Sony WH-1000XM3 Reference guide

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
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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
2

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
3

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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
4-740-049-11(3) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
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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.
2.
Built-in antenna
A Bluetooth antenna is built into the headset.
3.
N-Mark4.
left unit5.
Slider
Slide to adjust the length of the headband.
6.
Headband7.
Microphone (external) for the noise canceling function
Picks up the sound of the noise when the noise canceling function is in use.
8.
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.
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Related Topic
About the indicator
Checking the remaining battery charge
4-740-049-11(3) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
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.
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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
- - - -
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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
- - - -
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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.
1
Time required for charging the empty battery to its full capacity. The charging time may differ depending on the conditions of use.
*
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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.
4-740-049-11(3) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
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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
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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
4-740-049-11(3) Copyright 2018 Sony Corporation
Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time
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
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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
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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
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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.
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