Fix: Sony XM3, XM4, and XM5 Noise Cancelling Not Working

It is no secret that Sony makes high-quality headphones and earbuds, and the XM3, XM4, and XM5 models are no exception. Many people enjoy these headphones...

Subrato Chatterjee

Last updated on April 4, 2023

Subrato Chatterjee

Author

Subrato Chatterjee is an Engineer who has always searched for something new. He found peace in technology, smartphones, and gaming. What do you need more? He is an expert in every sphere of life.

Why are Sony XM3, XM4, And XM5 Noise Cancelling Not Working?

There are several reasons why the noise canceling on the Sony XM3, XM4, and XM5 headphones is not working. There are several common causes of this problem, including:

There are times when a firmware update can resolve issues with the noise-canceling feature. In order to improve performance and fix bugs, Sony releases firmware updates on a regular basis.

In the Sony Headphones Connect app or in the device settings, noise canceling may be disabled. Ensure that both places are set to noise cancellation.

Eventually, dirt, debris, and earwax can build up on headphones, affecting their performance, including their noise cancellation. In order to keep your headphones in good working condition, you should clean them regularly.

Noise cancellation may be affected if the headphones lack battery power. Ensure that your headphones are fully charged before using them.

A built-in microphone on the Sony XM3, XM4, and XM5 headphones picks up ambient noise to provide noise cancellation. Noise cancellation could be affected if other apps use the microphone simultaneously.

It is possible that the headsets have a hardware problem if none of the solutions above work. Further assistance may be required in this case from Sony customer service.

Fix 1: Check the Firmware

It’s a good idea to check the firmware of your Sony XM3, XM4, or XM5 headphones when you’re experiencing noise cancellation not working problems. It is common for Sony to release firmware updates for these headphones that can fix issues with noise cancellation. The following steps will guide you through checking for firmware updates:

Make sure your headphones are Bluetooth-connected to your device.
Your device must be equipped with the Sony Headphones Connect app.
In the app, you should see a notification if there is an update available. To download and install the update, tap on this notification.

There are a few other things you can try if you’ve already updated your firmware and are still experiencing problems with noise cancellation.

Fix 2: Reset your Headphones

It may also be possible to reset your Sony XM3, XM4, or XM5 headphones if the noise cancellation not working issue. You may be able to get the noise canceling working again if you clear any issues with the headphones’ settings. Here are the steps you need to follow to reset your headphones:

You should turn off your headphones.
During the 7 seconds after pressing the power button and the noise canceling button, hold them both down simultaneously.
Once you have reset the headphones, you will see the indicator light flash for a few seconds.

If your noise canceling isn’t working after resetting your headphones, try it again after resetting them.

Fix 3: Check your Device Settings

The issue with the noise canceling on your Sony XM3, XM4, or XM5 headphones may be actually related to the device you’re using them with. You should turn on the noise canceling on your iPhone or iPad, for instance, if you use them. To do this, follow these steps:

If you have an iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
Click on Bluetooth.
In the list of paired devices, locate your Sony headphones and tap the “i” icon.
You need to turn on the “Noise Cancelling” and the “Ambient Sound Control” options.

You may need to follow a slightly different process if you’re using an Android device, but the principle is the same. Your device, as well as the Sony Headphones Connect app, should have the noise canceling turned on.

Fix 4: Clean your Headphones

It’s possible that there is a physical issue with your Sony XM3, XM4, or XM5 headphones if you’ve tried all of the above solutions. Dirt and debris can accumulate on headphones over time, causing them to perform poorly.

Fix 5: Charge your Headphones

It is possible for the noise cancellation of your headphones to be affected by a low battery if your headphones run low on batteries. It is important to make sure that your headphones are fully charged before using them.

Fix 6: Disable Other Apps That May be Using the Microphone

XM3 headphones, XM4 headphones, and XM5 headphones utilize a microphone to detect ambient noise for noise cancellation. It is possible that noise canceling will be affected if other apps are using the microphone at the same time. Closing any other apps that may be using the microphone, such as voice recording or video conferencing, is a good idea.

Fix 7: Adjust the Settings in the Sony Headphones Connect App

You can adjust the noise cancellation and ambient sound control settings through Sony Headphones Connect. Finding the setting that works best for you may require experimenting with different settings.

Fix 8: Try Using a Different Device

If the noise canceling still isn’t working, try using your headphones with a different device to see if the problem persists. It may be your original device rather than the headphones that is causing the problem.

Fix 9: Contact Sony Customer Support

Regardless of whether you’ve tried the above solutions, it’s possible that your headphones may be damaged. If you need further assistance, Sony customer support can assist you with repair or replacement options.

Conclusion

It was concluded that there are a number of potential solutions for the Sony XM3, XM4, and XM5 noise canceling not working problems. The Sony Headphones Connect app should be updated, your headphones should be reset, your device settings checked, your headphones should be cleaned, and the settings should be adjusted. For further assistance, contact Sony customer support if none of these solutions work. So, that’s it from our side. In case you have any doubts or queries, comment below and let us know.