Sony WH-1000XM Spatial Audio Not Working — 360 Reality Audio Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Sony 360 Reality Audio needs: a compatible streaming service (Tidal HiFi, Deezer HiFi, or Amazon Music HD), 360RA-mastered tracks (only specific songs), and the Sony Headphones Connect app for ear analysis.
Plain Atmos or stereo doesn't trigger 360RA.
Confirm you're playing a 360 Reality Audio-tagged track on a supporting service, then check that ear analysis is complete in the app.

Affected Models

Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM4
Sony WF-1000XM5

Common Causes

Source isn't 360 Reality Audio (most music is plain stereo)
Streaming service doesn't support 360RA (Spotify, Apple Music don't)
Ear analysis not done in Sony Headphones Connect app
App-specific spatial features (head tracking) not enabled per-app
Bluetooth codec doesn't carry 360RA (need LDAC for full quality)

How to Fix It

Confirm source supports 360RA.

Tidal HiFi (Plus tier), Deezer HiFi, Amazon Music HD all stream 360 Reality Audio.
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, regular Tidal — none support it.
Without one of the supported services, no 360RA possible.
Find 360RA tracks.

Inside Tidal/Deezer/Amazon Music: search for '360 Reality Audio' playlists or browse the dedicated section.
Only specific tracks are mastered for 360RA — most music is regular stereo.
Pick a 360RA-tagged track to verify.
Complete ear analysis.

Sony Headphones Connect app → Personalize → Ear analysis.
Take photos of both ears as instructed.
Without this, 360RA uses generic profile (sounds OK but not personalized).
Personalized profile dramatically improves spatial accuracy.
Use LDAC codec for best quality.

Android Developer Options → Bluetooth Audio Codec → LDAC.
iOS users get AAC only — still works for 360RA but quality is lower than LDAC.
This is one case where Android phones have an audio advantage.
Check head tracking (newer models).

WH-1000XM5 supports head tracking with compatible content.
App → Sound → Head Tracking → On.
Move your head while music plays — sound should stay locked to virtual position.
If sound moves with your head, head tracking is off.
Restart everything.

Force quit streaming app, restart phone Bluetooth, reconnect headphones, restart playback.
Sometimes 360RA negotiation hangs; fresh connection clears it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does music sound 'far away' on 360RA?

360 Reality Audio places instruments in virtual space — vocals up front, percussion behind, etc.
This intentionally moves sound away from your head.
If it sounds wrong/empty, the track isn't 360RA-mastered or ear analysis hasn't been done.
Some users prefer plain stereo; preference matters.