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LDAC Disconnection

Sony Headphones

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Sony WH-1000XM LDAC Keeps Disconnecting — Codec Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

LDAC drops happen when the Bluetooth link can't sustain the high bitrate Sony's premium codec needs.
Crowded 2.4GHz bands, distance, body shadowing — all triggers.
Either lower the LDAC priority to 'Connection Quality' over 'Sound Quality' in the Sony Headphones Connect app, or switch to AAC/SBC for stable streaming.
Most users won't hear the difference between LDAC at 660kbps and AAC.

Affected Models

  • Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Sony WH-1000XM5
  • Sony WH-1000XM3
  • Sony WF-1000XM4
  • Sony WF-1000XM5

Common Causes

  • LDAC set to 'Sound Quality' (990kbps) — too aggressive for many environments
  • Crowded 2.4GHz Wi-Fi or Bluetooth around you
  • Distance from phone or obstacles in path
  • Old phone Bluetooth chip can't sustain LDAC properly
  • Phone battery saver throttling Bluetooth

How to Fix It

  1. Open Sony Headphones Connect.

    Connect to the headphones in the app.
    Navigate to Sound → Bluetooth Connection Quality.

  2. Set to 'Connection Quality'.

    Two settings exist: 'Sound Quality' and 'Connection Quality'.
    Sound Quality forces LDAC at 990kbps — drops easily.
    Connection Quality lets the codec adapt down to 330kbps when needed.
    For 99% of listening, this is the right choice.

  3. Confirm with Bluetooth Codec setting.

    On Android Developer Options: Bluetooth Audio Codec.
    Set to AAC for very stable streaming.
    Set to LDAC if you really want it — but accept that drops will happen.
    iOS doesn't support LDAC at all (AAC only).

  4. Reduce 2.4GHz interference.

    Move your phone closer to the headphones — Bluetooth class 2 has 10m range in theory, less in practice.
    If your home Wi-Fi is heavy on 2.4GHz, switch your laptop and phone to 5GHz to free up the band.

  5. Check phone battery saver.

    Many phones throttle Bluetooth bandwidth in battery saver mode.
    Disable battery saver while testing — if drops disappear, the saver was the cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LDAC really better than AAC?

On paper, LDAC at 990kbps carries more data than AAC at 256kbps.
In ABX listening tests, most listeners can't reliably distinguish.
If you're chasing every bit of audio quality and have a stable environment, LDAC.
For real-world stability, AAC at 256 is excellent and far more resilient.