Sony WH-1000XM4 Microphone Array Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the microphone array on the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones.

Ensure the headphones are powered off and discharged.

As a precaution utilize the anti-static wrist strap to avoid damaging any of the electronic components.

Before beginning any repairs, press and hold the power button on the left ear cup for about 2 seconds until the blue light turns off.
Place your headphones onto a work surface, ear pads facing up.

Use your thumb to depress the LEFT ear pad near the long outer edge, creating a gap between the cushion and the frame. (The right ear cup is pictured, but the process is identical for the left ear cup.)
Insert the flat end of a spudger into the gap you've created, between the edge of the cushion and the frame.
Pivot the spudger down to unclip the long edge of the ear pad.
When the first clip disconnects, you'll hear an audible clicking sound.
This may take a considerable amount of force. If the cushion won't click out of place, move your spudger to different points along the long edge.

Remove the left ear pad. (The right ear cup is pictured, but the process is identical for the left ear cup.)

Remove the foam liner from the left ear cup's speaker. (The right ear cup is pictured, but the process is identical for the left ear cup.)

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four 8.4 mm screws securing the left ear cup cover. (The right ear cup is pictured, but the process is identical for the left ear cup.)

Flip the headphones over, ear cups facing down.
Use your fingers to lift up and flip over the left ear cup cover.
Don't try to completely remove the cover just yet—it's still attached with many cables.
Grip the touch ribbon cable and pull it straight out of its connector on the main board to remove it.
Remove the ear cup cover.

The microphone array uses strong adhesives, you may find it useful to utilize the IFixit iOpener kit's heating pad in aiding its removal.
Remove the microphone array ribbon from the ear cup that has just been removed.
The microphone array is the copper-colored ribbon along the edge of the ear cup.