How to Fix the No Sound or Charging Issue on the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones by Replacing the Headband and Main Wire (DIY Repair Guide)

Do your Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless Bluetooth headphones have a cracked, loose, or broken headband? Do you hear clicking or creaking sounds, or intermittent audio in one ear? Does the gesture touch panel register ghost inputs? If you’re experiencing any of these issues, the main wire may be damaged, and replacing the headband assembly is the best option.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the headband assembly on the Sony XM4 wireless headphones at home with original replacement parts. You will find all the tools that you need for this repair, along with the OEM spares, listed below.

Prefer to get your headphones professionally fixed? Send us your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones using our mail-in repair service, and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. You don’t need to pay upfront. We only charge you after your device has been successfully repaired.

Fill out our repair form to receive your free prepaid shipping label, then send your device. We’ll take care of the rest.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 45-60 minutes to complete.

This repair involves carefully handling small screws, delicate internal cables, connectors, and circuit boards. While prior soldering experience might come in handy, it’s not mandatory. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the headband assembly on the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones at home.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the audio quality, touch function, and overall user experience of your Sony XM4 wireless Bluetooth headphones with original spares. Select the OEM replacement parts from the drop-down menu below to bring your device back to peak working condition.

• Sony WH-1000XM4 XM4 Wireless Headphones Repair Replacement (Black) – Parts

 

• Sony WH-1000 XM3 XM4 XM5 XM6 Headphones Repair Screwdriver + Pry Tool Repair – Kit

 

Looking for another spare part? Browse the Joe’s GE Parts Catalog for the Sony WH-1000XM4 to find genuine replacement parts for your headphones.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Sony WH-1000XM4 headband assembly replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY fix at home.

• 2.0mm Phillips Screwdriver
• 1.5mm Flat Screwdriver
• Strong Pry Tool
• Soldering Iron
• Anti-static Heat-proof Rubber Work Mat

Don’t want to DIY? Let our certified techs handle the repair for you. Book your repair now.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Headband and Main Wire on the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the headband and the main wire on the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones yourself. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Remove the Earpad Cushions

1.1. Insert a strong metal pry tool into the seam between the earpad cushion and the earcup and gently work the tool around the perimeter till the two halves separate.

1.2. Remove the foam pad and set it aside.

Step 2: Separate the Left and Right Earcups from the Headband Assembly

This process differs slightly between the left and right sides. Follow the instructions carefully for your specific side to avoid damaging any critical components during the repair.

How to Disassemble the Right Earcup

2.1. Unfasten the 4 screws securing the outer cover of the earcup.

2.2. Flip the earcup over and remove the outer cover with a flathead screwdriver.

2.3. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the touch panel.

2.4. Spread the wires with your fingers, take a photo of the solder points to use as a reference during reassembly, then desolder the wires.

2.5. Unfasten the 2 screws from the earcup hinge, then pop it off the swivel arm.

How to Disassemble the Left Earcup

2.1. Unfasten the 4 small silver screws from the earcup housing with a 2.0mm Phillips screwdriver.

2.2. Flip the earcup over and remove the gesture touch control panel.

2.3. Disconnect all the internal ribbon connectors.

2.4. Spread the wires with your fingers, take a photo of the wires to use as a reference during reassembly, then desolder all the wires in the main harness from the PCB.

2.5. Unfasten the 2 silver screws securing the earcup hinge, then pop the earcup away from the headband and set it aside.

Step 3: Separate the Earcup Hinge Assembly from the Headband

3.1. Remove the small rubber O-ring from the earcup hinge swivel with a flathead screwdriver and set it aside.

3.2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the seam between the top panel of the earcup hinge swivel arm and work the tool around the perimeter to lift the panel from the housing.

3.3. Unfasten 2 silver screws securing the swivel arm to the earcup hinge.

3.4. Pull the main wire out from the swivel arm and set it aside.

3.5. Remove the small metal horseshoe lock from the hinge assembly with a flathead screwdriver.

3.6. Extract the swivel assembly from the headband and set it aside.

3.7. Unfasten 2 screws from the headband slider with a 2.0 mm Phillips screwdriver.

3.8. Separate the inner and outer covers of the slider mechanism.

3.9. Remove 2 screws securing the outer cover to the hinge assembly.

3.10. Unfasten 2 screws to disassemble the hinge.

3.11. Remove the small O-ring around the main wire.

3.12. Extract the O-ring and the slider cover from the headband and set them aside.

Step 4: Install a New Headband Assembly

4.1. Grab a new headband assembly, then feed the main wire through the outer slider panel.

4.2. Install the slider hinge and the O-ring on the headband and pull the main wire all the way through.

4.3. Fasten the 2 Philips screws on the slider hinge with the outer panel of the headband slider.

4.4. Align the outer and inner panels of the slider mechanism at the bottom, then press both sides till the assembly slots into place.

4.5. Fasten the 2 screws to secure the headband hinge assembly.

4.6. Install the plastic piece of the headband hinge and swivel assembly, and secure it with the horseshoe lock.

4.7. Install the earcup swivel arm and secure the assembly by fastening the 2 silver screws with a 2.0mm Phillips screwdriver.

4.8. Align the main wire with the groove on the swivel arm.

4.9. Place the top plastic piece of the swivel arm and press down till the retaining clips click into place.

4.10. Install the rubber O-ring.

Step 5: Reinstall the Left and Right Earcups

The steps slightly differ between the left and right sides. Follow the instructions carefully for your specific side to avoid damaging any critical components during the repair.

How to Reassemble the Left Earcup

5.1. Pop the earcup back onto the swivel arm, place the main wire into the groove, then fasten the 2 screws to secure the assembly in place.

5.2. Solder all the wires to the PCB according to the reference photo from step 2.4.

5.3. Reconnect all the internal ribbon cables to the main board.

5.4. Plug in the ribbon cable for the touch panel, then flip it over and fasten the 4 silver screws.

How to Reassemble the Right Earcup

5.1. Pop the earcup back onto the swivel arm, place the main wire into the groove, then fasten the 2 screws to secure the assembly in place.

5.2. Solder the wires to the main board according to the reference image from step 2.4.

5.3. Plug in the ribbon connectors, including the gesture touch control pad.

5.4. Flip the earcup over, then fasten the 4 silver screws to secure the assembly.

Step 6: Install the Earpad Cushion

6.1. Place the foam mesh piece into the slot in the earcup.

6.2. Align the earpad cushion with the earcup, then press along the edges till the retaining clips click into place.

Congratulations! Your Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are Ready to Use

You’ve successfully replaced the headband assembly on your Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. Check the audio quality, charging stability, touch response, and comfort 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 DIY 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.