Cannot play audio with the LDAC codec

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check the Applicable Products and Categories section of this article before starting these steps.

To play audio with the LDAC codec, you need a Bluetooth playback device that supports LDAC. Check if you can install the Sony | Headphones Connect app to your playback device, and follow these steps:

• If you can install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on our playback device
• If you cannot install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on our playback device

If you can install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on our playback device

1. Install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on the playback device.
2. Connect the headphones and the playback device via Bluetooth.
3. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and then set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Sound Quality.
   
4. In the Sony | Headphones Connect app, check that the display of the codec below the model name is shown as LDAC, and then start playing music. If something other than LDAC is shown, confirm the settings of the codec on the playback device.
   Note: The image below is an example using the WF-1000XM4.
   

If you cannot install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on our playback device

Aside from the playback device, you need a smartphone to set up the audio codec in the Sony | Headphones Connect app. You also need to do the settings of the codec on the playback device.

The following is an example using the NW-50 series Walkman:

1. Install the Sony | Headphones Connect app on the smartphone.
2. Connect the headphones and the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app, and then set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Sound Quality.
4. On the playback screen of the NW-A50, （options/settings）→ Settings → Audio Device Connection Settings in the Bluetooth menu → Wireless Playback Quality, and select LDAC.
5. Disconnect the Bluetooth connection of the headphones and the smartphone.
6. Connect the headphones and Walkman via Bluetooth, and then start playing music.

Note: When you play audio with LDAC, data transmission volume increases. If you are bothered by the sound interruption caused by this, set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Priority on Stable Connection.

Related article: Sound is interrupted or noise occurs while playing music.