Sony MDR-XB50BS Reference guide

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
Use this manual if you encounter any problems, or have any questions.
Getting started
BLUETOOTH connection
What you can do with the BLUETOOTH function
How to make a wireless connection to BLUETOOTH devices
Supplied accessories
Checking the package contents
Replacing the earbuds
Replacing arc supporters
About the supplied manuals
Features
What you can do with the headset

Water resistant performance of this headset
Parts and controls
Location and function of parts
About the indicator
Charging the headset
System requirements for battery charge using USB
Charging the headset
Available operating time
Checking the remaining battery charge
Voice guidance
About voice guidance
Making connections
One-touch connection (NFC) compatible Android devices
One-touch connection (NFC) with a smartphone (Android 4.1 or later)
One-touch connection (NFC) with a smartphone (Android 2.3.3 or later, and less than Android 4.1)
Disconnecting the smartphone by one touch (NFC)
Switching the device by one touch (NFC)
Android devices not compatible with one-touch connection (NFC)
Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone
Connecting to a paired Android smartphone
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 (Windows Vista)
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 (Windows Vista)
Other BLUETOOTH devices
Pairing and connecting with other BLUETOOTH devices
Connecting to a paired BLUETOOTH device
Multi point 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
Listening to music
Listening to music via a BLUETOOTH connection
Listening to music from a device connected via BLUETOOTH
Controlling the audio device (BLUETOOTH connection)
Disconnecting BLUETOOTH connection (after use)
Supported codecs
Supported codecs
Making phone calls
Making phone calls
Receiving a call
Making a call
Functions for a phone call
Disconnecting BLUETOOTH connection (after use)
Important information
Precautions
Precautions
What is BLUETOOTH wireless technology?
Trademarks

Trademarks
Support website
Customer support websites
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
What can I do to solve a problem?
Power
The headset is not turned on.
Charging
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, iPad, or iPod touch.
Sound
No sound
Low sound level
Low sound quality
Sound skips frequently during playback.
Pairing
Pairing cannot be done.
One-touch connection (NFC)
Unable to connect the headset to a BLUETOOTH device with one-touch connection (NFC)
BLUETOOTH connection
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.
Phone calls
No voice from callers

4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
Low voice from callers
Resetting or initializing the headset
Resetting the headset
Initializing the headset to restore factory settings

Table Of Contents
Help Guide MDR-XB50BS i...............................................................................................................
Getting started i.................................................................................................................................
BLUETOOTH connection i................................................................................................................
What you can do with the BLUETOOTH function 1.....................................................................
How to make a wireless connection to BLUETOOTH devices 2.................................................
Supplied accessories i.......................................................................................................................
Checking the package contents 3...............................................................................................
Replacing the earbuds 4..............................................................................................................
Replacing arc supporters 5..........................................................................................................
About the supplied manuals 7.....................................................................................................
Features i...........................................................................................................................................
What you can do with the headset 8...........................................................................................
Water resistant performance of this headset 9............................................................................
Parts and controls ii...........................................................................................................................
Location and function of parts 10................................................................................................
About the indicator 12..................................................................................................................
Charging the headset ii......................................................................................................................
System requirements for battery charge using USB 14..............................................................
Charging the headset 15.............................................................................................................
Available operating time 17.........................................................................................................
Checking the remaining battery charge 18..................................................................................
Voice guidance ii...............................................................................................................................
About voice guidance 20.............................................................................................................
Making connections ii........................................................................................................................
One-touch connection (NFC) compatible Android devices ii.............................................................
One-touch connection (NFC) with a smartphone (Android 4.1 or later) 21.................................
One-touch connection (NFC) with a smartphone (Android 2.3.3 or later, and
less than Android 4.1) 23.............................................................................................................
Disconnecting the smartphone by one touch (NFC) 26...............................................................
Switching the device by one touch (NFC) 27..............................................................................
Android devices not compatible with one-touch connection (NFC) ii................................................
Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone 28.............................................................
Connecting to a paired Android smartphone 31..........................................................................
iPhone (iOS devices) ii......................................................................................................................
Pairing and connecting with an iPhone 34..................................................................................
Connecting to a paired iPhone 37...............................................................................................
Computers ii......................................................................................................................................
Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows 10) 39..........................................................
TOC-1

Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows 8/Windows 8.1) 43......................................
Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows 7) 46............................................................
Pairing and connecting with a computer (Windows Vista) 49......................................................
Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 10) 52....................................................................
Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 8/Windows 8.1) 55.................................................
Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 7) 58......................................................................
Connecting to a paired computer (Windows Vista) 60................................................................
Other BLUETOOTH devices iii..........................................................................................................
Pairing and connecting with other BLUETOOTH devices 63......................................................
Connecting to a paired BLUETOOTH device 65.........................................................................
Multi point connection iii....................................................................................................................
Connecting the headset to both a music player and a smartphone or mobile
phone 67......................................................................................................................................
Connecting the headset to 2 Android smartphones 68...............................................................
Connecting the headset to an Android smartphone and an iPhone 70.......................................
Listening to music iii..........................................................................................................................
Listening to music via a BLUETOOTH connection iii........................................................................
Listening to music from a device connected via BLUETOOTH 72..............................................
Controlling the audio device (BLUETOOTH connection) 74.......................................................
Disconnecting BLUETOOTH connection (after use) 75..............................................................
Supported codecs iii..........................................................................................................................
Supported codecs 76...................................................................................................................
Making phone calls iii........................................................................................................................
Making phone calls iii........................................................................................................................
Receiving a call 77......................................................................................................................
Making a call 79...........................................................................................................................
Functions for a phone call 81......................................................................................................
Disconnecting BLUETOOTH connection (after use) 75..............................................................
Important information iii.....................................................................................................................
Precautions iii....................................................................................................................................
Precautions 82.............................................................................................................................
What is BLUETOOTH wireless technology? 83..........................................................................
Trademarks iii....................................................................................................................................
Trademarks 85............................................................................................................................
Support website iv.............................................................................................................................
Customer support websites 86....................................................................................................
Troubleshooting iv.............................................................................................................................
What can I do to solve a problem? 87.........................................................................................
Power iv.............................................................................................................................................
The headset is not turned on. 88.................................................................................................
TOC-2

Charging iv........................................................................................................................................
Charging cannot be done. 89......................................................................................................
Charging time is too long. 90.......................................................................................................
The headset cannot be recognized by a computer. 91...............................................................
The remaining battery charge of the headset is not displayed on the screen
of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. 92..........................................................................................
Sound iv.............................................................................................................................................
No sound 93................................................................................................................................
Low sound level 94......................................................................................................................
Low sound quality 95...................................................................................................................
Sound skips frequently during playback. 96................................................................................
Pairing iv............................................................................................................................................
Pairing cannot be done. 97..........................................................................................................
One-touch connection (NFC) iv.........................................................................................................
Unable to connect the headset to a BLUETOOTH device with one-touch
connection (NFC) 98...................................................................................................................
BLUETOOTH connection iv...............................................................................................................
Unable to make a BLUETOOTH connection 99..........................................................................
Distorted sound 100....................................................................................................................
The BLUETOOTH wireless communication range is short, or the sound skips. 101..................
The headset does not operate properly. 102...............................................................................
Phone calls iv....................................................................................................................................
No voice from callers 103............................................................................................................
Low voice from callers 104..........................................................................................................
Resetting or initializing the headset v................................................................................................
Resetting the headset 105...........................................................................................................
Initializing the headset to restore factory settings 106.................................................................
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
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, mobile phone, or music player to enjoy music wirelessly.
Talking on the phone
You can make and receive a call with your hands free, while leaving your smartphone or mobile phone in your bag or pocket.
4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
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.
When connecting a device for the first time via BLUETOOTH, device registration (pairing) is needed.
Device registration (pairing)
The operation to register a device to be connected 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
When the device is registered, it is not necessary to register it again. Connect to it with an appropriate method.
For details, see “Making connections.”
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
Checking the package contents
After opening the package, check that all items in the list are included in the package. If items are missing, contact your dealer.
Numbers in ( ) indicate the item amount.
Wireless Stereo Headset (1)
Micro-USB cable (approx. 50 cm (19 3/4 in.)) (1)
Long Hybrid silicone rubber earbuds (SS/S/M/L 2 each)
Size M earbuds come attached to the headset.
Arc supporters (S/M/L 2 each)
Size M Arc supportes come attached to the headset.
Reference Guide (1)
Operating Instructions (1)
Other documents (1 set) (*)
4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
May not be supplied in some countries or regions.
*
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
Replacing the earbuds
The headset comes with the M size earbuds.
If the headset tends to come off or you feel a lack of low frequency sound, change the earbuds to another size to fit your ears
comfortably and snugly.
A: SS size (red)
B: S size (orange)
C: M size (green)
D: L size (light blue)
Remove the earbuds.
Do not pinch the end of the earbud when removing it.
1
Attach the earbuds.
Do not attach the earbuds loose or skewed.
2
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
Replacing arc supporters
The headset comes with the M size arc supporters.
If you feel they do not fit to your ears, change them to another size to fit your ears.
Remove the earbuds, then remove the arc supporters.
Do not pull the end of the arc supporter when removing it.
1
Attach the arc supporters.
Arc supporter ( )
A: The front
B: The rear
2
5

4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
C: Align the notch with the tongue
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
About the supplied manuals
The following three manuals come with the headset.
Help Guide (this data)
Operation manual on the Web, which can be accessed by a PC or smartphone, provides the detailed information on how to use
the headset and troubleshooting, etc.
Operating Instructions (enclosed paper)
Provides basic information on how to connect or use the headset.
Reference Guide (enclosed paper)
Provides precautions and specifications.
4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
What you can do with the headset
Wireless (BLUETOOTH) headset with water resistant performance (*1)
8.5 hours of play time with IPX4 (*1) water resistant performance.
Comfortable, secure-fitting for your exercise
Secure and comfortable for hours of cycling, running, skating, or jogging.
EXTRA BASS™ sound for your performance
EXTRA BASS sound makes you feel more overwhelming basses and beats that enhance the performance of your workout and
sports activities.
Built-in microphone for hands-free calling with HD Voice
Clear voice hands-free calling with built-in microphone and HD Voice support (*2)
One-touch connection with Near Field Communication (NFC)
Voice guidance
4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
IPX4 (degree of protection against splashing water): Protected against water splashing from any direction. Make sure that the micro-USB port cover is
closed securely when you use the unit.
*1
The phone on the other end requires to support “HD Voice” function.
*2
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
Water resistant performance of this headset
The water resistance specifications(*) of this headset are equivalent to IPX4(**) in IEC 60529 “Degrees of protection against
ingress of water (IP Code)”, which specifies the degree of protection provided against the entry of water. However, the headset
cannot be used in water. Unless the headset is used correctly, water may get into the headset and cause fire, electrocution, or
malfunctions. Note the following cautions carefully and use the headset correctly.
Liquids that the water resistance performance specifications apply to
Applicable: Fresh water, tap water, perspiration
Not applicable: Liquids other than those above (examples: soapy water, detergent water, water with bath agents, shampoo, hot
spring water, pool water, seawater, etc.)
Water resistance performance of the headset is based on Sony measurements under the conditions described above. Note that
malfunctions as a result of water immersion caused by misuse by the customer are not covered by the warranty.
To maintain water resistance performance
Note the following cautions carefully and use the headset correctly.
Do not drop the headset or expose it to mechanical shock. Doing so may deform or damage the headset, resulting in
deterioration of water resistance performance.
Do not put the headset in water or use it in a humid place such as a bathroom.
The micro-USB port cover is important for maintaining water resistance performance. Make sure the micro-USB port cover is
closed securely when you use the headset. If the cover has any foreign objects on it or is not completely closed, water
resistance performance cannot be maintained. In addition, water may get into the headset and cause malfunctions.
Do not splash water forcibly against the cylindrical part from which sound is emitted. Doing so may deteriorate the water
resistance performance of the headset.
Wipe off with a soft dry cloth any water that gets on the headset. If water remains in the earbud holes, the sound may seem
low or not be audible at all. In this case, remove the earbuds, face the sound conduit downward, and shake the sound conduit
a couple of times.
Do not leave the headset with water on it in cold places as the water may freeze. In order to avoid malfunctions, make sure
that you wipe off water after use.
4-595-529-11(1) Copyright 2016 Sony Corporation
Make sure that the micro-USB port cover is closed securely when you use the headset.
*
IPX4 (degree of protection against splashing water): Protected against water splashing from any direction.
**
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
Location and function of parts
Related Topic
right unit
1. Arc supporters
2. left unit
3. L mark
4. Tactile dot
The left unit has a tactile dot.
5.
Earbuds
6. N-mark
7. Built-in antenna
A BLUETOOTH antenna is built into the headset.
8.
Micro-USB port
Connect a computer to this port with the supplied micro-USB cable to charge the headset.
9.
Microphone
Picks up the sound of your voice when talking on the phone.
10
.Multi-function button
/ / button
11
.+/-/ / buttons
12
.Indicator (blue/red)
Lights up in red during charging.
Lights up in red or blue to indicate the power or communication status of the headset.
13
.
R mark
14
.
10

About the indicator
Checking the remaining battery charge
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Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
MDR-XB50BS
About the indicator
The indicator flashes in red or blue to indicate various statuses.
: Turns on in blue/ : Turns on in red/-: Turns off
Turning on
When turning on the headset by pressing and holding the button for about 2 seconds when the headset is turned off.
- (flashes two times)
Turning off
When turning off the headset by pressing and holding the button for about 2 seconds when the headset is turned on.
(lights for about two seconds)
BLUETOOTH status indication
Pairing mode
(Pressing and holding the button for about 7 seconds when the headset is turned off)
Not connected
- - - - - - (one-second intervals)
Connection process completed
(flashes quickly for about five seconds)
Connected
- - - (about five-second interval) ---
Incoming call
Remaining battery charge indication
High
- - - -
Medium
- -
Low (needs to charge)
12