To pair the Sony WH-1000XM6, put the headphones in pairing mode, open Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer, and choose WH-1000XM6. The first pairing after purchase or initialization starts automatically when you turn the headphones on; for each additional device, hold the headphones’ Bluetooth button for about five seconds until you hear “Pairing.” You can store up to eight pairings, or connect two devices at once after enabling the option in Sony | Sound Connect.
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 Help Guide provides the device-specific instructions below.
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Before you start
- Charge the headphones and keep the phone, computer, or other Bluetooth source within 1 m (3.2 ft).
- Turn on Bluetooth on the source device.
- For a first pairing after purchase or after initializing the headphones, turn them on; pairing mode starts automatically.
Put the headphones in pairing mode
If this is not the first pairing since purchase or initialization, press and hold the headphones’ Bluetooth button for about five seconds or longer. The blue indicator flashes twice repeatedly, and voice guidance says “Pairing.” Pairing mode ends if setup is not completed within five minutes. If it times out, turn the headphones off and begin again.
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Pair with a phone
Android
- Unlock the phone and open Settings → Device connection → Bluetooth. Menu names may vary by Android phone; if yours differs, use the phone maker’s Bluetooth instructions.
- Turn Bluetooth on, then select WH-1000XM6 from the available devices.
iPhone
- Unlock the iPhone and open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth on and select WH-1000XM6.
A notification sound from the headphones confirms a successful connection. If the headset does not appear, make sure it is in pairing mode and retry the device search.
#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.
Pair with a Windows PC or Mac
Windows 11
- Put the headphones in pairing mode.
- If Swift Pair is enabled, select Connect in its pop-up. Otherwise open Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices, turn Bluetooth on, choose Add device → Bluetooth, and select WH-1000XM6.
Windows 10
- Put the headphones in pairing mode.
- If Swift Pair is enabled on Windows 10 version 1803 or later, select Connect in its pop-up. Otherwise open Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices, turn Bluetooth on, choose Add Bluetooth or other device → Bluetooth, and select WH-1000XM6.
Mac
- Put the headphones in pairing mode. Sony lists macOS 11 or later for these instructions.
- Open the Mac’s Bluetooth settings, select WH-1000XM6, then click Connect.
For playback, the computer needs Bluetooth audio support (A2DP); video calls also require calling-profile support (HFP/HSP). If connected but you hear no sound, check that the Mac’s computer speaker setting is ON.
Pair with another Bluetooth device
Put the headphones in pairing mode, open the other device’s Bluetooth menu, search for available devices, and select WH-1000XM6. Complete any confirmation on that device. Menu names vary across TVs, tablets, and other Bluetooth sources; follow the device maker’s instructions if needed. If a passkey is requested, enter 0000.
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.
Connect two devices at once
The headphones can remember up to eight paired devices, but saved pairings are not the same as active connections: ordinary music playback comes from one device at a time. Pair the headphones with both sources first. Then use the phone app to enable multipoint and connect the second source.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Install and open Sony | Sound Connect on the phone, and connect the headphones to that phone.
- In the app, enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously.
- Connect the second device to the headphones.
Sony says the setting is also available while the headphones are connected to a PC, but there is no PC version of Sound Connect; configure it in the smartphone app. With both devices connected, you can switch music playback between them without making a new Bluetooth connection.
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.
Pairing and connection problems
- WH-1000XM6 does not appear: Confirm Bluetooth is on and the headphones are in pairing mode. For a device being added after the first pairing, hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds, then search again.
- Pairing mode ended: The pairing window lasts five minutes. Turn the headphones off and restart the process.
- A ninth device is being paired: The headphones store up to eight pairing records; adding another replaces the oldest record.
- The second source will not connect: Pair both devices first, enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in Sound Connect, then connect the second device.
- A Mac connects but has no sound: Check that the Mac speaker setting is ON and that the computer supports the Bluetooth profile needed for audio playback or calls.
Sony’s support page lists the WH-1000XM6 Help Guide dated June 29, 2026, firmware version 3.1.5 dated June 30, 2026, and Sony | Sound Connect dated September 30, 2026. App and operating-system labels may change, so consult the Sony support page if the names on your screen differ.
Quick Recap
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.
Rank #4
- 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.
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