Sony SupportHeadband

Article ID : 00269525 / Last Modified : 11/17/2023Print

The Noise Canceling effect is weak or not working (WF-1000XM4)

    Follow these steps to troubleshoot Noise Canceling issues when using the WF-1000XM4 earbud headphones.

    Before you start

    If the issue only occurs during a phone call, refer to the Noise canceling doesn't work, or white noise is heard during a call on the headphones article.

    Solution

    1. Turn on the Noise Canceling function.
      While wearing the earbuds, tap the L side touch sensor until you hear the voice guidance say, "Noise canceling."
      The Noise Canceling function works.
      The issue was caused because the Noise Canceling function was Off.
      The Noise Canceling function doesn't work.
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    2. Change the earbuds settings using the Sony | Headphones Connect app.

      When the Adaptive Sound Control is set to On, the earbuds detect your action (running, walking, etc.) and automatically switches the settings of the Noise Canceling function to Ambient Sound Control. To make maximum use of the Noise Canceling function, set the Adaptive Sound Control to off, and manually adjust the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control.

      1. Remove the earbuds from the case to establish a Bluetooth® connection with your phone, and then open the Sony | Headphones Connect app.
      2. In the Status tab, check the Adaptive Sound Control status. If it shows anything other than Off (Staying, Walking, etc.), tap the status message, and tap the slide bar to set it to Off.
         
      3. In the Sound tab, tap Ambient Sound Control setting, and set it to Noise Canceling.
      The Noise Canceling function works.
      The issue was caused by the headphones settings.
      The Noise Canceling function doesn't work.
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    3. Make sure the earbuds fit snug in your ears.

      If the earbuds do not fit your ears, the noise canceling function may be significantly affected. Here are some important factors to consider:

      • Make sure that earbuds are worn properly.
      • Use the earbud tips that best fit with your ears: Use the Sony | Headphones Connect app to measure the air-tightness of the earbud tips, and find the optimal size.
      For details, refer to the How to wear the WF-1000XM4 earbud headphones and select the right size earbud tips article.
      The Noise Canceling function works
      The size or of the earbuds may have affected the Noise Canceling function.
      The Noise Canceling function doesn't work.
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    4. Reset the earbuds.

      Watch this video or refer to the Resetting the headphones page for instructions.

      The Noise Canceling function works
      The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the earbuds.
      The Noise Canceling function does not work
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.

    5. Initialize the earbuds.

      IMPORTANT: After initialization, the headphones will return to the factory settings and all Bluetooth pairing information will be deleted.

      Watch this video or refer to the Initializing the headphones to restore factory settings page for instructions.

      The Noise Canceling function works.
      The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the earbuds
      The Noise Canceling function does not work
      The Noise Canceling function is most effective for low frequency (bass) noise, such noise made by vehicles or air conditioning, but not all sounds can be completely canceled. Try other conditions to test the effectiveness of the Noise Canceling function.

    Go to the Headphones Troubleshooting Guide