The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are a favorite because of their additional features compared to the WF-1000XM3. The XM4s have wireless charging and can support multipoint connectivity, making them more versatile.
That is why I got the XM4 earbuds, and I have loved them since then. However, recently, I realized the charging case would not hold any power even though they could still charge the earbuds.
As I was about to give up fixing the case, I came across a peculiar recommendation that worked. Hence, I compiled all the solutions I came across to help a fellow XM4 user if they encounter the same problem. Below are all the solutions.
Key Takeaways
- The LED on the case will tell you whether the earbud and the case are charging. It will also tell you the approximate battery percentage of the case and the earbuds.
- The LED glows orange when the case is connected to a power source.
- Sometimes, the case might not be charged because of reasons like:
- A poor connection between the charger and the case.
- Dirty ports or charging pads will also hinder charging.
- Using an incompatible adapter or USB cable will also affect charging the case.
- Exposing the earbuds to extreme temperatures (hot or cold) will affect charging.
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Why Is My XM4 Case Not Charging?
Before ascertaining that the case is not charging, you should know its charging indicators. They are:
- The LED on the charging case will light orange when the case is connected to a power outlet. It will go off once the case and buds are fully charged.
The LED glows orange when the case is charging.
- Additionally, the LED on the case will light green for almost six seconds when you unplug the case from the charger or when you open or close the case to show the battery is fully charged.
- Alternatively, the LED on the case will light orange for a minute when you try to connect it to a charger while the battery is full. This will also be the case if the earbuds are in the case and their battery is full.
- The LED on the case will also light orange for six seconds when the earbuds’ battery is below 95%, and they are in the case, or when they are out of the case and the case battery is below thirty percent.
The LED goes off and then back on after 0.3 seconds when:
- You transfer the case from wireless charging to wired charging the LED,
- You put the buds in the case or take them out,
- Open or close the charging case.
How to Get the Sony WF-1000XM4 Case Charging?
Now that we know how the LED behaves when the case is wired and wirelessly charging, it is easy to tell when it is not charging. Our primary concern is to ensure the case is charging as needed.
Here are suggestions on how to achieve this:
Ensure the Charger Is Connected Properly
When troubleshooting gadgets, starting with simple solutions before progressing to more advanced ones is strategic.
Therefore, we will start by checking the charging connection. So, ensure the USB cable is firmly connected to the case and the power source.
Check the USB-C connection. Make sure the cable is not loose.
When using a wireless charging pad, ensure the case’s wireless charging contact surface is properly sitting on the wireless charging pad and not mismatched if you use wireless charging.
The wireless charging contact surface of the case is at the bottom of the case. The Sony logo should be facing upwards.
When using a wireless charging pad, make sure the wireless charging surface (bottom of the case) is properly sitting on the charging pad’s surface.
Also, check that the cables and chargers are in good condition. There should be no breaks or cracks on the charging apparatus.
Do not use damaged cables for charging.
If the chargers are broken or cracked, switch them for better ones and see if the case charges.
Use the USB Cable that Came with the Earbuds
Another reason the case isn’t charging is that you could be using a third-party USB cable.
Sony advises you to use the cable that came with the headsets, as they are compatible. However, do not let this scare you, especially if the default cable is the one that is giving you issues.
You can try other cables and settle on the one that charges your case.
Use a Different Power Adapter
Sometimes, the problem is not even with the case; it could be the power output from the charger.
The WF-1000XM4 case occasionally stops charging when connected to power sources that exceed the 0.5 A (500 mA) rating by a large margin, like fast chargers.
Users remedy this situation by reverting to a 0.5 A adapter, and the case resumes regular charging for most of them.
Therefore, consider switching adapters; hopefully, you will find a 0.5 A-rated one that will work. If the problem persists, check other suggestions below.
Clean the USB Cable and the Case’s Charging Port
A dirty port could also be the culprit. Since people rarely clean their chargers and earbud charging cases, lint and other debris usually collect in the ports.
When the dirt becomes too much, the ports and connectors can no longer work as expected.
Clean the charging port if it’s dirty.
Luckily, this is an easy problem to solve. The required tools are:
- a soft-bristled brush,
- a compressed air can, and
- a microfiber cloth.
Here’s what you need to do:
- First, the compressed air can blow away any loose debris in the case’s charging port or at both ends of the USB cable.
- Next, use the brush to scrub any stubborn remains, and you can reuse the can to blow away extra dirt.
- Finally, use a cloth to wipe the finer particles, like dust, still in the ports. You can use the corner of the cloth to reach the hard-to-reach places, but be careful not to damage anything.
- You can also put a small amount of diluted neutral detergent on the cloth and use it for the final touch. Do not wet any part of the case, as it is not waterproof.
Check to see if the case is now charging.
Additionally, you could try applying some WD40 or WD40 contact cleaner onto the USB-C port after cleaning it. Leave the case to dry off before charging it.
Using a WD-40 contact cleaner can be beneficial.
Leave the Case Charging Overnight
If all the above suggestions have failed, chances are the case’s battery is drained, and it requires some time to recharge.
Give the case and the buds time to charge overnight and check on them after eight to twelve hours. Remember, you leave the case connected to a power source and charging even if the LED does not show charging.
Leave the case charging overnight.
If the case recharges after that period, it can mean that the battery was drained or the charging system/case’s battery is damaged and should be replaced soon.
Ensure the Charging Environment is Conducive
Temperature affects how electronic devices charge. For instance, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds and case can only charge effectively from 15 °C to 35 °C.
Do not charge your case if the ambient temperature is too low or too high.
When the temperature drops below this or rises above the limit, the devices will not charge, and you will see the LED on the case flashing red rapidly.
That indicates the case has detected the excess temperature and is alerting you.
You might also notice the LED slowly and repeatedly flash red. That shows that the charging is abnormal, which can also result from extreme temperature.
If that is the case, relocate the earbuds and case to a room-temperature environment and wait for the temperature to stabilize.
Try charging the case, and it should recharge normally this time.
Use a Different Charging Method
An advantage of the XM4s is that they support two charging methods. Therefore, if one fails, you can try the other and see if it works.
So, if the USB cable is not charging the case, try charging it wirelessly using a compatible Qi charger.
Ensure the case is seated correctly on the charging pad and there is no foreign or charging contact.
If you can’t charge the case using a USB-C cable, try charging it using a Qi wireless charger.
Note that wireless charging is slower than USB cable, but you can bear it, considering your situation.
If changing the charging method works, the case could be faulty and require fixing by a professional.
Reset the WF-1000XM4
You can reset the XM4s and try charging them again. A reset will not clear the pairing information or settings you might have customized.
You can reset the XM4s through the steps below:
- Place one earbud (preferably the left one) in the case and close it.
- Connect the case to a USB charger.
- Open and close the case’s lid five times within twenty seconds.
- The LED will start flashing red to indicate it is resetting. It will flash green once the reset is complete.
With the left earbud inside the case, open and close the lid 5 times. Wait for the LED to blink red and then green.
- Remove the earbud from the case and place the other one.
- Then, repeat the process above. Once you are done, check if the case charges.
Resetting Sony WF-1000XM4
Restore the Factory Settings of the XM4s
If the reset does not work, try restoring the factory settings. This will clear any system malfunctions that might prevent the case from charging.
Follow the steps below to restore the factory settings:
- Place both earbuds in the case in their respective slots.
- Hold the touchpad of both buds for ten seconds while they are in the case.
- Release the touchpads when the LED starts flashing red.
Press the touchpads and hold them until the LED starts flashing red.
- Wait for the light to flash green four times as a sign the restoration is complete
You can now charge the case to see if it works. If not, the case could be damaged and require a professional to fix it.
Restoring the factory settings of the XM4
Contact Customer Support
If the case does not charge up to this point, it is most likely damaged.
Such damage can come from impact, water, or other liquids, or the case is worn out.
Either way, you should contact customer support and tell them the troubleshooting solutions you have already tried.
They will suggest more troubleshooting tips or guide you on the next step.
Alternatively, you can tear down the case and replace the battery. Ensure you get a compatible battery if you decide to go this route.
BONUS VIDEO – Replacing the Battery on Sony WF-1000XM4 Case
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Why is my Sony WM 1000xm4 not charging?
- Answer: Various aspects could result in the headset not charging. They include:
- A poorly connected charger.
- Dirty charging ports.
- Faulty power outlets.
- The batteries were in a state of discharge for extended periods.
- A system malfunction.
- Question: How do I know if my WF 1000xm4 case is charging?
- Answer: The LED on the case will light solid orange to show the earbuds and the case are charging. You can take out the buds, connect the case to a USB charger, and check whether the LED light is orange.
- Question: How do I charge my Sony earbuds without the case?
- Answer: You cannot charge the earbuds without using the case. If you do not have the charging case, get a replacement.
Conclusion
It is annoying when the charging case refuses to hold any power. This reduces the earbuds listening time as you cannot recharge them on the go.
But that does not have to be your reality; you can change it by following the suggestions above.
Always take care of the case and buds to avoid unnecessary damage and to ensure the XM4s last longer.
