The Sony WF-1000XM3 has made its claim to fame as one of the most popular pairs of true wireless earbuds by featuring best-in-class active noise cancelling (ANC), a pleasing sound signature, and extensive app functionality. As capable as it is, the WF-1000XM3 is still an imperfect piece of tech, meaning it has its quirks.
Are you hearing occasional audio dropouts? Having trouble keeping the buds in your ear? Don’t remember what firmware your earbuds are running? This guide answers virtually any question you may have about the Sony WF-1000XM3.
How to find the model and serial number of your Sony WF-1000XM3
Finding the model number of your product is easy: it’s at the top of this article. If you missed that, you can find it in the app, printed near the inner hinge of the charging case, and printed on the back of each earbud. No matter what color your earbuds are, no matter where or when you bought them, the model number is still “WF-1000XM3.”
Finding the serial number is not as straightforward as finding the model number; though, it’s still a painless process. The serial number for the Sony WF-1000XM3 has seven digits and can be found on either the packaging of your product, or inside of the charging case towards the right of the hinge. It would be a good idea to write your serial number down somewhere in case you need it for warranty purposes.
How to pair your Sony WF-1000XM3 with any device
To pair your wireless Sony earbuds with your Bluetooth device, follow these steps:
- Remove the earbuds from the charging case and place them in your ears.
- Press and hold the touch sensor of each earbud for eight seconds.
- Your earbuds are ready to pair when you hear a voice say, “Bluetooth pairing,” and its LED lights flash blue.
- Go into your device’s Bluetooth settings, and select “WF-1000XM3” from the list of available devices.
Unfortunately, the Sony WF-1000XM3 doesn’t support Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, which means you cannot connect the earbuds to two device at once. Instead, you must have previously established connections with the desired devices at an earlier date. Then, you must manually disconnect the Sony WF-1000XM3 from the current source and manually connect it to the desired source via the Bluetooth menu.
How to find your firmware version for your Sony WF-1000XM3
To check what firmware version your earbuds are running, you’ll need to download the Sony Headphones Connect app, which is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at no cost. Once you’ve connected your earbuds, open the app and perform the following:
- Open the menu by pressing the three-dot icon on the top-right corner.
- Select “WF-1000XM3 Version.”
- A pop-up should appear with the firmware version currently installed.
How to update the firmware of your Sony WF-1000XM3
Firmware updates are important as it allows manufacturers to fix bugs and introduce enhancements to existing products. By default, the Sony WF-1000XM3 comes with the automatic updates feature enabled. However, updates can be performed manually instead.
Before updating the firmware, make sure to disable the Automatic Power Off feature, which could interfere with the update process. To do this, go into the System tab and under Automatic Power Off section; then, select the “Do not turn off” option.
If an update is available, a prompt will appear at the bottom of the screen within the app. Press the “More Info” button and then follow the on-screen instructions. A few things to note when updating the firmware of the WF-1000XM3:
- Updates can take up to 30 minutes, depending on your Internet connection and the size of the update.
- Ensure both earbuds are connected to your mobile device.
- Make sure each earbud is at least 50% charged.
- Do not place the earbuds into the charging case during the update.
The app will prompt you upon completion of the update. Press OK. After a few seconds, your earbuds will restart and should automatically reconnect to your device.
How to check the battery status
If you’re curious as to how much juice is left in your earbuds, you can check your battery percentage within the Sony Headphones Connect App. At the top of the screen you’ll see a breakdown of how much battery is left in each earbud, and in the charging case. The earbuds must be connected to the device in order to view these readouts.
How to reset your Sony WF-1000XM3 to factory settings
The charging case uses magnets to secure the earbuds in place.
When it comes to solving connectivity problems or any other device issues, a manual reset to factory settings tends to fix everything. To do this, follow these steps:
- Place each bud into the charging case. Keep the lid open.
- Press and hold on the touch sensor on the left earbud until a red light illuminates (around 20 seconds).
- Repeat the previous step with the right earbud.
- Once both earbuds have been reset, use your mobile device to pair with the earbuds.
- Once paired, install the latest firmware before use.
How to fix auto-pause functionality
The auto pause feature is handy when you need to quickly snap back into reality, but don’t want to miss a measure of your song. Any time you encounter issues with auto-pause, take any or all of these troubleshooting steps to try and solve the issue.
If auto pause isn’t working, make sure that the feature is enabled. In the Sony Headphones Connect app, under the System tab, make sure the “Pauses when headphones are taken off” option is enabled. If your content randomly pauses while you’re wearing your earbuds, try cycling the auto pause feature on and off.
Auto pause issues can be avoided by making sure your earbuds are up-to-date with the latest firmware. If all else fails, consider resetting your Sony WF-1000XM3 to factory default settings.
How to fix connectivity issues
If you’re experiencing random audio cutouts, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can follow. For starters, go into the app and under the Sound tab, scroll down to “Sound quality mode.” Make sure that it’s set to “priority on stable connection.”
This option is selected by default and is highly recommended by Sony, especially if you’re listening in an environment with a lot of wireless devices in use. It would also be a good idea to make sure your earbuds’ firmware is updated, especially since firmware updates often deal with connectivity issues.
How to customize the touch controls
By default, the touch sensors on the Sony WF-1000XM3 come pre-configured with ambient sound controls on the left, and playback controls on the right. With the Sony Headphones Connect app, however, you have the option to customize the touch sensors to trigger whatever functions you desire.
In the System tab of the app, under “Change the touch sensor function,” select the gear icon. From, there you can modify the function of each earbud.
Do note, however, that Sony divides touch sensor functionality into groups. This means that you can’t mix-and-match control functions in one ear—such as double-tap for volume up and long press for ambient sound control.
How to customize your sound with EQ
The default Sony WF-1000XM3 sound signature is tuned to satisfy most consumers, sporting a frequency response that emphasizes bass without sacrificing too much clarity in the mid-high frequencies. If, however, you’d prefer a little more oomph in your kick, or want to avoid treble frequencies from sounding too harsh, Sony has included EQ controls with the WF-1000XM3, which can be accessed using the Sony Connect Headphones app.
Inside the app, go into the Sound tab and you should see the Equalizer section. By default, the feature is switched off. To enable it, open the drop down menu by clicking on the little arrow on the lower right corner. From there, you can swipe through the presets that come with the app, or create your own.
To edit any of the presets, including the two custom preset slots, press the gear icon on the lower right corner of the Equalizer section. You should be presented with an editable 5-band EQ interface, with an additional Clear Bass slider: Sony’s attempt at reproducing dynamic deep-bass sounds without distortion. When you’re done, press OK and your edits will automatically be saved.
Why don’t I hear any difference listening to music with DSEE HX enabled?
One of the selling points of the WF-1000XM3 is its inclusion of Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE HX), which is essentially the company’s way of improving playback of lossy files through audio upsampling. In other words, the feature is designed to make compressed audio sound better to the average listener.
To enable DSEE HX, go into the Sony Headphones Connect app. Under the Sound tab, scroll down until you find DSEE HX. Pressing on the switch will set the feature to Auto mode. You’ll see a DSEE HX label at the top of the app, underneath the model number of your earbuds.
If you don’t see the label at the top of the screen, make sure the Equalizer is disabled. DSEE HX won’t function if EQ is on, which is annoying considering Sony doesn’t clarify this within the app.
Related: Best music streaming services
If the feature is on but you still don’t hear a difference, well, it’s not your fault. Although Sony’s marketing team tries to tout the feature as revolutionary, the average consumer won’t really hear any difference—especially since most people listen to their music via streaming services, typically mastered by professionals. Still, if you’re curious, it wouldn’t hurt to give the feature a go if you’ve got some free time.
How do I use Adaptive Sound Control?
According to our tests, the Sony WF-1000XM3 has the best active noise cancelling of any true wireless earbud—even better than the AirPods Pro. Not only does the WF-1000XM3 feature great noise attenuation, it features a system that automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your location. This is what Sony calls Adaptive Sound Control. If you want to set this up, connect to the earbuds and perform the following:
- Open the Sony Headphones Connect App.
- Go into the Status tab.
- Press the arrow next to “Adaptive Sound Control.”
- At the top of the screen, enable the feature.
- Under “Automatic Switching Based On Actions,” enable the “Detection of Actions” feature.
To edit your settings, press the gear icon next to “Detection of Actions.” From there, you have the option to dial in the amount of ambient noise you want (or don’t want), depending on your actions—when you’re sitting, walking, running, or even commuting.
You also have the option to automatically switch between noise cancelling modes and EQ presets based on your location, using your phone’s GPS. In the Adaptive Sound Control menu, scroll down and enable “Learning of locations you frequent.” You can also manually input locations and device settings by scrolling to the very bottom of the page, under the “Registered Locations” tab.
Why aren’t my earbuds charging?
For starters, place your earbuds into your charging case and close the lid. Wait for a red light to illuminate from the lip of the charging case lid, which can take up to 30 seconds.
If that doesn’t work, try cleaning the metal charging contacts on the earbuds and charging case using a dry soft cloth, such as the one you’d use to clean a pair of glasses. Debris or other foreign objects may have gotten stuck between the contacts, which would interfere with the charging process. Once cleaned, place the earbuds back in the charging case and wait for the red light to illuminate.
If the charging case isn’t charging, there could be something wrong with your USB-C cable. Sony recommends using the charging cable included with the WF-1000XM3. We like trial and error here, though., so try using another USB-C cable. Alternatively, charge the case using other power adapters or USB ports to rule out power source issues.
Your last at-home solution is to perform a factory reset. If all else fails, contact Sony for additional support and repair options, since it doesn’t sell replacement parts to general consumers.
Why do my earbuds keep falling out?
If your earbuds are constantly popping out of your ears, it’s probably because you didn’t get a proper fit, which is important for both sound isolation and comfort. The easiest fix for this is to replace the ear tips with ones that work best for your ears.
The Sony WF-1000XM3 comes bundled with a selection of ear tips made of either silicone or foam, with several sizes to choose from. By default, the earbuds are equipped with medium-sized silicone ear tips. If these don’t feel right for your ears, swap out the default ear tips with the other sizes and materials until you find ones that feel snug. It’s also common to find that you need differently-sized ear tips for each ear.
Some people have also found it useful to wear the WF-1000XM3 at a slight angle for an even more snug fit. To test how well your buds stay in your ear, try quickly shaking your head left and right. Just make sure to have your hands at the ready to catch the earbuds in case they pop out.
What if the noise cancelling sounds bad?
There are several reasons why noise cancelling may seem ineffective. For starters, check if you are using the right sized ear tips for your ear. After all, active noise cancelling is only as good as the passive isolation, which comes from a good fit.
Sony provides plenty of ear tips, ensuring you’ll find the proper fit.
Try swapping out different ear tips to see which materials and sizes work for you. To test for noise isolation, turn on a fan or play some white noise (pointing away from the earbuds) as you’re testing the fit to see which ear tip combination blocks out the most noise.
If fit isn’t the problem, check your settings. In the Sony Headphones Connect app, under the Sound tab, make sure that Ambient Sound Control is enabled. Also, ensure that the feature is set to “Noise Cancelling,” and not “Wind Noise Reduction” or “Ambient Sound.” While you’re in the app, check if your earbuds are running the latest firmware. This could fix any potential issues you may have with noise cancelling.
How do I set up Sony 360 Reality Audio?
If you want to truly immerse yourself in your content, try out Sony 360 Reality Audio: Sony’s approach to object-based spatial audio technology. In order to use this feature, you must complete the setup process in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
In the app, you’ll need to analyze your ear shape, which is performed using your front-facing camera. Follow the on-screen instructions which will guide you through the process. You’ll then need to download apps that support 360 Reality Audio.
Currently, the feature is only supported by a few premium music streaming services, such as Tidal (HiFi subscription), Deezer, and nugs.net. Once you’ve downloaded and subscribed to a compatible service, the last step is to go through the app optimization process, after which your earbuds will be primed and ready for 360 audio playback.
How to clean the WF-1000XM3 earbuds
To clean the earbuds, use a soft dry cloth to wipe off any fingerprints, dirt or any debris that may have built up during use. When cleaning the metal contacts, be careful to avoid exerting any excess pressure on the pins.
If you want to clean the ear tips, simply remove the tips by carefully pulling on the tips until they detach from the earbuds. If there is a build-up of debris inside the ear tips, fold the ear tip inside out. You can then use some compressed air or a q-tip to dislodge any dirt or debris. After cleaning, reattach the ear tips to the earbuds.
How to clean the WF-1000XM3 charging case
As with the earbuds, Sony recommends cleaning the charging case using a soft dry cloth. If the exterior of the case is particularly dirty, you can dip the cloth in a dilute solution of a neutral detergent, then wring the cloth well before wiping. Do not use any solvents such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol as they may damage the product’s surface.
To clean the interior of the case, use a soft dry cloth to carefully wipe the unit clean, being careful not to exert excess pressure on the charging contacts. Do not use a damp cloth when cleaning the interior as it may damage the case’s electronics.
Is something wrong with the battery?
As of now, true wireless earbuds don’t typically come with great battery life, especially when you compare them to wireless options (or “neckbuds”). Our objective battery-life tests clocked the Sony WF-1000XM3 with a playback time of 4.76 hours. This might be fine for your day’s commute, but not for a 12-hour international flight.
In order to save battery life, you can try turning off features such as EQ or DSEE HX, which requires additional processing power. You could also try turning down the volume, although this isn’t an ideal solution for most people who want to jam out to their tunes.
At the end of the day, batteries in any electronic device will degrade over time and the WF-1000XM3 is no exception. However, when you need to charge in a pinch, these earbuds are fast. 10 minutes in the charging case will give the earbuds enough power for 1.5 hours of playback, while 1.5 hours will fully charge the earbuds.
How to use the Sony WF-1000XM3
This is an easy one! Once you’ve completed the initial pairing process, all you’ll have to do is take the earbuds out of its charging case and put them on. The earbuds will automatically connect to the last device you used them with. Talk about simplicity at its finest! Of course, there are a lot more features under the hood, so be sure to check out our walkthrough of the Sony WF-1000XM3 for more information!
July 24, 2020 at 04:37AM
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How to fix problems with the Sony WF-1000XM3 - Sound Guys
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