Sony WH-1000XM5 Not Pairing? Try These Fixes [2026]

Quick Fix Summary

The most common fix for Sony WH-1000XM5 pairing problems is to put the headphones into pairing mode correctly and then remove (forget) any old Bluetooth entries for the WH-1000XM5 on your phone or PC before reconnecting. Press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds until you hear "Bluetooth pairing" and the blue indicator flashes quickly, then add the device fresh from your phone or computer's Bluetooth settings.

If that does not work, initialize the headphones to clear the Bluetooth device list by holding the power button and the NC/AMB (Noise Canceling/Ambient) button together for 7 to 10 seconds, then try pairing again. This reset resolves most cases where the headphones auto-connect to a previous device and block new pairing.

What Causes This Problem

1) Not entering pairing mode properly: The WH-1000XM5 uses the power button to start Bluetooth pairing. If you only power them on with a quick press, they will try to auto-connect to previously paired devices. You must press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds until you hear voice guidance say "Bluetooth pairing" and the indicator flashes blue rapidly to make them discoverable.

2) Previously paired device auto-connects first: These headphones remember multiple devices. If a past device (like your laptop) is nearby with Bluetooth on, it can reclaim the connection immediately when the headphones power up. That makes the headphones invisible to new devices, causing pairing to fail or never show up. Forgetting old entries or turning Bluetooth off on nearby devices prevents this conflict.

3) App permissions or OS Bluetooth glitches: On Android and iOS, Bluetooth scanning relies on permissions (Nearby devices on Android 12+, Location on some versions) and system services. If permissions are denied or the Bluetooth stack is in a bad state, your phone may not see the headphones. Clearing Bluetooth cache on Android or resetting network settings on iOS fixes many discovery problems.

4) Multipoint and profile confusion: The WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint (connecting to two devices simultaneously) via firmware. Sometimes the LE (Low Energy) advertisement for Swift Pair on Windows shows as "LE-WH-1000XM5" and users select the wrong entry, or multipoint keeps a ghost connection alive. Selecting the standard "WH-1000XM5" entry and temporarily disabling multipoint in the Sony Headphones Connect app can stabilize pairing.

5) Charging state or low battery: The WH-1000XM5 cannot be used while charging. If the USB-C cable is plugged in, they will not power on into pairing mode. A very low battery can also interrupt pairing attempts. Unplug the cable and charge to at least 20 percent before trying again.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Confirm the headphones are not charging and have battery: Unplug any USB-C charging cable from the headphones. The WH-1000XM5 will not turn on while connected to power. Press the power button once to check status; if they do not turn on or you hear a low-battery prompt, charge them for 15-30 minutes and retry.
2. Enter proper Bluetooth pairing mode: With the headphones off, press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds. Release when you hear the voice guidance say "Bluetooth pairing" and the blue indicator starts flashing quickly. Now go to your phone or PC's Bluetooth settings and look for "WH-1000XM5" (do not select entries that begin with "LE-").
3. Forget and re-add the device on your phone: On your iPhone or Android device, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to "WH-1000XM5," then choose Forget This Device or Unpair. Wait 10 seconds. Put the headphones back in pairing mode and add the device fresh. This clears corrupt pairing records that block reconnection.
4. Turn off Bluetooth on nearby devices to avoid auto-connect: If your laptop, tablet, or a second phone has previously been paired to the WH-1000XM5, toggle Bluetooth off on those devices temporarily. Alternatively, power those devices down. This prevents the headphones from immediately switching to an old device before your target device can pair.
5. Use the Sony Headphones Connect app with permissions enabled: Install or open the Sony Headphones Connect app. On Android, grant Nearby devices and Location permissions when prompted; on iOS, allow Bluetooth access in Settings > Sony Headphones Connect. The app guides pairing and can push firmware updates that improve connection stability.
6. Clear Bluetooth cache on Android (if discovery fails): Go to Settings > Apps > Show system > Bluetooth > Storage, then tap Clear Cache and Clear Data. Restart your phone. This resets the Bluetooth stack and often fixes "device not found" issues. Note you will need to re-pair your devices afterward.
7. Reset network settings on iPhone (if discovery fails): On iOS, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears Bluetooth and Wi-Fi configurations and can resolve stubborn pairing problems. After reboot, put the WH-1000XM5 in pairing mode and try again.
8. Update headphone firmware via the app: In Sony Headphones Connect, check for updates under the device tab. Apply any available firmware updates with the headphones charged and close to the phone. Firmware updates can fix multipoint, LE advertisement, and pairing reliability issues.
9. Disable multipoint temporarily: Open Sony Headphones Connect > System > Connect to 2 devices simultaneously and toggle it off. Then try pairing to a single device. If it pairs reliably, you can turn multipoint back on after both devices are connected, or leave it off if your use case does not need it.
10. Initialize (factory reset) the headphones: Power on the headphones, then press and hold both the power button and the NC/AMB button simultaneously for 7 to 10 seconds. You will hear a confirmation tone or guidance indicating settings are reset and the Bluetooth device list is cleared. After initialization, put the headphones in pairing mode and connect again. Note that this removes all saved devices and settings.
11. Windows 10/11 specific: remove and re-add using proper entry: Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices, remove any "WH-1000XM5" or "LE-WH-1000XM5" entries. Click Add device > Bluetooth, wait for "WH-1000XM5" to appear, and select it. If you see both, choose the entry without "LE" for audio. If the device does not appear, run Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Bluetooth, then retry pairing mode.
12. Update Bluetooth drivers on your PC: On Windows, open Device Manager > Bluetooth, right-click your Bluetooth adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless Bluetooth), and Update driver. Also update chipset drivers from your PC maker. Outdated drivers can cause discovery and pairing failures with modern Bluetooth 5.x devices like the WH-1000XM5.
13. Reduce interference and distance: Move within 3 feet of your phone or PC and away from Wi-Fi routers or microwaves during pairing. Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby. The WH-1000XM5 uses Bluetooth 5.2, but high RF noise can still block discovery and initial pairing.
14. Test with another device to isolate the issue: Try pairing to a second phone or tablet. If it pairs instantly with another device, the problem likely lies with the original phone or PC's Bluetooth stack or settings. Use the OS-specific reset steps above or consider a USB Bluetooth 5.2 adapter for desktops.
15. Check wired audio to verify hardware: Use the included 3.5 mm audio cable to connect to a phone, tablet, or airplane jack adapter. If wired audio works and the controls respond, the headset hardware is likely fine and the issue is with Bluetooth configuration. If neither wired nor Bluetooth works, hardware service may be needed.
16. Reinstall the app and reconfigure settings: Uninstall Sony Headphones Connect, reboot your phone, then reinstall the app. Re-apply settings such as Noise Canceling and Adaptive Sound Control after re-pairing. A clean app install can clear hidden configuration issues that interfere with pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put Sony WH-1000XM5 in pairing mode?

With the headphones off, press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds. Release when you hear "Bluetooth pairing" and the blue indicator flashes rapidly. Then, on your phone or PC, open Bluetooth settings and select "WH-1000XM5." Do not select entries that start with "LE-" if you want the audio profile.

Why does my WH-1000XM5 not show up on Bluetooth?

Most often, the headphones are not in pairing mode or they auto-connected to a different nearby device. Put them into pairing mode again and turn off Bluetooth on other devices. If a phone still cannot see them, clear Bluetooth cache on Android or reset network settings on iOS, then try again. Also ensure the USB-C charging cable is unplugged and the battery is charged.

How do I reset or initialize the WH-1000XM5?

To initialize and clear Bluetooth device memory, power on the headphones and press and hold both the power button and the NC/AMB button together for 7 to 10 seconds until you hear a confirmation. This restores factory settings and removes all paired devices. After initialization, re-enter pairing mode and reconnect via your phone or PC.

Can the WH-1000XM5 connect to two devices at once?

Yes, the WH-1000XM5 supports multipoint (connecting to two devices simultaneously) with current firmware. If you have pairing trouble, disable multipoint in Sony Headphones Connect under System > Connect to 2 devices simultaneously, pair to one device, then pair the second, and re-enable multipoint. Some setups work more reliably with multipoint off.

What is LE-WH-1000XM5 on Windows and should I select it?

"LE-WH-1000XM5" is the Low Energy advertisement used for features like Swift Pair and additional services. For audio playback and microphone, select the standard "WH-1000XM5" entry in Windows Bluetooth. If you only connect the LE entry, audio will not route correctly.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional or Sony support if the headphones cannot enter pairing mode (no voice guidance and no blue indicator flash after holding the power button for 5 seconds), if they do not power on even after a full charge, or if Bluetooth behavior is erratic across multiple devices after a factory initialization. Physical damage to buttons, water ingress, or a failed internal battery can also prevent pairing.

Typical out-of-warranty service for premium ANC headphones ranges from USD 80 to 180 depending on the issue and region. Battery replacement or board-level Bluetooth repairs are specialized and involve adhesives and delicate flex cables; DIY attempts risk further damage. If your unit is within the standard Sony warranty period, open a support case and provide proof of purchase for repair or replacement.

Replacement Parts

• Sony WH-1000XM5 replacement ear pads: Comfortable pads restore fit and passive isolation. Search on Amazon
• WH-1000XM5 headband cushion: Replace worn or cracked padding on the headband. Search on Amazon
• USB-C charging cable (USB-C to USB-A or USB-C): Ensure reliable charging before pairing attempts. Search on Amazon
• 3.5 mm audio cable (male-to-male): Use for wired listening and hardware checks. Search on Amazon
• Replacement carry case for WH-1000XM5: Protects the headset and prevents physical damage that can affect buttons. Search on Amazon
• USB Bluetooth 5.2 adapter (for desktops): Improves PC connectivity if the built-in adapter is unreliable. Search on Amazon
• Airplane audio adapter (dual-prong): For wired use on flights when Bluetooth is restricted. Search on Amazon

Note: Internal battery and electronics modules for the WH-1000XM5 are not typically sold as user-replaceable parts. If you suspect a failed battery or BT module, seek professional service through Sony or an authorized repair center.

By following the steps above and understanding the common causes, most users resolve Sony WH-1000XM5 pairing issues quickly. Start with correct pairing mode, clear old device entries, and use the Sony Headphones Connect app to update firmware and manage multipoint. If you still cannot pair after a factory initialization and OS-level resets, professional service is the safest path forward.