Sony Support

Article ID : 00265284 / Last Modified : 26/07/2023Print

I can't play audio using the LDAC codec

    IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

    First, make sure that your Bluetooth playback device supports LDAC, which is necessary to play audio using the LDAC codec.

    Next, try to install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on your playback device. The app is available on the Google Play Store and the App Store. Depending on whether you've installed the app or not, please follow the instructions below.

    I have installed the Sony | Headphones Connect app on my playback device

    1. Connect the headphones and the playback device via Bluetooth.
    2. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, then set Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Sound Quality, as shown in the screenshot below.
    3. In the Sony | Headphones Connect app, check that the codec name below the model name says LDAC. Then, start playing music.
      NOTE: If LDAC doesn't appear or a different codec name is shown, confirm the codec settings on the playback device.

    I cannot install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on my playback device

    Apart from the playback device, you will need a smartphone to set up the audio codec in the Sony | Headphones Connect app. You also need to change the codec settings on the playback device.

    In the following steps, we've used an NW-50 Walkman as an example:

    1. Install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on the smartphone.
    2. Connect the headphones and the smartphone via Bluetooth.
    3. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, then set Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Sound Quality.
    4. On the playback screen of NW-A50, select （options/settings icon）→ Settings.
    5. In the Bluetooth menu, select Audio Device Connection Settings → Wireless Playback Quality → LDAC.
    6. Disconnect the Bluetooth connection of the headphones and the smartphone.
    7. Connect the headphones and the Walkman via Bluetooth, then start playing music.

    NOTES:

    • When you play audio using LDAC, data transmission volume increases. If you are experiencing sound interruption, set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Stable Connection in the Sony | Headphones Connect app.
    • For more information on sound interruption, visit the article: Sound is interrupted or noise occurs while playing music.