Sony Xperia’s external monitor feature now sits behind a paywall

Sony’s Xperia phones have long been praised for their ability to double as external monitors for Sony Alpha cameras — a niche but powerful feature that made the lineup stand out. But that perk just got harder to access. With the latest update to the Monitor & Control app (v2.4.0), Sony has locked the wired external monitor option behind a subscription.

Until now, Sony Alpha users could connect an Xperia phone with their camera and get a sharp, lag-free monitoring experience for free. Going forward, that same feature will cost $5 a month or $50 a year. The wireless version of the tool is still available at no charge, but it comes with latency that makes it impractical for professional shoots.

The app also works on Galaxy, Pixel, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and even iPhones, but the premium monitor function is Xperia-only. Other tools in the app still work without payment, and Sony now offers Free, Basic, and Premium tiers to spell out what’s included.

For anyone who hasn’t updated yet, the workaround is simple: stick with version 2.3.1 or earlier, which still allows free wired use. Those who already updated can also roll back — older builds are still floating around online, but it’s best to grab them from a trusted source.

Sony’s decision hasn’t gone over well with photographers and videographers who bought into Xperia specifically for this feature. Whether the company rethinks the move remains to be seen, but for now, one of Xperia’s biggest selling points is no longer free.