1000X Series Care Guide
How To Care For (And When To Replace) Your Earpads
A worn seal is the first thing that dulls great sound. Here's how to keep your earpads — and your noise cancelling — performing like day one.
Daily Care
A few small habits go a long way toward making your earpads last.
- Storage — keep headphones in their case or pouch, away from dust and moisture
- Gentle handling — avoid excessive pulling, twisting, or bending of the headband or cables
- Regular cleaning — wipe earpads with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water
- Sweat protection — use sweat covers or a sweat-proof model for workouts and humid weather
- Mindful volume — excessive volume strains the drivers and can reduce audio quality over time
- Avoid extremes — keep away from prolonged heat or cold, including a hot car or direct sun
Signs It's Time To Replace
Earpads are in constant contact with skin, oils and sweat — they'll wear out long before the rest of your headphones do. Watch for:
- Foam that feels flattened, stiff, or no longer springs back
- Cracking, peeling, or flaking on the surface
- A looser fit, or noise cancelling that feels weaker than before
- Visible discolouration or wear around the edges
Why Replace Instead Of Rebuy
A worn seal lets ambient noise leak in, softening the noise cancelling and bass response you paid for. Replacing your earpads restores that seal and comfort — for a fraction of the cost of a new pair. Look after the parts that wear, and a great pair of headphones can easily last you years longer.
Now Even Easier: Replace It Yourself, At Home
Genuine replacement earpads for the WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 — each kit comes with everything you need, including the tool required for removal. No appointment, no waiting.
1
Select the correct earpad kit for your headphone model
2
Follow the step-by-step fitting guide included with your kit
3
Enjoy your headphones like new again, the same day
Not Comfortable DIY-ing It? We've Got You.
Prefer to leave it to us? Our Sony Store team is happy to fit your new earpads for you in-store. This assistance is available exclusively for genuine earpad kits purchased from Sony Store or Sony Store Online.
- Replacement earpads must be purchased from Sony Store or Sony Store Online
- Bring your headphones along with proof of purchase of the earpad kit
- Assistance covers fitting of the earpads only — not other parts or accessories
Ready to bring your headphones back to life?
DIY at home, or let our team fit it for you in-store.
Get Your Replacement Kit →