for Sony bluetooth headphones/earbuds
this table does not yet contain newer devices...
This tool as it can be downloaded from this page will only work on Windows. It can also work on other operating systems as long as the "node" binary is available (the command to run would be simply "
node script.js". The "script.js" file can be found in the MDR Proxy tool zip archive, which can be downloaded below.
The process requires a modified Sound Connect app, however, which is available for Android devices only.
What is this?
You may've experienced yourself or heard about changes in the sound signature, or degraded ANC functionality of Sony bluetooth headphones/earbuds after firmware updates. This tool allows us to install a previous firmware version (among some other minor stuff) for our devices.
How does it work?
Firmware updates are done via the Sound Connect app. The Sound Connect app first checks for updates, and if any are available then the updated firmware will be downloaded and then it will be transferred to your device.
This tool will sit between the Sony update server and the Sound Connect app, intercepting requests done by the Headphones Sound Connect to the Sony update server, and changing the data that will normally be sent back by the Sony update server, essentially tricking the Sound Connect app into doing an update, and eventually sending a different firmware file to the app (depending on the chosen option in the app).
Previous devices were checking for updates through an HTTP request, while newer ones are doing this through a HTTPS one. In order for this tool to be able to tell which requests are meant for the Sony server update, the Sound Connect app needs a custom certificate to be used for HTTPS requests.
Older devices, like the ones in this table, don't need a modified Sound Connect app. Newer devices do!
Old models that don't need a modified app
Did you create this?
No, I found this project on Github, here. I translated the text from Chinese to English, while I also added more details regarding each option. I essentially tried to make all this more user-friendly.
Ok, what exactly can I do with this tool?
These are the available options:
1. Reinstall the firmware - this option will install the latest available firmware;
2. Install a firmware for a different region - newer devices are using the same firmware file for all regions, so this doesn't really benefit them. Some older devices are using different firmware files for different regions, like the WH-1000XM3, for example.
For devices which are using the same firmware files for all regions, I assume that the device stores the region in a different part than the firmware, and then any different info/presets/voices for different regions are all present in the same firmware file and loaded based on the device's region. This would work in a similar way to regions on the Walkman players.
Update:
It seems that some newer devices still have different firmware files for different regions, and there are older devices which are using the same firmware file for all regions. I've made a list for each device, together with the available regions.
3. Install a certain firmware file - this allows us to install previous firmware files for our devices - a "library" with older firmware files is available (also thanks to the person which made and put this project on Github).
What do I need to do?
- First, download the MDR Proxy tool and the firmware library (if you want to install an older firmware).
MDR Proxy (October 11th, 2025) - patched Sound Connect app, version 12.3.0
MDR Proxy FW library (auto-updated) - check the table from the main page in order to find out which folder has firmware for your device. The Github page belongs to the original creator of this firmware sidegrading method.
Update log:
2025-10-11 - Added the latest Sound Connect app, version 12.3.0
2023-10-07 - Wow, this Mr. Walkman guy finally decided to give some attention to this tool - updated the app, as well as references from the "Headphones" app, to the new "Sound Connect" app.
2023-11-14 - (Finally) added the latest Headphones app (10.2.0).
2023-02-28
- MDR Proxy stopped working after the last update. It's been fixed now.
2023-02-11
- Added the latest Headphones app (9.3.0).
2022-12-09
- Added the 1.6.1 firmware version for WF-1000XM4 to the firmware library.
2022-10-01
- The Japanese region that normally exists in the MDR Proxy tool from Github is not available anymore for newer devices. However, it is available for newer devices but with a different id, so I've added it as the 4th option in the region choosing menu, together with the list above of available regions for each device.
_____________________
- Second, your smartphone and your computer should be connected to the same network. For example your computer could be connected to a router, and your smartphone could be connected to the Wi-Fi network of the same router.
- Third, check the first table above, and if you need to install the modified APK file, you can find it in the MDR Proxy ZIP archive which you can download above. Before installing this app, you need to uninstall the existing Sound Connect app.
- Then, follow these steps:
1. Unpack the downloaded MDR Proxy ZIP archive in a folder.
2. Go to the firmware library page, find an older firmware for your device, and copy the chosen firmware file to the "firmware" folder located in the MDR Proxy folder
(only if you want to install an older firmware).
Using a firmware file meant for another device could brick your buds/headphones!
3. Go to the MDR Proxy folder and double-click "MDR_Proxy.bat" file. It should look like this:
4.1 Type 3 and press Enter if you want to install an older firmware. In the next screen you will be able to choose the firmware file to install, which you've placed in the "firmware" folder at step 3.
4.2 Type 2 and press Enter if you want to install the latest firmware for another region - check the second table above to see what region is available for what device. In the next screen you will be able to choose the region.
4.3. Type 1 and press Enter if you want to reinstall the latest available firmware for your device.
5. After using each one of the 3 options, you should end up on this screen:
6. In your smartphone go to Wi-Fi settings for the network you're connected to, and find the "Proxy" settings (you may need to go to some "Advanced" menu, depending on your device).
Here, you need to set the following:
- IP: the local IP of your computer - on Windows you can check this with "ipconfig" in CMD (Windows + R, type "cmd", press Enter, then type "ipconfig" in the CMD window).
- Port: 8848
It should look like this in your smartphone's settings:
Once you have this set, connect your headphones/earbuds to the smartphone, and open the Sound Connect app. You should see a firmware update available. When installing an older firmware, you will be able to tell that the update comes from the MDR Proxy tool by the "Update from MDR Proxy" mention in the update details.
One
thing that I personally encountered, that could lead to issues like no update being detected, is Windows Firewall blocking the
incoming and outgoing connection to and from the MDR Proxy app. If you
know what you're doing, and if you have issues, of course, I recommend
adding the "node.exe" executable as an exception in the Windows Firewall
settings.
The Sound Connect app will say that the update failed, but it actually didn't. You can check the firmware version in the Sound Connect app by tapping the three dots in the upper-right corner, and then "MODEL Version" (like "WF-1000XM4 Version").
Especially after going through different firmware versions, I recommend resetting your device. For earbuds, you usually have to put them in their case, and tap on both buds for about 10 seconds. The case's light should go red/flash, and then the buds are reset. For other devices please refer to the instructions manual of the device.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below, and enjoy!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below, and enjoy!
I would like to express my gratitude for this software and the manual.
ReplyDeleteJust tried it with new WF-1000XM4s - manufactury date of May 2022 and 1.4.2 out of the box.
Reddit with all those threads about battery problems had me spooked and I decided to downgrade straight away to wait for 1.5.0
Although, updater dialog of the modified app told me that update has failed, the firmware version is now being detected as 1.3.3 and with proxy disabled 1.4.2 is detected as a new version.
A small notice - I ignored the "only works on Windows" and run the "script.js" through Node.js installation on my MacOS Monterey with visually no problems. My understanding is that the script does not do any Windows-native calls anyway.
Yeah, from a normal user perspective it runs only on Windows in the form that I made it, but if you have node.js on other platforms then sure, you can run it.
DeleteRegarding the app saying that the update failed, I mentioned this above as expected behavior :D
Deletehow does it run on mac? i'm completely lost
DeleteYou need to have "node" for Mac, then simply change directory to the MDR Proxy folder and run "node script.js"
DeleteHi I'm a WF-1000XM4 user and interested in using this tool to downgrade to a previous firmware version (currently on 1.4.2 and facing severe battery drain issues).
ReplyDeleteI wanted to know if using this tool could potentially bar any future official firmware updates from being installed? Also how do I revert back to 1.4.2 if the older version doesn’t solve the battery issue?
Any guidance would be appreciated since I'm out of warranty and Sony in my country refuse to replace it for free so I'm forced to try this fix.
Hey, you will be able to update normally in the future. You will be able to get back to 1.4.2 by just running the Headphones app alone, like you would normally do for official updtes.
DeleteThanks will give it a shot. Also, as someone else has also asked, any chance you can get your hands on 1.5.0? As that seems to sort out battery drain issues for many people.
DeleteIf you facing not receiving the update, try turning off the firewall.
ReplyDeleteI managed to update it, thank you.
DeleteHow did you finally get it updated. I've tried turning off the firewall, but still cannot get to the update stage.
DeleteIs this for windows and android users only? I am a mac user with an iphone and have no idea how to accomplish this.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteI have the same situation - I only own a macbook and iPhone. I would be very grateful if you could tell me how to downgrade the firmware under these conditions.
Sorry for disturbing.
It could be basically for Linux and Mac as well, as long as node.js is available on those platforms as well. I may add some info about it.
Deletethird line: "The process requires a modified Headphones app, however, which is available for Android devices only."
DeleteI get as far as to start installing the update after it's transferred, but it aborts when it fails to wake the right bud. Three attempts and it just won't.
ReplyDeleteTry to disable auto shutdown, as described above.
DeleteMr walkman! Thank you! It is updating!!! Finally T__T Yesterday I failed to updated on my PC via router. Today I decided to try on laptop and it works!
ReplyDeleteSo I connected my laptop and smartphone to the same WIFI. That was the solution. Again, many thanks ^^.
ReplyDeleteHi, I'm on Windows 7 and the bat file won't launch. It says "Exited with error. Make sure only one instance of the app is open".
ReplyDeleteI don't know what app it's talking about but I'm not opening more than one. I want to use this tool to install the 1.61 update to my WF1000XM4. The Heaphone app notified me of that update but it was not even available for download, hence I need this tool. I was glad to have found this but I can't launch the bat file to get going. Hopefully you see this.
Try going in CMD, then change directory to the MDR Proxy folder (with "cd path_to_folder"), then type "node script.js".
ReplyDeleteThank you! It worked. I still had to download Node.js version v13.14.0 (last update compatible with Windows 7), then followed the guide on how to set the NODE_SKIP_PLATFORM_CHECK environment variable to 1 which skips the version check to get the bat file running.
DeleteThank you very much, it worked, now it is installing, I had the same error as Marshall and followed his instructions and yours.
ReplyDeleteThe app has successfully transferred (100%) an update, but I'm having an installation failure at 67%. I've tried several times and various version (1.6.,1.3., 1.1.), again at the same 67%. Is it programmed to stop at 67%? Mystery.
ReplyDeleteCheck the version after the update. It will always show that it failed, but it succeeds if the buds are not turning off automatically or something.
Deleteooh! Thank you a lot! It works :D
DeleteHi there, everythings goes fine until the app tries to start the upgrade (negative % counting), but then the app keeps crashing. What could I do wrong here?
ReplyDeleteHey, I have no idea why the app would be crashing to be honest. I would advise trying on another smartphone. About the negative % counting, that's ok.
Deletejust to follow up on that, the problem was an outdated smartphone (Fairphone 2), with a newer one it worked. Thanks!
DeleteI have downgraded the firmware to 1.3. by connecting windows mobile hotspot to my phone.. and used hotspot's ipv4 address as proxy
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteHey any one has WH-1000XM4 2.0.7 bin?
ReplyDeletedo you have firmware 2.x.x version for wf-1000xm3, all firmware in the file just only 3.0.0 and 3.1.2 version
ReplyDeleteHave you found it yet? Please share with me
Deletethanks for your work it works great but i have a different issue. I have 2 pairs, 3 with 2.0.1 and 1 with 1.5.0 do you have an idea how i can get them all to one version?
ReplyDeleteHey I am trying to downgrade my linkbuds S because of battery drain issue. The modified headphones app keeps telling me that I need to install latest version of sony headphones app from play store to be able to use the device. It doesnt let me go into the device properties with the sound, system and other tabs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your dedication.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know which firmware offers the best performance currently with fresh cells(3.85V)?
This might be relevant to some:
I have bought a couple of used pairs on the cheap, the first ones came with version 2.0.1 and the right bud only lasts minutes with ANC.
The second pair with 1.4.2, but it failed to connect even after resetting, the case did not recognise the left bud in or out.(case did not light up and the old case with newer firmware flashed red when trying it in)
Swapping the cases around and doing the 10 sec reset (on both sets, eventually) woke it up, and the battery seems to last hours, while the other pair seems to have charged to a higher percentage than it did before. Does different firmware also affect case behaviour?
I've also got a couple of Z55Hs, hence the first question.
Why do the earbuds always say "Bluetooth device two replaced" when touching them? I installed version 1.1.5 on my WF-1000XM4
ReplyDeleteTry switch to another sound language and switch back,
DeleteI solved the issue through this way.
hi! thx for your hard work, does an updated modified apk still exist?
ReplyDeleteIs there a way to update a single earphone? (Sony Linkbuds S) Or at least make the app believe that the missing one is connected
ReplyDeleteWorked perfectly to downgrade my WF XM4 to 1.3. Thank you so much for finding/translating/documenting this!
ReplyDeleteI downgraded WF XM5 from 4.0.2 to 3.3.1 but it failed at the end. I can see version as 3.3.1 but I don't see sound quality got changed to older version. looks like it just updated the version text but real update failed. Plz let me know if we can make this update succesfull
ReplyDeleteHi I hope you can help me I have the Sony WF-1000XM4 ear buds and since the latest software update the earbuds are draining very quick especially the right bud. its so frustrating I use them in the gym and I don't even get an hour out of them and the right bud drains completely after about 30 - 40 mins. I have followed all the steps carefully and correctly but when the app starts updating the buds it goes to about 50% of the update and fails and then I try resume it and it only goes to 2% and fails. I have read your write up where you say even if it fails it still puts the older software back on but I keep checking the version and none of the older software versions go back on and I've tried several software versions and none work. Is there anything else I can try. I hope you can help
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI received a new replacement wf1000xm4 earbud but impossible to get it paired with the existing one (got through all the reseting and init procedures with pressing down for 10s etc...) but no luck. I think i have 2 different firmware versions on both earbuds which absolutely sucks, is there any way i can get to update them (even one at a time) ? Otherwise these are just bricked forever i guess....
I lost my right WF-1000XM5 earbud and can't find a replacement with the correct firmware version (3.2.1). Can I use this tool to upgrade my left earbud to e.g. 3.3.1 so I can buy a matching right one?
ReplyDeleteHi, I am correctly connecting to phone, updating finishes without any errors also reseted earbuds and version is still not the one i tried to downgrade to. Anyone had similar problem and managed to resolve it? WF-LS900N
ReplyDeleteHi there. I have lost one earphone (dropped from a multistore building) which is now dead. I can find a bunch of them on to buy as a replacement, but it seems the replacement earphone needs to be the same version as the existing earphone so they can then be synced. So I was trying to downgrade the existing earphone with mdrproxy, but it requires both earphones to be present. Is there a way around that?
ReplyDeletesame problem with my xm5 buds. one is on v3.0.1 while the other new one i bought is on v1.0.1 now they both are not connecting to mobile at a same time to update.
DeleteDo you have 2.5.2 or 2.5.1 firmware versions for WH-1000XM4? I don't see them anywhere.
ReplyDeleteMy WMXH4 update is stuck on 2% for the last 15 minutes, and as mentioned negative percentages is expected to happen and is normal, neither does it happen. What is happening? My wifi is a public wifi from college campus and it has many websites restricted. Although Sound connect app works with it. Is it my wifi problem or something wrong with the headphone/app? I have wifi speed meter ON on both laptop and phone, and i dont see it being used while updating. The terminal window had showed that the update file is being downloaded by the app and then again the disclaimer. After that nothing is happening.
ReplyDeleteHello, just wondering if there's anyway to upgrade one earphone at a time? as I have two different earphones on two different versions, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am pretty confused.
ReplyDeleteSTATS:
I am using SONY CONNECT V 10.4.1
Current firmware on my WH-1000XM3 HEADPHONES is 4.5.2 I want to go to 2.0.0.
So, I am using a Mac and I have node installed and I know how to use that and all... but, when I download the MDR_Proxy-master.ZIP from Github, the archive doesn't include any mdrproxy.js file or any MDR_Proxy.bat file.
Please advise what step /where I am missing?
Did exactly as the guide says but having trouble with getting the update to appear. Does anyone knows why I can't get the script to detect the app?
ReplyDeleteFor me this is the trick.
DeleteSang Tan TruongFebruary 09, 2024
FWIW, if you didn't get the update request popup so far, you would need to double check the network accessibility of the node.js application on your Windows computer. I came across the issue when I didn't allow the node.js application on the prompt screen where the script was running for the first time. You can achieve the right setting by following the following procedure:
Launch Control Panel > View by: Large icons > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature... (left panel) Changes settings (administration will be prompted) > seek for node.exe Tick all the boxes. Click "Ok" at all.
If you connect the phone to the WiFi with the proper configuration, I may not get the network alert anymore.
I hope it finds your solution.
Can someone pls tell me the name of the firmware for wf 1000xm4 1.3.3 version for Turkey. I don't understand the naming in the github library
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. A have two WF-1000XM4. Both has battery drain, other pair left and other pair right. Drain 100% to 10% in 20min. Downgraded both to 1.3.3 and changed new batteries. Now work like new. 6h battery life.
ReplyDeleteIs this possible to fix software mismatch issue through this process. while only one bud is connecting to mobile at time due to mismatch problem.
ReplyDeleteHello this worked flawlessy to go from 2.0.1 to 1.6.1 on a wf-1000xm4. Better ANC in my opinion!
ReplyDeletehow if the battery run out while flashing the firmware, on my Sony Linkbuds S after the newest update facing battery drain issue, it only lasting less than 30min
ReplyDeleteI tried this on my WH-1000XM5 but it's stuck on 2.1.0 no matter what firmware I choose
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's been very helpful and should be useful for a long time. I use it with wf1000xm5 Can actually be used, downgrade from 4.0.2 back to 3.3.1 Can actually be used, revert from 4.0.2 back to 3.3.1. The reason for revert is 4.0.2, the sound is better than before, but I feel that the noise cancellation is not good. When making a phone call, the other end of the line hears noise all the time. But 4.0.2 has better noise cancellation for those who wear headphones. It is quieter after cancellation, but you can still hear outside noise all the time, not like
ReplyDeleteHello, i have the xm5s too but it is not working, did you do something different? The update popup doesnt pop up
DeleteHi. I am downgrading the firmware of my wf-1000xm5 from 4.0.2 to 2.0.1. But every time the update gets stuck on 2%. I have tried resetting the earphones and changing the firmware version, but the issue is still there.
ReplyDeletethanks. downgraded my linkbuds s to the original 1.0.9 firmware
ReplyDeleteI genuinely have no idea how to downgrade my linkbuds s to that the 1.0.9 firmware as ive set the proxy up correctly but its not connecting to the modified app
DeleteFor anyone that is struggling to get the modified app to run double check if both the key and cert PEM files are up to date by pulling them from the latest version and replacing the ones that are within the mdrproxy folder itself and security folder
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm trying to use this tool to download, modify and push a firmware where the voice lines are replaced with empty files. Or if I am able to figure it out I will remove the voices completely so I won't have to hear "Bluetooth connected" and other voice lines. So, is there a way to download a firmware and push the edited version?
ReplyDeleteOnce you’re on firmware version 3.0.0, you’re forced to update SoundConnect to the latest version — it’s impossible to run the headset with SoundConnect MDR Proxy, so there’s no chance to downgrade the sony wh1000x m6
ReplyDeleteI'm experiencing an error when trying to change the region of my WF-1000XM5 to the global version.
ReplyDeleteEverything seems to be working correctly; the proxy starts and intercepts firmware requests.
When running the proxy, I get the following logs:
/HP002/MDRID296302/info/info.xml
/HP002/MDRID296300/contents/0014/WF-1000XM5_G_v6.0.0_20250819.xml
The earbuds (MDRID296300) successfully download and install firmware G v6.0.0, but the case (MDRID296302) only displays /info/info.xml and never requests a firmware file with G.
After the update, the app continues to function as the Chinese version (no quick pairing, limited options, etc.).
I reset the earbuds to factory settings. I reinstalled the modified Sound Connect app.
I verified that the proxy is running on port 8848 and that the phone connects (confirmed with netstat).
I installed the certificate (at the user level, not the CA level, as Android blocks it for non-system certificates).
The case firmware never seems to change regions, but the earbuds do.
Could this be a mapping issue in firmware_map.json or a limitation of the Chinese version of the hardware?
I would appreciate any guidance on how to get the proxy to redirect the case firmware (MDRID296302) to the global version, or whoever handles this.
For the China region, they're still on 5.0.2 for the XM5 buds.
DeleteIn any case, I don't think that there is a thing about the case's region being still CN.
The region change in the MDR Proxy app only installs the firmware from a different region - when there is a different firmware for each region for a certain device.
For example, the XM6 headphones uses the same update file for all regions.
However, the region setting should be sitting in some configuration of the device (headphones/earbuds), so even if you apply the firmware from another region, your buds would still report the 2 at the end (MDRID29630 2), so the app would still know that you're using the CN region buds.
The option is included in MDR Proxy by the original creator, but it's description might not be the best.
An accurate description would be simply "Install the latest firmware, from another region", or something similar.
By the way, you don't need to install the certificates anywhere on your phone, you simply need to run MDR Proxy, and have the modified Sound Connect APK installed.
DeleteIn your case, I would simply use option 3, and install the firmware file (UPG) for the international region (MDRID296300): https://github.com/lzghzr/MDR_Proxy/blob/master/firmware/2963/MDRID296300/6.0.0_UPG_english_enc_secureboot.e0a09ab34baceaf38c51521fd67df448ed7ba1dd.bin
Click the Download button in the upper right corner, besides the "Raw" text, and put the file in the "firmware" folder of the MDR Proxy folder, then choose option 3 after starting MDR Proxy, and then choose this file when being asked to.
Hi MrWalkman, thanks a lot for your previous reply and for the clarification.
DeleteI’ve tried both Option 2 and Option 3 in MDR Proxy, using the international 6.0.0 firmware (MDRID296300) as you suggested. The update process completed successfully, but the earbuds still show the Chinese region behavior. I still get the Chinese voice assistant and limited functions in the Sound Connect app. I even tried resetting it.
The MDR Proxy log still reports MDRID296302 (CN), as if the region setting hasn’t changed, even though the firmware update was applied correctly.
Do you think it would help if I first downgraded to the CN 5.0.2 firmware and then reinstalled the 6.0.0 global firmware afterwards? Or is there no way to modify these regional features?
The region is immutable.
DeleteInstalling the firmware of X region doesn't meant that the region of the device will be changed.
The region of the device is stored on the device, in some kind of NVRAM, and it's written from the factory.
I have a WF1000XM5 with firmware 6.0.0 and want to downgrade to 2.0.1. I installed the latest SoundConnect, I also have MDR Proxy from 11/10/2025, I connected my laptop and phone to the same network, I also changed the proxy settings, I added Node.js to the firewall, but the update doesn't appear...
ReplyDeleteYou need to install the modified Sound Connect app, from the MDR Proxy ZIP download.
DeleteIf you have the modified app installed, I can set up MDR Proxy on my end, and you can use a proxy and port that points to the MDR Proxy that I'm running.
Send me an email if you can't make it work on your end.
Any chance to get rid of the chinese firmware on my xm6? Can just set chinese stuff as voice assistant.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately not. The XM6 has the same firmware for all regions.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI have the WF-1000XM5. I purchased a replacement for my left earbud since the original started failing. I was in 5.0.2 version, and the earbud i purchased is supposed to be in the same version, but i'm having this behaviour: https://shorturl.at/v5sCe
I suspect the replacement wasn't on 5.0.2. If I use this software, can I upgrade this single earbud? Currently my right one (original) is kind of bricked because I tried to pair it with the new one.
Thanks
Also a consideration. I purchased the earbuds in Colombia, but I ordered a replacement in eBay from USA. Is possible that both earbuds are on 5.0.2 but from different regions, and that's the problem i'm having?
DeleteI went back to the original earbud, re-paired, and realized that my earbuds automatically updated to version 6.0.0 ..... -.-
DeleteI'll ty to downgrade to 5.0.2 and hopefully i'll be able to pair with the new unit :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIm not the best at this, Ive tried to downgrade my linkbud S through my galaxy A06 on the latest version for both the modded app and android os and I cant figure out why the proxy isnt connecting as it says connected without internet but the update doesnt launch
ReplyDeleteDo anyone have any solution to software mismatch issue in Xm5 buds??? Please help.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm using the apk and running the .bat from the most recent (2025) zip you have above; firewall is also completely turned off and phone's data is turned off to force connection via wifi.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, no matter how I try to work it, the prompt for software update simply isn't happening, and the MDR instance on my computer isn't indicating any notice of device connection, sound cloud app opening, etc.
I'm really unsure what else I can do to troubleshoot.
Would greatly appreciate some guidance.
Thanks to MrWalkman for this tool and instructions!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I came very close to my goal of downgrading my Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds from version 6.0.0 to version 2.0.2
I'm a Windows geek from the early days, and I'm well used to doing things from the command prompt, etc.
MISTAKE #1: I accidentally downloaded my .bin file in the wrong way. I failed to notice that the file size was much smaller (186kB) than others in the firmware directory (5200 to 7500 kB).
This resulted in the firmware update erroring out at 2%. From comments I've seen here about erroring out at 2%, others have likely made the same mistake.
You need to be sure to click on the 'Raw Download' in the firmware directory.
Ok, that mistake aside, I made numerous attempts with the correct .bin download, but I could never quite get it to work.
ATTEMPT #1: With the headphones on (and disabling automatic turn off), the update would start, often showing the negative number issue that I've read about. Somewhere around 5-15% I could audibly hear
the headphones disconnect and attempt to reconnect while updating. Whenever this happens I would get the 'update aborted' message (usually around 14%)
I had read that the abort message is ok, so I continued to leave my headphones for an hour or so to hope they would downgrade the firmware.
But checking the version, still 6.0.0
ATTEMPT #2: I had read to keep the earbuds in the case while updating. The problem though is when they go back in the case, they disconnect and I can't use the app.
But to get around this it seemed like if I had the app open and performed a hard reset I could somehow keep the earbuds in the case and the app would still function.
Doing this, I would often get it to update up to 100%, and even get to the point where there was a message saying I should check my version now (and look for a '1'?).
But checking the version, I was still on 6.0.0
- Throughout all this, in the command prompt window I see activity that I would expect. The messages about downloading firmware, and other messages about checking for messages.
And I can definitely see the node.exe network activity in Task Manager -> Performance -> Open Resource Monitor -> Network -> TCP Connections
But yeah, no luck so far. Maybe next time I will try downgrading from 6.0.0 to 3.X or 4.X and see if I have any luck.
I recently downgraded my XM5 buds from 6.0.0 directly to 2.0.2, with no issues whatsoever.
DeleteMake sure you have the buds auto turn off disabled from the Sony app.
I can also set a temporary proxy with the correct file - maybe that is the issue here? In any case, email me for that.
I was curious as to why you downgraded from 6.0.0 to 2.0.2. For me it was to test and see if it improved the ANC. I bought mine used at it came with 5.X firmware. It felt like there was zero ANC at all. I wasn't sure if that was just the way these Sony earbuds or, or if mine were defective, or if the firmware has an effect.
DeleteSorry, I'm an idiot, I just realized that when I initially looked at the firmware I accidentally clicked on the WH XM5 directory instead of WF XM5. I tried it again and it all worked perfectly! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteThe installation instructions I wrote down for myself for next time:
1. Uninstall Sound Connect
2. Figure out which firmware version you want to install:
a) Go to: https://github.com/lzghzr/MDR_Proxy?tab=readme-ov-file
Look at the chart. For example, WF-1000XM5 = 2963
Click on 2963
Inside that folder, click on the directories to look for various versions.
example: The 2.0.2 firmware can be found in the first directory.
Download that firmware to somewhere on your computer.
b) Download the MDR Proxy Tool from https://www.mrwalkman.com/p/mdrproxyfwsidegradetool.html
Look under 'What do I need to do?' and click on the link beside ' patched Sound Connect app, version 12.3.0 '
Save it to the same directory you saved your firmware in Step A
Extract this .zip file
You'll see a directory named 'firmware'
Move the firmware from step a) into this directory
- Rename the firmware to firmware.bin
c) In the Sound_Connect_APK directory you'll see an APK file.
Transfer that file to your phone.
Install Sound Connect using this APK file
c) Start Sound Connect and change the following settings:
- Turn off auto power down
- Turn off Auto Updates
- Exit Sound Connect
d) From the command line, go to the directory MDR Proxy in it
Execute MDR_Proxy.bat
Press 3
Press whatever number is beside the firmware version you want to install (likely 1)
e) Go into your phone and wi-fi connections
Click on your wi-fi connection settings
Click on the 'edit' pencil icon at the top
Click on Advanced options
Proxy hostname: The ip address of your computer
example: 192.168.0.10
Port: 8848
f) - Connect headphones
- Start Sound Connect
- Go through all the onboarding screens
Set the headphones to NOT turn off automatically
At this point, if you look at the command prompt screen where you
executed MDR_Proxy.bat you should be seeing messages like:
'downloading the firmware of your choosing'
'checking for available updates'
'downloading the disclaimer info'
If it still just shows 'Listening for Sound Connect App Requests' the connection
has not been made to your wi-fi proxy.
g) Go into Devices -> System -> Updates and click the little gear icon
Check the status of your update.
- It's normal to see a bunch of negative numbers
NOTE:
- After it reaches 100% you may notice that the screen doesn't really change,
and you have to click START again, which is a little confusing
On this second start, you are likely to receive a 'Software update failed'
message at some point on the way back up to 100%. This is normal.
h) Check the version.
Hard reset your device.
I cannot complete the firmware update for the WF-1000XM4. It keeps disconnecting at 50%, and I have tried many times.
ReplyDeletehiện tại 2 tai đang có 2 ngôn ngữ khác nhau là tiếng anh và tiếng nhật
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your hard work and this tutorial!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it didn't work for me. I did everything, the update process via MDR ran to completion, and then I performed a reset on the Linkbud S.
After disconnecting everything from my smartphone and then registering it again in the app and checking the version, it still showed me the latest firmware version :(
Do you or anyone else here have any ideas? Thank you!