Imagine preparing for a long workday or intense gym session only to find out that your earbuds aren’t charging. We know, incredibly painful, but you don’t have to worry!
All you have to do is follow our comprehensive guide on how to fix Sony earbuds that aren’t charging.
Sony WF-1000XM3 & Sony WF-1000XM4
Because the WF-1000XM3 and Sony WF-1000XM4 are pretty much siblings, the processes to find out why they aren’t charging are effectively the same.
Charging issues can be caused by a number of things. So, let’s run through all the potential causes to get them charging again.
Sony Earbuds Not Charging? Here’s Where to Start
Check the charging components
One of the main reasons why earbuds don’t charge is because they’re not being used with the right USB cable. Both the WF-1000XM3 and Sony WF-1000XM4 use a USB type C cable. So make sure you’re using the supplied USB cable.
Beyond just using the supplied USB type C cable, you also need to ensure that it’s connected to a working power outlet. This could mean the USB port on your computer or the wall socket. Ensure the supplied USB type C cable is properly connected to your device.
You may also need to check the port on your computer, as it could be faulty. If the USB port doesn’t work, try other ports with the cable.
Ensure that you’re using the earbud tips they came with. Third-party tips could cause the earphones to sit improperly in the charging case, which could impact charging.
Lastly, check your AC adapter.
- Use the same AC adapter on a different mobile device.
- Inspect the same AC adapter to ensure there are no physical defects.
- Ideally, you should use the adapter and charger that came with your earbuds.
When charging with a USB AC adaptor, you also need to make sure it’s firmly connected to the AC outlet and the supplied USB type C cable.
Check the power supply
If your device is plugged into a computer, make sure the computer is fully turned on. States such as sleep mode and standby mode can prevent charging. Updating the software may also fix issues.
Do the basics, restart your computer, and refresh it. Disconnect and reconnect your charging case. If the issue is not resolved after doing this, charge your device via a power outlet.
You may also want to look at the contact points on the charging case. Your buds need to make firm contact with these points. Cleaning the contact points could also resolve your issue.
Check the battery charging status
As silly as it may sound, there’s a chance that your earbuds could already be fully charged. If the headphones are fully charged already, then plugging them in won’t charge them any further. In some cases, the headphones are fully charged, but the indicator lights aren’t working properly.
If the indicator lights aren’t working as they should, then you could try resetting the earbuds or sending them to a technician. Broken indicator lights may be extremely difficult to fix.
Here’s how you can check the charging status:
- Turn on pairing mode by removing the earbuds from their case.
- Connect the earbuds to your phone via Bluetooth.
- Open the Sony Headphones Connect app on the connected device and check the battery percentage.
If the earbuds are new and the battery is draining unusually fast, then you may have a faulty battery. This would be something for a qualified technician to look at.
Reset the charging case
Resetting the charging case itself could also be a solution to your problem. Doing so may remove software bugs and improve the efficiency of your device.
Here’s how to do it:
- Place the left earbud in the charging case and close the lid.
- Use the supplied USB and AC adapter to plug the case into an AC outlet.
- Open and close the lid of the charging case. Repeat this process rapidly five times within 20 seconds.
- Wait until the indicator flashes red on the charging case.
- After the reset process has been completed, the indicator repeatedly flashes green four times.
- Take out the left earbud and put the right earbud in the case. Repeat the steps above for the right earbud. This won’t delete your Bluetooth pairing information.
You should also check the charging port, as charging ports can easily get dirty from debris.
Reset the earphones
Resetting your earbuds will restore them to their factory settings and delete all pairing information.
Follow these steps to do it:
- Place both earbuds in the charging case.
- Simultaneously touch and hold the sensor on both earbuds.
- Hold the sensors for 10 seconds and release them when the indicator flashes red on the case.
- Release your finger exactly five seconds after the indicator flashes red.
- Once the indicator repeatedly flashes green four times, the initializing process is complete.
- On the Bluetooth menu of your connected device. Delete, unpair, or forget your headphones.
Check the wireless charging pad
A wireless charging pad can make charging a seamless experience. However, they can present their own issues.
Firstly, inspect your wireless charging pad for any defects. Secondly, make sure you place your charging case on the wireless charging pad properly. After that, ensure the wireless charging pad is firmly connected to the right AC adapter or USB port.
You may also have to read the wireless charging pad manual to know how to properly set the headphones. If you’re certain that the wireless charging pad has been set up correctly and connected to a working AC adapter or USB port, then try charging a different device with it.
FAQs
How to find the serial number on Sony headphones?
If you are having issues with charging, you may want to contact Sony, and for that you need your serial number.
Unfortunately, finding the serial number of your headphones isn’t as easy as finding the model number. The serial number can typically be found on the packaging of the product or inside the charging case for wireless models. Because the packaging and charging case can wear over time, it’s a good idea to write down your serial number once you find it.
Are Sony headphones good?
On the basis of their market share and positive reviews, Sony makes some of the best headphones out there. If you’re shopping around for headphones, consider what you intend on using them for to make your decision easier. This is because some models excel at certain functions such as gaming, whereas, others might not.
How do I pair my Sony earbuds with a mobile device?
To pair your wireless earbuds with a mobile device, do the following:
- Remove the earbuds from the charging case and put them in your ears.
- Press the touch sensor on each earbud and hold them down for about eight seconds.
- Your earbuds will be ready to pair when you hear a prompt saying ” Bluetooth pairing.” The indicator lights will also begin to flash blue.
- Go into the Bluetooth settings on your mobile device and select your earbuds from the list of devices.
These instructions are applicable to the XF-1000XM3 and Sony XF-1000XM4 models. Other devices typically follow a similar process.
Why does the battery drain fast on my wireless earbuds?
Many factors impact battery life. Factors include how often you use your earbuds, how frequently you charge them and leave them plugged in, and the elements they’re exposed to. Battery life can also be impacted by having features such as noise cancellation enabled.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that Sony makes high-quality products, but even products from some of the biggest brands can malfunction. It’s not always easy to remain calm when your expensive earphones aren’t working, but it’s important to relax and avoid tampering with them too much, especially if you’ve tried all the options in our guide.
If your earbuds don’t come back to life after trying all the fixes above, get in touch with Sony as soon as possible. They’ll be able to refer you to a qualified technician or might offer a replacement if your warranty is still valid.
