Sony Support

Article ID : 00232072 / Last Modified : 02/03/2022Print

The noise-canceling effect of my wireless in-ear headphones seems weak (WF-1000XM3)

    IMPORTANT: The noise-cancelling function is most useful for low frequency (bass) noise, such as a vehicle or air conditioning noise. Noise-cancellation can't altogether cancel out all sounds.
    For more general information on noise-cancellation and what to expect, check out this article.

    Make sure that the noise-cancelling function is turned on.

    Follow one of these three steps to make sure the noise-cancelling function is turned on:

    1. Place both sides of the headset in the charging case, leave them for a few seconds, and then remove them from the charging case.
      Once removed from the charging case, the noise-cancelling function will be on.

    2. While wearing the headset, tap the L-side touch sensor  until you hear noise-cancelling.
      In the default setting, the Ambient Sound Control function changes by tapping the L-side touch sensor .

      Remember: 

      • If the headset does not switch to the noise-cancelling function, try tapping once, more quickly (a short quick tap of about 0.3 seconds).
        If the contact time between the touch sensor and finger is too long, the mode switches to Quick Attention mode, and it does not switch to the noise-cancelling function.

      • When the Google Assistant feature is assigned to the headset, and you want to use only one side of the headset, use the side with the Google Assistant feature assigned.

    3. You can change the settings in the Sony | Headphones Connect app.

    Try replacing the earbuds

    The noise-cancelling effect is ineffective if the earpiece doesn't fit your ear correctly. Try the different options until you find the earbud that allows you to hear the least ambient sounds.
    Be careful of the following when you change earbuds:

    • Do not pinch the end of the earbud when removing it.



       

    • When attaching earbuds, firmly insert the earbuds all the way. Do not attach the earbuds in a loose or skewed manner.


    Learn how to adjust your headphones for a better fit

    • Twist the headphone to slide the earbud deep into your ear.



     

    • Rotating the headphone while lightly pulling up the upper part of your ear makes it easier to insert it. 



    Make sure that Adaptive Sound Control is turned off

    Check the Adaptive Sound Control settings on the Sony | Headphones Connect app. If Adaptive Sound Control is on, the noise-cancelling effects may become weak. If it's on, we recommend turning it off.

    Adaptive Sound Control is a function that detects your actions and automatically switches off the Ambient Sound Control setting.
    Because of this function, the noise-cancelling feature may change to the Adaptive Sound Control function, and you may feel that the noise-cancelling effect has diminished. 

    Follow these steps to turn off the Adaptive Sound Control in the Sony | Headphones Connect app:

    1. Select  right arrow on the right side of the Status screen.

    1. Move the slide bar of the Adaptive Sound Control setting to OFF:

    A: Adaptive Sound Control: ON
    B: Adaptive Sound Control: OFF