If your Sony WH-1000XM5 will not pair or reconnect, first put it in the right pairing mode and check whether it has already reconnected to another device. For a new device, hold the headphones’ power button for about five seconds until you hear “Pairing,” then select WH-1000XM5 in the device’s Bluetooth settings. Keep the devices within 1 meter (3 feet). If that fails, forget the old Bluetooth entry and pair again before moving on to Sony’s reset and initialization steps.
Pairing mode: first device versus another device
Sony defines pairing as “the operation to register the device that you wish to connect to.” The steps differ depending on whether this is the first pairing or you are adding another source. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 Help Guide provides the model-specific instructions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
First pairing, or pairing after initialization
- Turn on the WH-1000XM5. When used for the first time, or after initialization, the headphones enter pairing mode automatically.
- On your phone, computer, or other Bluetooth source, open its Bluetooth settings and start searching for devices.
- Select WH-1000XM5 when it appears. Keep the source within 1 meter (3 feet) while pairing.
Adding a second or later device
- Turn on the headphones, then press and hold the power button for about five seconds.
- Wait for the voice prompt “Pairing” and the blue indicator to flash twice repeatedly.
- Choose WH-1000XM5 from the source device’s Bluetooth list within five minutes. If pairing mode times out, start again.
If you see both WH-1000XM5 and LE_WH-1000XM5, select WH-1000XM5 when available.
Fix a headset that will not reconnect
Check the basics
- Make sure the headphones and source are powered on, Bluetooth is enabled, and the headset has charge.
- Wake the phone or computer if it is sleeping, and keep it close to the headphones.
- Check whether the headphones connected to the last-used Bluetooth device. Disconnect Bluetooth on that device, or turn it off temporarily, before trying the intended source.
Forget the old pairing and try again
A saved Bluetooth record can become a problem, particularly after the headphones have been initialized or repaired. In the source device’s Bluetooth settings, remove or forget the WH-1000XM5 entry. Restart the source, put the headphones in pairing mode, and pair them as a new device. Menu names vary by phone and computer, so look for the saved-device or paired-device controls in Bluetooth settings.
#1 Best Overall
- Easy Installation: Smooth installation with this complete replacement ear cushions kit compatible with Sony XM5 headphones. No special tools are needed and the package includes a step-by-step guide for you to follow along.
- Unmatched Comfort and Thickness: These replacement ear pads are made from a new softer leather and memory foam combination that finds the perfect balance of comfort and durability. We also increased the thickness of our Sony XM5 Earpads to prevent painful mashing of your ears into the drivers. No need to break these ear pads in, they feel soft from Day 1.
- Enhanced Sound: Old, beat-up ear cushions negatively affect the sound performance of your headphones? These earpads for Sony XM5 Over Ear Headphones comfortably conform to your ear, blocking out noise and dialing in the sound, so you can drift off into the beats.
- Rugged Durability: The inside seams on this replacement ear cushion kit for Sony XM5 Headphones are made with added stitching reinforced with glue, to prevent your cushions from splitting and increase their lifespan.
- Fits Like A Glove: These ear pads, made by Wicked Cushions, fit the following model of Sony Headphones only: Sony Wh1000-XM5 Headphones.
Use a second source to isolate the problem
Try pairing the headphones with another Bluetooth-enabled phone or computer. If that works, the issue is more likely tied to the original source device or its saved Bluetooth record. If pairing fails across sources after the troubleshooting steps below, Sony advises contacting support about repair. Repair options, cost, and warranty terms depend on region.
Reset and initialize only after simpler fixes
Sony’s model-specific pairing troubleshooting recommends resetting the headphones, then initializing them if resetting does not solve the problem. Follow the WH-1000XM5 Help Guide for the exact reset and initialization procedures; do not guess at a button sequence.
Rank #2
- Easy Installation: Smooth installation with this complete replacement ear cushions kit compatible with Sony XM5 headphones. No special tools are needed and the package includes a step-by-step guide for you to follow along.
- Unmatched Comfort and Thickness: These replacement ear pads are made from a new softer leather and memory foam combination that finds the perfect balance of comfort and durability. We also increased the thickness of our Sony XM5 Earpads to prevent painful mashing of your ears into the drivers. No need to break these ear pads in, they feel soft from Day 1.
- Enhanced Sound: Old, beat-up ear cushions negatively affect the sound performance of your headphones? These earpads for Sony XM5 Over Ear Headphones comfortably conform to your ear, blocking out noise and dialing in the sound, so you can drift off into the beats.
- Rugged Durability: The inside seams on this replacement ear cushion kit for Sony XM5 Headphones are made with added stitching reinforced with glue, to prevent your cushions from splitting and increase their lifespan.
- Fits Like A Glove: These ear pads, made by Wicked Cushions, fit the following model of Sony Headphones only: Sony Wh1000-XM5 Headphones.
Initialization restores factory settings and removes the headphones’ saved Bluetooth pairing information. After initializing, also remove the WH-1000XM5 entry from the phone or computer, then pair from the beginning. Sony’s troubleshooting is available in its WH-1000XM5 pairing support article.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →When the phone shows YY2954
If the phone lists YY2954 instead of WH-1000XM5, Sony’s specific guidance is to initialize the headphones, delete the saved connection from the smartphone, and pair again. See Sony’s support instructions for this naming issue.
Rank #3
- Crafted from customized memory foam, it's not too stiff to cause ear fatigue, nor is it too soft to be squishy or lack in support. It strikes an ideal balance and conforms seamlessly to your ears for extended listening sessions
- Redefined soft synthetic leather. Gentle on your skin while restoring your headphones with a delicately textured, brand-new feel
- Hybrid Sealing combines reinforced stitching and heat sealing, so you no longer need to worry about ear pad splitting apart
- Engineered to be robust and resilient, these pads ensure that your headphones stay in prime condition for years to come, effortlessly withstanding daily wear and tear
- Easy Installation: Includes a pry tool for added convenience. Enjoy a hassle-free installation process that quickly gets you back to your music
Connecting to two devices
The WH-1000XM5 can store up to eight paired devices; registering a ninth replaces the oldest registration. That limit is separate from simultaneous connections: the headphones can connect to two devices at once when the two-device setting is enabled in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Pair each source device with the headphones.
- In Sony Headphones Connect, enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously.
- Establish the second connection. If you want audio to switch between devices, playback behavior can depend on stopping playback on the first device.
If the headphones keep connecting to the wrong source, disconnect them from the last-used device before connecting the other one. Sony describes multipoint setup in its WH-1000XM5 Help Guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easy Installation: Smooth installation with this complete replacement ear cushions kit compatible with Sony XM5 headphones. No special tools are needed and the package includes a step-by-step guide for you to follow along.
- Unmatched Comfort and Thickness: These replacement ear pads are made from a new softer leather and memory foam combination that finds the perfect balance of comfort and durability. We also increased the thickness of our Sony XM5 Earpads to prevent painful mashing of your ears into the drivers. No need to break these ear pads in, they feel soft from Day 1.
- Enhanced Sound: Old, beat-up ear cushions negatively affect the sound performance of your headphones? These earpads for Sony XM5 Over Ear Headphones comfortably conform to your ear, blocking out noise and dialing in the sound, so you can drift off into the beats.
- Rugged Durability: The inside seams on this replacement ear cushion kit for Sony XM5 Headphones are made with added stitching reinforced with glue, to prevent your cushions from splitting and increase their lifespan.
- Fits Like A Glove: These ear pads, made by Wicked Cushions, fit the following model of Sony Headphones only: Sony Wh1000-XM5 Headphones.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Smooth installation with this complete replacement ear cushions kit compatible with Sony XM5 headphones. No special tools are needed and the package includes a step-by-step guide for you to follow along.
- Unmatched Comfort and Thickness: These replacement ear pads are made from a new softer leather and memory foam combination that finds the perfect balance of comfort and durability. We also increased the thickness of our Sony XM5 Earpads to prevent painful mashing of your ears into the drivers. No need to break these ear pads in, they feel soft from Day 1.
- Enhanced Sound: Old, beat-up ear cushions negatively affect the sound performance of your headphones? These earpads for Sony XM5 Over Ear Headphones comfortably conform to your ear, blocking out noise and dialing in the sound, so you can drift off into the beats.
- Rugged Durability: The inside seams on this replacement ear cushion kit for Sony XM5 Headphones are made with added stitching reinforced with glue, to prevent your cushions from splitting and increase their lifespan.
- Fits Like A Glove: These ear pads, made by Wicked Cushions, fit the following model of Sony Headphones only: Sony Wh1000-XM5 Headphones.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
