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The steps below cover iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, multipoint connections, LE Audio entries, automatic reconnection, and the reset procedure to use when an old Bluetooth record prevents pairing.
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Prepare the headset and source device
Complete these checks before opening a Bluetooth menu:
- Charge the WH-1000XM6 sufficiently. A very low battery can interrupt discovery or the connection process.
- Keep the headset and the phone or laptop within 1 m (3.2 ft) while pairing. You can move farther away after the connection is established.
- Temporarily move away from, or switch Bluetooth off on, a nearby device that has recently used the headphones. The headset may reconnect to that device instead of appearing for the one you are setting up.
- Use the normal Bluetooth profile unless your device specifically instructs you to set up LE Audio. If two names appear, the ordinary connection is WH-1000XM6; LE_WH-1000XM6 is the separate LE Audio entry.
Pairing is the one-time process that registers a device. After registration, the headset can normally reconnect automatically when it is on and Bluetooth is enabled on that device. Pairing and connecting are related but different: pairing stores the relationship, while connecting activates it for current use.
#1 Best Overall
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
First pairing versus adding another device
| Situation | What to do on the headset | What you should hear or see |
|---|---|---|
| No pairing information is saved | Turn on the headset | It enters pairing mode automatically; the blue indicator flashes and voice guidance announces the state. |
| A phone or computer is already saved | Turn on the headset, then hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds | The blue indicator flashes and voice guidance says “Pairing.” |
| Pairing mode has been left idle | Start pairing mode again | Discovery is available for about five minutes, then the mode cancels. |
Holding the Bluetooth button for a later device opens discovery without erasing the devices already registered. It is the correct method when you want to add an iPhone, Android phone, laptop, or other Bluetooth source.
Enter pairing mode
First device
Turn on the headphones. When no pairing information is saved, they enter pairing mode automatically. The blue indicator flashes and the voice guidance announces the state.
Second or later device
With the headset turned on, press and hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds. Release it when the blue indicator flashes and the voice guidance says “Pairing.” This deliberately opens discovery mode without erasing devices that are already registered.
Pairing mode remains available for about five minutes. If the source device does not find the headphones in that period, start pairing mode again rather than waiting for the old scan to recover.
Pair WH-1000XM6 with an iPhone
- Prepare the charged headset as described above and put it in pairing mode.
- Unlock the iPhone and open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth, then turn Bluetooth on if it is off. Sony’s help wording is: “On your iPhone screen, go to [Settings] and touch [Bluetooth].”
- Wait under Other Devices for WH-1000XM6, then tap that name.
- If iOS asks for a passkey or PIN, enter 0000.
- Wait for the connection confirmation. A notification sound from the headset indicates that pairing completed.
The model should move into the iPhone’s list of connected or previously saved Bluetooth devices. For future use, turn on the headset and Bluetooth on the iPhone; the two devices can then reconnect without repeating registration.
Rank #2
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
If the iPhone does not list the headphones
Leave the Bluetooth screen open, restart pairing mode with the five-second Bluetooth-button press, and scan again. If an old WH-1000XM6 entry is present but will not connect, tap the information button beside it, choose the option to forget or remove the device, and repeat the pairing procedure.
Pair WH-1000XM6 with an Android phone
- Put the charged headset into pairing mode. Use the five-second Bluetooth-button press when another device has already been saved.
- Unlock the Android phone and open Settings.
- Select Device connection, then Bluetooth. Sony’s help wording is: “On your Android smartphone screen, select [Settings] – [Device connection] – [Bluetooth].” Some Android manufacturers place Bluetooth under Connected devices; use the equivalent Bluetooth page if the label differs.
- Turn Bluetooth on and wait for the available-device list.
- Tap WH-1000XM6. Do not choose the LE Audio entry unless you are intentionally following an LE Audio setup on that phone.
- Enter 0000 if Android requests a passkey, then wait for the notification sound confirming the connection.
Once the phone shows the headset as connected, start playback briefly to verify that audio is routed to the headphones. If calls or media use a different output, open the phone’s media-output control and select WH-1000XM6; this changes the audio route without pairing again.
Pair WH-1000XM6 with a laptop
The exact menu names depend on the laptop’s operating system, but Sony’s generic procedure is the same: turn on Bluetooth, choose WH-1000XM6 from the discovered devices, and complete the operating system’s prompt.
Windows
- Put the headset into pairing mode. If it keeps reconnecting to a nearby phone, switch Bluetooth off on that phone temporarily or move the phone out of range.
- Open the Windows Bluetooth settings. On current Windows releases, this is commonly Settings > Bluetooth & devices; turn Bluetooth on.
- Choose the control to add a Bluetooth device, select the Bluetooth device type, and wait for the list.
- Select WH-1000XM6, not a similarly named LE Audio entry, unless the computer’s setup specifically asks for LE Audio.
- Accept the pairing prompt. After Windows reports that the device is connected, choose the headphones as the output device from the sound control if audio still comes from the laptop speakers.
macOS
- Start pairing mode on the headset.
- Open System Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on.
- Locate WH-1000XM6 in the nearby-devices list and click Connect.
- Complete any confirmation dialog. If macOS shows both WH-1000XM6 and LE_WH-1000XM6, select the ordinary WH-1000XM6 listing for the standard Bluetooth connection.
- Open System Settings > Sound > Output and select the headset if macOS has not switched audio automatically.
Other Bluetooth computers
Open the computer’s Bluetooth control panel, enable Bluetooth, and select WH-1000XM6 when it appears. Sony’s generic instruction is: “Select [WH-1000XM6] displayed on the screen of the Bluetooth device for pairing.” If the laptop has no Bluetooth hardware, or its built-in radio is not functioning, a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter provides the practical connection path. The adapter must be supported by the laptop’s operating system; installing one does not itself pair the headphones.
Use the headphones with a phone and laptop at the same time
The WH-1000XM6 can remember multiple paired devices, but ordinary pairing does not mean that every device remains actively connected. Sony states that the headset can play music from only one paired device at a time. To keep two Bluetooth links active, enable the headset’s multipoint option.
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
- Pair the headset separately with both devices first. The devices can be an iPhone, Android phone, laptop, or another compatible Bluetooth source.
- Open the Sony | Sound Connect app on one of the paired devices.
- Enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in the app.
- Use the second device’s Bluetooth settings to connect to WH-1000XM6. The app setting allows the two Bluetooth connections to remain active at once.
- Start playback on the device you want to hear. When playback starts on the other connected device, the audible source switches to that device.
Multipoint is therefore a two-device connection, not two simultaneous music streams. A third device can replace one of the active connections, but it cannot add a third active Bluetooth link while both existing links remain in place.
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- It keeps two Bluetooth connections active after both devices have been paired and connected.
- It does not mix audio from the phone and laptop at the same time.
- Starting playback on the other connected device changes the audible source.
- A third device may take the place of one active connection, but three active Bluetooth audio links are not maintained.
- If playback seems silent, verify that the intended source is connected and start playback there; the source that begins playback becomes audible.
Choosing a reliable multipoint order
If the headset keeps selecting the wrong source, stop playback on both devices, confirm that both show WH-1000XM6 as connected, and then start playback only on the intended source. For a phone-and-laptop setup, pairing the phone first and the laptop second is not required; the important part is that both devices are registered and the two-device option is enabled.
Understand automatic reconnection
After pairing, the headset tends to reconnect to a saved device that is nearby and has Bluetooth enabled. This is convenient when you use one source, but it can make a new pairing attempt appear to fail because the headphones leave discovery mode to reconnect elsewhere.
- For a deliberate new pairing, switch Bluetooth off on the last-used nearby device before holding the headset’s Bluetooth button.
- For routine use, leave Bluetooth enabled only on the source you want, or use multipoint when two sources need to stay available.
- If the wrong source connects, disconnect the headset from that source in its Bluetooth settings, then select WH-1000XM6 on the intended device.
WH-1000XM6 versus LE_WH-1000XM6
Some phones and computers display two discoverable names. WH-1000XM6 is the normal Bluetooth entry used by the iPhone, Android, and generic laptop procedures in this guide. LE_WH-1000XM6 identifies the Low Energy Audio path. Choose the LE entry only when the operating system, an application, or a feature you are intentionally configuring specifically calls for LE Audio.
Choosing the wrong entry can leave the headphones apparently paired but unavailable for the expected media or call functions. Remove that entry if necessary, re-enter pairing mode, and select WH-1000XM6 for the standard connection. Seeing the LE name does not mean the standard headset entry is unavailable; wait for both entries to populate if necessary.
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- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Troubleshoot a failed or unstable pairing
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| WH-1000XM6 is absent from the device list | Confirm the headset is on, hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds to restart pairing mode, keep the source within 1 m, and scan again before the five-minute pairing window expires. |
| The headphones reconnect to a different phone or computer | Turn Bluetooth off on the last-connected nearby device or move it away, then start pairing mode and connect from the intended source. |
| The device name is saved but connection fails | Use the phone or laptop’s Bluetooth settings to forget, remove, or delete WH-1000XM6. Restart pairing mode and register it again as a new device. |
| Only LE_WH-1000XM6 appears or it was selected accidentally | Return to pairing mode and select the standard WH-1000XM6 listing. Use the LE listing only for a deliberate LE Audio workflow. |
| Pairing succeeds but there is no sound | Select WH-1000XM6 as the active media-output device in the operating system or phone. With multipoint enabled, start playback on the source you want to hear; playback on that device determines the audible source. |
| The pairing prompt times out | Pairing mode cancels after about five minutes. Press and hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds again, then select the headset promptly. |
| A laptop has no Bluetooth option | Check whether Bluetooth is disabled in the operating system or by a hardware switch. If the computer has no working Bluetooth radio, use a compatible USB Bluetooth adapter and then repeat the normal pairing steps. |
| A passkey is requested | Enter 0000. If the prompt rejects it, cancel the attempt, remove the saved headset record, and start a fresh pairing session. |
A complete recovery sequence
When several attempts have failed, use this order so that an automatic reconnection or stale record does not interfere:
- Move the headset and intended source within 1 m and confirm the headset has sufficient charge.
- Turn Bluetooth off on nearby phones, tablets, or computers that recently used the headset.
- On the intended source, forget or remove any existing WH-1000XM6 record that will not connect.
- Turn on the headset and hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds until the blue indicator flashes and voice guidance says “Pairing.”
- Open the source’s Bluetooth settings and select the ordinary WH-1000XM6 entry within the five-minute pairing window.
- Enter 0000 if requested, then confirm that the source reports a connection and routes audio to the headset.
This sequence resets the Bluetooth relationship on the source; it does not turn on multipoint. Enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in Sony | Sound Connect only when two active connections are needed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to forget and pair again
Forgetting the device is a targeted reset for the Bluetooth relationship; it is appropriate when the saved record is stale, the source reports an authentication error, or the headset connects but immediately drops. Remove WH-1000XM6 from every source that is causing the conflict, place the headset in pairing mode, and register it again on the device you want to use. This does not require enabling multipoint unless you need two active connections.
Single-device pairing or multipoint?
| Situation | Best setup | How audio behaves |
|---|---|---|
| One phone or one laptop is your only source | Standard Bluetooth pairing | The headset reconnects to that saved source when both are nearby and enabled. |
| You alternate between a phone and a laptop throughout the day | Pair both, then enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in Sony | Sound Connect | Both links stay active, but only one device supplies audible playback at a time. |
| You are adding a third source temporarily | Keep the two-device setup and connect the third source when needed | The third device replaces one active connection; three active Bluetooth audio links are not maintained. |
| Your computer specifically requires Low Energy Audio | Follow that computer’s LE Audio workflow and select LE_WH-1000XM6 | The connection uses the LE Audio path rather than the standard WH-1000XM6 Bluetooth entry. |
Quick verification checklist
- The headset is charged and within 1 m (3.2 ft) during setup.
- Pairing mode is active: the blue indicator flashes and voice guidance says “Pairing.”
- The source’s Bluetooth page is open and Bluetooth is switched on.
- You selected WH-1000XM6 for a normal connection.
- You entered 0000 if a passkey prompt appeared.
- The source reports the headset as connected and routes audio to it.
- For two active sources, Connect to 2 devices simultaneously is enabled and playback is started on the source you want to hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put Sony WH-1000XM6 into pairing mode?
Turn on the headset. If it has no saved pairing information, pairing mode starts automatically. To add another device, hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds until the blue indicator flashes and voice guidance says “Pairing.”
Why can’t my iPhone or Android phone find WH-1000XM6?
Keep the phone within 1 m (3.2 ft), confirm the headset has charge, and restart pairing mode. Pairing mode ends after about five minutes. Also turn Bluetooth off on a nearby device that may be reconnecting automatically.
Best Value
- NEW SANDSTONE COLOR: Neutral never sounded so good. Meet the new Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, now in Sandstone. Our new Sandstone colorway is a sophisticated neutral that feels modern, versatile, and effortlessly stylish for any moment.
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
What PIN should I use when pairing?
Enter 0000 if the phone or computer requests a passkey or PIN.
Can WH-1000XM6 connect to a phone and laptop at the same time?
Yes. Pair both devices, open Sony | Sound Connect, enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously, and connect the second device. Both links can remain active, but audio comes from only one device at a time.
Why do I see LE_WH-1000XM6?
That is the separate Low Energy Audio entry. Choose ordinary WH-1000XM6 for the standard Bluetooth connection unless your device or feature specifically requires LE Audio.
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How do I stop the headphones from connecting to the wrong device?
Turn Bluetooth off on the nearby last-used device or move it away, then start pairing mode and select WH-1000XM6 on the intended source.
What should I do if WH-1000XM6 is listed but will not connect?
Forget or remove the saved WH-1000XM6 record from the phone or laptop, restart pairing mode, and register the headset again.
Can I pair the headphones with three devices at once?
The headset can remember multiple paired devices, but multipoint maintains two active Bluetooth connections. A third device can replace one active connection; it does not create a third active audio link.
The Bottom Line
For a normal connection, keep the charged WH-1000XM6 within 1 m, enter pairing mode, and select WH-1000XM6 in the iPhone, Android, Windows, or macOS Bluetooth menu. Use 0000 if prompted. For a phone-and-laptop setup, pair both devices first and enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in Sony | Sound Connect. If pairing fails, disable Bluetooth on competing nearby devices, forget the old record, and restart the five-minute pairing process.
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