Sony rates the WH-1000XM5 at up to 30 hours with noise cancelling on. That's when they're new. After a couple of years of daily use, many pairs last a fraction of that, and it's usually the battery wearing out, not a fault.
A battery replacement brings back the battery life you're missing. Before that, it's worth ruling out the free fixes, because a setting or a firmware issue can look a lot like a worn battery.
Is it the battery, or something else?
Try these first. They're free and quick.
- Update the firmware in Sony's headphones app.
- Reset the headphones. See how to reset Sony WH-1000XM5 for both the simple restart and the factory reset.
- Turn off the extras for a day: LDAC, DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control and connecting to two devices at once. Noise cancelling also uses a lot of power.
- Check the auto power-off setting, and switch them off fully after use.
- Charge with a known-good cable and plug. If they won't take a charge at all, or only charge at an angle, see Sony headphones not charging instead.
If battery life is still poor after all that, the battery has worn.
Signs your XM5 battery is worn
- They last a few hours where they used to last all day or longer
- The percentage drops suddenly, or they switch off at 20–30%
- They need charging every day, even with light use
- They've been in daily use for two years or more
Like any lithium battery, the XM5's loses capacity with every charge cycle. Heat, long spells at 0%, and leaving them on charge for days speed that up.
If an ear cup looks swollen, or they get hot while charging, stop charging and stop using them. A swollen battery needs replacing, and shouldn't be charged again.
What an XM5 battery replacement costs
- My fixed price: £59, including the battery, a charge and discharge check, a full bench test, tracked return postage and a 12-month warranty. See Sony headphones battery replacement for the current price.
- Sony's paid repair: Sony doesn't publish prices. Ask for a quote for your model.
- DIY: replacement batteries built to Sony's specification sell for around £15–£30. You'll need the right tools, and you'll be prying a lithium cell off its adhesive, which needs care.
- Replacing the headphones: the XM5 has sold for roughly £180–£230 new on Amazon UK through 2026.
For every option side by side, see how much Sony headphone repair costs.
How the battery is replaced
- I remove the ear pad and open the ear cup.
- I disconnect the old battery and lift it off its adhesive carefully, without bending or puncturing the cell.
- I fit a new battery, secure it, and reconnect it.
- I close the ear cup and charge the battery fully, then run a discharge check and the full bench test: both drivers, noise cancelling, microphones, touch controls, Bluetooth and charging.
The charge and discharge check is the important bit. It confirms the new battery holds its charge and reports its level properly, so you get back headphones that work as a whole, not just a new battery.
Will my settings be kept?
Usually, yes. Plan to pair the headphones with your phone again and check your settings in Sony's app when they come back.
Posting them for a battery replacement
Royal Mail accepts lithium batteries inside the device they power, so you can post the headphones as they are. Charge them to around half if you can, and pack them in their case or a padded box. Don't post a battery on its own. If the battery looks swollen, contact me before posting.
Questions people ask
Can the Sony XM5 battery be replaced?
Yes. It's fitted inside an ear cup and can be replaced. It isn't a user-replaceable part, though, so it means opening the ear cup.
How much does a Sony XM5 battery replacement cost?
My fixed price is £59 at the time of writing, all-in. DIY batteries cost less, and Sony quotes individually.
How long does a new battery last?
A new battery gives you back close to the original battery life, and then wears at the same gradual rate as the original did.
Is it worth replacing the battery or buying new?
If the rest of the headphones are in good condition, a new battery costs a fraction of a new pair. If the hinge is also going, consider doing both, or compare the total with replacing them. See is it worth repairing Sony headphones.
My recommendation
Rule out the free fixes first. If the XM5 still runs down fast, the battery has worn out, and replacing it is the cheapest way to get your battery life back.
If you'd like me to fit it, book a Sony headphones battery replacement.