How to Connect Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones to a New Device
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is one of the more capable Bluetooth headphones available, but connecting it to a new device isn't always as straightforward as it sounds. The headphones support multipoint connection, have a dedicated pairing mode, and interact differently depending on the device type and operating system. Here's what you need to know to get it done cleanly.
Understanding How the WH-1000XM4 Handles Bluetooth Pairing
The XM4 stores up to 8 previously paired devices in its memory and can actively maintain a connection to 2 devices simultaneously via multipoint. This matters when you're adding a new device — you're not always starting from scratch.
When you take the headphones out of the box for the first time, they enter pairing mode automatically. After that first setup, you'll need to trigger pairing mode manually whenever you want to add a new device.
Pairing mode is the state where the headphones are actively broadcasting their Bluetooth signal, waiting to be discovered. Without entering this mode, a new device simply won't find the headphones.
How to Put the WH-1000XM4 Into Pairing Mode
- Power off the headphones completely (hold the power button until you hear the power-off sound).
- Hold the power button for about 7 seconds until you hear a beep and the LED flashes blue rapidly.
- The voice prompt will say "Bluetooth pairing" — the headphones are now discoverable.
On your new device, open Bluetooth settings, scan for devices, and select WH-1000XM4 from the list. Once paired, you'll hear a connection confirmation tone.
🎧 If the headphones don't appear in your device's Bluetooth list, make sure no other device is actively connected and interfering with discovery.
Connecting to Specific Device Types
Android Devices
Android supports Swift Pair through the Sony Headphones Connect app, which streamlines initial setup and unlocks additional features like Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, and equalizer customization. Standard Bluetooth pairing through Settings works without the app, but you'll lose access to those controls.
iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS)
iOS does not support Swift Pair, so pairing happens through Settings → Bluetooth after triggering pairing mode on the headphones. The experience is standard and reliable. The Sony Headphones Connect app is also available on iOS and provides similar feature access.
Windows 10 / Windows 11
On Windows, you can pair via Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Add Bluetooth or other device. Windows 11 also supports Swift Pair natively, so a pop-up notification may appear automatically when the headphones are in pairing mode. If it doesn't appear, manual pairing through Settings works consistently.
Mac (macOS)
Pairing on macOS follows the standard path: System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions) → Bluetooth → Connect. The headphones will show up once in pairing mode. Note that the Sony Headphones Connect app is not available on macOS, so feature customization must be done through an Android or iOS device beforehand.
Smart TVs and Gaming Consoles 🎮
Many smart TVs support Bluetooth audio, but compatibility varies by manufacturer and TV model. Put the headphones into pairing mode, then navigate to your TV's Bluetooth audio settings. Some Sony TVs have a dedicated Quick Pair feature with compatible Sony headphones.
PlayStation 5 does not natively support Bluetooth headphones for game audio without a USB adapter. Xbox consoles similarly require a third-party Bluetooth adapter. This is a meaningful limitation for console users to account for.
What Happens to Previously Paired Devices?
Adding a new device doesn't automatically remove old ones — the XM4 retains up to 8 pairings. However, multipoint only keeps 2 devices actively connected at once. If you want a specific device to connect by default, make sure it's the one that initiates the connection after the headphones power on.
If the pairing list fills up, the oldest pairing is deleted to make room for the newest one.
| Scenario | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Fewer than 8 devices stored | New device pairs and saves normally |
| 8 devices already stored | Oldest pairing is removed automatically |
| Multipoint active (2 devices) | Both can play audio; new pairing disconnects one |
| Factory reset performed | All pairings are cleared; starts fresh |
Resetting Pairing Memory (When Things Go Wrong)
If the headphones aren't pairing correctly — perhaps they keep trying to connect to an old device, or they won't enter pairing mode — a factory reset clears all stored pairings and returns them to default behavior.
To reset:
- Power on the headphones.
- Hold the power button and the custom button simultaneously for about 7 seconds.
- The LED will flash, and the voice prompt will confirm the reset.
After a reset, the headphones behave as if brand new — pairing mode activates on next power-on.
Variables That Affect Your Specific Experience
Several factors shape how smoothly this process goes for any individual user:
- Operating system version — older OS versions may have Bluetooth stack quirks that affect discovery or connection stability
- Number of active Bluetooth devices nearby — congestion on the 2.4 GHz band can interfere with pairing
- Whether multipoint is enabled — if two devices are already connected, a third cannot connect until one disconnects
- App usage — some features are only configurable through the Sony Headphones Connect app, and app availability differs by platform
- Codec support — the XM4 supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC; which codec activates depends on what the connected device supports, which affects audio quality
The steps above apply broadly, but the actual outcome — which codec connects, whether app features are available, how seamlessly multipoint switches — depends entirely on the device you're adding and how your existing setup is configured.