The WH-1000XM4 has 1 of the best battery life among headphones.
After all, it can play for up to 30 hours straight.
But since your audio device won’t charge…
You can’t even enjoy this long playtime.
Such a bummer, right?
But don’t worry. You can fix this problem in minutes.
Continue reading to find out:
- 9 quick fixes for your Sony WH-1000XM4 that’s not charging.
- The most common reasons your Sony headphones won’t charge.
- How you can charge your WH-1000XM4 using a nongenuine charging cable.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is my Sony WH-1000XM4 not charging?
Your Sony WH-1000XM4 isn’t charging because it may be overheating. This problem also happens if your charging cable is loose or nongenuine. Moreover, your headphones won’t immediately charge if they’re overly discharged. Your Sony WH-1000XM4 may also have a charging issue because it’s outdated.
Sony WH-1000XM4 not charging: 9 fixes
#1: Ensure your audio device is at room temperature
Before you try any direct fixes on your headphones…
Ensure that your audio device isn’t currently exposed to extreme temperatures.
Because according to Sony, if the WH-1000XM4 is in a room that’s too hot or cold…
Its indicator lights will flash. Signaling that your audio device is detecting abnormalities.
When this happens…
Your headphones may stop charging to protect their batteries from overheating or exploding.
“What’s the ideal room temperature for charging my WH-1000XM4?”
It’s between 41 ºF to 95 ºF (5 °C and 35 °C).
If you’ve got a thermostat, staying in this temperature range will be pretty easy.
But as a rule of thumb…
If you feel too cold or hot inside a room, your audio device most likely also feels the same.
So, only charge your headphones in a room with a comfortable temperature.
#2: Make sure the cable is properly connected
Your headphones won’t charge if they’re not properly connected to your charging cable.
So, if you haven’t already…
Double-check whether you’ve inserted your audio device’s cord properly.
How?
Just unplug both of your charging cable’s connectors from their respective ports.
Then when you plug them back…
Firmly push each connector towards its port.
If this still doesn’t fix your device’s charging problem…
#3: Use your headphones’ original charging cable
Most audio devices aren’t picky with their charging cables.
However, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 is part of the minority.
These headphones usually don’t charge if you’re using a nongenuine charging cable.
So, if possible, use your WH-1000XM4’s original charging cord.
“But I lost mine.”
Unfortunately, Sony doesn’t sell official replacement cables on their website.
But today’s your lucky day. Because I know a little hack to…
Make your headphones charge using a nongenuine cable:
Step 1: Buy a USB data blocker
This device will make your nongenuine cord focus solely on relaying power.
Because it’ll prevent your cable from transferring data between gadgets.
How does it fix your headphones’ problem?
Well, Sony’s cords are also designed for charging purposes only.
So, this USB data blocker will mimic the original cable’s quality.
Once you have this device…
Step 2: Attach the USB data blocker to your nongenuine cable
Insert your cord’s bigger connector into the data blocker’s port.
Step 3: Charge your headphones
Connect your cable’s small connector with your audio device.
Then, plug the USB data blocker into a power source, like the following:
- PC port.
- Power bank.
- Wall adapter.
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#4: Change your power source
Last year, my Shark robot vacuum stopped charging.
Of course, as most people do, I immediately assumed my robot was faulty.
But hours later, I realized that my outlet was the one that didn’t work.
This just shows that your gadgets’ power source isn’t always reliable.
Outlets shut OFF. Computer ports can stop working.
And sometimes…
Your audio device may simply be incompatible with its current power source.
In fact, Sony itself noted that with the WH-1000XM4…
“Charging may not be successful depending on the type of USB AC adaptor.”
So, for this solution…
You should change your audio device’s power source.
If you’ve been using a wall adapter to charge your headphones, this time, use a:
- PC port.
- Powerbank.
- Different outlet.
Similarly, if you haven’t used a charging brick for your headphones…
Connect your audio device to power using an adapter with an output current of 1.5 A or more.
#5: Let your device charge overnight
Try turning ON your WH-1000XM4.
Does it still have any remaining power?
If it does, skip to the next solution.
But if your headphones won’t turn ON…
Follow along with this fix.
Because you may have simply over-discharged your WH-1000XM4.
This means your headphones completely drained their battery.
So, they don’t even have enough power to light up their LEDs.
When this happens…
All you need to do is let your headphones charge overnight.
Or, at least, for 3-4 hours.
“Won’t that be bad for my audio device’s battery?”
Don’t worry. Your headphones automatically stop charging once they’re fully charged.
So, this process is completely safe.
#6: Hold the power button while charging your audio device
If you ask me why this solution works…
Honestly, I can’t give you a proper explanation.
But don’t blame me.
I also asked Sony’s support team why this fix works wonders for the WH-1000XM4.
And even they couldn’t give me an answer.
That’s not really surprising, though.
After all, when devices glitch…
Working around the problem can be just a hit-or-miss game.
Luckily, this solution worked.
Here’s all you need to do:
- Unplug your WH-1000XM4 from its charger (if needed).
- Press and hold your audio device’s Power button.
- Connect the charging cable to your headphones.
- Let go after 3 seconds.
If this fix doesn’t work for you, don’t worry.
I still have another unexpected solution for this problem.
And that’s to…
#7: Pair your headphones before charging
Again, there’s no logical explanation for this fix.
But it’s 1 of the trial and error I’ve tried that stopped my headphones’ charging problem.
So, follow these steps to…
Pair your WH-1000XM4 before charging it:
Step 1: Wear your headphones
Doing so will make it easy for you to hear your device’s audio indicators later.
Step 2: Press and hold the power button
Keep pressing the button until you hear “Bluetooth pairing.”
Step 3: Connect your gadget to your Sony headphones
The exact steps to do this process depend on your device type, model, or brand.
But for the most part, here’s all you have to do:
- Head to your device’s Settings app.
- Go to Bluetooth.
- Turn the Bluetooth toggle ON.
- Click your WH-1000XM4’s name from the list of wireless devices.
- Follow further instructions to pair your audio device.
After the pairing process…
Step 4: Charge your headphones
Then, observe if your audio device is finally storing power.
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#8: Update your WH-1000XM4
Firmware updates aren’t just for maximizing your headphones’ performance.
They’re also crucial in protecting your device from bugs that cause various problems.
Including the current charging issue you have.
So, go ahead and…
Update your Sony headphones:
Step 1: Connect your WH-1000XM4 to the Sony Headphones Connect app
If you don’t have this application yet…
Here’s the download link for Android and iOS devices.
Note: The app will give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to connect your headphones.
Once you’ve registered your audio device inside the application…
Step 2: Confirm your headphones’ firmware version
Inside the app…
Tap the 3-dotted menu icon on the top-right corner of your screen.
Then, click the option that says:
“WH-1000XM4 Version.”
When a new window appears, tap OK. And proceed to…
Step 3: Turn OFF your headphones’ Automatic Power Off feature
If your audio device’s Automatic Power Off feature is ON…
It’ll interrupt the firmware update if the process takes more than 5 minutes.
So, follow these steps to turn the feature OFF:
- Tap the System option under your headphones’ image.
- Scroll down until you see the Automatic Power Off heading.
- Click the “Do not turn OFF” option.
Step 4: Tap the More Info button at the bottom of your screen
Note: This only appears if an update is available for your headphones.
So, if you can’t find this, skip to the next solution.
Step 5: Update your WH-1000XM4
Just tap the START option at the bottom-right corner of the app.
Then, wait until you see the “Software Update Completed” message on your screen.
For a more detailed tutorial of this process, watch this video:
#9: Factory reset your device
Still can’t charge your headphones?
Try resetting them.
This process deletes all the information stored on your audio device.
Including any glitchy files that may still be lingering on its system.
Don’t worry. It only takes a minute to…
Reset your WH-1000XM4:
- Turn OFF your headphones.
- Locate the Power and Custom buttons on your device.
- Simultaneously press and hold both keys.
- Let go when you see a blue indicator light flash 4x on your headphones.
- Unpair your audio device with the gadgets you’ve connected it.
After this process, try charging your headphones again.