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Sony WF-1000XM4 firmware update, version 1.6.1 (Update)

Sony WF-1000XM4 firmware version 1.6.1

Sony Asia has finally released a new firmware update for the WF-1000XM4. This firmware supposedly fixes the battery drain, but we will have to wait and see what users say. Looking at other Sony support sites like Europe or Americas, no 1.6.1 update yet.

  • Reduces the burden on the battery
  • Reduces the loss of battery capacity due to long-term use

The update also includes the changes in the unreleased 1.5.0 firmware. Unfortunately we have no idea what changes that update brought since it was never released.

Update, forgot to add this, seems I missed it last day. It seems that this update may, MAY, result in a SHORTER battery life (depending on usage). UPDATE 2: Sony has removed this information off their site, but I would upgrade with caution to 1.6.1.

Second, Sony has a "guide" for what to do if there is a difference in battery life even after the update. They do mention here, that one unit acts as the main unit and this is why it drains more battery. But a significant difference according to Sony should not be occurring. So here are the steps Sony wants you to do in order to fix your battery drain problem.

  1. Fully charge the headphones.
  2. Launch the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and connect the device and the headphones via Bluetooth.
  3. Make the following settings on the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and play any music:
    • Volume: Middle
    • CODEC: AAC
    • DSEE Extreme: OFF
    • Noise Canceling: ON
    • Other settings: OFF
  4. Play the music on the connected device, and check to see if the music plays for more than 3 hours.

Note: The CODEC depends on the music files you are playing. You can check the CODEC using the Sony | Headphones Connect app.

Finally, Sony notes at the bottom of their instructions:

When using the specified settings, if the music plays for less than 3 hours, the headphones may require servicing.


A link is provided with contact details to your local service center in order to get the earbuds serviced. Note, it says MAY require servicing, not WILL require servicing. I suspect people in various countries will have varying experiences with getting their earbuds serviced free of charge, even after the warranty period has expired.

Also as I mentioned earlier, Europe and Americas support sites still do not have the update up on their website. I am sure it is still rolling out but who knows, maybe Sony will pull the firmware if the issues continue.

Checking Europe/Americas support pages (07/12/2022), still no 1.6.1. on their pages.

With some of the problems people are still experiencing with the new firmware, I will say update at your own risk. There is MrWalkman's firmware rollback software, see here, but for those on 1.5.0, I do not believe you will be able to roll back to that firmware, since it has not been released publicly.

22 comments:

  1. no update on my end still :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Available only for Asia and India. You can force update the buds to 1.6.1 with the MDR Proxy tool.

      Delete
  2. Updated my earbuds, no difference, still have the same battery drain, might even be worse now. BS

    ReplyDelete
  3. After the update same issue drain issue

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  4. My pair immediately had the batt drain nightmare right after updated to 1.4.2. sent in for warranty and got a new pair with 1.5.0 today. Testing the batt now, so far quite promising like new. Disabled fw update in the app and will stay with 1.5.0 forever.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My sony earbuds hardly lasts for around 10 minutes.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I guess if battery has been damaged, firmware will not help...i got my buds replaced just last week, the new buds come with ver1.5.0. I'm in Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  7. I think that the update is only available for E region buds (something like Middle East area (Except for Israel), South East Asian area (Except for India), East Asian area (Except for China, Korea, Taiwan area), Oceania area and African area models)) and for buds in the India market.


    ReplyDelete
  8. I am just updating my EU buds to 1.6.1 using the MDR Proxy tool, will let you know if all is good.

    The region of my buds should be AEP, UK (European area, East European area, CIS area (Moldova, Ukraine) and Middle East area (Israel) models).

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just forced an update to my EU buds from 1.3.3 to 1.6.1 (only 1.4.2 was available).
    The update was done successfully and all seems to work fine.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. how do you force the update? I have US version with 1.4.2. Terrible battery life.

      Delete
    2. How do you force an update? I have US version with 1.4.2. Terrible battery life.

      Delete
    3. see the site here

      https://www.mrwalkman.com/p/mdrproxyfwsidegradetool.html

      Delete
  10. Running 1.6.1 on my EU buds for several days. Battery goes out evenly for both buds. The difference between them is no more than 2-3%, and usually the difference gets to 1-0% in time.

    I didn't notice the battery running out faster or anything.

    I use LDAC, with no EQ, and ANC on, and I use a fast charger with the case, even though it shouldn't matter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you have battery drain issues before you updated to 1.6.1?

      Delete
    2. No, I didn't. Some claim they had after installing this.

      Delete
  11. do you have multi point now that you forced 1.6.1?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. no multipoint in this update, this is just to address the battery drain issues.

      Delete
  12. Before update the Buds can use for 6 hours, after update only can use for 6 minutes , holy crap .... can I roll back to previous firmware?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you try a factory reset? if that doesn't fix it, use MrWalkman's guide to roll back to 1.4.2

      https://www.mrwalkman.com/p/mdrproxyfwsidegradetool.html

      Delete
  13. I had the drain issue, from 100% to 0 in half an hour. Upgraded to version 1.6.1. I am in Europe, so had to use the MDR proxy too. It did not do much. Then I found the Z55H battery on AliExpress and on YouTube replacement instructions. This helped, they are like new. So I think 1.4.2 and later kills your battery and 1.6.1 won't help if that happened. It might prevent killing a new battery, we'll see.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just bought a brand new paid of these in the UK and it came with v1.6.1 already installed which was a surprise. They must be rolling this out on all devices from new now

    ReplyDelete

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