The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a feature called Speak-to-Chat where it will automatically pause audio playback when it detects that you are talking. If you are having problems trying to use this function, then you can take a look at this troubleshooting article from Seeking Tech.
How to activate Speak-to-Chat for WH-1000XM5
The Speak-to-Chat features needs to be manually activated before you start talking to become effective. To turn it on, you need to take the following steps:
Put your index finger and middle finger simultaneously on the touch panel sensor of the WH-1000XM5, which you can find on the right ear cushion. Make sure that there is some separation between the two fingers.
Keep your index finger and middle finger on the touch panel sensor until you hear a voice notification from the headphones saying “Speak-to-Chat activated.”
Next, you need to start speaking in order to use this feature. If you don’t talk within the time limit, then Speak-to-Chat will be deactivated after some time has passed.
If you need a video guide, then you can check out a small clip from Sony below:
How to fix Sony WH-1000XM5 Speak-to-Chat activation issues
If the Speak-to-Chat doesn’t seem to be activating, then you can try doing the following:
1. First off, make sure that there is some distance in between the two fingers.
2. Using your finger nails on the touch panel sensor may not work.
3. Putting the full finger lengths on the sensor will most likely not work as well. You only need to use the top parts of the fingers in order to activate Speak-to-Chat.
4. If using your fingers for activation doesn’t seem to be working, then you can try using the Sony | Headphones Connect app by taking the following steps:
- Download and install the official application of WH-1000XM5.
- Afterwards, connect your wireless headphones to the smartphone or mobile device that has the app installed.
- You should see the option to enable Speak-to-Chat.
5. If you managed to enable Speak-to-Chat but can’t get it to activate when you are talking, then you can try raising your voice and enunciating your words.
6. If there is too much ambient noise in the room, the headset may not be able to detect your voice. If you are using a wired connection, then the feature will be disabled. Furthermore, the connected device or app may not support Speak-to-Chat.
In these cases, you can either stop wearing the WH-1000XM5 or turn off the headphones if you want to talk to someone.
How to stop Speak-to-Chat from accidentally activating on its own
If Speak-to-Chat is accidentally activating on its own when you are using your WH-1000XM5, then you can try changing the voice detection sensitivity setting. To do so, you need to take the following steps:
1. Open the Sony | Headphones Connect app.
2. On the dashboard, select the gear icon next to Speak-to-Chat.
3. In the Speak-to-Chat Setting menu, select Voice Detect Sensitivity.
4. After getting to the Voice Detect Sensitivity menu, select L Sensitivity.