Sony WH-1000XM4 not charging: what to check

When the WH-1000XM4 will not charge, the usual causes are the cable, a computer that has gone to sleep, or the room being too hot or cold. A reset fixes most of the rest.

Charge with the USB Type-C cable that came in the box, plugged into a wall adapter or a computer that is switched on and awake. Charge in a room between 5 °C and 35 °C. If the red light flashes or nothing happens, reset the headphones by pressing the power and CUSTOM buttons together while they are connected to charge.

• 1. Watch the red light: Plug in the cable. The charging light should glow red and switch off when the battery is full, about three hours from empty. If the headphones have sat unused for a long time, the light may take a short while to come on, so wait a few minutes.
• 2. Use the supplied cable: Sony says charging may not work with some other cables or adapters. Switch to the cable from the box, and push it firmly into the headphones and into the adapter.
• 3. Check the computer or adapter: If you charge from a laptop, make sure it is on and not in sleep or hibernation. Plug straight into the laptop rather than through a USB hub, and try a different port. A wall adapter is often more reliable.
• 4. Mind the temperature: The XM4 charges only between 5 °C and 35 °C. In Indian summers a room or car can easily pass that. A flashing red light during charging can mean a temperature or charging problem. Let the headphones cool indoors and try again.
• 5. Do a soft reset: Leave the cable plugged in so the headphones are charging, then press power and CUSTOM together once. The headphones reset, and your Bluetooth pairings are kept.
• 6. Try a factory reset: If that does not help, unplug the cable and turn the headphones off. Press and hold the power and CUSTOM buttons together for 7 seconds or more until the blue light flashes four times. This clears all pairings and settings, so remove the headphones from your phone's Bluetooth list and pair again.
• 7. Update the firmware: Once they charge, open Sony's headphones app (Headphones Connect, or Sound Connect on newer versions) and install any update. Sony recommends keeping the headphones on the latest software.