Just unboxed your Sony headphones and struggling to pair them with your iPhone? Whether it’s the WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5, WH-CH520, or WH-CH720N, I’ve got you covered. In this expert step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to connect Sony headphones to iPhone effortlessly.
I’ve tested and reviewed Sony headphones for years, pairing them with various iPhones including the iPhone 13, 15, 16, and 16 Pro. If your headphones won’t connect, don’t worry I’ll walk you through troubleshooting and pro tips to get them working seamlessly. Let’s dive in! But First let’s put your Sony headphones in pairing mode.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick answer:
How to Connect Sony Headphones to iPhone?
Follow these steps:
- Put headphones in pairing mode (hold power button until the light flashes).
- Open iPhone Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Select “WH-1000XM4” (or your model) from the available devices list.
- Confirm pairing when “Connected” appears.
Now Let’s dive into the detailed step-by-step guide on How To Connect Sony Headphones To iPhone for each Model.
In this Article
- How to Connect Sony Headphones to iPhone?
- How to put Sony headphones in pairing mode
- How to Connect Sony WH-1000XM4 to iPhone
- How to Connect Sony WH-1000XM5 to iPhone
- How to Connect Sony WH-CH520 to iPhone
- How to Connect Sony WH-CH720N to iPhone
- How to Connect Sony Headphones to iPhone 13, 15, 16, and 16 Pro
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Pro Tips for Seamless Connectivity
- FAQs: How to connect iPhone to Sony headphones
- Conclusion
How to put Sony headphones in pairing mode
Before connecting your Sony headphones to your iPhone, you need to activate pairing mode. The steps differ slightly based on the model:
| Headphone Model | Pairing Mode Activation |
| WH-1000XM4 | Hold power button for 7 seconds until blue light flashes. |
| WH-1000XM5 | Hold power button until you hear “Bluetooth pairing”. |
| WH-CH520 | Press & hold power button until blue light flashes. |
| WH-CH720N | Hold power button until you hear “Pairing”. |
How to Connect Sony WH-1000XM4 to iPhone
1. Put the WH-1000XM4 in Pairing Mode
- Hold the power button for 7 seconds until the light flashes blue.
2. Open iPhone Settings > Bluetooth
- Unlock your iPhone and navigate to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Toggle Bluetooth ON.
3. Select “WH-1000XM4” from the List
- Under Other Devices, tap on WH-1000XM4.
4. Confirm Pairing
- You’ll see “Connected” in Bluetooth settings.
- Your headphones will play a confirmation sound.
How to Connect Sony WH-1000XM5 to iPhone
The process is identical to the WH-1000XM4, but pairing mode is slightly different.
1. Put WH-1000XM5 in Pairing Mode
- Hold the power button until you hear “Bluetooth pairing” and the light flashes.
2. Go to iPhone Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth ON.
3. Select “WH-1000XM5” from the Available Devices List.
4. Confirm Pairing when “Connected” appears.
How to Connect Sony WH-CH520 to iPhone
1. Put WH-CH520 in Pairing Mode
- Press and hold the power button until the blue light flashes.
2. Enable Bluetooth on iPhone
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
3. Tap on “WH-CH520” in the Available Devices List.
4. Wait for the “Connected” Status & Confirmation Sound.
How to Connect Sony WH-CH720N to iPhone
1. Put WH-CH720N in Pairing Mode
- Press and hold the power button until you hear “Pairing” and the light flashes.
2. Enable Bluetooth on iPhone
- Open Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on.
3. Tap on “WH-CH720N” in the Bluetooth Device List.
4. Confirm Pairing & Start Using Your Headphones.
How to Connect Sony Headphones to iPhone 13, 15, 16, and 16 Pro
The pairing process is the same for all iPhone models. Simply:
- Put your Sony headphones in pairing mode.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth and enable Bluetooth.
- Select your Sony headphones model from the list.
- Confirm pairing when “Connected” appears.
Note: Sony headphones work with any iPhone running iOS 12 or later.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Having trouble to connect iPhone to Sony headphones? Here are solutions to the most common problems:
1. Sony Headphones Won’t Connect to iPhone
- Check Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your iPhone and headphones.
- Restart Devices: Turn off your iPhone and headphones, then turn them back on.
- Reset Headphones: Refer to your headphone’s manual for reset instructions.
2. Poor Audio Quality or Connection Drops
- Stay Within Range: Keep your headphones within 30 feet of your iPhone.
- Remove Interference: Avoid obstacles like walls or other Bluetooth devices.
- Update Firmware: Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to update your headphones.
3. How to Forget and Re-Pair Your Sony Headphones
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
- Tap the “i” next to your Sony headphones.
- Select “Forget This Device” and confirm.
- Re-pair your headphones using the steps above.
Pro Tips for Seamless Connectivity
Want to make sure your Sony headphones and iPhone work together perfectly every time? These pro tips will help you avoid common issues and enjoy a seamless listening experience.
1. Keep Your Sony Headphones and iPhone Updated with the Latest Firmware
- Why it matters: Firmware updates often fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.
- How to update your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- How to update your Sony headphones:
- Download the Sony Headphones Connect app from the App Store.
- Follow the app’s instructions to check for and install updates.
If your headphones don’t enter pairing mode, ensure they’re updated to the latest firmware. Learn more about how to update Sony headphones firmware.”
2. Use the Sony Headphones Connect App for Advanced Settings
- Why it matters: The app lets you customize settings like noise cancellation, equalizer, and touch controls.
- How to get started:
- Download the Sony Headphones Connect app from the App Store.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your headphones.
- Explore features like Adaptive Sound Control and Sound Position Control for a personalized experience.
3. Charge Your Headphones Fully Before Pairing
- Why it matters: Low battery can cause pairing issues or poor performance.
- How to charge:
- Connect your headphones to a power source using the included USB cable.
- Wait until the indicator light shows a full charge (refer to your user manual for specifics).
- Pair your headphones with your iPhone once they’re fully charged.
Always charge your headphones fully before pairing. If you’re using JBL headphones, here’s a quick guide on how to charge JBL headphones.
Bonus Tips for Better Connectivity
- Keep devices close: Stay within 30 feet of your iPhone to avoid connection drops.
- Avoid interference: Keep your headphones away from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers.
- Restart if needed: If you’re having trouble, restart both your iPhone and headphones.
FAQs: How to connect iPhone to Sony headphones
Can I connect Sony headphones to multiple iPhones at the same time?
Yes, many Sony headphones support multi-device pairing, meaning you can connect them to multiple iPhones or devices. However, only one device can play audio at a time. To switch between devices, simply pause playback on one device and play on the other.
If you’re also using Beats headphones, check out our guide on pairing Beats Studio Pro with your Phone for more tips.
Why won’t my Sony headphones show up in my iPhone’s Bluetooth settings?
If your Sony headphones aren’t appearing in your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, try these steps:
- Ensure your headphones are in pairing mode (flashing light or voice prompt).
- Make sure your headphones are fully charged.
- Check if your headphones are already connected to another device. If so, disconnect them first.
- Restart both your iPhone and headphones, then try pairing again.
Do all Sony headphones support NFC pairing with iPhones?
No, only select Sony headphone models support NFC pairing, such as the WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM4. If your headphones don’t support NFC, you’ll need to use Bluetooth to connect them to your iPhone.
How do I reset my Sony headphones to fix pairing issues?
To reset your Sony headphones:
- Turn off your headphones.
- Press and hold the power button and volume up button simultaneously for about 7 seconds.
- Release the buttons when the indicator light flashes.
- Reconnect your headphones to your iPhone using the steps in this guide.
Can I use Sony headphones with older iPhone models?
Yes, Sony headphones are compatible with iPhones running iOS 12 or later. This includes older models like the iPhone 8, iPhone 7, and even the iPhone 6s. Just make sure your iPhone’s software is up to date.
Why does my Sony headphone connection keep dropping on my iPhone?
Connection drops can happen due to:
- Distance: Keep your headphones within 30 feet of your iPhone.
- Interference: Avoid obstacles like walls or other Bluetooth devices.
- Low battery: Charge your headphones fully before use.
- Outdated firmware: Update your headphones and iPhone to the latest software versions.
Conclusion
By now, you should have your Sony headphones connected to your iPhone and be enjoying your favorite music, podcasts, or calls. Whether you’re using the WH-1000XM4, WH-CH520, or another model, this guide has covered everything from pairing mode to troubleshooting.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend or leave a comment below with your questions! And don’t forget to keep your headphones and iPhone updated for the best performance.
By now, you should have your Sony headphones connected to your iPhone. If you’re looking for more options, check out our list of the best earbuds for iPhone to find the perfect match for your needs.
