Article ID : 00277922 / Last Modified : 09/14/2023Print

The sound quality is poor, the bass sound is not effective, or the sound is too low (LinkBuds or LinkBuds UC)

    Follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue:

    1. Make sure that the ear fitting supporters are properly attached to the earbuds, and the earbuds are properly attached to the ears.
      Note: If the ear fitting supporters are not properly attached, the Wide Area Tap function may not work properly and cause audio distortion. Align the protruding part of the earbuds with the cutout on the fitting supporter (A). Make sure to insert the fitting supporter completely.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue was caused by the way the ear fitting supporters were attached or the way the earbuds were being worn.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    2. Change the Equalizer settings in the Sony | Headphones Connect app.

      The bass sound with the LinkBuds is less when compared to canal-type headphones, but also has the characteristic of a clearer, unmuffled sound. If you want to increase the bass sound, change the Equalizer settings:

      1. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and connect the playback device with the LinkBuds via Bluetooth.
      2. On the Sound tab, tap the (down arrow) button on the right side of the Equalizer setting.
      3. Change the Equalizer setting at your preference. Either of the following can increase the bass sound:
        • Swipe left or right to select Bass Boost in the Equalizer menu item.
        • In the desired Equalizer menu item, select (Settings) and increase the CLEAR BASS value.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue is resolved by the Equalizer settings.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    3. Check if the issue is resolved by changing the maximum volume settings on the connected device.
      Note: Depending on the connected device, the maximum volume may be limited to a certain amount.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue was caused by the connected device's volume settings.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    4. Clean the LinkBuds.

      Since the sound output holes are not waterproof, the sound may become muffled or completely inaudible if water remains in the sound output holes. If this happens, position the sound output holes facing downward, and shake several times to get the water out. For details about cleaning the LinkBuds, refer to the How to care for the headphones article.

      The issue is resolved
      Cleaning the LinkBuds has resolved the issue. Regular cleaning is recommended to perform the full performance of the LinkBuds.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    5. Change the Bluetooth profile.

      If the Bluetooth profile is set to HFP or HSP, the sound may be lower compared with A2DP. If the connected device has the settings, change the Bluetooth profile to A2DP. With a Windows 10 computer, for example, you can change by following these steps:

      1. On the right side of the computer screen, right-click the Speaker icon.
      2. Select Open Sound settings, and then select Sound Control Panel.
      3. Select the Playback tab to show the device list.
      4. Select Headphones labeled with LinkBuds Stereo, and click Set as Default Device.
      The issue is resolved
      The issue was caused by the Bluetooth profile settings.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    6. Reset the LinkBuds or LinkBuds UC.

      Watch this video or refer to the Resetting the LinkBuds or Resetting the LinkBuds UC page for instructions:

      The issue is resolved
      The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the LinkBuds.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    7. Initialize the LinkBuds or LinkBuds UC.
      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 Linkbuds to restore factory settings or Initializing the LinkBuds UC to restore factory settings page for instructions:

      The issue is resolved
      The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the Linkbuds.
      The issue is not resolved
      Go to the next troubleshooting step.
    8. Try another playback device to check if the same issue occurs.
      The issue does not occur when using another device
      The playback device you first used may be malfunctioning.
      The issue also occurs when using another device
      The Linkbuds may be malfunctioning and require repair.  Go to Product Repair. .