Audio play delay with Sony XM4 headphones on bluetooth

Question

Level 1

4 points

Audio play delay with Sony XM4 headphones on bluetooth

Hardware: MacBook Pro 14 in. with M1 Max

OS: Ventura 13.5

Description: Starting a few months ago, I noticed that there was a delay in when I clicked play on an audio source and when the audio starts to play. This is across multiple audio sources such as Spotify and YouTube. This does not occur when the headphones are plugged in (even if they are powered on). The headphones also are up-to-date. I have tested this on my iPhone and some other Macs and this does not happen on them. I have also tried restarting my computer and forgetting the device in bluetooth settings then pairing it again. This does not happen with other bluetooth audio devices.

Here is a video of this happening with Spotify: https://youtu.be/WAZmQFlkyCQ

MacBook Pro 14″

Posted on Aug 8, 2023 1:20 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 9, 2023 10:56 AM in response to bschack

Hello bschack,

Thanks for choosing the Apple Support Communities. We understand there is a delay in playback when audio is played using your Sony headset. You've done some great troubleshooting, and at this point, we suggest looking at the possibility of checking compatibility with macOS Ventura, as well as see if there are any firmware updates on the Sony support website which can be found here: Support for WH-1000XM4.

You might also try to see if the same issue happens using a test user on your Mac. This will help isolate the issue to either the Mac itself or the headset. Here is how: Change Users & Groups settings on Mac - Apple Support

To rule out third-party apps and software using your current user, try testing in safe mode as well: Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

We hope this helps.

Cheers!

Reply

Answer 2

ASTRO24

Community Specialist

Aug 9, 2023 2:42 PM in response to bschack

Hi bschack,

With this issue ongoing on other devices, have you been able to put your Mac in safe mode to determine whether this continues there? Safe mode limits the software allowed to run while running a health check on your disk.

Use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Also, check with the manufacturer for any available updates needed for your headphones.

Regards.

Reply

Answer 3

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Aug 9, 2023 3:01 PM in response to bschack

Thanks for that update, bschack. At this point, please contact Apple directly for further investigation into your situation: Apple Support

Have a good and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!

Reply

Answer 4

bschack Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 9, 2023 1:47 PM in response to justinb2603

I tried all these steps, but nothing helped. I also got in contact with Sony customer support, but they could not fix the issue and suggested I go in to get repairs.

One last idea I have is related to the storage of bluetooth device information on my computer. Even if I "Forget this device" in settings and factory reset the headphones, when I pair them again, the name I gave the headphones still shows up. Is there some sort of storage or cache with bluetooth information that could have gone bad?

Reply

Answer 5

Jeff_W.

Community Specialist

Aug 9, 2023 2:02 PM in response to bschack

Hello bschack,

We see that you've asked this question in two different posts, which we are also actively answering. We'll go ahead and have the moderators remove the other post: Audio play delay with Sony XM4 headphones on bluetooth

As far as Bluetooth cached information, Apple doesn't post any information about this. Have you tried pairing with a different Mac? This can help to isolate the issue some more.

Thank you.

Reply