi ,
I could not update my OS for some time (I believe due ‘stop version’ and some packages not allowing it).
After couple of months I decided to try and did follow this page:
unfortunately when I keep “volume up” and connect to cable, led goes blue for some time but when I run script (flash.sh) I get that:
Flash utility v1.2
Detected Linux
Searching device to flash…
even fastboot is showing device for short time only, anything to try to reinstal system?
It has often been reported to be solved by trying other cables and/or other USB ports, even USB hubs sometimes.
Unfortunately, it happens with all USB ports and cables on my linux laptop. No problem with my linux desktop PC.
an USB-Hub might help
Please try using an USB hub with a ‘USB 2 only’ socket (white plastic in the jack, not blue). I found this as the only working way if computer has only USB 3 sockets (modern computers younger than 5 or 7 years)
The blue LED is the correct mode.
There is a better installation guide than that. This one: Installing Sailfish X on XA2 using Windows - Jolla
There is a world of difference between a data cable and a power cable and this is usually the problem. All cheap cables are power only.
Then you need the bluemode fastboot driver. As far as I know, the one in the package still works. Do you have Sony sa0114 in your Device Manager?
Did you flash Android 9 OK? You have to boot into the setup screens I believe.
In spite of the obstacles you’re coming across, it’s a good idea to reflash. I had problems on my XA2 which I believe would have gone away if I had. Then again, Dropbox is now broken but it might have been restoring my XA2 backup to my 10iii.
Could be a multitude of underlying reasons.
I recently underwent the same process, here are my notes.
hi all, thank you for replies.
I am using Ubuntu so I did not try windows yet. Cable is fine for sure data as I managed to copy some files to the phone using it, I also do not remember having any issues on this laptop and likely same cable when I installed Ubuntu touch on other device.
I will try to find any hub as indeed all usb on both laptops I have with usb 3 (I do not recall on which one I installed Sailfish X in first place actually) 
Will update this thread if I try with hub
I manage to flash using old usb hub.
glad I still have one…, will keep @ohnonot 's instructions for future in case some day hardware is not in place to rescue … I hope this can be solved by Jolla actually some day, we have usb 3 on market for around decade now (so likely same time as Jolla has Sailfish ?) I think I had no problems with Ubuntu Touch using usb 3 anymore…
This is not Jolla’s problem to solve.
It is Google (Android fastboot) and/or Sony that is responsible for this issue.
fair enough. thank you all for your support.