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    Article ID : 00413508 / Last Modified : 09/10/2026Print

    How to replace the headband of the WH-1000XM6 headphones

    Target model

    • WH-1000XM6

    Replacement headband example

    • This photo shows an example of the WH-1000XM6 headband in sand pink.
      image of the headband
    Important

    Before you start

    Replacing the headband requires a certain level of knowledge and technical skill. If the replacement is done incorrectly, you may need a paid repair service.

    Before proceeding, be sure to read the following:

    • Because the procedure involves delicate work, do it in a well-lit environment.
    • Before removing the earpads, make sure the headphones are powered off and the USB charging cable is disconnected.
    • Do not remove the earpads where there is metal dust or filings. Metal particles may attach to the magnets inside the earcups and cause a malfunction.
    • Do not remove any parts that are not described in the procedure.
    • Do not use sharp objects near the battery, as damaging it may cause a fire.
    • Do not touch delicate parts, such as the speakers, as they can be easily damaged.
    • Do not drop screws into the speakers. If a screw falls inside, consult a repair service.
    • Do not overtighten the screws, as this may cause damage.

    Hint:
    For information about obtaining a replacement headband, see the Self Repair Service page.
    Self Repair Service

    Tools required

    • Precision Phillips screwdriver No. 00 (magnetised)
      image of the Phillips screwdriver
    • Tweezers (with non-pointed, serrated tips for slip resistance)
      image of the tweezers

    Handling the flexible cable

    Hold the flexible cable firmly with tweezers. Keep it perpendicular to the connector, and insert or remove it straight to prevent tilting or twisting.

    Replacement steps

    To replace the headband, you must remove the earpads, the plates inside the earpads, the battery cable connector, and other parts in sequence. Follow the steps below in order.

    Note:
    Take care not to lose any screws, bushings, or other parts you remove. Perform this procedure at your own risk.

    Step 1: Remove the earpads

    To remove the earpad, pull it straight away from the earcup.

    Watch the video to see how to remove the earpads.
    How to replace the earpadsOpens in a new window.

    Image showing how to remove the earpad by pulling it straight away from the earcup, marked with a red arrow.

    Step 2: Remove the right front plate

    Watch the video to see how to remove the right front plate.
    How to remove the right front plateOpens in a new window.

    The front plate is the grey cover underneath the earpad, secured by screws on the inside.

    1. Locate the screws securing the front plate on the right earcup.

      After removing the earpad, you will find five screws along the outer edge of the earcup.

      Image showing five screw locations inside the right earcup, marked with red circles.

    2. Remove the screws from the right front plate.

      Hint:
      If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, we recommend holding your hand over the speaker area while removing the screws. This helps prevent the screws from coming into contact with the speaker.

      A hand covering the speaker area while handling the screws.

    3. Pinch the protrusion on the bushing and pull it upwards, then remove the flexible cable.

      Pinch the protrusion on the grey bushing around the speaker and pull it upwards. Then use tweezers to grasp the flexible cable inside the bushing and pull it straight upwards.

      Note: Hold the front plate down with your hand while you work to prevent it from lifting.

      Image showing the bushing location inside the right earcup, marked with red circles.
      Image showing the location of the flexible cable inside the right earcup, marked with a red circle.

    4. Lift the right front plate from the earcup.

      Use your fingers to lift the side of the front plate that is not covered with sponge, then slowly lift the plate.

      Note: The front plate is connected by a cable. Take care not to damage the cable as you lift the plate.

      Image showing the uncovered area inside the right earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Image showing the right front plate being opened carefully to avoid damaging the main cable.

    5. Disconnect the cable connecting the right front plate to the earcup.

      Use tweezers to slide the front plate connector sideways to disconnect it.

      Image showing the connector that connects the right front plate inside the right earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Close-up of the right front plate cable connector.

    6. Remove the right front plate from the earcup.

    Step 3: Remove the left front plate

    Watch the video to see how to remove the left front plate.
    How to remove the left front plateOpens in a new window.

    1. Locate the screws securing the front plate on the left earcup.

      After removing the earpad, you will find five screws along the outer edge of the earcup.

      Image showing five screw locations inside the left earcup, marked with red circles.

    2. Remove the screws from the left front plate.

      Hint:
      If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, we recommend holding your hand over the speaker area while removing the screws. This helps prevent the screws from coming into contact with the speaker.

      A hand covering the speaker area while handling the screws.

    3. Pinch the protrusion on the bushing and pull it upwards, then remove the flexible cable.

      Pinch the protrusion on the grey bushing around the speaker and pull it upwards. Then use tweezers to grasp the flexible cable inside the bushing and pull it straight upwards.

      Note: Hold the front plate down with your hand while you work to prevent it from lifting.

      Image showing the bushing location inside the left earcup, marked with red circles.
      Image showing the location of the flexible cable inside the left earcup, marked with a red circle.

    4. Lift the left front plate from the earcup.

      Use your fingers to lift the side of the front plate that is not covered with sponge, then slowly lift the plate.

      Note: The front plate is connected by a cable. Take care not to damage the cable as you lift the plate.

      Image showing the uncovered area inside the left earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Image showing the left front plate being opened carefully to avoid damaging the main cable.

    5. Disconnect the cable connecting the left front plate to the earcup.

      Use tweezers to slide the front plate connector sideways to disconnect it.

      Image showing the connector that connects the left front plate inside the left earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Close-up of the left front plate cable connector.

    6. Remove the left front plate from the earcup.

    Step 4: Remove the headband

    Watch the video to see how to remove the headband.
    How to remove the headbandOpens in a new window.

    1. Disconnect the battery power connector inside the right earcup.

      Inside the right earcup, locate the connector attached to the bundled red, yellow, and black cables. Use tweezers to grasp the connector and pull it upwards to remove it.

      Image showing the connector location of the bundled red, yellow, and black cable inside the right earcup, marked with a red circle.

    2. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.

      This discharges any remaining electricity after you disconnect the battery power connector.

    3. Disconnect the white connector inside the right earcup.

      Locate the white connector next to the battery. Use tweezers to grasp the connector and pull it upwards.

      Image showing the location of the connector inside the right earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Close-up of the white connector inside the right earcup.

    4. Disconnect the white connector inside the left earcup.

      Locate it near the circuit board. Use tweezers to slide the connector sideways.

      Image showing the location of the connector inside the left earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Close-up of the white connector inside the left earcup.

    5. Free the headband cable inside both earcups.

      Release the tabs holding the black cable, remove the bushings securing it, and free the cable.

      Hint: There is one tab on the right side and two on the left side.

      • Location of the bushings securing the black headband cable

        Image showing the bushing locations for securing the black cables in the left and right earcups, marked with red circles.

      • Location of the tabs securing the black headband cable

        Image showing the tab locations for securing the black cables in the left and right earcups, marked with red circles.

    6. Remove the four screws securing each silver plate in both earcups.

      Note:
      There are two types of screws, so keep track of which belongs where for reassembly.

      Image showing the silver plate location inside the earcups, marked with a red circle.

    7. Remove the silver plates after removing their screws.

    8. Remove the headband from the housing.

      The headband is secured by two bosses (protrusions).
      Lift the headband to detach it from the bosses (protrusions), then carefully remove it without touching the housing.

      Image showing the headband securing by two bosses (protrusions), marked with red circles.
      Image showing direction to lift the headband away from the bosses (protrusions), marked with a red circle.

    Step 5: Attach the headband

    Watch the video to see how to attach the headband.
    How to attach the headbandOpens in a new window.

    Complete the first two instructions below on the right earcup first, then repeat them on the left earcup.

    Note:

    • The long screws are tapping screws. Turn each one slightly counterclockwise until you feel it settle into its existing thread, then tighten it gently. Do not overtighten the screws.
    • If you don't turn the screws counterclockwise first, you may strip the screw head, damage the screw hole, or damage other parts.
    • To prevent damage caused by overtightening, do not tighten the screws too forcefully.

    1. Fit the headband into the right earcup.

      Carefully position the headband over the four holes. Use the protrusions at the two outer positions to guide it into place, and avoid scraping the surrounding housing.

      Note:
      Route the cable through the housing gap so it cannot be pinched. Be careful not to damage the cable and housing.

      Image showing the four holes inside the earcups, marked with a red circle.

    2. Attach the silver plate inside the earcup.

      Use the plate marked R for the right earcup and the plate marked L for the left. Insert the short screws into the two inner positions and the long screws into the two outer positions. Tighten the inner screws first, then the outer screws.

      Note:
      There are two types of screws used for installation; the two inner positions use short screws, and the two outer positions use long screws. Only the long screws are tapping screws.

      Image showing the two types of screws.

      The silver plate is marked with R on the right side and L on the left side. Be careful not to mix up the left and right sides during installation.

      Image showing the R and L marks on the silver plates, marked with red circles.

    3. Secure the black headband cable to the housing inside each earcup.

      Pass the cable through the slit in each bushing, then press the bushing fully into the housing so it sits flush. The bushing is red on the right and grey on the left. Secure the cable with the retaining tabs: one on the right and two on the left.

      Note:
      The bushing has a slit. Pass the black cable through the slit and insert the bushing into the housing. Make sure the bushing sits flush.

      Image showing an example of incorrect bushing insertion inside the earcup, marked with a red circle.
      Image showing an example of correct bushing insertion inside the earcup, marked with a red circle.

    4. Attach the black cable from the headband to the connector in the housing.

      • Right earcup: Use tweezers to guide the cable down into the white connector next to the battery.
      • Left earcup: Use tweezers to slide the cable sideways into the white connector near the circuit board.
      Image showing the connector inside the right earcup.
      Image showing the connector inside the left earcup.

    Step 6: Attach the left front plate

    Watch the video to see how to attach the left front plate.
    How to attach the left front plateOpens in a new window.

    The front plate is the grey cover beneath the earpad, held in place by screws. The left and right plates have different connectors, wiring, and shapes. Check the L or R mark on the inside of the plate before fitting it.

    The L and R markings on the inside of the left and right front plates.

    Note:

    • Before tightening the screws: These front plate screws are tapping screws. Turn each screw slightly counterclockwise until you feel it settle into place, then tighten it gently.
    • If you don't turn them counterclockwise first, you may strip the screw head or damage the screw hole or other parts.
    • Do not overtighten it, as this could damage the screw head, screw hole, or surrounding parts.

    1. Release the left front plate cable from the retaining tabs.

      This gives you room to connect the left front plate to the earcup.

      Image showing the location where the cable of the left front plate is secured by the retaining tab, marked with a red circle.
      Image showing the location where the cable of the left front plate is released from the retaining tab, marked with a red circle.

    2. Connect the left front plate cable.

      Use tweezers to slide its connector horizontally into the socket inside the left earcup.

      Image showing the location of the connector connected to the left front plate, marked with a red circle.

    3. Attach the left front plate to the left earcup.

      Secure the cable that was previously released from the tabs back under the three retaining tabs, then place the plate over the inside of the left earcup.

      Image showing the location of the three retaining tabs that secure the cable of the left front plate, marked with red circles.

    4. Connect the flexible cable and fit the bushing.

      Use tweezers to insert the flexible cable connector upwards. Then use tweezers to fit the grey bushing into place.

      Image showing the location of the flexible cable inside the left earcup, marked with red circles.
      Image showing the location of the bushing inside the left earcup, marked with a red circle.

    5. Secure the left front plate with its five screws.

      Image showing the location of the five screws inside the left earcup, marked with red circles.

      Hint:
      If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, cover the speaker area with your hand while fitting the screws. This helps prevent a dropped screw from touching the speaker.

      A hand covering the speaker area while handling the screws.

    Step 7: Attach the right front plate

    Watch the video to see how to attach the right front plate.
    How to attach the right front plateOpens in a new window.

    The front plate is the grey cover beneath the earpad, held in place by screws. The left and right plates have different connectors, wiring, and shapes. Check the L or R mark on the inside of the plate before fitting it.

    The L and R markings on the inside of the left and right front plates.

    Note:

    • Before tightening the screws: These front plate screws are tapping screws. Turn each screw slightly counterclockwise until you feel it settle into place, then tighten it gently.
    • If you don't turn them counterclockwise first, you may strip the screw head or damage the screw hole or other parts.
    • Do not overtighten it, as this could damage the screw head, screw hole, or surrounding parts.

    1. Release the right front plate cable from the retaining tabs.

      This gives you room to connect the right front plate to the earcup.

      Image showing the location where the cable of the right front plate is secured by the retaining tab, marked with a red circle.
      Image showing the location where the cable of the right front plate is released from the retaining tab, marked with a red circle.

    2. Connect the right front plate cable.

      Use tweezers to slide its connector horizontally into the socket inside the right earcup.

      Image showing the location of the connector connected to the right front plate, marked with a red circle.

    3. Connect the battery power cable.

      Use tweezers to guide the battery cable connector attached to the bundled red, yellow, and black wires into its socket inside the right earcup.

      Image showing the location of the connector for the bundled red, yellow, and black wires inside the right earcup, marked with red circles.

    4. Attach the right front plate to the right earcup.

      Secure the cable that was previously released from the tabs back under the three retaining tabs, then place the plate over the inside of the right earcup.

      Image showing the location of the three retaining tabs that secure the cable of the right front plate, marked with red circles.

    5. Connect the flexible cable and fit the bushing.

      Use tweezers to insert the flexible cable connector upwards. Then use tweezers to fit the grey bushing into place.

      Image showing the location of the flexible cable inside the right earcup, marked with red circles.
      Image showing the location of the bushing inside the right earcup, marked with a red circle.

    6. Secure the right front plate with its five screws.

      Image showing the location of the five screws inside the right earcup, marked with red circles.

      Hint:
      If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, cover the speaker area with your hand while fitting the screws. This helps prevent a dropped screw from touching the speaker.

      A hand covering the speaker area while handling the screws.

    Step 8: Attach the earpads

    Fit each earpad onto its earcup. Run your finger along the inside of the cushion to find the tabs, then press each tab into place, one at a time.
    Gently pull on each earpad to check that it is secure, with no raised or loose areas.

    Watch the video to see how to attach the earpads.
    How to replace the earpadsOpens in a new window.

    Step 9: Check the headphones

    Turn on the headphones and do a final operation check. If you notice an issue, review the relevant steps:

    • The headphones do not turn on:
    • There is no sound:
      • Step 6-2 (left front plate cable connection)
      • Step 7-2 (right front plate cable connection)
    • The headphone buttons do not turn noise cancelling on or off:
      • Step 6-4 (left flexible cable connection)
      • Step 7-5 (right flexible cable connection)
    • You hear unwanted noise during playback:
      Check that the screws are tightened properly and all parts are fitted correctly.