How to Connect Sony Headphones to iPhone: WH-1000XM5, WF-1000XM5 and More

To connect Sony Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to an iPhone, put the Sony device in pairing mode, then open Settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone and tap the Sony model under Other Devices. Pairing mode is model-specific, so a single “hold the power button for seven seconds” rule is not accurate for every Sony headset.

WH-1000XM5 pairing

For a new or initialized WH-1000XM5, turning the headset on makes it enter pairing mode automatically. If it already has pairing information, Sony says to hold the power button for about five seconds to enter pairing mode. Keep the iPhone within about 1 meter (3 feet), then select WH-1000XM5 in iPhone Bluetooth settings. See Sony’s WH-1000XM5 iPhone pairing guide.

WF-1000XM5 pairing

For first-time pairing after purchase, initialization, or repair, the earbuds can enter pairing mode automatically when removed from the case. For a second or later device, put both earbuds in the case, leave the lid open, and hold the pairing button on the back for about five seconds or longer. Sony specifically notes that the WF-1000XM5 cannot enter pairing mode with the case lid closed. See Sony’s WF-1000XM5 iPhone instructions.

Finish the connection on iPhone

  1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
  2. Turn Bluetooth on.
  3. Wait for the Sony model to appear under Other Devices.
  4. Tap the model name to connect.

After successful pairing, the iPhone and headphones normally remember each other and reconnect when available.

If the Sony headphones do not appear

Confirm the headset is in pairing mode, not merely powered on. Check whether it reconnected to another nearby phone, tablet, or computer. For WF-1000XM5, Sony recommends keeping the devices within 1 meter, seating the earbuds correctly in the case, and deleting old pairing information before pairing again when needed. See Sony’s pairing troubleshooting guide.

If connected but sound still comes from iPhone

Open Control Center and choose the Sony headset from the audio-output control. You can also disconnect and reconnect it from Settings → Bluetooth.

Do you need Sony’s app?

No app is required for basic Bluetooth pairing. Pair in iPhone settings first. Sony’s companion software can provide additional controls on supported models, but Bluetooth pairing itself happens through iOS.

FAQ

Why does my Sony headset keep connecting to another device?

A previously paired device may reconnect first. Disconnect the headset from that device or temporarily turn off Bluetooth there, then enter pairing mode again.

Should I turn off iPhone Headphone Safety to make Sony headphones louder?

No. Do not disable hearing-safety features simply as a pairing or troubleshooting step. Bluetooth connection problems should be solved at the pairing and output-selection level.

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