How To Reset Sony Headphones

If your Sony headphones are not connecting, randomly disconnecting, or stuck in pairing mode, a reset can quickly resolve Bluetooth issues, audio glitches, or unresponsive buttons.

This guide provides a detailed reset guide for different Sony headphone models, including:

• WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5 (Premium Noise-Canceling Headphones)
• WH-CH500, WH-CH510, WH-CH520, WH-CH720N (Entry-Level Wireless Headphones)
• WI-C400 (Neckband Bluetooth Headphones)
• WH-XB910N (Extra Bass Headphones)

Follow the steps below on how to factory reset sony headphones and restore their functionality.

If your Sony headphones are not connecting, a reset can fix the issue. If you also own Bose headphones, check out our Bose reset guide for troubleshooting tips.

Having issues with your Beats headphones? Follow this troubleshooting guide for Beats to restore their connectivity.

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Quick Reset Guide for Resetting Sony Headphones

Soft Reset (Quick Restart – No Data Loss)

• Purpose: Fixes minor glitches, lag, or unresponsive buttons without erasing Bluetooth pairings or settings.
• Steps:
  1. Turn off your headphones.
  2. Press and hold the power button for 10–15 seconds.
  3. Wait for the indicator light to flash blue or white.
  4. Release the button and turn the headphones back on.

Factory Reset (Erases Bluetooth Pairings & Restores Factory Settings)

• Purpose: Deletes all Bluetooth connections, custom settings, and EQ adjustments, restoring factory settings.
• Steps:
  1. Turn off your headphones.
  2. Press and hold the power button + noise-canceling (NC) or custom button simultaneously.
  3. Hold for 7–10 seconds until the indicator light flashes four times.
  4. Restart the headphones and reconnect them to your device.

Plantronics headsets sometimes face Bluetooth disconnection problems. If you’re encountering this, follow our Plantronics headset reset guide to resolve it.

Regular maintenance can prevent many common issues. If you’re considering alternatives, check out our top picks for the Best Computer Soundbars to enhance your audio experience.

Reset Instructions by Model

How to reset Sony Headphones Wh-1000xm4 & WH-1000XM5

Soft Reset

1. Turn off your headphones.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the blue light flashes.
3. Release the button and turn the headphones back on.

Factory Reset (WH-1000XM4)

1. Turn off your headphones.
2. Plug them into a charger using a USB-C cable.
3. Hold the power button + custom button for 7 seconds.
4. Wait for the blue light to flash four times.
5. Unplug from the charger and restart your headphones.

Factory Reset (WH-1000XM5)

1. Turn off your headphones.
2. Plug them into a charger using a USB-C cable.
3. Hold the power button + noise-canceling (NC) button for 7 seconds.
4. The indicator light will flash four times, confirming the reset.
5. Unplug from the charger and restart your headphones.

How to Reset Sony WH-CH Series (WH-CH500, WH-CH510, WH-CH520, WH-CH720N)

Soft Reset

1. Turn off your headphones.
2. Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the blue light flashes.
3. Release the button and turn the headphones back on.

Factory Reset

1. Turn off the headphones.
2. Hold the power button + volume down button for 7 seconds.
3. Wait for the indicator light to flash four times.
4. Turn the headphones back on and re-pair them with your device.

Reset WH-CH720N

1. Turn off the headphones.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the light blinks.
3. If the issue persists, proceed with a factory reset:
   • Turn off the headphones.
   • Hold the power button + noise-canceling (NC) button for 7 seconds.
   • Wait for the indicator light to flash four times.

How to Reset Sony WI-C400 (Neckband Bluetooth Headphones)

Soft Reset

1. Turn off the headphones.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the blue light flashes.
3. Release the button and turn the headphones back on.

Factory Reset

1. Turn off the headphones.
2. Hold the power button + volume down button for 7 seconds.
3. Wait for the indicator light to flash four times.
4. Turn the headphones back on and re-pair them with your device.

How to Reset Sony WH-XB910N

Soft Reset

1. Turn off the headphones.
2. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the indicator light flashes.
3. Release the button and turn the headphones back on.

Factory Reset

1. Turn off the headphones.
2. Plug them into a charger using a USB-C cable.
3. Hold the power button + noise-canceling (NC) button for 7 seconds.
4. Wait for the indicator light to flash four times.
5. Unplug from the charger and restart your headphones.

What to Do If Resetting Does Not Work

If resetting your Sony headphones does not fix the issue, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Charge Your Headphones – Ensure they are charged for at least 15 minutes before attempting a reset.
2. Forget & Reconnect – Remove your Sony headphones from your Bluetooth settings and re-pair them.
3. Update Firmware – Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to check for available firmware updates.
4. Try a Different Device – Connect your headphones to another phone, laptop, or tablet to rule out device-specific issues.
5. Check for Hardware Issues – If none of the above work, there may be a hardware defect. Contact Sony Support for further assistance.

And If resetting does not work, try updating the firmware or reconnecting the headphones. If you’re experiencing similar pairing issues with TOZO earbuds, follow our TOZO reset guide for a step-by-step fix.

If resetting doesn’t resolve the issue, it might be time to consider new equipment. Our guide on the Best Bookshelf Speakers offers excellent options for high-quality sound.

FAQs

1. How do I reset my Sony WH-1000XM4?

To reset your WH-1000XM4, turn off your headphones. Then, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the blue light flashes.

2. Will resetting Sony headphones delete Bluetooth pairings?

A soft reset does not erase pairings, but a factory reset will delete all Bluetooth connections and custom settings.

3. How often should I reset my Sony headphones?

Only reset them when necessary, such as Bluetooth issues, lag, or unresponsive controls. Regular firmware updates can prevent frequent resets.

4. Do Sony headphones reset automatically after a firmware update?

No, Sony headphones do not reset automatically after a firmware update. However, if you experience connectivity issues after updating, performing a soft reset may help restore functionality.

5. Can I reset my Sony headphones without using the power button?

Most Sony headphones require the power button for resets, but some models allow a reset using noise-canceling (NC) or volume buttons. Check your specific model’s reset method in this guide.

6. Why are my Sony headphones not turning on after a reset?

If your Sony headphones do not turn on after a reset:

• Charge them for at least 30 minutes and try again.
• Use a different charging cable or adapter to rule out charging issues.
• Perform another soft reset by holding the power button for 10–15 seconds.
• If the issue persists, contact Sony customer support.

7. What should I do if my Sony headphones won’t reset?

If your Sony headphones do not reset, try the following:

• Ensure they are fully charged before attempting a reset.
• Hold the reset button combination for a full 10–15 seconds.
• Try a different reset method (soft reset vs. factory reset).
• Update the firmware via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
• If none of these work, contact Sony Support for assistance.

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Conclusion:

Resetting your Sony headphones can quickly fix Bluetooth connection problems, audio glitches, and unresponsive buttons. If the issue persists, follow the troubleshooting steps above or update your firmware using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

If your Sony headphones still do not work after resetting, consider reaching out to Sony Support for further assistance.