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To pair the Sony WH-1000XM6, put the headphones in pairing mode, open Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer, and select WH-1000XM6. They enter pairing mode automatically the first time they are turned on after purchase or initialization; for another device, hold the headphones’ Bluetooth button for about five seconds. To keep two sources connected simultaneously, pair both first and enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in Sony | Sound Connect.
Before you start
- Charge the headphones and keep the source device within 1 m (3.2 ft).
- Turn on Bluetooth on the phone, computer, or other source.
- Have the source device’s Bluetooth settings ready. If prompted for a passkey during pairing, enter 0000.
Sony’s WH-1000XM6 Help Guide is the source for the pairing behavior and platform steps below.
Put the headphones in pairing mode
First pairing
After purchase, or after initializing the headphones, turn them on. They enter pairing mode automatically.
Pairing an additional device
With the headphones on, press and hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds or longer. The blue indicator repeatedly flashes twice, and voice guidance says “Pairing.” Pairing mode ends if you do not complete pairing within five minutes; if it times out, turn the headphones off and begin again.
#1 Best Overall
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Pair with a phone
Android
- Unlock the phone and open Settings → Device connection → Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth on and select WH-1000XM6 from the available devices.
Android menu names vary by phone maker and software version. If these labels differ, use the phone maker’s Bluetooth instructions.
iPhone
- Unlock the iPhone and open Settings → Bluetooth.
- Turn Bluetooth on and tap WH-1000XM6 in the device list.
A notification sound from the headphones confirms a successful connection. If WH-1000XM6 does not appear, check that pairing mode is active and search again from the phone’s Bluetooth settings.
Rank #2
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE & FOLDABLE DESIGN: Crafted for durability and style, the foldable design features precision metalwork and a compact case with a magnetic closure—ready to go wherever you do.
Pair with a computer
Windows 11
Put the headphones in pairing mode. If Swift Pair is enabled, select Connect in its pop-up. Otherwise:
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- Select Add device → Bluetooth.
- Choose WH-1000XM6.
Windows 10
Put the headphones in pairing mode. On Windows 10 version 1803 or later, if Swift Pair is enabled, select Connect in the pop-up. Otherwise:
Rank #3
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
- Go to Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices and turn Bluetooth on.
- Select Add Bluetooth or other device → Bluetooth.
- Choose WH-1000XM6.
Mac
Sony lists macOS 11 or later. Put the headphones in pairing mode, open the Mac’s Bluetooth settings, select WH-1000XM6, and click Connect. For audio playback, the computer must support the A2DP Bluetooth profile; video calls also require HFP/HSP calling-profile support. If connected but you hear no sound, make sure the Mac’s speaker setting is ON.
Pair with another Bluetooth device
Put the headphones in pairing mode, open the source device’s Bluetooth menu, search for available devices, and select WH-1000XM6. Complete any confirmation on that device. Menu names vary across products, so follow the device maker’s instructions if its Bluetooth controls differ.
Rank #4
- PREMIUM NOISE CANCELLATION: Two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment.
- MAGNIFICENT SOUND: Engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR HANDS-FREE CALLING: 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- ULTRA-COMFORTABLE: Lightweight design with soft fit leather.
Connect two devices at once
The headphones can remember up to eight paired devices, but saved pairings are not the same as active connections: normal music playback is from one device at a time. To connect two sources simultaneously:
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- Connect the phone that has Sony | Sound Connect installed to the headphones.
- In the app, enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously.
- Connect the second device.
Once set up, the headphones can switch music playback between the two connected devices without a Bluetooth reconnection. Sony says the option is also available when the headphones are connected to a PC, but Sound Connect has no PC version; configure the setting in the smartphone app. See Sony’s instructions for connecting the headphones to two devices.
Best Value
- NEW SANDSTONE COLOR: Neutral never sounded so good. Meet the new Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, now in Sandstone. Our new Sandstone colorway is a sophisticated neutral that feels modern, versatile, and effortlessly stylish for any moment.
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Powered by advanced processors and an adaptive microphone system, the WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver real-time noise cancellation for an immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering audio engineers, these headphones deliver unparalleled sound clarity and precision. A specially designed driver with a lightweight carbon fiber dome delivers high fidelity sound, where rich vocals and every instrument remains pure and balanced. Optimized for advanced noise cancellation, the WH-1000XM6 headphones keep every frequency crisp and true to the artist’s intent.
- HD NOISE CANCELING PROCESSOR QN3: The HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 is 7x faster than the QN1 (found in our WH-1000XM5 headphones), optimizing 12 microphones in real time for superior noise cancellation, sound quality, and call clarity. With more microphones than ever, we can precisely detect external noise and counteracts it with opposite soundwaves, delivering a new level of noise cancellation.
- ULTRA-CLEAR CALLS, FROM ANYWHERE: A six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, intelligent noise reduction technology, and wind-resistant design, work together to isolate your voice, filter out background noise, and ensure every word comes through crisp and clear—even in the busiest environments.
Fix common pairing problems
- WH-1000XM6 is missing from the device list: Confirm the headphones are in pairing mode. For a previously paired headset, hold the Bluetooth button for about five seconds until the pairing indication appears, then search again.
- Pairing stopped working after waiting: Pairing mode lasts five minutes. Turn the headphones off and restart the pairing process.
- A ninth device is being paired: The headphones store up to eight pairing records. Pairing another device replaces the oldest record.
- The second source will not connect: Pair both devices first, enable Connect to 2 devices simultaneously in Sound Connect, then connect the second device.
- A Mac connects but produces no audio: Check that the Mac speaker setting is ON and that the computer supports the Bluetooth profile needed for playback or calls.
Sony’s support page lists the WH-1000XM6 Help Guide dated June 29, 2026, firmware version 3.1.5 dated June 30, 2026, and Sony | Sound Connect dated September 30, 2026; operating-system menu labels may change over time.
Quick Recap
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