Hear just how far your
WH-1000XM5 headphones can go

Go deeper into sound and discover how to make the most of your new WH-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

There are three ways to pair your WH-1000XM5 to your device.

Google Fast Pair
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
Swift Pair

Pop-up pairing guidance appears on nearby Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices when pairing mode is selected.

Manual Pairing
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”.


Headphones connect
Get the most from your
WH-1000XM5 with the Sony | Headphones Connect app

Download the Sony | Headphones Connect app to adjust settings, including Multipoint Connection, Quick Access controls, 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.

Touch Sensor Controls

The WH-1000XM5 headphones feature intuitive touch control settings – for example, push the button on the left side to switch from Noise Cancelling to Ambient Sound, or use the touch panel on the right side to play or pause music, skip tracks, change volume, and more.

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How to use the touch controls

Watch this video to find out how to control playback, volume, incoming calls, and more, using simple touch controls.

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 

With Adaptive Sound Control the Headphones Connect app detects what's happening around you and adjusts Noise Cancelling or Ambient Sound Control settings for you.

2 screens from the Headphones Connect app showing how to enter Adaptive Sound Control settings and how to turn on detection of actions
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
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.


2 screens from the Headphones Connect app showing how to choose different action modes and change the settings to your liking
How to get started with Action based settings

In your Headphones Connect app, within the Adaptive Sound Control setting, enable “Detection of Actions” to begin with the default detection settings.

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.

How to adjust Noise Cancelling

Don't miss out on your favourite sounds, no matter where you are. Adaptive Sound Control can cancel external noise, while also letting in voices so you don’t miss important announcements, for example, on your daily commute.

Noise cancelling
Changing settings by location

Set up your headphones to change settings to your liking at the locations you visit frequently.


Speak-to-Chat

Set up your headphones so that when you want to have a conversation, all you need to do is start talking.

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.

Immerse yourself in sound all around you with 360 Reality Audio

360 Reality Audio is an immersive music experience that lets your WH-1000XM5 headphones create a 360-degree spherical sound field — so you can enjoy music from every direction. Just head to the Sony | 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, Wearing Sensor and Quick charging functions work.

Voice Assistant

Find out how to use the Voice Assistant on your WH-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.


2 screens from the Headphones Connect app showing how to open Voice Assistant settings and how to select the assistant of your choice.
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 to your favourite music quickly.

Quick Access to your favourite music

With Quick Access, you can configure these headphones to resume Spotify music playback 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.

Spotify tap
Wearing Sensor

Instant pause. Instant play.

Wearing sensor

If you need to take your headphones off for a moment, the music will automatically pause. When you put them back on again, the music will resume where you left off.

wearing sensor
Quick charging

All day power and quick charging.

Quick charging
Quick charging

If you are in a hurry, you can benefit from Quick charging. A 10-minute charge will give you 5 hours of playback!

If you have a USB PD-compatible AC adapter (not included), your headphones will charge even faster, giving you 3 hours’ worth of battery life after just 3 minutes.

Aftercare & support
Cleaning your headphones

Find out how to keep your WH-1000XM5 headphones clean the right way, without damaging them.


4 images showing, the connectors on each earbud, how to clean an earbud, where they sit int he carry case and how to clean them in the carry case.
Keeping your headphones clean

When the headset exterior is dirty, wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth. If the headset is particularly dirty, soak a cloth in diluted neutral detergent, and wring it well before using it to clean the headset. Do not use solvents such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol, as they may damage the finish on the surface of the headset or cause other damages.

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.

firmware update

Commonly asked questions

Have a question that needs answering? Check here first and learn about the most frequently asked questions from other WH-1000XM5 headphone users.

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Help guide

Find out everything you need to know about the WH-1000XM5.

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Support and news

Get the latest firmware update information, news, and alerts.

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Community – to discuss topics

Join in and discuss a whole range of topics related to your headphones.