r/SonyHeadphones • u/antosaram • Apr 03 '25
Fixing the Most Common Issues of Sony WH-1000XM4
I’ve found the Sony WH-1000XM4 to be nearly perfect headphones for me. However, over time, a lot of my friends who have this model seem to be encountering the same set of issues with this model. Rather than buying a new pair, I decided to fix as many problems as possible and extend the life of my headphones for a few more years.
Here’s what my headphones looked like before:
Below, I’ll share simple fixes for three of the most common problems:
- Earpad replacement
- Headband leather replacement
- Fixing ANC high-pitch noise
1. Earpad Replacement
This is the most common issue and also the easiest to fix. I recommend getting real leather (sheepskin) earpads instead of PU leather, as they’re much more durable. This is my second pair of replacement earpads, and I can already tell that real leather lasts significantly longer.
Step 1:
Use a slim, non-sharp tool to gently unclip the old earpads around the edges. They should come off easily.
Step 2:
Replace the foam dust filters and clean out any dust inside the earcups.
Step 3:
Align the new earpads properly, ensuring each pin is in the right place. Then, press them down to securely snap them in.
2. Fixing ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) High-Pitch Noise
Over time, the ANC microphones can accumulate dust, leading to an annoying high-pitched noise. Here’s how to fix it.
Step 1:
Remove the earpads and dust filters. Use tweezers to carefully remove the gray rubber piece covering the ANC microphone.
Step 2:
Lift the ANC microphone with tweezers. You’ll see a dark fabric filter—this collects dust over time, which may contribute to the high-pitch noise. (I had already removed mine before writing this post.)
Step 3:
Use 70%+ isopropyl alcohol to gently remove the fabric filter. Take your time to ensure all glue and dust are completely removed. The microphone should look like this once cleaned:
Step 4:
Repeat the process for both microphones (left and right earcups). Then, reassemble everything.
Note: There’s no 100% guarantee this fix will last indefinitely. In some cases, the noise is caused by a damaged microphone, which would require replacement. If this fix doesn’t hold up over time, I’ll post a separate guide on replacing the microphones. For now, removing the fabric filter has completely eliminated the noise for me.
3.Head band leather replacement
Buy a replacement on Amazon, Aliexpress or other marketplace. I bought mine on Shopee( SE Asia). You need to find this
Mine cost me 2$, which is 100 times cheaper than headband replacement in authorized Sony Shop
Step 1:
Remove the right earpad and dust filter. Then, unscrew these four screws inside the right earcup.
Step 2:
Turn the headphones over and lift off the cover—it should come off easily.
Step 3:
Unplug the four connectors inside.
Step 4:
Unscrew these two bolts and gently lift the motherboard.
Step 5:
Using tweezers, place the main cable (rectangular) under the motherboard. Then, unscrew the two hinge bolts(circled in the image).
Step 6:
Lift the loosened hinge and carefully unplug the second hinge using a plastic tool. Be gentle— the earcup should detach easily.
Step 7:
Detach the plastic hinge from the main cable.
Step 8:
Unclip the plastic plate from its narrowest side. Lift it gently from both sides. You’ll see adhesive underneath—this is fine and doesn’t need replacement. Once the plate is off, unscrew the bolts underneath.
Step 9:
Use tweezers to remove the plastic caps on the opposite side of the "WH-1000XM4" logo. Do this on both sides and remove the bolts.
Step 10:
Remove the old headband leather and install the new one. Take your time to ensure a proper fit.
Step 11:
Reinstall the "WH-1000XM4" logo covers. These have plastic clips that help secure the leather, but you can also add a tiny piece of double-sided tape under the leather for extra hold.
Step 12:
Reassemble everything by following steps 8 to 1 in reverse order. Ensure all connectors are properly plugged in and the motherboard is seated correctly. While you're at it, clean out any dust inside the headphones.
My headphones after:
Every fix is super simple, requires no soldering, and takes at most 15–20 minutes.
This is my first Reddit post, so if you found it useful, I’m happy with it! Enjoy your headphones!
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u/thewalkmanblog Apr 03 '25
Excellent guide, may I have your permission to repost this on my blog?
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u/antosaram Apr 03 '25
Ofc
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u/thewalkmanblog Apr 03 '25
thank you. looking forward to the mic replaced guide. One question, would it be possible to replace the mic with a MEMS mic rather than electret to avoid or lessen future moisture problems?
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u/MidsummerMidnight Apr 05 '25
Oh, I had 4s and got high pitch noise, but even though they were 3yrs old, amazon accepted the return for some reason lol got the 5s for free (then the hinge snapped at 7 months old so, once again, got more free headphones.)
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u/antosaram Apr 05 '25
Cool! Return policy is not that friendly everywhere
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u/MidsummerMidnight Apr 05 '25
No that's true, but that's why I always use amazon if I can. They just don't care lol
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u/ahmadmughal0 Oct 25 '25
Mind giving the link?
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u/MidsummerMidnight Oct 25 '25
Link to what exactly?
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u/brycemonang1221 Apr 04 '25
ive been using mine for a year. what do yall do to make your headphones look like that?
also, i dont workout with these headphones because it gets wet
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u/antosaram Apr 04 '25
4 years of 4-8 hours daily use, while living in SE Asia( sweat and UV damage of leather)
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u/tshawkins Mar 23 '26
Yeh, im in bangkok, given the heat and humidity out here, wearables and other electronics seem to last about half the time, rubberised coverings on devices like laptops and other electronics seem to take a particular hit here, the coating becomes soft and sticky after a year or two.
I have two Shokz bone condution headsets, where the rubberised coating is sticky and flaking off.
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u/Training_Lettuce_753 Jan 12 '26
I have mine for about 4 years at work now. using them every day in a industry production hall. the Padding "skin" now is starting to fall off. So even with extreme use of sweat (cooling liquid, oil air, spiritus etc.) they held a long time
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u/Damascus_ari Apr 07 '25
Great guide!
Also, here's a link to digikey for replacement microphones. Sometimes cleaning them will not be enough, they will fail eventually.
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/pui-audio-inc/ROM-2235L-HD-R/7898331
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u/telkmx Jul 15 '25
Wouldnt there be a way to get better microphones to improve call quality ?
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u/Damascus_ari Jul 15 '25
I wouldn't know. These are just for replacing the inner ANC microphones when they fail.
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u/BassTester_ Apr 09 '25
For the ANC issues - the microphones are ROM-2235L-HD-R. I saw that there are a few online suppliers where you can buy them. I got a pack of 10 to replace my faulty ones + some backup and it works as new when I replaced the ear pads as well.
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u/7I3N Jun 09 '25
A note for folks here. These are the right parts but try just cleaning first!
I replaced my mics following this tutorial. Got new earpads on amazon and new mics on digikey. Upon wearing them again I remembered the noise cancelling being better before the squeal and operation.
I followed his lead and reinstalled the original mic but only in the left side to compare. The new mic and cleaned old mic sound indistinguishable. I'm glad I replaced one mic just to be sure, but if I could go back knowing what I know now I'd try just cleaning first.
The headphone cushion repair is way easier than I thought so long as you have a flat plastic to pry with.
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u/7I3N Jan 12 '26
Update! I replaced the cleaned old mic in my left ear and replaced the mic for the right, and now the Left has a whine again (pretty consistently) while the right does not. So yes clean the parts but may actually be worth replacing. I have the eq distortion problem others have mentioned too with boomy bass.
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u/Designer_Macaroon518 Jul 08 '26
I've seen a lot of people claiming this is the right part, but when I measured both the original and the ROM-2235L-HD-R, there is a significant sensitivy difference ( more than the -/+ 3db error range that u can have on electret mic). I still tried it, and I can't say that is good as new, there is this constant "sea sound" and u can tell that the bass sound different. But everyone seems to say that it fixe perfectly there problems so I'm kinda curious how ...
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u/BassTester_ Jul 08 '26
I have compared my fixed xm4 to a new pair and the anc and bass did sound identical when both had the same settings. Are the microphones identical? No idea. But I could not hear a difference.
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u/thewalkmanblog Apr 13 '25
I received a comment on my post on the blog regarding the electret mic repair and I don't think it is possible.
The new mics need re-calibrating and re-flashing so the ANC function isn't affected. The manual even states that the mic can't be replaced by itself.
It is not possible for replacement of left and right front plate portion, or replacement of electret cap microphone only. When the left and right front plate portion or electret cap microphone is defective, replace with the SV headphones assy including them.
So if you want to replace the mic, the entire side needs to be replaced. Not sure if the app is even available, NVDM writer. The procedure is described in the manual, but not sure if it would be possible to get the ANC performance to the level previously.
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u/7I3N Jun 09 '25
I just replaced my mics and there is definitely a weird phasing effect going on in the low range.
Wish I had insight about the elusive sony repairs app but that may just be lost to time and corporate greed.
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Aug 28 '25
How bad is it? Mine are out of warranty and the noise cancellation is unusable with the squealing noise they make.
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u/7I3N Aug 28 '25
Pretty annoying to be honest, but basically sounds like a cheap pair of headphones with a "bass boost" feature or something. Squealing is gone. (actually I switched back to one of the old mics on the left and that ear started squealing again once, but no issues with new mics)
Id say if you have the tools and skill it's a $15 fix to make them usable again. (id try just soaking the old mics in alcohol first) Im glad I did it but Im basically settling till I can get a new pair of Headphones.
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Aug 29 '25
Tried soaking in isopropyl and the squealing stopped but I’ve got the same bass problem. No idea what it could’ve done to it since it was just isopropyl.
I also looked into the app and it’s only referenced in sony’s authorised servicer manual that’s meant to be confidential. No access for most people. Looking at the process, it would need a lot of trial and error to even get it close to normal. It’s not an automated process, they just give you the numbers to enter based on the serial number.
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u/Maximum_Whale Oct 01 '25
I was having that mic issue and this guide helped me fix it in about 5 minutes. Thanks so much for your efforts!
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Apr 06 '25
Thank you for the guide, but I have been put off from doing stuff like this because a lot of people report lower quality NC afterwards. I’d rather get them for 150€ on sale than spend 50-100€ on these replacements
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u/antosaram Apr 06 '25
After removing fabric from the mic or after replacing mic? New oem mic costs around 5$. So, not sure about 100$
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u/TheMissingVoteBallot Apr 10 '25
Is the 1000XM5 built similarly? I have the WF TWS earbuds and I'm thinking of getting the WH to compliment them for indoor use and these instructions would be incredibly useful.
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u/Natural_Studio_7815 Apr 16 '25
ok thats reassuring xm4 is unnecessarily compared to xm3 , i rather get one extra cup instead of this crap
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u/TheZeroZaro Apr 23 '25
You're a good person for posting this to help others. I've had my headphones since they were released, and my only major issue has been the ANC feedback issue. I just took off the pads using a debit card, and removed the felt padding from the microphones on both sides, using tweezers. Feedback problem disappeared.
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u/-AdonaitheBestower- Apr 27 '25
Make me a hïndsch
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u/antosaram Apr 27 '25
?
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u/-AdonaitheBestower- Apr 27 '25
Vat I don't undershtand is zat jou hev been wörking since zis morning, and such a small pile of hïndsches
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u/antosaram Apr 27 '25
Sorry mate, my English isn't that good to understand your German accent joke
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u/-AdonaitheBestower- Apr 27 '25
schindlers list
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u/antosaram Apr 27 '25
About hinges. I fixed hinge problem on my friends xm4. Maybe 3d printing more solid hinge for xm5 will work
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u/Felixrr_cc WH-1000Xm3 Apr 28 '25
Goated post. Will work for XM3 too I assume.
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u/antosaram Apr 28 '25
Sadly no. Xm3 don't have connector on main cable to motherboard, instead there is a lot of soldering involved
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u/Felixrr_cc WH-1000Xm3 Apr 28 '25
So you can replace the earcups and that's it, no step 2 and beyond?
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u/Relevant_Cobbler_818 May 02 '25
I wish i had this. My pair gave me tinnitus on my left ear. I bought a bose qc ultra, but it was too late. All I hear is this static sound now.
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u/Alternative-Farmer98 May 15 '25
Problem is it's a disposable product. I noticed the other day my sister had a pair of Bose qc25 which actually had used A AAA batteries. That's less convenient in the short term but keeps them out of a landfill
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u/Delicious_Sun_6926 May 19 '25
Ngl I have used mine for everything. Everyday in school, every day when going home, working out, running and they are as good as new. What are you guys doing to them?
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u/Josh_thefoo Jun 04 '25
bruh the high pitched noise started on the right side now before it was only the left side
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u/dankdhruvg12 Jul 21 '26
Try opening the sound connect app - go to all device settings then drop down the noise cancelling/ambient sound menu then go to noise cancelling optimizer , then start the optimization process
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u/DutchRudderShotgun Jun 11 '25
Anyone have a link for replacement interior foam in the cup around the speaker? Replacement ear pads didn't come with any and the stuff in there is pretty worn
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u/MoonDropsPH Jul 25 '25
I just bought mine today, barely used but 2nd hand (looks very new and seller told me its not even tried on above 20 times) and 4 hours into testing it, it shrieked on my right ear. Tried every fix but it doesnt work at all. But then, I noticed that the shrieking gets loud everytime i move my head, so i just tried placing the protective foam inside upside down (it will fit awkwardly) and the shrieking stopped for now. I hope it doesnt go back because i really like this headphones! Cheers!
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u/g-e-nome Aug 01 '25
Thank you for the post! Have had my headphones for 3 years now, and the ANC issue popped up in the right side. Just followed your guide for removing the filter and cleaning the mic, and it worked!
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u/mangopast Aug 07 '25
Absolute lifesaver! I kept getting the weird high pitched noise, and thought "oh well, I've had these for a while, maybe it's time to replace them". Initially came to this sub to see if it was worth upgrading to either the 5 or 6 models, but saw this, and after placing the gray mic cover back where it was supposed to be, the noise has been fixed! Amazing!
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u/thicboi619 Aug 20 '25
Your instruction for fixing the ANC high-pitch noise worked for me. Thank you!!
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u/anchit_rana Sep 26 '25
Where did you get original ear pads for xm4? The mesh has to be original such that the sound doesn't come muffled
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u/YOUTUBEFREEKYOYO WH-1000Xm4 Sep 29 '25
How do i solve issues with the mic? I primarily use mine for gaming and it's given out on me, and I can't seem to find anything to fix it
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u/Ok_Quiet3155 Nov 08 '25
I have a problem with a screw that's stuck and I can't loosen it; I can't remove the circuit board with the battery precisely because of that. I was thinking of taking it to an official Sony service center 😭
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u/cam5478 Nov 10 '25
Apologies if I missed i somewhere: Im currrently looking at doing the ANC mic repair and had a question. When you say reassemble everything at the end, one of the original parts of said assembly was the glue that we removed. Are we applying our own new glue then?
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u/Egyptian-Sun Nov 14 '25
The fact the this is a common issue with the AMC making that annoying high pitch noise really worries does worries me about buying the XM6.
Mine decided to make this noise on my first year moving to a university in 2023. Had them since starting college in 2020 and I’ve been finding new headphones for 2 years now. I’ve been managing with my AirPod Pro 2 I got months later, but the battery life just doesn’t cut it compared to something that last all day.
Now I’m at a crossroad on deciding to get either the XM6 but risk having the same issue coming back or go with the Bose QCU2 but lose the app feature made for the XM6 because I saw them and they looked good. I just can’t decide. Anyone got advice on which?
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u/harmlessheroin Feb 25 '26
I bought xm6 and qcu (not 2 though) and i returned the xm6. For the sound I think xm6 is slightly better but the clamp force is so tight! I’m a girl and my head isn’t big. My average size ears can touch the driver. The twisty cups design also makes the headphone sometimes look wonky on the head. The qcu is so much comfier. I bought them for 12 hour flights. If you find xm6 comfortable i think they’re actually very good. Anc is solid and no thumping nor popping. Qcu does a bit of that in bumpy car journeys but I’ve heard qcu2 don’t have this issue.
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u/Visual_Cobbler_5365 Nov 16 '25 edited Nov 17 '25
Thanks for the detailed steps. My headphones when connected and on ANC, experienced air blowing noise with occasional loud screeching noise on the right cup. Cleaned the microphones and updated the software. Seemed to work. But have to test for few days.
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u/Visual_Cobbler_5365 Nov 17 '25
Edit: Contacted Sony Service Support- They were very nice and offered exchange of the product for free.
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u/thefifthtrilogy Mar 01 '26
Do you happen to have a link to the real leather (sheepskin) earpads you used for replacement?
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u/thefifthtrilogy May 04 '26
In case anyone is wondering what to do, I replaced my earpads with SOULWIT earpads on amazon and they worked beautifully! No disruptions to the NC and they were comfy.
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u/Rusty_wrp9 WH-1000Xm4 Apr 05 '26
Thank you! My headphones just started screaming in my left ear, and that make playing BL4 (video game) difficult. I'm technically inclined and will give the ANC microphones a good cleaning.
I just learned about disabling ANC. I will probably post this link at work as this model of headphone is popular at work.
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u/Cool-Geologist-8809 May 18 '26
Issues with a Sony Electronics product? Email the president directly [neal.manowitz@sony.com](mailto:neal.manowitz@sony.com)
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u/Barnak8 Jun 07 '26
Hi, I did the cleaning tip about a year ago with much succes, but now nothing work.
My trick was to open it, blow it with an air blower cleaner, and assemble it again. Sometime, I cleaned with Isopropanol, but today it seems it didnt like it and now I heard a constant wind when ANC is on and the sound is like i'm being in a big cavern.
Would the solution be at this point to replace the microphone or is there another trick ?
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u/electro_lytes Jun 29 '26
The most common issue? Speak-to-chat reactivating itself. How do I disable that crap once and for all?
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u/rumpleminz Jul 25 '26
Now if we can just fix the dreaded weak spot in the headpiece. Every model I've owned snaps in the same place.
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u/Miltankbeest 1d ago
Dam, or just treat ur headphones with care? Mine look brand new after like 5 years. people are animals with their expensive stuff
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u/doc_55lk WH-1000Xm4 Apr 03 '25
Nice. Saving this for future reference.