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 [Headphone connection setting] - [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 [Headphone connection setting] - [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.
  • To connect using GMAP (Gaming Audio Profile)
    • GMAP is one of the LE Audio profiles that provides ultra-low latency that is ideal for gaming.
      When connected to LE Audio, if you launch a gaming app that supports GMAP, the profile will automatically switch.
      To connect using GMAP, the smartphone needs to be compatible with GMAP. For details about compatibility, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your smartphone.