The Noise Canceling effect is weak or not working (LinkBuds S)

1. While wearing the headphones, tap the L side touch sensor to turn on the Noise Canceling function. You will hear a notification sound from both units (or from the left unit when only the left unit is worn) at the same time.
   Note: In the default setting, you can switch between the Noise Canceling and Ambient Sound function by tapping the L side touch sensor.
   

   The Noise Canceling function works

   The Noise Canceling function was Off.

   The Noise Canceling function does not work

   Go to the next troubleshooting step.

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

   When the Adaptive Sound Control is set to On, the headphones detect your action (running, walking, etc.) and automatically switch the settings of the Noise Canceling function to Ambient Sound Control. To make maximum use of the Noise Canceling function, follow these steps to set the Adaptive Sound Control to off and adjust the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control manually.
   Note: If the Adaptive Sound Control is set to On, the Noise Canceling is adjusted, and Adaptive Sound Control is activated according to your action.

   1. Turn off the Adaptive Sound Control.
      1. Connect the headphones and smartphone via Bluetooth, then launch the Sony | Headphones Connect app.
      2. On the Status tab, check the Adaptive Sound Control status. If the status shows other than Off (Staying, Walking, etc.), select (right arrow) on the right side of the Adaptive Sound Control menu.
         
      3. Turn off the Adaptive Sound Control.
         
   2. On the Sound tab, tap the (down arrow) button on the right side of the Ambient Sound Control menu, and select NOISE CANCELING.
      

   The Noise Canceling function works

   The headphones settings caused the issue.

   The Noise Canceling function does not work

   Go to the next troubleshooting step.

3. Fit the headphones to your ears firmly.

   If the earbuds do not fit your ears, the noise canceling function may be significantly affected. To maintain quality, consider these factors:

   • Make sure that headphones are worn properly
   • Select the earbuds that best fit your ears. Measure the air-tightness of the earbud tips and find the optimal size of earbud tips using the Sony | Headphones Connect app
   • Make sure that the headphone's microphone and your ear are not in contact with each other.
   For additional details, refer to the How to wear the headphones and select the right size earbud tips article.

   The Noise Canceling function works

   The size or fitting conditions may have affected the Noise Canceling function.

   The Noise Canceling function does not work

   Go to the next troubleshooting step.

4. Reset the headphones.

   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 headphones malfunction.

   The Noise Canceling function does not work

   Go to the next troubleshooting step.

5. Initialize the headphones.
   Note: Initialization returns the headphones to the factory settings, and all Bluetooth pairing information is 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 headphones malfunction.

   The Noise Canceling function does not work

   The Noise Canceling function is most effective for low frequency (bass) noise, such as 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