Hear just how far your LinkBuds Open can go
Ultra-lightweight and comfortable, LinkBuds Open are designed to be worn all day. Here, you'll discover how to use and customise the range of features available to stay connected to all your worlds and make the sound truly yours.
Connectivity with devices
Using your headphones for the first time
The first time you turn on the headphones, they will automatically enter pairing mode. After that, there are three ways to pair your LinkBuds Open to your device.
Google Fast Pair
Just put your headphones into pairing mode near your Android phone and Fast Pair will connect them with a single tap.
Swift Pair
Pop-up pairing guidance appears on nearby Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices when pairing mode is selected.
Manual Pairing
The first time you turn on the headphones, they will automatically enter pairing mode. Next time you want to pair, press and hold the pairing button for 5 seconds. The indicator will repeatedly flash twice and you will hear the voice guidance say “pairing”.
Sony | Sound Connect app
Get the most from your LinkBuds Open with the Sony | Sound Connect app
Download the app to adjust settings, including Multipoint Connection, Ambient Sound mode, and more. Lots of the settings we mention on this page can be tailored to your preferences using Sound Connect.
To have access to all the functions available to you within the app, you will be required to sign in or create an account.
How to fit
Secure the best fit for your LinkBuds Open
In the Sound Connect app you can check your wearing condition for the best possible sound quality. Go to “System”, then select “Check wearing condition” to perform the test.
Multipoint Connection
Connect your headphones to two Bluetooth® devices simultaneously, so you can wait for an incoming call on one device while listening to music on the other.
Customisation
Style them your way
Choose from a range of Air Fitting Supporters and Case Cover accessories, available in a variety of colours, to customise LinkBuds Open to your unique style.
Always On
Open style
LinkBuds Open connect all your worlds perfectly with an open ring design that allows you to hear calls, music, and other online content anytime, as well as the ambient sounds around you. This transparent listening experience is incredible – all whilst feeling nothing on your ear.
Adaptive Volume Control
Adaptive Volume Control
Adaptive Volume Control is a smart function that automatically optimises volume based on where you are. Enjoy lower volume in quiet places and higher volume in noisier environments.
In the Sound Connect app, go to “System” and turn on the setting “Adaptive Volume Control”.
Sound quality
Fine-tune your equaliser settings and adjust your streaming and upscaling settings for a better listening experience that suits your taste.
Equaliser & DSEE
Get the sound just right
Find the sound that’s perfect for you and for everything you listen to, with sound customisation, an equaliser, and audio upscaling from DSEE.
360 Reality Audio
Discover sound from all around
Find out how to try a whole new sound experience with revolutionary 360 Reality Audio.
360 Reality Audio certified headphones
360 Reality Audio is an immersive music experience that lets your LinkBuds Open create a 360-degree spherical sound field – so you can enjoy music from every direction. Just head to the Sound Connect app to get started.
How to listen to 360 Reality Audio
Get started with 360 Reality Audio and find out how to stream 360 Reality Audio tracks on your phone.
360 Spatial Sound Personalizer
With the Sony | 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app, you’ll enjoy a sound experience that’s optimised for you. The app captures and analyses your ear shape, allowing your LinkBuds Open to create your own spatial sound field when paired with selected BRAVIA TVs.
Background Music Effect
Background Music Effect
Background Music Effect makes content sound as if background music is playing in the actual space around them, instead of just from the headphones.
The sound is not localised inside your head like normal playback, so it’s good for listening while doing other tasks or when you want to relax.
Convenience features
Learn how the Wide Area Tap, Quick Access, Auto Play, Voice Control, and Head Gesture functions work.
Wide Area Tap
Simply tap near the ear
Wide Area Tap allows you to control the earbuds by double or triple tapping on the area in front of the earbuds, rather than on the earbuds themselves.
Quick Access
Quick Access to your favourite music
With Quick Access, you can configure the LinkBuds Open to resume Spotify music playback or Endel personalised soundscapes with two or three taps – no need to touch your smartphone.
In the “System” menu, find the “Quick Access” setting. Select the cog icon to adjust what the Quick Access button does. E.g. Tap three times to resume Spotify.
Auto Play
Seamless music and audio notifications
Auto Play delivers music and audio notifications just when you need them. You can set music to play at your preferred timings, such as when you're putting your headphones on or going for running.
The Auto Play feature is now accessed via the Sound Connect app. Simply link with Spotify, Endel, or other music apps to get your favourite music and relaxing soundscapes.
Head Gesture
Control headphones with head gestures
With LinkBuds Open, you can control certain operations using natural head gestures, such as receiving or declining calls, or operating Auto Play, by nodding or shaking your head.
Go to the "System" menu of the Sound Connect app to calibrate this feature upon first use.
Voice Control
Control with your voice
You can control the LinkBuds Open with your voice - just say “Hey Headphones” followed by one of the voice commands to listen to music, connect with friends, or get notifications.
Firmware updates
Keep your headphones up-to-date with the latest firmware releases.
Latest firmware update
When using the Sony | Sound Connect app, it will let you know when there is a new update to download.
Make sure you have the latest firmware updated on your headphones so any bug fixes and improvements will be applied.
If you haven’t already downloaded the Sound Connect app, you can download it via the links and QR codes below.
Help guide
Find out everything you need to know about the Linkbuds Open.
Support and news
Get the latest firmware update information, news, and alerts.