How to fix every problem with the Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6, unlike its predecessor, has a folding design, but over time, normal operating functionality could be what folds instead. If you’re looking for a fix, this is the SoundGuys troubleshooting guide for the Sony WH1000-XM6.

How to factory reset the WH-1000XM6

If for some reason the WH-1000XM6 don’t automatically pair with your phone, or don’t output any sound, first make sure it is charged by plugging the included USB-C cable into the headphones and a charging outlet. If you know there’s a charge but it still doesn’t have sound, here’s how to factory reset the WH-1000XM6:

1. Press both the power and Noise Cancellation or Ambient noise buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.
2.  The indicator light will flash blue.
3. Your WH-1000XM6 is now factory reset.

How to pair your WH-1000XM6 manually

If the automatic pairing doesn’t appear automatically, or want to pair to another device like a laptop after pairing to your phone and want to go into pairing mode on the WH-1000XM6. To manually pair the WH-1000XM6 to your device:

1. Turn off the WH-1000XM6.
2. Press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds as the WH-1000XM6 turn on.
3. Once you hear the chime and a female voice say”pairing” you’re in pairing mode.
4. Go into your devices Bluetooth settings and select the WH-1000XM6. You may need to have the device scan for new connections.

How to make sure the WH-1000XM6 is connected with LDAC

To be able to use the LDAC codec, you will have to be on a device that supports LDAC. Sorry no iOS devices support LDAC as of time of writing. To ensure your device is connected with a higher data transmission codec LDAC:

1. Open your Bluetooth device settings.
2. Go into the settings of the WH-1000XM6, this is normally through the gear icon next to the WH-1000XM6 name on Android. The icon and method may vary depending on device.
3. Under the codecs option, there should be a setting for LDAC, turn it on to enable higher-quality audio.

How to make sure you microphone is enabled on the WH-1000XM6

If the microphone isn’t working during calls when using your WH-1000XM6, you can try the following steps:

1. Open the Sony Connect app and scroll down to the “device settings” option.
2. Move into the “System” tab and scroll down to “enable the headphones’ microphone operation” and select it.
3. This will allow you to switch the microphone on or off by pressing the headphones’ noise-cancelling button twice during a call. This is off by default as the microphones normally engage when in a call.
4. You can also enable the notification to indicate that your microphone is off, in the same menu.

How to use Multipoint connection on the WH-1000XM6

If you want the audio on the WH-1000XM6 to automatically move between your phone and laptop, you can make sure it’s enabled in the Sony Connect app with the following steps:

1. Open the Sony Connect app and scroll down to the “device settings” option.
2. Move into the “System” tab and the first part of the menu, “Connect to 2 devices simultaneously” and make sure it’s enabled. This is enabled by default.

How to enable the equalizer on the WH-1000XM6

If you want the change how the WH-1000XM6 sounds, you can enable the equalizer. The Sony Connect app also has a “find your equalizer” function for ease of use. To enable the equalizer on the WH-1000XM6, follow these steps:

1. Open the Sony Connect app and scroll down to the “device settings” option.
2. Scroll down to the equalizer section.
3. Press the start button on the “find your equalizer” section.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. This should get you closer to how you would like the WH-1000XM6 to sound.

How to manually equalize the WH-1000XM6

1. Open the Sony Connect app and scroll down to the “device settings” option.
2. Scroll down to the equalizer section.
3. Press the gear icon at the bottom right-hand corner of the equalizer section.
4. Adjust as you see fit. If you want to know how to manually EQ your WH-1000XM6, check out our article on how to EQ.

How to enable automatic switching on the WH-1000XM6

If you want your WH-1000XM6 to automatically move between your headset and compatible sony speakers, you can enable it in the Sony Connect app with the following steps:

1. Make sure you are connected to both the WH-1000XM6 and a compatible Sony speaker.
2. Open the Sony Connect app and scroll down to the “device settings” option.
3. Move into the “System” tab and scroll down to “Auto Switch” and select it.
4. Select the Start setup options and follow the instructions on screen.
5. You can now take off the WH-1000XM6 and have the speaker take over playing audio.

How to find the serial number on your WH-1000XM6

If you’re able to connect the WH-1000XM6, you can still find the serial number by checking the WH-1000XM6 in the Sony Connect app on Android or iOS.

But if you’re unable to connect to the WH-1000XM6, the serial number is located underneath the earpad of the right earcup. To remove the earcup from the WH-1000XM6:

1. With the earpad facing you, use the bottom right corner of the earpad to lift the pad off.
2. When pulling from underneath the earpad, make sure you’re not pressing the center of the earcup, as you can damage some of the internals.
3. The serial number is located on the bottom right of the earcup.
4. When attaching the earpad back onto the earcup, remember not to press the center of the earcup, with the internal mics sticking out.
5. There will be alignment posts to ensure you’re placing the earcups correctly, and they will snap into place when attached properly.