Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone using LE Audio

LE Audio is a sound communication standard for Bluetooth technology.

An LE Audio connection prioritizes low latency, resulting in a lower connection stability compared to a Classic Audio connection. If you experience sound stuttering due to poor reception, reconnect using Classic Audio.

Both the Android smartphone and the headset must support LE Audio.

  • To connect to LE Audio, install the “Sony | Sound Connect” app on a smartphone that supports LE Audio, then connect the headset.
  • Update the headset software and the “Sony | Sound Connect” app to the latest version.

Devices supporting LE Audio

For the latest information on compatible devices, refer to the following pages.

  • Support page (For models of countries and regions excluding Chinese mainland)
  • Sony | Sound Connect download page (For models of Chinese mainland)

About LE Audio

  • LE Audio supports the “LC3” codec. When connection is established using LE Audio, you can enjoy sound from an Android smartphone with less sound delay.
  • When connected using LE Audio, some of the headset functions cannot be used. For details, see “What you can do with the “Sony | Sound Connect” app”.
  1. Install the “Sony | Sound Connect” app on the Android smartphone, and connect the headset via Bluetooth connection.

    For details on how to connect via Bluetooth connection, see “Connecting with the “Sony | Sound Connect” app” or “Pairing and connecting with an Android smartphone”.

  2. Set up with the “Sony | Sound Connect” app.
    • For Xperia 1 IV/5 IV
      Launch the “Sony | Sound Connect” app and select [LE Audio connection setting for headphones] - [LE Audio Priority].
    • For devices other than Xperia 1 IV/5 IV
      Launch the “Sony | Sound Connect” app and select [BLUETOOTH CONNECTION QUALITY] - [Low latency].
  3. On the Android smartphone, select [Settings] - [Device connection] - [Bluetooth].
  4. Select [Paired devices] - [WH-1000XM6] and delete the pairing information (history of the Classic Audio connection).
  5. Press and hold the (power) button for about 5 seconds to enter pairing mode.

    The indicator (blue) repeatedly flashes twice in a row. You will hear the voice guidance say, “Pairing”.

  6. On the Android smartphone, select [Settings] - [Device connection] to open the Bluetooth settings screen.
  7. Select [Pair new device].
  8. Select [Available devices] - [WH-1000XM6].

    The headset and Android smartphone are paired and connected with each other.

    You will hear a notification sound indicating that the connection is established.

  9. Touch (settings) displayed next to the connected [WH-1000XM6].
  10. Check that [LE Audio] is turned on.

    If it is turned off, touch the switch to turn on [LE Audio].

  11. On the “Sony | Sound Connect” app screen, check that [LE Audio] is displayed under the headset name.

To finish LE Audio

Reconnect the headset with the Android smartphone using Classic Audio.

  • For Xperia 1 IV/5 IV
    Launch the “Sony | Sound Connect” app and select [LE Audio connection setting for headphones] - [Classic Audio only (conventional connection method)].
  • For devices other than Xperia 1 IV/5 IV
    Launch the “Sony | Sound Connect” app and select [BLUETOOTH CONNECTION QUALITY] - [Prioritize Sound Quality] or [Prioritize Stable Connection].

Hint

  • The operation above is an example. For more details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the Android smartphone.
  • If sound stuttering occurs or the connection is unstable when connected using LE Audio, reconnect using Classic Audio.