Fixing Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

Almost perfect:

• Outstanding sound quality
• Exceptional noise canceling 
• Clear calling
• beamforming microphone
• bone-conduction sensor
• IPX42 Water resistance 
• Up to 8 hours battery life with noise canceling

What makes it "almost" is that last bullet, because the WF-1000XM4 quickly became notorious for battery problems, with dismal battery life and unequal earbud charging. 

ZeniPower Z55H CCC battery

The good news is that the battery problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries with genuine ZeniPower Z55H batteries. (Be sure to get the ones marked CCC,* not a generic alternative.) Then:

• DIY: Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds Battery Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
  -or-
• Have a good electronics repair place install them.  

When complete, you'll have outstanding battery life to go along with the outstanding performance!

Note: There are now Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds without the battery problem, but the user interface and form factor are not as good as the XM4 and the other changes are too minor to matter. Stick with the XM4.

 * CCC‑marked ZeniPower Z55H cells use a revised formulation with slightly lower nominal capacity (270 mAh vs 290 mAh) but with more reliable life and stability.