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How to fix problems with Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Whether you have the regular Bose QuietComfort Headphones, or the more expensive Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, chances are you may run into some issues. We’re here to answer any questions you have about your Bose QuietComfort headphones.
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Editor’s note: This how-to article was published on August 28, 2024. We’ll update it as needed with more Bose QuietComfort tutorials if and when new features or headphones are announced.
How to find the serial number of your Bose QuietComfort Headphones
If you have issues with your Bose QuietComfort Headphones and reach out to their support team, they’ll likely ask you for the serial number of your headphones. You can find the serial number of your Bose QuietComfort Headphones in a number of ways:
- On the label of the box that the headphones came in.
- In the Bose app, under “Technical Info”.
- In the left ear cup, underneath the cloth insert.
To find the serial number on the left ear cup, you first need to remove the ear pad. You can gently pull it off from the headphones. You can then peel away the cloth covering on the left ear cup to reveal the serial number.
How to pair your Bose QuietComfort Headphones
The easiest way to pair your Bose QuietComfort Headphones is to download the Bose Music app, and follow the instructions. If you are trying to pair your headphones to a device that doesn’t have the app, you’ll need to put your Bose headphones in manual pairing mode. The process for the regular Bose QuietComfort Headphones is a bit different than for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, you can find the instructions for both below.
- Turn on your headphones by holding the power slider in the “Bluetooth” position for several seconds.
- open the Bluetooth menu on your device and scan for new devices.
- Select the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. This may not work right away, so give it a few seconds.
- On your source device, enable Bluetooth and scan for new devices.
- Hold the Bluetooth/Power button on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and let go after you hear the chime.
- Select the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones from the list of available devices, and your devices will handle the rest.
To use Bluetooth Multipoint with your Bose headphones, simply follow the above process to pair to your second device. Once you have paired to both devices, you can seamlessly switch back and forth.
Connection issues with Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Connection issues are an unfortunate reality of wireless headphones. Gone are the days of the headphone jack on smartphones, which means you’ll want to familiarize yourself with troubleshooting your Bose headphones. If you are experiencing any connection issues such as the headphones not re-connecting to your phone, not switching between devices, or the connection dropping out or stuttering, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Ensure the headphones are charged.
- Power the headphones off and back on again. No matter the technology, this tried and true method is undefeated in the world of troubleshooting.
- Remove the headphones from your list of paired devices, and re-pair them (follow the steps above).
- Factory reset the headphones. You can do this by pressing the volume up and volume down buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds until the power light blinks white for three seconds. You can then re-pair the headphones to your devices.
If this doesn’t solve your connection problem, it may be an issue with your source device. Try borrowing some wireless headphones from a friend to make sure the problem is with your headphones, and not your source device. If the problem is isolated to your Bose headphones, reach out to the Bose support team to exchange your product, as it is likely a faulty unit.
How to update the firmware version on Bose QuietComfort Headphones
The first time you open the Bose Music app, it will automatically check if your headphones need a firmware update. It is important to install the latest firmware updates to ensure your headphones are stable and have the latest features and functionality. Often times, updating the firmware will fix problems you might be having with your headphones.
If you can’t access the Bose app, you can install updates from your computer with the Bose Updater website. You just need to connect your headphones to your computer over USB and then download and install the updates.
You can easily view your current firmware version from within the Bose Music app. Tap on the settings icon in the top right corner of the app. Then, tap on “Technical Info”. Do a quick online search to confirm that your firmware is the most recent available version.
What does the LED light on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones mean?
The LED indicator light on the Bose QuietComfort Headphones displays different colors to indicate battery status, Bluetooth status, charging status, update status, and error status. Below you can see what all of the different flashing colors on your Bose headphones mean:
| LED status | Indicates |
|---|---|
Solid White | Full charge |
Solid Amber | Low-medium charge |
Solid Blue | Connected |
Blinking Blue | Ready to connect |
Blinks white 2 times | Device list cleared |
Blinks white 3 times repeated | Updating software (wirelessly) |
Solid blue (5 seconds)Fast blinking white (10 seconds) | Updating software (via USB) |
Blinks white (3 seconds) | Reset |
Blinks white (30 seconds), then blinks amber (2 to 3 seconds) | Restore |
Blinking amber and white | Error - contact Bose customer service |
How to fold the Bose QuietComfort Headphones
To properly store and protect your Bose QuietComfort Headphones, make sure to use the included case. First, rotate both ear cups so they lie flat. Then fold one of the ear cups up towards the headband to make the Bose QuietComfort headphones fit inside their case.
How to replace the Bose QuietComfort Headphones ear cushions
With normal to heavy use, headphone ear cushions tend to wear out over time. Rather than buying new headphones, you can simply get new ear cushions for your Bose headphones. Bose offers replacement ear cushions for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones, and replacement cushions for the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The replacement cushions for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones are also compatible with the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones. To replace the cushions, simply snap the existing cushions off the headphones and snap on the new ones.
You can find third-party ear cushions on Amazon, but they many not fit the same as the original Bose ear cushions. As well, different ear cushions will impact the isolation and sound quality performance of the headphones, so it’s best to stick with Bose.
Frequently asked questions about Bose headphones
Most of the information in this guide also applies to the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.
To put your Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 in pairing mode, simply press the button on the back of the right ear cup for 3 seconds.
To reboot the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, press and hold the power button while plugging in the headphones to a charging cable. Wait a few seconds for the indicator light to blink twice quickly, and the headphones will reset.
We have an entire guide on fixing problems with your Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones. Check it out to learn how to pair, reset, and solve all problems related to your QuietComfort 35 II headphones.