Sony WH-XB910N Reference guide

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
Model: YY2951
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 the 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
Wearing the headset
1

Power/Charging
Charging the headset
Available operating time
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
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 (Mac)
Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 10)
Connecting to a paired computer (Windows 8.1)
Connecting to a paired computer (Mac)
Other Bluetooth devices
Pairing and connecting with a Bluetooth device
Connecting to a paired Bluetooth device
Multipoint connection
Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously (multipoint connection)
Using the supplied headphone cable
2

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
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 function
Making phone calls
Receiving a call
Making a call
Functions for a phone call
Making a video call on your computer
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)
Using the apps
What you can do with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
Installing the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
3

Accessing support information from the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
How to keep the software up-to-date (for comfortable use of the headset)
Important information
Precautions
License notice
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 available operating time is short (the duration of the battery is short).
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.
The effect of noise canceling is not sufficient.
Bluetooth connection
Pairing cannot be done.
Unable to make a Bluetooth connection.
The headset does not operate properly.
Cannot hear a person during a call/low voice from callers, your voice does not reach the person during a call/your voice is low on
the caller’s side.
The touch sensor control panel does not respond correctly.
Resetting or initializing the headset
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5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Resetting the headset
Initializing the headset to restore factory settings
Specifications
Specifications
5

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
What you can do with the Bluetooth function
The headset uses BLUETOOTH® wireless technology, allowing you to do the following.
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 calls hands-free, while leaving your smartphone or mobile phone in your bag or pocket.
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
6

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
About the 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 “Sony | Headphones Connect” app help guide.
https://rd1.sony.net/help/mdr/hpc/h_zz/
When the headset is turned on: “Power on”
When the headset is turned off: “Power off”
When entering pairing mode: “Bluetooth pairing”
When establishing a Bluetooth connection: “Bluetooth connected”
For the first multipoint connection, when establishing a Bluetooth connection between the second device and the
headset: “Bluetooth 2nd Device Connected” (*)
For the multipoint connection, when establishing a Bluetooth connection between the first device and the headset:
“Bluetooth Device1 Connected” (*)
For the multipoint connection, when establishing a Bluetooth connection between the second device and the
headset: “Bluetooth Device2 Connected” (*)
When disconnecting a Bluetooth connection: “Bluetooth disconnected”
For the multipoint connection, when disconnecting the Bluetooth connection between the first device and the
headset: “Bluetooth Device1 Disconnected” (*)
For the multipoint connection, when disconnecting the Bluetooth connection between the second device and the
headset: “Bluetooth Device2 Disconnected” (*)
For the multipoint connection, when connecting the third device to the headset, disconnecting the Bluetooth
connection between the first device and the headset, and switching the connection: “Bluetooth Device1 Replaced” (*)
For the multipoint connection, when connecting the third device to the headset, disconnecting the Bluetooth
connection between the second device and the headset, and switching the connection: “Bluetooth Device2
Replaced” (*)
When informing 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 Ambient Sound Mode: “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 the Google Assistant is not available during software update: “The Google assistant is not available during
update. Please wait a moment until the update completes.”
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 20 minutes when you change the language of the voice guidance.
When you initialize the headset to restore the factory settings after you change the language of the voice guidance, the language
will also return to the factory setting.
If the voice guidance is not heard after changing the voice guidance language or updating the software, turn the headset off and
on again.
Available only when [Connect to 2 devices simultaneously] is turned to on with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app.
*
7

5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
8

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
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 (7.87 in.)) (1)
Headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m (47.24 in.)) (1)
Carrying case (1)
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
9

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
Setting the headset in the carrying case
When you have finished using the headset, rotate the left and right units to flatten the headset, fold one unit toward the
headband, and store them in the supplied carrying case.
Put the cables in the holder separated by the divider in the carrying case.
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
10

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
Location and function of parts
(left) mark1.
Noise canceling function microphones (external) (left, right)2.
Built-in antenna
A Bluetooth antenna is built into the headset.
3.
Tactile dot
There is a tactile dot on the left unit.
4.
Left unit5.
Sliders (left, right)
Slide to adjust the length of the headband.
6.
Headband7.
(right) mark8.
Noise canceling function microphones (internal) (left, right)9.
Right unit10.
Touch sensor control panel
Remotely controls music playback of the connected Bluetooth device or performs other operations using touch
operation.
11.
NC/AMB (noise canceling/Ambient Sound Mode) button12.
Indicator13.
(power) button14.
USB Type-C port
Connect the headset to a computer or to an AC outlet via a commercially available USB AC adaptor with the supplied
USB Type-C cable to charge the headset.
15.
11

Related Topic
About the indicator
Checking the remaining battery charge
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
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.
16.
Voice pickup microphone
Picks up the sound of your voice when talking on the phone.
17.
12

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
About the indicator
You can check various statuses of the headset by the indicator.
: Turns on in blue / : Turns on in orange / -: Turns off
Turning on
- (flashes twice in blue)
In this case, when the remaining battery charge is 10% or lower (requires charging), the indicator lights successively as
follows.
- - (repeatedly flashes slowly in orange for about 15 seconds)
Turning off
(lights up in blue for about 2 seconds)
Displaying the remaining battery charge
Remaining charge: More than 10%
- (flashes twice in blue)
Remaining charge: 10% or lower (requires charging)
- - (repeatedly flashes slowly in orange for about 15 seconds)
For details, see “Checking the remaining battery charge”.
When the remaining battery charge becomes low
- - (repeatedly flashes slowly in orange for about 15 seconds)
Charging
While charging
(lights up in orange)
The indicator turns off after charging is complete.
Abnormal temperature
- - - - (repeatedly flashes twice in orange)
Abnormal charging
- - - - (repeatedly flashes slowly in orange)
Bluetooth function
Device registration (pairing) mode
- - - - (repeatedly flashes twice in blue)
Not connected
- - - - - - - - (repeatedly flashes in blue at about 1-second intervals)
Connection process completed
(repeatedly flashes quickly in blue for about 5 seconds)
Connected
- - - - - - - - - - - - (repeatedly flashes in blue at about 5-second intervals)
Incoming call
(repeatedly flashes quickly in blue)
13

The unconnected 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 starts flashing in orange.
Other
Updating software
- - - - (repeatedly flashes slowly in blue)
Initialization completed
(flashes 4 times in blue)
For details, see “Initializing the headset to restore factory settings”.
Related Topic
Checking the remaining battery charge
Initializing the headset to restore factory settings
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
14

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
Wearing the headset
Related Topic
What you can do with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
Wear the headset on your ears.
Adjust the length of the headband.
Put the headset on your head with the (left) mark on your left ear and the (right) mark on your right ear.
There is a tactile dot on the (left) mark side.
Be careful not to come in contact with the touch sensor control panel when you put on the headset.
A: Tactile dot
B: Touch sensor control panel
1
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Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
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) or more
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 the headset to a running computer using the supplied USB Type-C cable.
If charging starts while the headset is 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.
Connect the headset to an AC outlet.
Use the supplied USB Type-C cable and a commercially available USB AC adaptor.
The indicator (orange) on the headset lights up.
Charging is completed in about 3.5 hours (*) and the indicator 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.
*
16

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 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 charging and discharging several times. If you store the headset for a long time, charge the battery 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 (orange) flashes. In this case, charge
once again within the charging temperature range. If the problem persists, consult your nearest Sony dealer.
Ambient temperature exceeds the charging temperature range of 5 °C - 35 °C (41 °F - 95 °F).
There is a problem with the rechargeable battery.
If the headset is not used for a long time, the indicator (orange) may not immediately light up when charging. Please wait a
moment until the indicator lights up.
If the usage hours of the built-in rechargeable battery decrease significantly, the battery should be replaced. Consult 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.
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
17

Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
Available operating time
The available operating times of the headset with the battery fully charged are as follows:
Bluetooth connection
Music playback time
About 4.5 hours of music playback is possible after 10 minutes charging.
Communication time
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
function.
Codec Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time
LDAC Noise canceling function: ON Max. 25 hours
LDAC Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 25 hours
LDAC OFF Max. 40 hours
AAC Noise canceling function: ON Max. 30 hours
AAC Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 30 hours
AAC OFF Max. 50 hours
SBC Noise canceling function: ON Max. 30 hours
SBC Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 30 hours
SBC OFF Max. 50 hours
Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time
Noise canceling function: ON Max. 30 hours
Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 30 hours
OFF Max. 40 hours
Noise canceling function/Ambient Sound Mode Available operating time
Noise canceling function: ON Max. 30 hours
Ambient Sound Mode: ON Max. 30 hours
OFF Max. 50 hours
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Note
Usage hours may be different from the time described above depending on the settings of various functions and conditions of
use.
If you set the following functions, the available operating time of the battery becomes shorter than the ones described above.
DSEE
Equalizer
Function to launch the voice assistant by your voice (wake word)
Related Topic
Supported codecs
About the DSEE function
What you can do with the “Sony | Headphones Connect” app
5-031-015-11(2) Copyright 2021 Sony Corporation
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Help Guide
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset
WH-XB910N
Checking the remaining battery charge
You can check the remaining battery charge of the rechargeable battery.
When you press the (power) button while the headset is on, a 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. Use it as a rough estimate.
In addition, the indicator (orange) flashes for about 15 seconds if the remaining battery charge is 10% or lower when the
headset is turned on.
When the remaining charge becomes low
A warning beep sounds and the color of the operating indicator (blue) becomes orange. 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, a warning beep sounds, the voice guidance says, “Please recharge
headset. Power off”, and the headset automatically turns off.
When you are using 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 of the iPhone or iPod touch.
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: 10% or lower (requires charging)
The remaining battery charge of the headset is also displayed on the widget of an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 11
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. 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 via HFP Bluetooth connection, select [Settings] - [Device
connection] - [Bluetooth] to display the remaining battery charge of the headset in 10 different levels such as “100%”,
“70%”, “50%” or “10%” in the connected Bluetooth device column on the smartphone’s screen. For details, refer to the
operating instructions of the Android smartphone.
The remaining charge which is displayed may differ from the actual remaining charge in some cases. Use it as a rough
estimate.
Hint
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