Cannot play audio with the LDAC codec

First, check the following:

• To play audio with the LDAC codec, you need a Bluetooth playback device that supports LDAC.
• Using the Sony | Sound Connect app, set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Prioritize Sound Quality.
  • If a codec other than LDAC is displayed even after completing the setting:
    • Depending on the playback device, LDAC playback may not be available immediately after switching the Bluetooth Connection Quality from Prioritize stable connection to Prioritize Sound Quality.
      If this happens, turn off the Bluetooth function of the playback device then turn it on again, or turn the headphones off and then on again.
    • Check the settings of the codec on the playback device.
• Check if you can install the Sony | Sound Connect app to your playback device, and follow these steps to complete the settings to play audio with LDAC:
  • If you can install the Sony | Sound Connect app on our playback device
  • If you cannot install the Sony | Sound Connect app on our playback device

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

1. Install the Sony | Sound Connect app on the playback device.
2. Connect the headphones and the playback device via Bluetooth.
3. Open the Sony | Sound Connect app, and then select All device settings → Connection.
4. Set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Prioritize Sound Quality.
   
5. In the Sony | Sound Connect app, check that the display of the codec below the model name is shown as LDAC, and then start playing music.

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

Aside from the playback device, you need a smartphone to set up the audio codec in the Sony | Sound 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 | Sound Connect app on the smartphone.
2. Connect the headphones and the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the Sony | Sound Connect app, and then select All device settings → Connection.
4. Set the Bluetooth Connection Quality to Prioritize Sound Quality.
5. 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.
6. Disconnect the Bluetooth connection of the headphones and the smartphone.
7. 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