WF-1000XM4 Battery Drain Issue

[PureFlaws]

Hello, for the last year I've been using Sony's WF-1000XM4 Earphones, and during warranty period had almost no complaints to product. But last month or two - coin flipped. Earphones started overheating, for no reason. Due to overheat battery lifetime decreased several times. If usually I had 5-8 hours of playback time, but now - right earphone ~40min, left ~ 60-70min (time may very).

Factory resetting or any troubleshooting process didn't help.

I've tried to contact Sony Ukrainian call centre, or service centre, but didn't get any constructive response. Every proof I shared was ignored. Every link I've sent was denied.

Sadly seems that on Sony Ukraine's opinion warranty period = product life span

Service centre says they would not help because headphones are out of warranty, although this problem is not on my hands, just a defective batch.

Don't know why, but still have last hope for some miracle, such as out of warranty replacement, or something like that.

Anyone got any ideas what should I do, to save earphones and money spent?

[dietervonkhan]

I have had the same issue, I contact customer support, who admitted this was a known fault on 15th November 2022. I was advised to send the earbuds to he repair centre even though out of warranty and the issue would be resolved. 

I subsequently got an estimate for repair of £209.50. I called back customer services who suddenly had no recollection of the previous conversation, and said I should have waited for a software update.

If I refuse the repair I will still have to pay £30. 

Shocking stuff from Sony

[Imok07]

Absolutely disgusting! I am having the same problem that is why I am hesitant to send my earphones on one of their repair centers as I am gonna be charged for the repair. My earbuds where perfect until around November where I experienced this same problems . Just a month after warranty expires.

[Friendnamedlee]

Having the same issue since I updated to Firmware version 1.4.2. This seems to be mainly affecting earlier batches of the XM4's.

Sony US are now replacing these units outright according to reddit posts, as they rightly should, as its an issue caused by a defective firmware issued by Sony.

Do not pay for this. This is not your fault, it's Sony's and they should repair this issue as a goodwill gesture.

[Piscie]

Hey @Imok07, are you getting the same problem even after troubleshooting the headphones? Such as resetting and initializing the headphones settings

[Imok07]

Yes! From 100 percent down to 10percent in approximately less than 30mins of using it. Very frustratin, and heart breaking to buy something expensive and working hard to have it then only to be broken by the company itself.

[Piscie]

@Imok07 this is really frustrating! I'd only recommend getting in touch with the Sony reps to arrange a repair for you, if the unit is still covered under the warranty, it should be a free service from their end. 

[Old_Man_Fran]

Same with my Linkbuds S. They were normal with 6-8 hours of batery life, when suddenly within a week the left and only the left stopped holding charge for more than 20 mins

[SatoruGojo]

Hey @Old_Man_Fran, try some troubleshooting steps as this might help, *Check the software version *Resetting the headset  *Initializing the headset

[begrous64]

I am also having the exact same problem. It’s infuriating, unacceptable for such an expensive product and, coupled with the fact that it’s basically impossible to replace the memory foam tips in the UK, has put me off buying Sony again.