How do I reset or factory reset the Sony WF-1000XM5?

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Something acting weird with your WF-1000XM5? A reset often fixes it. There are two options: a quick soft reset that keeps your settings, or the full factory reset that wipes everything clean.

Try the Soft Reset First

This is the "turn it off and on again" of earbuds. It clears temporary glitches without losing your settings or paired devices.

Here's how:

1. Put both earbuds in the case
2. Leave the lid open
3. Wait 30 seconds (yes, actually wait)
4. Close the lid
5. Wait 10 more seconds
6. Open and take the earbuds out

Nine times out of ten, this fixes random issues like one earbud going silent, weird connection drops, or touch controls not responding.

When You Need the Full Factory Reset

If the soft reset didn't work, or if you're selling your earbuds, it's time for the factory reset. Fair warning: this erases EVERYTHING. All your paired devices, all your custom settings, everything the earbuds have learned. You're starting completely fresh.

How to do it:

1. Put both earbuds in the case
2. Keep the lid open (important!)
3. Find the button on the back of the case
4. Press and hold it for about 20 seconds
5. You'll see the LED flash white
6. Let go and you're done

After this, the earbuds forget every device they've ever been paired with. When you take them out of the case, they automatically go into pairing mode like they just came out of the box.

Re-Pairing Is Easy

After a factory reset, just:

1. Remove the earbuds from the case
2. They'll be in pairing mode automatically
3. Go to Bluetooth settings on your phone
4. Tap "WF-1000XM5" when it shows up
5. Enter 0000 if it asks for a code

Which Reset for Which Problem?

Soft reset fixes:

• One earbud randomly stopped working
• Audio cutting in and out
• Touch controls acting weird
• Earbuds won't charge

Factory reset fixes:

• Soft reset didn't help
• Can't pair with any device
• Switching to a new phone and having issues
• You're selling or giving away the earbuds

Pro tip: always try the soft reset first. Factory resetting means you'll spend the next 10 minutes redoing all your settings in the app.