Sony Wh-1000xm4 Not Charging: 7 Easy Fixes (2024)

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities.

However, like any electronic device, they can encounter charging issues. If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are not charging, don’t worry.

In this article, we will explore common reasons for charging problems and provide troubleshooting steps to help you get back to enjoying your music hassle-free.

Common Reasons for Sony WH-1000XM4 Not Charging

1. Battery Depletion: One of the most common reasons for your Sony WH-1000XM4 not charging is a completely drained battery. Ensure your headphones have some charge left before attempting to charge them.
2. Charging Cable Issues: Faulty or damaged charging cables can prevent your headphones from charging. Make sure your cable is in good condition.
3. Dust and Debris: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the charging port, obstructing the connection between the cable and the headphones.
4. Software Glitches: Occasionally, software glitches can hinder the charging process. This could be due to a firmware issue that needs to be addressed.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Not Charging: 7 solutions

If you are experiencing charging issues with your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here are 7 solutions to try:

Check For Physical Damage:

If your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are not charging, the first step is to ensure that the headphones are not physically damage. 

Check for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or dents, on the headphones or the charging port.

If you find any damage, it might be the reason why the headphones are not charging. In this case, you may need to contact Sony’s customer support or consider getting the headphones repaired or replaced.

Verify the Charging Cable and Power Source:

Begin by inspecting the charging cable. Check for any signs of damage, such as fraying, bending, or exposed wires. A damaged cable may not establish a secure connection, leading to charging issues.

Next, examine the power source, whether it’s a USB port on your computer or a wall adapter. Confirm that the power source is functioning correctly.

You can do this by plugging in and charging another device with the same power source to rule out any problems with it.

Reset the Headphones:

Resetting your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones can be a valuable troubleshooting step for resolving various software-related issues.

There are two ways to reset your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones: a soft reset and a hard reset.

Soft reset:

A soft reset will restart your headphones and clear any temporary glitches or bugs. It will not erase your paired devices or settings. To perform a soft reset on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, follow these steps:

• Turn off the headset and ensure no USB cable is connected.
• Press and hold the POWER button and the CUSTOM button for 7 seconds or more. A blue indicator light will flash four times.
• The headset will initialise, resetting the settings and pairing information.
• Delete the headset from the list of Bluetooth products on your device.
• Pair the headset to your selected device again

Hard reset:

A hard reset will erase all of your settings and paired devices, including the Bluetooth connection information. This is usually only necessary if you are having major problems with your headphones that a soft reset cannot fix.

To perform a hard reset on your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, follow these steps:

• Make sure your headphones are turned off and not connected to any device.
• Hold down the power button and the custom button (the button with the three dots) at the same time for about 7 seconds.
• The blue indicator light will flash four times, and then the headphones will turn off.
• This means that the hard reset has been successful. You can now turn on your headphones and pair them with your devices again

Clean the Charging port

Carefully inspect the charging port on the headphones, which is usually located at the bottom of one of the ear cups.

Look for any debris, lint, or dust that might have accumulated. Even a small obstruction can prevent proper contact and charging.

To clean the port, Here’s what you’ll need:

• Compressed air: A can of compressed air will blast out any dust or debris lodged in the port.
• Toothpick: A toothpick can be used to gently remove any stubborn dirt or debris.
• Soft cloth: A soft, dry cloth can be used to wipe away any remaining dust or debris.

Here’s how to clean the charging port:

• Turn off your headphones and unplug them from any charging cable.
• Shine a bright light into the port. This will help you see any dirt or debris that may be lodged inside.
• Hold the can of compressed air upright and give the port a short burst of air. Be careful not to hold the can too close to the port, as this could damage the delicate components inside.
• Use the toothpick to gently remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Be careful not to scratch the inside of the port.
• Wipe the port clean with the soft cloth.

Firmware Update:

Outdated firmware can be a common cause of charging problems in electronic devices. A recent firmware update 1.6.1 has addressed battery-related issues for the WF-1000XM4 earbuds, which might also apply to the WH-1000XM4 headphones.

The 1.6.1 firmware update has reduced the burden on the battery and minimizing the loss of battery capacity due to long-term use

Make sure your headphones are charged to at least 70% and your smartphone or tablet is connected to the internet.

Here’s how you can update:

• Download the Sony Headphones Connect app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Connect your headphones to the app.
• Open the menu by pressing the three-dot icon on the top-right corner.
• Select “WH-1000XM4 Version.”
• A pop-up should appear with the firmware version currently installed. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.

Check For Battery Damage:

If the battery of your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones is not charging, it could be due to battery damage. 

This can occur due to various reasons, such as prolonged use, exposure to extreme temperatures, or a manufacturing defect. If the battery is damaged, it may not hold a charge or may not charge at all.

To check for battery damage, you can try the following steps:

Inspect the battery visually: Carefully open the headphones and visually inspect the battery for any signs of damage, such as swelling, leaking, or physical damage.

If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to replace the battery or consult a professional for further assistance.

Check the battery voltage: Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. A healthy battery should have a voltage close to its rated voltage. 

If the voltage is significantly lower, it may indicate that the battery is damaged or worn out.

Test the battery with a replacement: If you have a spare battery or can obtain one, try replacing the battery and see if the charging issue persists. 

If the new battery charges properly, it confirms that the original battery was the cause of the problem.

If the battery is damaged, it may need to be replaced. You can try purchasing a replacement battery from a reputable seller, such as eBay. 

However, if you are not comfortable doing this, it is best to contact Sony or a professional repair service for assistance

Contact Sony Support:

If none of the aforementioned steps resolve the charging issue, it’s advisable to contact Sony’s customer support for further guidance and assistance.

Be sure to mention if your headphones are still under warranty, as certain troubleshooting procedures, like resetting the headphones, might potentially void the warranty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Sony WH-1000XM4 not charging can be attributed to various factors, including battery depletion, charging cable issues, dust and debris, and software glitches.

By following the troubleshooting steps and adopting preventive measures, you can enjoy uninterrupted listening experiences with your premium headphones.