You press the power button on your Sony WH-1000XM5 and nothing happens. Or they switch on, then straight back off. Before assuming they're broken, work through these checks. A completely flat battery, a bad cable or a software glitch can all make the XM5 look dead.
1. Charge them properly
Use a USB-C cable and wall charger you know work with something else. If the battery has been completely flat for a while, the charging light can take time to appear. Leave them plugged in for at least 15 minutes before trying again.
2. Hold the power button
The power button needs a firm press and hold, not a quick tap. Hold it for around two seconds and watch for the indicator light.
3. Read what they're telling you
- No light at all, even on charge: most likely the battery, the charging port or the board. Keep going with the checks below.
- They switch on, then straight off: usually a battery that's nearly empty or worn out. Charge fully and try again.
- They only work while plugged in: very likely a worn battery.
4. Reset them with the cable plugged in
This is Sony's own reset for power and charging problems, and it keeps your settings and pairings:
- Plug the USB-C cable into the headphones.
- With it still plugged in, press the POWER and NC/AMB buttons at the same time.
- Unplug the cable, plug it back in, and let them charge.
For the full factory reset, see how to reset Sony WH-1000XM5.
5. Check the charging port
Look into the USB-C port with a torch. Lint packed into the bottom of the port can stop the plug making contact. Clean it gently with a wooden toothpick. Sony headphones not charging has the full set of charging checks.
6. Think back
Have they been rained on, sweated into heavily, or dropped? Mention it if you send them for repair. Liquid inside an ear cup can corrode contacts, and a knock can loosen a connector.
What it usually is
If none of the above worked, it's most likely:
- A worn or failed battery, especially if they've been in daily use for a couple of years, or were left completely flat for months. See Sony XM5 battery replacement.
- A faulty charging port. If no charge gets in, they can't power on. See my charging port repair.
- A board fault, less often, and more likely after liquid damage.
If you're not sure which, my Sony headphones repair (any fault) starts with a £4.99 assessment. I find the fault and quote before any work, and the £4.99 comes off the repair if you go ahead.
Questions people ask
Why won't my Sony WH-1000XM5 turn on?
Usually a completely flat battery, a cable or charging problem, or a software glitch. Charge for 15 minutes with a known-good cable, hold the power button for two seconds, then try the reset with the cable plugged in.
My XM5 turns on then turns straight off. What's wrong?
Most often the battery is very low or worn. Charge it fully. If it still switches straight off, the battery is the likely cause.
Is the XM5 reset the same as the XM4?
The steps are the same, but the XM5 uses the NC/AMB button where the XM4 uses CUSTOM. See Sony XM4 won't turn on for the XM4 version.
My recommendation
Charge them properly, hold the power button, and do the reset with the cable plugged in. If none of that brings them back, it's most likely the battery or the charging port, and both can be repaired.