Sony WH-XB700 Reference guide

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
Use this manual if you encounter any problems, or have any questions.
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
Parts and controls
Location and function of parts
About the indicator
Power/Charging
Charging the headset
Available operating time
1

Checking the remaining battery charge
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
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 8.1)
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 8.1)
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 / mobile phone (multipoint connection)
2

Connecting the headset to 2 Android smartphones (multipoint connection)
Connecting the headset to an Android smartphone and an iPhone (multipoint connection)
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)
Sound quality mode
About the sound quality mode
Supported codecs
About the DSEE 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)
About the setting of the CUSTOM button and the operation of the Call button
Using the apps
What you can do with “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
Installing “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
Important information
Precautions
3

4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
Trademarks
Customer support websites
Troubleshooting
What can I do to solve a problem?
Power/Charging
Unable to turn on the headset.
Charging cannot be done.
Charging time is too long.
The headset cannot be charged even if connecting the headset to a computer.
The remaining battery charge of the headset is not displayed on the screen of smartphone.
Sound
No sound
Low sound level
Low sound quality
Sound skips frequently.
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
4

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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.
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
5

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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 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
It takes about 6 minutes when you change the language of voice guidance.
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.
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
6

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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 Stereo Headset
USB Type-C™ cable (USB-A to USB-C™) (approx. 20 cm (7.88 in.)) (1)
Headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m (47.25 in.)) (1)
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
7

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
Location and function of parts
Slider
Slide to adjust the length of the headband.
1.
(left) mark2.
left unit3.
Headband4.
(right) mark5.
right unit6.
Indicator (blue/red)
Lights up in red while charging.
Lights up in red or blue to indicate the power or communication status of the headset.
7.
CUSTOM button
Operates when using the voice assist function, etc.
8.
Tactile dot
The left unit has a tactile dot.
9.
(power) button10.
USB Type-C port
Connect the headset to a computer or a commercially available USB AC adaptor with the supplied USB Type-C
cable to charge the headset.
11.
Microphone
Picks up the sound of your voice (when talking on the phone).
12.
Built-in antenna
A Bluetooth antenna is built into the headset.
13.
8

Related Topic
About the indicator
Checking the remaining battery charge
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
N-Mark14.
Headphone cable 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 properly.
15.
Volume + button
The volume + button has a tactile dot.
16.
(play/call) button
Controls the various functions when you call or play music on the headset.
17.
Volume - button18.
9

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
About the indicator
You can check various statuses of the headset by the indicator.
: Turns on in blue / : Turns on in red / - : Turns off
Turning on
- (flashes twice)
Turning off
(lights up for about 2 seconds)
Displaying the remaining battery charge
Remaining charge: More than 20%
- (flashes twice)
Remaining charge: 20% or lower (requires charging)
- - (flashes for about 15 seconds)
For details, see “Checking the remaining battery charge”.
When the remaining battery charge is low
- - (flashes for about 15 seconds)
Charging
While charging
Turns off after the charging is complete.
Abnormal temperature
- - - - (flashes twice each)
Abnormal charging
- - - -
Bluetooth function
Device registration (pairing) mode
- - - - (flashes twice each)
Not connected
- - - - - - - - (about 1-second intervals)
Connection process completed
(flashes quickly for about 5 seconds)
Connected
- - - - - - - - - - - - (about 5-second intervals)
Incoming call
The not connected and connected status indications 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 (red) starts flashing slowly.
10

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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.
System requirements for battery charge using USB
USB AC adaptor
A commercially available USB AC adaptor capable of supplying an output current of 0.5 A (500 mA)
Personal Computer
Personal computer with a standard USB port
We do not guarantee operation on all computers.
Operations using a custom-built or homebuilt computer are not guaranteed.
Hint
The headset can be also charged by connecting to a running computer using the supplied USB Type-C cable.
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 depending on the type of USB AC adaptor.
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 goes into standby (sleep) or hibernation mode. In this case, change the
computer settings, and start charging the headset once again.
Connect the headset and an AC outlet.
Use the supplied USB Type-C cable and a commercially available USB AC adaptor to connect the headset to an
AC outlet.
The indicator (red) of the headset lights up.
Charging is completed in about 4 hours (*) and the indicator (red) turns 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.
*
12

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.
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 right away 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 the headset to a computer, use only the supplied USB Type-C cable, and be sure to directly connect them.
Charging will not be properly completed when the headset is connected through a USB hub.
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
13

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
Available operating time
The available operating times of the headset with the battery fully charged are as follows:
Bluetooth connection
Music playback time
About 90 minutes of music playback is possible after 10 minutes charging.
Communication time: Max. 30 hours
Standby time: Max. 300 hours
Hint
By using the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app, you can check which codec is used for a connection or switch the DSEE
function.
Note
Usage hours may be different depending on the settings and conditions of use.
Related Topic
Supported codecs
About the DSEE function
What you can do with “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
Codec DSEE Available operating time
Qualcomm aptX™ audio AUTO/OFF Max. 26 hours
AAC
AUTO Max. 24 hours
OFF Max. 30 hours
SBC
AUTO Max. 24 hours
OFF Max. 30 hours
14

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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 indicator (red) flashes (about 15 seconds) if the remaining battery charge is 20% or lower 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 over an HFP Bluetooth connection, it will show an icon that
indicates the remaining battery charge of the headset on the screen.
A: Remaining battery charge of the headset
B: 100% - 70%
C: 70% - 50%
D: 50% - 20%
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. For more details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the iPhone or iPod touch.
The remaining charge which is displayed may differ from the actual remaining charge in some cases. Please use it as a
rough estimate.
When you are using an Android smartphone (OS 8.1 or later)
When the headset is connected to an Android smartphone over an HFP Bluetooth connection, select [Settings] - [Device
connection] - [Bluetooth] to display the remaining battery charge of the headset. It is displayed as “100%”, “70%”, “50%”,
or “20%”. For more details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the smartphone.
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.
15

Note
If you connect the headset to an iPhone, iPod touch, or Android smartphone 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
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
16

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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 perform device registration (pairing) and establish a
Bluetooth connection by simply touching the headset with the device.
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.
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
19

Help Guide
Wireless Stereo Headset
WH-XB700
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 iPhone devices 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
4-747-579-11(3) Copyright 2019 Sony Corporation
20
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