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How to Replace the Headband Assembly and Earpad Cushions on Your Sony WH-1000XM6 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones at Home (DIY Repair Guide)
A worn-out headband assembly or earpad cushion on your Sony WH-1000XM6 can quietly take the comfort out of an otherwise premium listening experience. Over time, the headband cushion may flatten or crack, and the outer material may start to peel. At the same time, the ear pads can lose their shape, causing you discomfort and affecting noise isolation. If you experience any of these issues, it is time to replace the headband assembly or earpad cushions on your Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless Bluetooth headphones.
In this DIY Sony XM6 repair guide, we will show you how to disassemble the wireless headphones at home, remove the worn-out earpads and headband assembly, and replace them with new OEM spare parts. You will find all the tools required for this repair, along with the original replacement parts, below.
Want to get your Sony WH-1000XM6 professionally repaired? Send us your Sony XM6 Bluetooth headphones and let our repair ninjas restore your device to peak working condition. Follow the link, select all the problems that you’re experiencing, and click See Estimated Total to view the total repair cost instantly.
Choose Your Repair
Select the appropriate repair tutorial below to get started. Jump directly to the relevant repair section or scroll down to view the replacement parts and required tools.
Repair Difficulty
Moderate / Requires 30-45 minutes to complete
This repair requires careful handling of delicate internal cables, small screws, and sharp objects. You don’t need prior experience or technical skills to replace the worn-out headband assembly or earpad cushions on the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones successfully. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can complete this DIY repair at home.
Replacement Parts You’ll Need
Restore the comfort, function, and longevity of your Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones with OEM replacement parts. Select the original spare parts from the drop-down menus below to bring your device back to peak condition.
- Genuine Sony Headphones WH-1000XM6 XM6 Headband Swivel Assembly Replacement. Choose the correct color and cosmetic condition from the drop-down menus below.
- Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Replacement Spare Parts. Choose the correct part and cosmetic condition from the drop-down menus below.
Get OEM replacement headband assembly and earpad cushions for your Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones today. Visit the product page and scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to find all the tools needed for this repair in one place. Explore our Bundle and Save offer for additional savings.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting the headband assembly or earpad cushion replacement on your Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, keep the following tools at hand. Using the proper tools will help you complete the repair successfully while protecting the device’s delicate internal components. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY headband assembly and earpad cushion replacement at home.
- Strong Metal Pry Tool
- Precision Tweezers
- 1.5mm Flat Head Screwdriver
- 1.5mm Phillips Screwdriver
- Heat-Proof Anti-Static Rubber Work Mat
Not ready to invest in tools? Find your device in our repair catalog, select the issues it’s experiencing, and send it to us. Our repair ninjas will handle it for you.
Step-By-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Headband Assembly on the Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones at Home
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide for replacing the worn-out headband assembly on the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones with an original replacement part. Follow the instructions carefully to restore your device’s form and functionality.
Step 1: Remove the Right Earcup
1.1. Insert a metal pry tool under the right earpad cushion.
1.2. Pop off the earpad cushion and store it safely.
1.3. Peel away the small foam cushion and keep it aside.
1.4. Unfasten the 5 screws using a 1.5mm Phillips screwdriver.
1.5. Pull off the small rubber tab and save it for later use.
1.6. Unplug the ribbon from the connector.
1.7. Separate the inner component of the earcup from the outer half for better access.
1.8. Pull on the main cable to disconnect it from the power board.
1.9. Remove the tab holding the main cable in place.
1.10. Unscrew the 2 silver and 2 black screws from the small metal horseshoe piece.
1.11. Remove the small metal horseshoe piece and keep it aside. The right and left pieces have R and L engraved on the corners for easy identification.
1.12. Slide the headband assembly out of the right earcup.
Step 2: Remove the Left Earcup
2.1. Remove the left earpad cushion the same way as the right side.
2.2. Unscrew the 5 black screws similar to the right side.
2.3. Extract the rubber tab, just like on the right side.
2.4. Unplug the ribbon connector, just like the right earcup.
2.5. Unplug the main cable from the Bluetooth board.
2.6. Unfasten the 2 black and 2 silver screws to remove the small metal horseshoe piece, similar to the right earcup.
2.7. Slide the headband assembly away from the left earcup.
Step 3: Install a New Headband Assembly, Starting with the Left Earcup
3.1. Slide the new headband assembly into the left earcup.
3.2. Ensure the headband assembly sits on the two pins on the earcup.
3.3. Install the small metal horseshoe piece and secure it using the 2 silver screws on the inner slots and 2 black screws on the outer slots.
3.4. Insert the rubber tab and secure the main cable to the earcup.
3.5. Attach the main cable to the Bluetooth board.
3.6. Press the cable into the earcup at the marked point on the cable using a 1.5mm flathead screwdriver.
3.7. If the cushion is compressed under the main cable, pull it out using the flathead screwdriver, and push it into place.
3.8. Close the two halves of the earcup and fasten the five black screws.
3.9. Reconnect the speaker ribbon. Press on the 2 ends of the ribbon socket to secure it in place.
3.10. Insert the rubber gasket. The opening aligns with the cable. So, make sure it’s facing the wire when you install it. Line it up and push down on it.
3.11. Insert the foam piece.
3.12. Align the earpad cushion with the top of the earcup and press down. You’ll hear it clip into place.
Step 4: Reattach the Right Earcup
4.1. Follow the same process as the left side to align the headband assembly with the right earcup.
4.2. Install the metal horseshoe piece and fasten 2 silver screws on the inner slots and 2 black screws on the outer slots.
4.3. Install the rubber gasket. Align the grooves with the slots on the earcup and slide it into position.
4.4. Connect the main cable to the power board.
4.5. Attach the 2 halves of the earcup and fasten the last 5 black screws.
4.6. Connect the ribbon cable. Use precision tweezers to align the ribbon with the connector, and a flathead screwdriver to push the socket in place.
4.7. Install the rubber piece.
4.8. Insert the foam piece.
4.9. Install the right earpad cushion just like on the left side.
Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Earpad Cushion on the Sony WH-100XM6 Headphones
Here is a step-by-step DIY guide for replacing the worn-out earpad cushions on the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones with an original replacement part. Follow the instructions carefully to restore your device’s form and functionality.
Step 1: Remove Left and Right Earpad Cushions
1.1. Insert the strong metal pry tool under the earpad cushion. Make sure to pry out the plastic clip at the bottom of the earcup.
1.2. Remove the mesh piece and discard it. New OEM earpad cushions come with a new mesh piece.
Step 2: Install New Left and Right Earpad Cushions
2.1. Install the foam mesh piece.
2.2. Find the correct earpad cushion and align it with the earcup. The left and right earpad cushions will be marked for easy identification.
2.3. Align the marked side with the bottom of the earcup and push until you hear it click into place.
Congratulations! Your Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones are Ready for Use
You have successfully replaced the headband assembly and earpad cushions on the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. Check the audio quality, buttons, and Bluetooth pairing to confirm the device is working properly.
If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, visit our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home headphone repair guides for other popular brands, including Apple, Beats, Bose, and Sony.
Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll reply shortly.