Sony WH1000XM3S, WH1000XM3B User Manual

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Use this manual if you encounter any problems, or have any questions. The main update contents of the headset software version 4.1.0 and later are supported. Update the software of the headset and “Sony | Headphones Connect” app to the latest version. For details, refer to the following:

https://www.sony.net/elesupport/

Getting started

What you can do with the Bluetooth function

About voice guidance

Supplied accessories

Checking the package contents

Setting the headset in the carrying case

Parts and controls

Location and function of parts

About the indicator

Power/Charging

Charging the headset

Available operating time

Checking the remaining battery charge

System requirements for battery charge using USB

Turning on the headset

Turning off the headset

Making connections

How to make a wireless connection to Bluetooth devices

Easy setup with app

Connecting with the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Android smartphone

Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone

Connecting to a paired Android smartphone

One-touch connection (NFC) with an Android smartphone (Android 4.1 or later)

Disconnecting the Android smartphone with one-touch (NFC)

Switching the device by one touch (NFC)

iPhone (iOS devices)

Pairing and connecting with an iPhone

Connecting to a paired iPhone

Computers

Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows 10)

Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows 8/Windows 8.1)

Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows 7)

Pairing and connecting with a computer (Mac)

Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 10)

Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 8/Windows 8.1)

Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 7)

Connecting to a paired computer (Mac)

Other Bluetooth devices

Pairing and connecting with other Bluetooth devices

Connecting to a paired Bluetooth device

Multipoint connection

Connecting the headset to both a music player and a smartphone or mobile phone

Connecting the headset to 2 Android smartphones

Connecting the headset to an Android smartphone and an iPhone

Disconnecting Bluetooth connection (after use)

Using the supplied headphone cable

Listening to music

Listening to music via a Bluetooth connection

Listening to music from a device via Bluetooth connection

Controlling the audio device (Bluetooth connection)

Disconnecting Bluetooth connection (after use)

Noise canceling function

What is noise canceling?

Using the noise canceling function

Optimizing the noise canceling function to suit the wearer (NC Optimizer)

Listening to ambient sound

Listening to ambient sound during music playback (Ambient Sound Mode)

Listening to ambient sound quickly (Quick Attention Mode)

Sound quality mode

About the sound quality mode

Supported codecs

About the DSEE HX function

Making phone calls

Receiving a call

Making a call

Functions for a phone call

Disconnecting Bluetooth connection (after use)

Using the voice assist function

Using the Google Assistant

Using Amazon Alexa

Using the voice assist function (Google app)

Using the voice assist function (Siri)

Using the apps

What you can do with "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Installing "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Important information

Precautions

Trademarks

Customer support websites

Troubleshooting

What can I do to solve a problem?

Power/Charging

The headset is not turned on.

Charging cannot be done.

Charging time is too long.

The headset cannot be recognized by a computer.

The remaining battery charge of the headset is not displayed on the screen of an iPhone or iPod touch.

Sound

No sound

Low sound level

Low sound quality

Sound skips frequently.

The noise canceling effect is not sufficient.

Bluetooth

Pairing cannot be done.

One-touch connection (NFC) does not work.

Unable to make a Bluetooth connection.

Distorted sound

The Bluetooth wireless communication range is short, or the sound skips.

The headset does not operate properly.

Cannot hear a person on a call.

Low voice from callers

Resetting or initializing the headset

Resetting the headset

Initializing the headset to restore factory settings

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

What you can do with the Bluetooth function

The headset uses BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, allowing you to listen to music or make phone calls wirelessly.

Listening to music

You can receive audio signals from a smartphone or music player to enjoy music wirelessly.

Talking on the phone

You can make and receive a call hands-free, while leaving your smartphone or mobile phone in your bag or pocket.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

About voice guidance

In the factory setting, you will hear the English voice guidance in the following situations via the headset. You can change the language of the voice guidance and turn on/off the voice guidance using “Sony | Headphones Connect” app. For more details, refer to the following URL:

http://rd1.sony.net/help/mdr/hpc/h_zz/

When powering on: “Power on” When powering off: “Power off” When entering pairing mode: “Bluetooth pairing” When establishing a Bluetooth connection: “Bluetooth connected” When disconnecting a Bluetooth connection: “Bluetooth disconnected” When checking the remaining battery charge: “Battery about XX %” (The “XX” value indicates the approximate remaining charge. Use it as a rough estimate.) / “Battery fully charged” When the remaining battery charge is low: “Low battery, please recharge headset” When automatically turning off due to low battery: “Please recharge headset. Power off” When turning on the noise canceling function: “Noise canceling” When turning on the Ambient Sound Mode: “Ambient sound” When turning off the noise canceling function and the Ambient Sound Mode: “Ambient Sound Control off” When starting the NC Optimizer: “Optimizer start” When the NC Optimizer is finished: “Optimizer finished” When the Google Assistant is not available on the smartphone connected to the headset even if you press the Google Assistant button on the headset: “The Google Assistant is not connected” When Amazon Alexa is not available on the smartphone connected to the headset even if you press the Amazon Alexa button on the headset: “Either your mobile device isn't connected; or you need to open the Alexa App and try again”

Note

Even if you initialize the headset to restore the factory settings after changing the language of voice guidance, the language will not be changed.

If the voice guidance is not heard after changing the voice guidance language or updating the firmware, turn the headset off and on again.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Checking the package contents

After opening the package, check that all of the items in the list are included. If any items are missing, contact your dealer. Numbers in ( ) indicate the item amount.

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset USB Type-C™ cable (USB-A to USB-C™) (approx. 20 cm (7 7/8 in.))(1)

Headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m (47 1/4 in.)) (1)

Carrying case (1)

Plug adapter for in-flight use (1)

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Setting the headset in the carrying case

When finished using the headset, fold it and put it in the supplied carrying case as shown in the figure below.

To store the cables and plug adapter for in-flight use

Put the cables and the plug adaptor for in-flight use in the holder in the carrying case as shown below.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Location and function of parts

L mark1. Tactile dot The left unit has a tactile dot.

Built-in antenna A Bluetooth antenna is built into the headset.

N-Mark4.

left unit5.

Slider Slide to adjust the length of the headband.

Headband7. Microphone (external) for the noise canceling function Picks up the sound of the noise when the noise canceling function is in use.

R mark9. Microphone (internal) for the noise canceling function Picks up the sound of the noise when the noise canceling function is in use.

10.

right unit11.

Touch sensor control panel Remotely controls music playback of the connected Bluetooth device or performs other operations using touch operation.

12.

NC/AMBIENT (noise canceling/Ambient Sound Mode) button Press and hold (about 2 seconds) to optimize the noise canceling function (NC Optimizer).

13.

Indicator (blue/red) Lights up in red or blue to indicate the power or communication status of the headset.

14.

(power) button15.

Related Topic

About the indicator

Checking the remaining battery charge

Indicator (red) Lights up in red during charging.

16.

USB Type-C port Connect the headset to a computer or a USB AC adapter (sold separately) with the supplied USB Type-C cable to charge the headset.

17.

INPUT jack Connect a music player, etc. using the supplied headphone cable. Make sure that you insert the cable until it clicks. If the plug is not connected correctly, you may not hear the sound normally.

18.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

About the indicator

You can check various statuses of the headset by the indicators.

: Turns on in blue / : Turns on in red / - : Turns off

Indicator (blue/red) next to the

button

Turning on

- (flashes 2 times)

Turning off

(lights up for about 2 seconds)

Displaying the remaining battery charge

Remaining charge: High

- (flashes 2 times)

Remaining charge: Low (requires charging)

- - (flashes for about 15 seconds)

For details, refer to “Checking the remaining battery charge”.

When the remaining battery charge is low

- - (flashes for about 15 seconds)

Bluetooth function

Device registration (pairing) mode

- - - - (flashes 2 times each)

Not connected

- - - - - - - - (about a 1-second interval)

Connection process completed

(flashes quickly for about 5 seconds)

Connected

- - - - - - - - - - - - (about a 5-second interval)

Incoming call

The not connected and connected status indicators automatically turn off after a period of time has passed. They start flashing again for a period of time when some operation is performed. When the remaining battery charge becomes low, the indicator changes to a red flashing indicator.

Other

Headphone cable connected (power is turned on)

- - - - - - - - - - - - (about a 5-second interval)

When the remaining battery charge becomes low, it changes to a red flashing indicator.

Updating software

- - - -

Initialization completed

For details, refer to “Initializing the headset to restore factory settings”.

USB Type-C port indicator (red)

Charging

While charging

Turns off after the charging is complete.

Abnormal temperature

- - - - (flashes 2 times each)

Abnormal charging

- - - -

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Charging the headset

The headset contains a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Use the supplied USB Type-C cable to charge the headset before use.

Hint

You can also use the supplied USB Type-C cable to connect to a running computer to charge the headset.

If charging starts while the headset is turned on, the headset will turn off automatically.

Note

Charging may not be successful with cables other than the supplied USB Type-C cable.

Charging may not be successful or require more charging time depending on the type of USB AC adapter.

When the headset is connected to an AC outlet or computer, all operations such as turning on the headset, registering or connecting to Bluetooth devices, and music playback cannot be performed.

The headset cannot be charged when the computer is in standby (sleep) or hibernation mode. In this case, change the computer settings to charge the headset once again.

If the headset is not used for a long time, the rechargeable battery usage hours may be reduced. However, the battery life will improve after a few recharges.

If you store the headset for a long time, charge the battery to its full capacity once every 6 months to avoid over-discharge.

If the headset is not used for a long time, it may take longer to charge the battery.

If the headset detects a problem while charging due to the following causes, the indicator (red) flashes. In this case, charge once again within the charging temperature range. If the problem persists, consult with your Sony dealer.

Connect the headset and an AC outlet.

Use the USB Type-C cable (supplied) and a USB AC adapter (sold separately) to connect the headset to an AC outlet.

The indicator (red) of the headset lights up. Charging is completed in about 3 hours (*) and the indicator (red) goes off automatically.

After charging is complete, disconnect the USB Type-C cable.

Time required for charging the empty battery to its full capacity. The charging time may differ depending on the conditions of use.

Ambient temperature exceeds the charging temperature range of 5 °C – 35 °C (41 °F - 95 °F). There is a problem with the battery.

If the headset is not used for a long time, the indicator (red) may not light up when charging. Please wait a moment until the indicator (red) lights up.

If the usage hours of the built-in rechargeable battery decreases significantly, the battery should be replaced. Consult with your nearest Sony dealer to replace the rechargeable battery.

Avoid exposure to extreme temperature changes, direct sunlight, moisture, sand, dust, and electrical shock. Never leave the headset in a parked vehicle.

When connecting to a computer, use only the supplied USB Type-C cable, and be sure to directly connect them. Charging will not be properly completed through an indirect connection such as a USB hub.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Available operating time

The available operating times of the headset on a fully-charged battery are as follows:

Bluetooth connection

Music Playback time

Music can be played for about 5 hours after 10 minutes of charging (when charged with a USB AC adapter that supplies a current of 1.5 A or more).

Communication time

Standby time

Codec DSEE HX

Noise canceling function/Ambient

Sound Mode

Available operating

time

Qualcomm® aptX™ audio/aptX HD/LDAC™

AUTO/OFF

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 24 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 18 hours

OFF Max. 30 hours

AAC

AUTO

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 24 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 18 hours

OFF Max. 30 hours

OFF

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 30 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 22 hours

OFF Max. 38 hours

SBC

AUTO

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 22 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 16 hours

OFF Max. 28 hours

OFF

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 28 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 20 hours

OFF Max. 36 hours

Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 24 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 18 hours

OFF Max. 30 hours

Headphone cable connected (power is turned on)

Hint

By using the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app, you can check which codec is used for a connection or switch the DSEE HX function.

Note

Usage hours may be different depending on the settings and conditions of use.

Related Topic

Supported codecs

About the DSEE HX function

What you can do with "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 30 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 22 hours

OFF Max. 200 hours

Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time

Noise canceling function: ON Max. 36 hours

Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 26 hours

OFF Max. 44 hours

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Checking the remaining battery charge

You can check the remaining battery charge of the rechargeable battery.

When the

button is pressed while the headset power is on, the voice guidance indicating the remaining battery charge can be heard. “Battery about XX %” (The “XX” value indicates the approximate remaining charge.) “Battery fully charged” The remaining battery charge indicated by the voice guidance may differ from the actual remaining charge in some cases. Please use it as a rough estimate. In addition, the red indicator flashes (about 15 seconds) if the remaining battery charge is low when the headset is turned on.

When the remaining charge is low

The currently operating indicator display changes to red. If you hear the voice guidance say, “Low battery, please recharge headset”, charge the headset as soon as possible. When the battery becomes completely empty, the headset sounds a warning beep, the voice guidance says, “Please recharge headset. Power off”, and the headset automatically turns off.

When you are using an iPhone or iPod touch

When the headset is connected to an iPhone or iPod touch (iOS) that supports HFP (Hands-free Profile), it will show an icon that indicates the remaining battery charge of the headset on the screen.

Usable devices

iPhone or iPod touch which supports HFP (Hands-free Profile)(iOS 5.0 or later)

iOS 10.2 or later

iOS 7.0 or later

iOS 5.X / 6.X

A: Remaining battery charge of the headset The approximate remaining charge is shown at 10 different levels. B through E are display examples.

B: 100% C: 70% D: 50% E: 20% or lower (needs to charge)

The remaining battery charge of the headset is also displayed on the widget of an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 9 or later. Furthermore, the remaining charge which is displayed may differ from the actual remaining charge in some cases. Please use it as a rough estimate.

Hint

You can also check the remaining battery charge with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app. Android smartphones and the iPhone/iPod touch both support this app.

Note

If you connect the headset to an iPhone or iPod touch with “Media audio” (A2DP) only in a multipoint connection, the remaining battery charge will not be displayed correctly.

The remaining battery charge may not be properly displayed immediately after a software update or if the headset has not been used for a long time. In this case, repeatedly charge and discharge the battery multiple times to properly display the remaining battery charge.

Related Topic

What you can do with "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

System requirements for battery charge using USB

USB AC adaptor

A commercially available USB AC adapter capable of supplying an output current of 1.5 A or more (If the output current is less than 1.5 A, the charging time will increase, and the music playback time after 10 minutes of charging will decrease.)

Personal Computer

(As of August 2018) Computers on which the following OS is installed and a USB terminal is equipped as a standard

It is not that we guarantee operation on all computers which meet the following environment. Operations using a custom-built or homebuilt computer are not guaranteed.

(when using Windows®) Windows® 10 Home / Windows® 10 Pro Windows® 8.1 / Windows® 8.1 Pro Windows® 8 / Windows® 8 Pro Windows® 7 Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Ultimate (when using Mac) macOS (version 10.10 or later) Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Turning on the headset

Related Topic

Turning off the headset

Press and hold the

button for about 2 seconds until the indicator (blue) flashes.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Turning off the headset

Related Topic

Turning on the headset

Press and hold the

button for about 2 seconds until the indicator (blue) turns off.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

How to make a wireless connection to Bluetooth devices

You can enjoy music and hands-free calling with the headset wirelessly by using your device’s Bluetooth function.

Device registration (pairing)

To use the Bluetooth function, both of the connecting devices must be registered in advance. The operation to register a device is called device registration (pairing). If the device to be connected does not support the one-touch connection (NFC), operate the headset and the device to perform device registration (pairing). If the device supports one-touch connection (NFC), you can just touch to perform device registration (pairing) and establish a Bluetooth connection.

Connecting the headset to a registered (paired) device

Once a device is registered (paired), it is not necessary to register it again. Connect to a device that is already registered (paired) with the headset using the appropriate method.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Connecting with the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Launch the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app on your Android™ smartphone/iPhone to connect the headset to a smartphone or iPhone. For more details, refer to the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app help guide.

http://rd1.sony.net/help/mdr/hpc/h_zz/

Note

The connection with some smartphones and iPhones may become unstable when connecting using the "Sony | Headphones Connect" app. In that case, follow the procedures in “Connecting to a paired Android smartphone,” or “Connecting to a paired

iPhone” to connect to the headset.

Related Topic

Connecting to a paired Android smartphone

Connecting to a paired iPhone

What you can do with "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Installing "Sony | Headphones Connect" app

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone

The operation to register the device that you wish to connect to is called pairing. First, pair a device to use it with the headset for the first time. Before you start the pairing operation, make sure that:

The Android smartphone is placed within 1 m (3 feet) of the headset. The headset is charged sufficiently. The operating instructions of the smartphone is in hand.

Enter pairing mode on this headset.

Turn on the headset when you pair the headset with a device for the first time after you bought it or after you initialized the headset (the headset has no pairing information). The headset enters pairing mode automatically. When you pair a 2nd or subsequent device (the headset has pairing information for other devices), press and hold the

button for about 7 seconds.

Check that the blue indicator repeatedly flashes 2 times in a row. You will hear a voice guidance “Bluetooth pairing”.

Unlock the screen of the Android smartphone if it is locked.

Search for the headset on the Android smartphone.

Select [Settings] - [Wireless & networks] - [Bluetooth].

Touch [

] next to [Bluetooth] to turn on the Bluetooth function.

Hint

The above procedure is an example. For more details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your Android smartphone.

To delete all pairing information, see “Initializing the headset to restore factory settings”.

Note

When registering a device (pairing), either [WH-1000XM3] or [LE_WH-1000XM3] or both are displayed on the connecting device. If both or [WH-1000XM3] are displayed touch [WH-1000XM3], or touch [LE_WH-1000XM3] if [LE_WH-1000XM3] is displayed.

If pairing is not established within 5 minutes, the pairing mode is canceled, and the headset turns off. In this case, start the operation over from step 1.

Once Bluetooth devices are paired, there is no need to pair them again, except in the following cases:

Pairing information has been deleted after repair, etc. When a 9th device is paired The headset can be paired with up to 8 devices. If a new device is paired after 8 devices are already paired, the registration information of the paired device with the oldest connection date is overwritten with the information for the new device. When the pairing information for the headset has been deleted from the Bluetooth device. When the headset is initialized All of the pairing information is deleted. In this case, delete the pairing information for the headset from the Bluetooth device and then pair them again.

The headset can be paired with multiple devices, but can only play music from one paired device at a time.

Related Topic

How to make a wireless connection to Bluetooth devices

Connecting to a paired Android smartphone

Touch [WH-1000XM3].

If passkey (*) input is required on the display of the smartphone, input “0000.” The headset and smartphone are paired and connected with each other. You will hear a voice guidance “Bluetooth connected”. If they are not connected, see “Connecting to a paired Android smartphone”. If [WH-1000XM3] does not appear on the Android smartphone screen, try again from step 3.

A Passkey may be called “Passcode,” “PIN code,” or “Password.”

Listening to music from a device via Bluetooth connection

Initializing the headset to restore factory settings

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

Connecting to a paired Android smartphone

Unlock the screen of the Android smartphone if it is locked.

Turn on the headset.

Press and hold the

button for about 2 seconds.

Check that the indicator continues to flash blue after you release your finger from the button. You will hear a voice guidance “Power on”.

After the headset turns on, if it has automatically connected to the last connected device, you will hear a voice guidance “Bluetooth connected”. Check the connection status on the Android smartphone. If it is not connected, proceed to step 3.

Display the devices paired with the Android smartphone.

Select [Settings] - [Wireless & networks] - [Bluetooth].

Touch [

] next to [Bluetooth] to turn on the Bluetooth function.

Hint

The above procedure is an example. For more details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your Android smartphone.

If the smartphone was connected with the headset the last time, an HFP/HSP connection is established when you turn on the headset. Double-tap (gently touch it with your finger and immediately release it 2 times in rapid succession (interval of about 0.4 seconds)) the touch sensor control panel (middle of the right unit) while the headset power is turned on to switch to a music playback connection (A2DP).

Note

When connecting, either [WH-1000XM3] or [LE_WH-1000XM3] or both are displayed on the connecting device. If both or [WH1000XM3] are displayed touch [WH-1000XM3], or touch [LE_WH-1000XM3] if [LE_WH-1000XM3] is displayed.

If the last-connected Bluetooth device is placed near the headset, the headset may connect automatically to the device by simply turning on the headset. In that case, deactivate the Bluetooth function on the device or turn off the power.

If you cannot connect your smartphone to the headset, delete the headset pairing information on your smartphone and perform the pairing again. As for the operations on your smartphone, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your smartphone.

Related Topic

How to make a wireless connection to Bluetooth devices

Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone

Listening to music from a device via Bluetooth connection

Touch [WH-1000XM3].

You will hear a voice guidance “Bluetooth connected”.

Help Guide

Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset

WH-1000XM3

One-touch connection (NFC) with an Android smartphone (Android 4.1 or later)

By touching the headset with a smartphone, the headset turns on automatically and then pairs and makes a Bluetooth connection.

Compatible smartphones

NFC -compatible smartphones installed with Android 4.1 or later.

NFC

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a technology enabling short-range wireless communication between various devices, such as smartphones and IC tags. Thanks to the NFC function, data communication — for example, Bluetooth pairing — can be achieved easily by simply touching NFC -compatible devices together (i.e., at the N -Mark symbol or location designated on each device).

Unlock the screen of the smartphone if it is locked.

Turn on the smartphone’s NFC function.

Select [Settings] - [Wireless & networks] - [More].

Touch [

] next to [NFC] to turn on the NFC function.

Touch the headset with the smartphone.

Touch the smartphone on the N-Mark of the headset. Keep touching the headset with the smartphone until the smartphone reacts. Refer to the operating instructions of the smartphone for the designated location to be touched on the smartphone.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing and connection. When the headset is connected with the smartphone, the indicator (blue) starts flashing slowly. You will hear a voice guidance “Bluetooth connected”.

+ 100 hidden pages