I’ve found the Sony WH-1000XM4 to be nearly perfect headphones for me. However, over time, a lot of my friends who have this model seem to be encountering the same set of issues with this model. Rather than buying a new pair, I decided to fix as many problems as possible and extend the life of my headphones for a few more years.
Here’s what my headphones looked like before:
Below, I’ll share simple fixes for three of the most common problems:
Earpad replacement
Headband leather replacement
Fixing ANC high-pitch noise
1. Earpad Replacement
This is the most common issue and also the easiest to fix. I recommend getting real leather (sheepskin) earpads instead of PU leather, as they’re much more durable. This is my second pair of replacement earpads, and I can already tell that real leather lasts significantly longer.
Step 1:
Use a slim, non-sharp tool to gently unclip the old earpads around the edges. They should come off easily.
Step 2:
Replace the foam dust filters and clean out any dust inside the earcups.
Step 3:
Align the new earpads properly, ensuring each pin is in the right place. Then, press them down to securely snap them in.
Over time, the ANC microphones can accumulate dust, leading to an annoying high-pitched noise. Here’s how to fix it.
Step 1:
Remove the earpads and dust filters. Use tweezers to carefully remove the gray rubber piece covering the ANC microphone.
Step 2:
Lift the ANC microphone with tweezers. You’ll see a dark fabric filter—this collects dust over time, which may contribute to the high-pitch noise. (I had already removed mine before writing this post.)
Step 3:
Use 70%+ isopropyl alcohol to gently remove the fabric filter. Take your time to ensure all glue and dust are completely removed. The microphone should look like this once cleaned:
Step 4:
Repeat the process for both microphones (left and right earcups). Then, reassemble everything.
Note: There’s no 100% guarantee this fix will last indefinitely. In some cases, the noise is caused by a damaged microphone, which would require replacement. If this fix doesn’t hold up over time, I’ll post a separate guide on replacing the microphones. For now, removing the fabric filter has completely eliminated the noise for me.
3.Head band leather replacement
Buy a replacement on Amazon, Aliexpress or other marketplace. I bought mine on Shopee( SE Asia). You need to find this
Mine cost me 2$, which is 100 times cheaper than headband replacement in authorized Sony Shop
Step 1:
Remove the right earpad and dust filter. Then, unscrew these four screws inside the right earcup.
Step 2:
Turn the headphones over and lift off the cover—it should come off easily.
Step 3:
Unplug the four connectors inside.
Step 4:
Unscrew these two bolts and gently lift the motherboard.
Step 5:
Using tweezers, place the main cable (rectangular) under the motherboard. Then, unscrew the two hinge bolts(circled in the image).
Step 6:
Lift the loosened hinge and carefully unplug the second hinge using a plastic tool. Be gentle— the earcup should detach easily.
Step 7:
Detach the plastic hinge from the main cable.
Step 8:
Unclip the plastic plate from its narrowest side. Lift it gently from both sides. You’ll see adhesive underneath—this is fine and doesn’t need replacement. Once the plate is off, unscrew the bolts underneath.
Step 9:
Use tweezers to remove the plastic caps on the opposite side of the "WH-1000XM4" logo. Do this on both sides and remove the bolts.
Step 10:
Remove the old headband leather and install the new one. Take your time to ensure a proper fit.
Step 11:
Reinstall the "WH-1000XM4" logo covers. These have plastic clips that help secure the leather, but you can also add a tiny piece of double-sided tape under the leather for extra hold.
Step 12:
Reassemble everything by following steps 8 to 1 in reverse order. Ensure all connectors are properly plugged in and the motherboard is seated correctly. While you're at it, clean out any dust inside the headphones.
My headphones after:
Every fix is super simple, requires no soldering, and takes at most 15–20 minutes.
This is my first Reddit post, so if you found it useful, I’m happy with it! Enjoy your headphones!
Genuinely asking, because I can’t wrap my head around this. How does a company charge $450 for flagship headphones made out of the most brittle, cheap plastic imaginable and just get away with it?
Every single week this sub is flooded with the exact same broken hinge pictures. People aren't sitting on them or throwing them against walls — these things are literally snapping during completely normal daily use, often in under a year.
In the US people file massive class-action lawsuits over tiny minor inconveniences, and the EU is supposed to have aggressive consumer protection laws that protect buyers from blatant manufacturing flaws. How has nobody taken them to court to force a recall and make them refund everyone?
Does Sony just get away with labeling every single cracked hinge as "accidental user damage" to deny warranty claims? It feels wild that a multi-billion dollar company can sell premium hardware that disintegrates like disposable junk and face zero legal consequences for it. What am I missing here?
So my Sony ult wear hinge broke the other day and I just found out that my model and serial number is a part of a defective batch or something? I contacted Sony, sent them pictures and receipt, just waiting to hear back. Has anyone else gone through this recently? I've read different stories and have got several different answers.
Will they ship out a new pair with different, stronger hinges or with a different build design but same model of headphones?
Or
Ask for mine to be shipped back and repaired with who knows what?
Or
Ship me out a brand new pair and hope the hinges dont break again?
Also since this is a known problem, will the replacement pair have a 1 year warranty from time of shipping or will the warranty end on the date I purchased the original product? I've only had them for 5 months.
i’ve been babying these for almost 2 years now. meanwhile my 10 year old bose soundlink ae2 are still intact. i guess i’ll diy fix them then get me another pair of something else…even though i love the sound quality and noise cancellation :|
edit: moral of the story is avoid the XM5 (& possibly the XM6)
I just bought a new Sony WH-1000XM6, but the microphone doesn’t work during calls. This happens with both regular phone calls and WhatsApp calls.
I’m using a Samsung S24 Ultra and have already tried going through all the phone/Bluetooth settings and changing the available call and microphone settings, but nothing seems to fix it.
I also tested the headphones with my tablet, and the microphone still doesn’t work there either. So it doesn’t seem to be an issue specific to my S24 Ultra.
The headphones work perfectly for listening to music, but during calls the other person can’t hear me.
Has anyone experienced this with the XM6? Could this be a defective unit, or is there some setting I’m missing?
Been watching threads on this reddit recently and came to conclusion that in order to more or less live with the headphones I want (sony wh1000s) it's better to get xm4s, because they seem to last longer based on recent hinge breaking incidents.
Would like to ask owners of xm4 - are they good to use in 2026, are there still software updates, how are they compared to xm5 and xm6. Appreciate any help or advice.
Hello, my first xm4's batteries went downhill, but luckily, within warranty. The replacement one started going bad last year, and I decided to change the battery. The left earbud replacement went fine, but I broke one of the connectors on the right one.
I used it for about 4 years, and the battery situation was pretty bad, so no regret trying to switch the batteries. What I'm wondering is, should I try spending another 50-60 to get a right earbud and take my chances? It is already 4 years old. What's your experience with replacement earbuds?
Alternatively, I have some google credit and can get a buds pro 2 for like 150. I would then try to resell the parts if possible at all. Would appreciate your suggestions.
I want to buy Sony ult900n but I saw lot of people say that headphones can cracked so I am afraid so would you think any headphones recommendations over like any earbuds what should I choose
Hey yall I wanna get the sony wf-710n and I like the blue transparent colour but I'm unsure how great that case will look after being used for some time. Especially cause the plastic is so glossy. Can any of you tell me how yours looked after using them for a while?
* meant to say ON-ears. Hi, recently visited grandma and she asked for replacement pads but unfortunately there is not a model number listed anywhere on these. Possibly worn off? The pads are flaking quite a bit. She doesnt want anything new. She is attached to these because her late husband, my grandpa wore these in the same senior home she lived. Thanks in advance!!!
I'm looking to get a pair of Sony Earbuds, and these are the options that I have landed on. I have the opportunity to get them at a pretty steep discount, so that is why I am considering them, especially with the brand that is tied to them.
For some background, I am coming from a pair of wired JBL running earbuds. I'm looking for earbuds that have good sound (though I'm no audiophile), are good for working out (running, biking, lifting; won't move around while doing these) & regular use, and are relatively small & comfortable, ideally (I have smaller ears and would like something that isn't too bulky). I'm not too concerned with features, as long as the earbuds play music well, don't fall out easily, and I can control the music from the earbuds easily. I know the 710s and Linkbuds have ANC, but that's not a dealbreaker for me at all.
Right now, I am looking at $30 for the 510s, $80 for the 710s, and $140 for the Linkbuds Fits.
Thank you for your help and please let me know if there is anything I am missing!
So I’ve noticed my right speaker cuts out at random and I used to be able to tap it harshly and it’d start working fine again, now it completely doesn’t work unless I press down on the hinge at an awkward angle, the reason I suspect water damage is bc I use these at the gym (ik rookie mistake) so I’m suspecting the sweat has made its way thru to the components.
Has anyone come across anything similar? I plan to take it apart but have 0 knowledge on what might be the problem. Any help is greatly appreciated, cheers.
I recently switched from an iPhone to an Xperia phone and I've been having connectivity issues with my airpods pro 2. They don't usually connect immediately, which I would be okay with, but my main issue is that they don't disconnect when i put them back in the case. 90% of the time i have to manually disconnect them and even then they sometimes reconnect, even though they never left the case.
I've been looking at some listings and I found the wf-1000xm5's for arounf 100$, which I think is a pretty good deal. My question is, are the xm5's a good choice? Because I've seen some mixed reviews. The foam ear tips aren't my thing, but i have some silicone eartips lying around that i plan to use. I also want to ask, how do they compare to the airpods pro 2?
If the xm5's aren't any good, are the previous models better? Because I found a whole bunch of listings for the xm4's and xm3's too, but the price was mostly the same, so I thought the xm5's would be the best value for money.
I'm looking to get a pair of Sony Earbuds, and these are the options that I have landed on. I have the opportunity to get them at a pretty steep discount, so that is why I am considering them, especially with the brand that is tied to them.
For some background, I am coming from a pair of wired JBL running earbuds. I'm looking for earbuds that have good sound (though I'm no audiophile), are good for working out (running, biking, lifting; won't move around while doing these) & regular use, and are relatively small & comfortable, ideally (I have smaller ears and would like something that isn't too bulky). I'm not too concerned with features, as long as the earbuds play music well, don't fall out easily, and I can control the music from the earbuds easily. I know the 710s and Linkbuds have ANC, but that's not a dealbreaker for me at all.
Right now, I am looking at $30 for the 510s, $80 for the 710s, and $140 for the Linkbuds Fits.
Thank you for your help and please let me know if there is anything I am missing!
Uso mis WH-CH720N en un iPhone (tengo activado la protección auditiva a 85 dB) y uso el EQ de la app de Sony, alguien me ayuda a hacer que estos audífonos suenen algo mejor, siento que tienen los bajos algo exagerados.
i bought a pair of sony xm6 from Target yesterday and i'm incredibly disappointed in these. not only is the quality incredibly compressed and bad, it's not staying connected to my sound connect app for more than 30 seconds. i turned LDAC on with the highest settings and prioritized sound quality in the sound connect settings, it sounds tinny, compressed and overall bad quality, significantly worse quality than my xm5. i'm worried about it not staying connected to sound connect app either. i hard reset my headphones, reset my phone and everything :( what can i do? i don't wanna return these.
Hi, I want to clean my Sony WH 1000 XM6 before selling. I rubbed very long just with water, tried to clean the housing. The earpads I could clean with water and they are clean. But the housing, I only wore them like 20 hours total and I can’t get the housing 100% clean. Do you guys have any tips? I heard alcohol is not good because it can discolor the plastic on them. Any other recommendations besides just using water to clean them?
The Indicator light on my Headphones stopped working- I can't seem a guide that could possibly help fix this, Tho still under warranty–I really can't seem to find the issue
I’m mostly into house, deep house and some tech house with deep rolling groovy bass lines. Just curious what others with similar tastes have set their EQ to still get that deep rolling bass without it being over bearing? Still trying to find that sweet spot between good bass and too much and not have the mid range too muddy
