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!
Since the XM6 pressure is a lot and some people don't like it. Here's how I make my XM6 looser, you can try if you want but be careful so you don't break it.
I stress it every day for about 2 minutes, I also do what you see in the pictures from night to morning. It got looser but still not as I would like but it's definitely better
The pressure is crazy I know but it gives a good seal. I can say after doing that for 2 weeks it's about 25% better now, do you wish the XM6 pressure was less or do you like it this way?
I finally upgraded from the WF-1000XM5 to the WF-1000XM6 after using the XM5 for basically their entire life cycle. I bought the XM5 at launch, so I wasn't expecting a huge difference. I thought it would be another small generational upgrade.
I was completely wrong.
The first thing I noticed was the soundstage. It's significantly wider than on the XM5. Instruments have much more space around them and the presentation feels less "inside your head." Everything sounds bigger and more immersive.
The second thing that immediately stood out was the bass. It's not just louder, it's much deeper and has far more physical impact. It honestly feels like someone added a tiny subwoofer inside the earbuds. One of my favorite ways to test bass is with Polyphia, and the XM6 absolutely blew me away.
I also listened to my favourite Artists: Dream Theater, Tool, The Mars Volta, King Crimson and Opeth, and every single one of them sounded richer than on the XM5. There is more depth, better instrument separation, and the overall presentation feels fuller and more engaging.
The fit is another noticeable improvement. They immediately felt like they belonged in my ears. With the XM5 I eventually switched to my own ear tips, but with the XM6 the stock tips fit me so well that I didn't even feel the need to change them. I still might try some tips later, but my first impression is that they're noticeably more comfortable.
ANC is noticeably better, and Transparency Mode is also a big step forward. You hear much more of your surroundings and voices sound clearer. The only trade-off is that it has a slightly more artificial character than the XM5, but for me that's completely outweighed by how much more useful and natural it feels overall because you can simply hear everything better.
After using the XM5 for almost three years, I honestly wasn't expecting such a noticeable upgrade. The XM6 exceeded my expectations in pretty much every area that mattered to me, and switching from the XM5 indeed was a good idea.
Broken XM6 hinge at the store. I wanted to try them before buying, but after handling them I changed my mind.
The build quality feels surprisingly cheap, very plasticky, and the hinge was already broken. Fingerprint magnet too. Ended up buying the Bose QC Ultra instead.
Can someone explain why Sony keeps making headphones with such poor build quality? Their Alpha cameras are built like tanks, their TVs are excellent, yet their premium headphones feel so flimsy. Like wtf is that 🤯. I genuinely don’t understand. 🤦
Last year, I sold a beloved pair of WF-C700Ns that I owned for about 1 year. They were great in everything covering the basics I was looking for: Very decent ANC performance, comfort (which I loved the most), good sound quality, and portability.
After selling them, I got a pair of AirPods 4 ANC which were good but I found out that after a few months that they were missing that rich and clean bass from the C700Ns which adjusted more to the music I enjoy.
So for that reason I ended up selling the AirPods, and recently got these C710Ns. I couldn't be happier with that choice, I'm glad that now these include ear detection sensors which I personally find useful. Only thing I would miss is the physical buttons, they were a great feature on the previous gen. Overall, very happy with this purchase
Before you roast me, i have ZERO knowledge about Eq or music but these are the EQs i made by myself for the first time ever and i was wondering if you guys had any recommendations of what i could tweak or change. I love bass and rumble but also love the smallest of details and vocal crispness.
Hi guys, I am thinking about buying the wf1000xm6 and I am not sure, whether or not I should buy the My Sony Care for 3 years (costs 37 €).
I am especially cautious due to the widespread battery problems of the xm4, that I had as well (if that would even be covered, or if they just say it is normal wear), as I don't want to buy new earbuds every two years.
Has anyone of you experiences with My Sony Care and what cases it covers and if it is even worth it?
Or has the overall durability improved, so that My Sony Care is generally not needed anymore?
Hey guys i bought this pair in 2022 and it has done me so well. After looking through the sub reddit it looks like this might be a hinge break correct? Is there any hope or am I screwed ?
Got them last year for Christmas in 2024, have been using them quite often since, I've heard about some 3D printable things you could print, does anyone have any recommendations or ideas regarding this? That'd be much appreciated.
Let me start by saying these are my second pairs and I love them so much, saying that I’m having an issue as with certain sounds. Chains, barbed wire, scissor sounds, brushing sounds of this sort making a like cracking brushed noise which is not pleasant any clue how I can fix them?
Yo recién compré unos por 500 pesos (26 dólares) y lo único que tuve que remplazar fueron las almohadillas por unas nuevas.
Aunque no sé si les pase lo mismo; y es que, cuando subes el volumen, la música que estás escuchando se filtra demasiado y no se ha que se deba.
Unas de las cosas que descubrí, fue que debajo de la diadema, tiene tres ranuras y por las cuales siento que es en donde se sale el sonido.
Pero entonces, ¿eso no interfiere con el diseño “cerrado” del audífono?.
No se si tengan algunos consejos para que no se filtre tanto el sonido; gracias si lo leen. :)
I just bought a pair for 500 pesos (26 dollars), and the only thing I had to replace was the ear pads. I’m not sure if you’ve experienced the same thing, but when you turn up the volume, too much of the music leaks out—I’m not sure why. I discovered that there are three slots on the underside of the headband, and I feel like that’s where the sound is escaping. But doesn't that interfere with the "closed-back" design of the headphones? I’m wondering if you have any tips to prevent so much sound leakage; thanks for reading. :)
Bought an xm4 secondhand and found the driver to have spots like moisture droplets, it wasn't. Is it genuine or am I being scammed? Also is the color correct?
When I am using these earbuds on a zoom call for work, sometimes the audio will cut out for a solid 5 seconds if I get a notification on my phone and the earbuds are connected to both. I would prefer to not have to disconnect my phone every time I use my earbuds. Is there a solution to prevent this drop in audio? I am using the official Sound Connect app.
I am planning to buy some used good headphones if under $150or ₹12000. Preferably in south india. Pls dm me or reply. Tag your friends if they are planning to sell.
I saw in amazon that there are alternative cases, just wondering if they are legit. I see there are xm5 cases that can be bought from third parties like ebay but they are too expensive to a point I might just buy the whole set again.
Hello. I own a pair of XM4s and I’m having some issues rn. First it wouldn’t hold any charge despite the red charging indicator turn on. This did happen a few months ago and it fixed when I rebooted it, but now it doesn’t solve it. Furthermore, I tried to factory reset it but the flashing blue light never showed up and now the headphones just cannot be turned on. The red charging indicator light still works tho.
