Sony WH 1000xm3 Not Charging Solved
By Robert Jones · 2021-10-01
Sony WH1000XM3 are wireless headphones. These are noise-canceling headphones with a rechargeable
## My Sony WH-1000XM3 Won't Charge – What Now? Right, so you've got a pair of Sony WH-1000XM3s, brilliant headphones, aren't they? I've had mine for a good few years now, and they've served me well on countless commutes and late-night listening sessions. But like any bit of tech, they can throw up a wobbly every now and then. One of the most common complaints I hear, and one I've even faced myself, is when these cracking headphones simply refuse to charge. It's a real pain, especially when you're about to jump on a long flight or just want some peace and quiet. Now, before you go chucking them across the room in frustration, let's run through a few things. More often than not, it's something simple. We're talking basic troubleshooting here, but it’s surprising how often these little things get overlooked. ### First Things First: The Obvious Bits #### 1. Check Your Charging Cable and Adapter I know, I know, it sounds daft, but trust me on this one. How many times have you blamed a piece of tech only to find the cable's dodgy? USB-C cables, while solid, aren't invincible. They can get kinked, the internal wires can fray, or the connector itself can get a bit loose. I’ve got a drawer full of these things, and I swear half of them are only good for propping up my monitor by now. Try a different USB-C cable. And don't just grab any old one; make sure it's a good quality one. Not all USB-C cables are created equal, especially with charging capabilities. Same goes for the adapter. Are you using the one that came with the headphones, or a reputable brand? Some cheaper adapters don't deliver enough juice, or they’re just plain faulty. Swap it out for one you know works – your phone charger, for instance, assuming it’s a decent one. #### 2. The Charging Port Itself This is a classic. Over time, that little USB-C port on your headphones can get clogged up with all sorts of gunk – dust from your bag, lint from your pocket, even bits of dried earwax if you’re particularly messy (don’t look at me like that, we’ve all been there!). Take a small, non-metallic tool – a wooden toothpick works a treat, or even a plastic dental floss pick – and gently, *gently*, try to clear out any debris. Be careful not to damage the pins inside. A can of compressed air can also do wonders here, just make sure you hold it upright to avoid spraying any propellant inside. #### 3. Power Source Issues Are you plugging it into a wall socket or a computer? If it’s a computer, sometimes the USB port just doesn’t supply enough power, especially if it’s an older machine or a cheap and cheerful USB hub. Try a different USB port, or better yet, plug it directly into a wall adapter that you know works perfectly. ### The Slightly Less Obvious, But Still Common, Fixes #### 1. A Simple Restart (or Reset) Electronics, eh? Sometimes all they need is a good kick up the backside, or in this case, a reset. For the WH-1000XM3, a soft reset is pretty straightforward. Disconnect them from any charging cables. Then, hold down the power button and the NC/Ambient button simultaneously for about seven seconds. You should see the indicator lights flash a few times. This can often clear up any minor software glitches that might be preventing charging. If that doesn't work, you might need to go for a full factory reset. Just be aware, this will wipe any paired devices and custom settings, so you'll have to set them up again. To do a factory reset, make sure the headphones are off. Then, hold down the power button and the NC/Ambient button for about ten seconds until the indicator light flashes white twice. Release the buttons, then hold them down again for another ten seconds until the indicator light flashes white once more. Should be fully reset then. #### 2. Temperature Troubles This one’s less common in the UK, mind, but worth mentioning. Lithium-ion batteries, like the one in your Sony headphones, are a bit particular about temperature. If it