Noise is heard from the headphones. (WF-1000XM4)

Update the headphones' software to the latest version. Doing so may resolve the issue. Perform the update before proceeding.

Solution

1. Select the situation when noise is heard:

   Noise is heard when the headphones are exposed to wind

   
   Refer to the Loud wind noise can be heard from the headphones article to reduce the wind noise.

   Noise is heard while walking or running

   
   When the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control is On, the vibration of walking or running may be transmitted from your body and cause noise. To avoid this, turn Off the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control.

   A cracking or popping noise is heard while or just after attaching the headphones

   
   This happen because air bubbles inside the earbuds get crushed and restored in response to movement that changes their shape. This is normal, and not a malfunction.

   Noise is heard when I push the headphones into my ears, or when I tap the touch sensor strongly

   
   This temporary noise can happen because of the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control function and air-tightness of the headphones. This is normal, and not a malfunction.

   An echo is heard when I cover the headphones or built-in microphone with my hand

   
   An echo in this situation is normal and not a malfunction.

   Noise is heard when the surrounding ambient noise is loud, such as when I am in a station or near a construction site.

   
   When the Ambient Sound Control is On, the surrounding noises can be easily heard. Turn on the Noise Canceling function, or turn off the Ambient Sound Control function.

   White noise (a small electrical noise with continuous static sound) is heard

   
   This happens because of the Noise Canceling function. To avoid white noise, turn off the Noise Canceling function.
   Note: If the white noise is heard during a phone call, refer to the The noise canceling function does not work or white noise is heard during a call on the headphones. article.

   A beep sound is heard while playing music

   
   Go to step 7.

   Noise is heard while talking on the phone

   
   Go to step 2.

   None of the conditions listed

   
   Go to step 6.

2. If noise is heard during a phone call, select the appropriate situation:

   The noise occurs in my voice

   Go to step 3.

   The noise occurs in the other person's voice

   Go to step 7.

3. Fit the headphones to your ears firmly.

   If the earbuds are not worn properly, do not fit your ears, or the air-tightness is insufficient, the phone call quality may decrease. To maintain the quality, consider these factors:

   • Make sure that headphones are worn properly
   • Select the earbuds that best fit with your ears. Measure the air-tightness of the earbud tips and find the optimal size of earbud tips using the Sony | Headphones Connect app
   For additional details, refer to the How to wear the headphones properly and select most suitable earbud tips article.

   The issue is resolved

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

   The issue is not resolved

   Go to step 4.

4. Try speaking louder.

   The issue is resolved

   The noise reduction function may have been the cause. When you speak quietly, the headphones may detect your voice as noise.

   The issue is not resolved

   Go to step 5.

5. Use the headphones in a quieter place.

   The issue is resolved

   The ambient sound may have been the cause.

   The issue is not resolved

   Go to step 7.

6. Turn off the Adaptive Sound Control function.

   When the Adaptive Sound Control is On, the notification sound (beep) tells you when the Noise Canceling or Ambient Sound Control setting changes. This may make you feel that the sound from the headphones is interrupted.
   Note: To disable the notification sound, open the Sony | Headphones Connect app and, in the Adaptive Sound Control screen, turn off Notification Tone When Switching.

   Follow these steps to turn off the Adaptive Sound Control function:

   1. In the Status tab, select (right arrow) at the right side of the Adaptive Sound Control menu.
      
   2. Turn off the Adaptive Sound Control.
      

   The issue is resolved

   The headphones settings were the cause of the issue.

   The issue is not resolved

   Go to step 7.

7. Try the following procedure:
   1. Set the headphones in the charging case, close the lid, wait for about 10 seconds, and then wear the headphones again.
      
   2. Restart the connected device.

   The issue is resolved

   The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones.

   The issue is not resolved

   Go to step 8.

8. Reset the headphones.

   Visit the Help Guide or view the How to reset video:
   
   

   Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

   The issue is resolved

   The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones.

   The issue is not resolved

   Go to the next troubleshooting step.

9. Initialize the headphones.
   Note: Initialization returns the headphones to the factory settings and all Bluetooth pairing information is deleted.

   Visit the Help Guide or view the How to initialize video:
   
   

   Tip: Learn how to turn captions on or off when watching Internet videos from YouTube

   The issue is resolved

   The issue may have been caused by a temporary malfunction of the headphones.

   The issue is not resolved

   The headphones may be malfunctioning, and service may be required.

Go to the Headphones Troubleshooting Guide