How to Connect Sony XM4 to Mac

Getting your Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones connected to your Mac can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely possible with just a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to get your XM4s paired and working seamlessly with your Mac.

The Sony XM4 headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. However, Macs don’t make the Bluetooth pairing process as straightforward as other devices.

Key Takeaways

• Update Sony XM4 firmware and reset headphones before pairing
• Turn on Mac Bluetooth and put XM4s in pairing mode
• Select “WH-1000XM4 Stereo” from the Bluetooth list on the Mac
• Use troubleshooting tips if the initial pairing fails
• Connect via a 3.5mm audio cable or USB as backup options
• Enjoy music, calls, and video without wires up to 30 feet away

Preparing Your XM4 Headphones

Before you try connecting, you’ll want to make sure your XM4s are ready to pair:

• Charge the headphones fully. You’ll get the most stable connection if the XM4 battery is topped up.
• Update the firmware. Make sure your Sony headphones have the latest firmware installed via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Firmware updates often include Bluetooth connectivity improvements.
• Reset the headphones. You can reset the XM4s by pressing and holding the power button for 7 seconds until you hear a beep. This clears out any previous Bluetooth pairings which can interfere with connecting to new devices.

Pairing Your XM4s with a Mac

Once your headphones are prepped and ready, you can move on to pairing them with your Mac. Here are the steps:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your Mac

Pull up the System Preferences menu and click on Bluetooth. Make sure the toggle switch at the top is in the On position.

2. Put your XM4s in pairing mode

Press and hold the power button on the Sony headphones until you hear “Bluetooth pairing” in the headset. The indicator light will flash blue to show they’re in pairing mode.

3. Select the XM4s from the Bluetooth menu

You should see “WH-1000XM4 Stereo” appear in the list of Available Devices. Click on it and select Connect to initiate pairing.

4. Confirm the connection

When successfully paired, you’ll see the headphones marked as “Connected” in the Bluetooth menu. The headset indicator light will also turn blue.

And that’s it! Your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones and Mac are now wirelessly connected via Bluetooth. You can start enjoying your music, videos, calls and more with the amazing sound quality of the XM4s.

Troubleshooting Tips if You Can’t Connect

If you went through the steps above but your XM4s aren’t pairing with your Mac, don’t panic yet. Here are some troubleshooting tips to get you connected:

• Restart your Mac and headphones and try pairing again from scratch.
• Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
• Verify the XM4s have charged battery and aren’t connected to another previously paired device.
• Try “forgetting” the headphones in the Bluetooth settings menu and repairing them from scratch.
• Reset the headphones to factory settings by pressing and holding the power and custom buttons together for 10 seconds.
• Update your Mac and headphones to the latest software versions.
• Make sure there aren’t too many Bluetooth devices nearby causing interference.

With some patience and experimenting with these tips, you should be able to get the Sony WH-1000XM4 successfully connected via Bluetooth on your Mac. The superb comfort and sound quality will make the effort worthwhile.

also see: How to Connect a Sony Soundbar to Your TV

Alternate Connection Methods

If you just can’t get the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones to connect via Bluetooth, don’t lose hope! There are a couple alternate options to connect them to your Mac:

Use the Included 3.5mm Audio Cable

The XM4s come with a 3.5mm audio cable that you can use to connect to your Mac’s headphone jack. To do this:

• Plug the cable into the headphone port on the bottom of the left earcup.
• Plug the other end into the headphone jack on your Mac.
• Power on the headphones.
• Adjust the volume using the controls on the headset.

While this isn’t a wireless connection, it will provide you with a reliable, wired link to enjoy music and other audio.

Connect via USB Cable

You can also connect the Sony headphones to your Mac using a USB cable:

• Use a USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-A to USB-C cable.
• Plug one end into the USB-C port on the left earcup.
• Connect the other end to a USB port on your Mac.
• Power on the headphones and adjust the volume.

When connected via USB, the XM4s show up as an audio output device and will work for listening to audio from your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about using Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones with a Mac:

Q: Do the headphones work for calls/Zoom on Mac?

A: Yes! The XM4s have a high-quality microphone built-in, so you can use them for voice/video calls, Zoom meetings, etc. The headset will show up as a microphone input when connected to your Mac.

Q: Can I customize the sound settings?

A: Yes, you can tweak the sound profiles and EQ in the Sony Headphones Connect app for iOS/Android. You can save these settings directly to the headphones to use with any device.

Q: How far can I move away from my Mac and still stay connected?

A: The XM4s have a Bluetooth range of around 30 feet. Just keep your Mac within a room’s distance and you won’t lose the wireless connection.

Q: Do the touch controls on the headphones work with Mac?

A: Yes! You can pause/play, skip tracks, and adjust volume directly from the touch controls. You can also invoke Siri by long pressing the center button.

Q: Can I listen to music while also taking calls?

A: Absolutely. The headset will intelligently switch between music and calls automatically. So you can jam out to playlists between meetings.

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to using your stellar Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones with your Mac! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions. I’m happy to help explain any part of the process in more detail. Enjoy those amazing headphones!