Hear just how far your WF-1000XM5 headphones can go
Go deeper into sound and discover how to make the most of your new WF-1000XM5 headphones. Here you'll discover how to use and customise the range of features at your fingertips and make your sound truly yours.
Discover all your headphones have to offer
Getting started
Using your headphones for the first time
The first time you turn on the headphones, they will automatically enter Pairing mode. After that, there are three ways to pair your WF-1000XM5 to your device.
Google Fast Pair
Just put your headphones into Pairing mode near your Android phone and Fast Pair will connect them with a single tap.
Swift Pair
Pop-up pairing guidance appears on nearby Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices when Pairing mode is selected.
Manual Pairing
The first time you turn on the headphones, they will automatically enter Pairing mode. Next time you want to pair, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. The indicator will repeatedly flash twice and you will hear the voice guidance say “pairing”.
Get the most from your
WF-1000XM5 with the Sony | Headphones Connect app
WF-1000XM5 with the Sony | Headphones Connect app
Download the Sony | Headphones Connect app to adjust settings, including Multipoint Connection, Ambient Sound mode, and more. Lots of the settings we mention on this page can be tailored to your preferences using the app. To have access to all the functions available to you within the app, you will be required to sign in or create an account.
How to wear
See how you can get the clearest sound
Watch this video to learn how to fit your headphones for the best possible sound quality.
Multipoint Connection
Connect your headphones to two Bluetooth® devices simultaneously, so you can wait for an incoming call on one device while listening to music on the other.
Sound Features
Adaptive Sound Control
Adaptive Sound Control is a smart function that detects what is happening around you and adjusts Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound settings for the ideal listening experience.
How to start and adjust Adaptive Sound Control
Just open the Headphones Connect app and switch it on to use its default detection mode.
If you want to customise it even further, you can adjust Noise Cancelling or External Sound Capture preferences through the app.
Optimise the switching for you
This feature learns how you use the headphones while using Adaptive Sound Control and switches settings at an optimal time.
Just enable this setting and follow the on-screen prompt to sign into your Headphones Connect app account.
Action based settings
The Headphones Connect app detects what’s happening around you and what you’re doing. Then it adjusts settings like Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound levels automatically. So, if you’re running, ambient sound levels might go up, then go down when you’re sitting in a cafe.
How to get started with Action based settings
In your Headphones Connect app, while on the Status tab, select the right arrow next to Adaptive Sound Control.
Switch on Adaptive Sound Control if it isn’t already on, then click the cog icon next to “Detection of Actions”. This will show you the default settings for each action: staying, walking, running, and transport.
You can stick with default settings or change them to your liking, for example, putting Ambient Sound levels up when you're walking to hear the world around you.
Noise Cancelling and Focus on Voice
Shut the world off and hear only what you want to hear – from nothing at all to voices only.
Changing settings by location
Set up your headphones to change settings to your liking at the locations you visit frequently.
Auto Play
Auto Play
Auto Play delivers music and audio notifications just when you need them. You can set music to play at your preferred timings, such as when you're putting your headphones on or going for a walk on your lunch break, uplifting your mood effortlessly. Audio notifications remind you of all your important events, whilst your phone can stay safely in your pocket.
Link with Spotify, Endel and Music app to get your favourite music and relaxing soundscapes. The Auto Play app is in Beta, which means its features and experiences may also be changed and improved .
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How Auto Play works
Watch the video to see how Auto Play works on the
WF-1000XM5
Sound quality
Fine-tune your equaliser settings and adjust your streaming and upscaling settings for a better listening experience that suits your taste.
Get the sound just right
Find the sound that’s perfect for you and for everything you listen to, with an equaliser, high-quality Bluetooth® settings, and audio upscaling from DSEE Extreme.
Discover sound from all around
Find out how to try a whole new sound experience with revolutionary 360 Reality Audio.
360 Reality Audio Certified Headphones
360 Reality Audio is an immersive music experience that lets your WF-1000XM5 headphones create a 360 spherical sound field – so you can enjoy music from every direction. Just head to the Headphones Connect app to get started.
How to listen to 360 Reality Audio
Get started with 360 Reality Audio and find out how to stream 360 Reality Audio tracks on your phone.
Convenience features
Learn how the Voice Assistant, Quick Access button, Safe Listening and Head Gesture functions works.
Voice Assistant
Find out how to use the Voice Assistant on your WF-1000XM5 headphones. It's as easy as asking, "Hey Google, what is the weather today?" to know whether you need to grab your coat on the way out.
How to set up Voice Assistant
Open your Headphones Connect app and activate your Voice Assistant from the System tab. Then just select the Voice Assistant you normally use (Google, Alexa, Siri) to get started.
Quick Access button customisation
Access your favourite music quickly.
Quick Access to your favourite music
With Quick Access, you can configure these headphones to resume Spotify music playback or Endel personalised soundscapes with two or three taps – no need to touch your smartphone.
In the System menu, find the Quick Access setting. Select the cog icon to adjust what the Quick Access [NC/AMB] button does. E.g. Press the [NC/AMB] button two times to resume Spotify.
Head Gesture
Control headphones with head gestures
You can operate your earbuds using natural head gestures, like receiving or declining calls or operating Auto Play by nodding or shaking your head.
Head Gestures Features can be activated via Headphone Connect app. You need to calibrate feature upon first use. Once calibrated, you can toggle features on or off via app.
Safe Listening
This feature encourages safe listening to protect your future music experiences.
Listen safely with Sony | Headphones Connect app
To help protect your ears, you can check your volume compare to the World Health Organization (WHO). For example, when 80% of the WHO weekly sound pressure standard is reached, Vol will automatically drop to a level that has less impact on the ear. If you want to want to track the benefits, you can visualise the time that Noise Cancelling has protected your ears from sounds that could harm your hearing.
Aftercare & support
Cleaning your headphones
Find out how to keep your WF-1000XM5 headphones clean the right way, without damaging them.
Keeping your earbuds clean
Clean your earbuds often to keep them in optimal condition. If the outside of the headset or the charging case get dirty, wipe them clean with a soft dry cloth.
Firmware updates
Keep your headphones up-to-date with the latest firmware releases.
Latest firmware update
When using the Sony | Headphones Connect app, it will let you know when there is a new update to download.
Make sure you have the latest firmware updated on your headphones so any bug fixes and improvements will be applied.
If you haven’t already downloaded the Headphones Connect app, you can download it via the links and QR codes below.
Commonly asked questions
Have a question that needs answering? Check here first and learn about the most frequently asked questions from other WF-1000XM5 headphone users.
- 1. Put the headphones into pairing mode (press and hold the power button for 5 seconds).
- 2. Enable Bluetooth® on your laptop/desktop computer.
- 3. Pair and set up your device.
- 1. Put the headphones into pairing mode (press and hold the power button for 5 seconds).
- 2. Operate pairing on the second device. Instructions will differ depending on the device – follow the guidance in the following article for more information.
The noise cancelling circuit senses outside noise using built-in microphones and sends an equal-but-opposite cancelling signal to the headset. By producing this countersignal, your headphones block a large part of external sound sources. However, it’s important to remember the following:
- • The effect may not be pronounced in a tranquil environment, or some sound may be heard. If there is little ambient noise, it’s advisable not to switch on the NC function, as it needs ambient input to work optimally.
- • Noise cancellation doesn't transfer during telephone calls. Although it protects you from surrounding noise, the person you are speaking to will potentially hear background noise.
For further information, read the following article.
Sound can only travel if there is a medium to transport it, such as air, water, glass, or metal. If you stand in an empty room with a speaker playing music, you will hear the music. However, if the air from this room is removed, the speaker will still function, but you won’t hear any sound as there’s no medium to transport the sound waves.
You may hear external sound when using Noise Cancelling due to:
- • Air trapped between your audio device and eardrum.
- • Different pitch levels. Noise cancelling works best when the ambient noise is low or medium in pitch and remains constant. For example, an airplane engine produces a low-pitched, constant sound, meaning that the level of sound you hear remains consistent. Conversely, when someone speaks, sound waves scatter based on the volume and energy created by every word. Unlike a plane engine, speaking pitch changes frequently. That is why you might hear someone talking next to you.
Read the article to learn how to improve noise cancellation.
You can check the specifications of your device on the model support page to confirm if your TV and Bluetooth® headphones, speakers, or soundbar support A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile).
Place the connected device where you usually use it with the headset and play music or sound for at least 2 minutes. After that, immediately tap “Help" in the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app and select “Bluetooth Signal Strength Check” to display the results.
- 1. Connect your headphones and computer via Bluetooth®. For how to pair them, refer to the Help Guide of your headphones.
- 2. Confirm the settings on video calling apps. Read the below article for further information.
Help guide
Find out everything you need to know about the
WF-1000XM5.
Support and news
Get the latest firmware update information, news, and alerts.
Community – to discuss topics
Join in and discuss a whole range of topics related to your headphones.