How to pair Bose headphones to any device

Bose headphones are some of the best headphones you can get if you want an exceptional listening experience. However, like every other headphone, you need to pair them to your primary device to use. This article shows you how to pair Bose headphones with your smartphone, MacBook, or Windows PC.

Editor’s note: this article was updated on October 8, 2024, to ensure timeliness and accuracy.

How to put Bose headphones in pairing mode

Usually, new Bose headphones go into pairing mode automatically when you turn them on. But if you’ve already used them, you can manually turn on pairing mode by following these steps:

Turn on your headphones.
Slide the ear cuff Power/Bluetooth switch to the On position for models like the Bose QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 45.

Meanwhile, you need to long-press the Bluetooth button on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

Depending on your model, you should see the indicator blink blue confirming that Bluetooth is enabled and your headphones are discoverable. You should hear the Ready to pair feedback if the headphones are over your ears.

How to connect Bose headphones to an iPhone or iPad

Here’s how to pair Bose headphones to an iOS device:

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth and flip the switch to turn it on. The toggle should appear as green when enabled.
3. Switch on your Bose headphones and put them in pairing mode as explained in the previous section. The headphones should appear on your iPhone in the Other Devices section.
4. Tap the name of the headphones to begin pairing. You should get an audio confirmation that the connection is successful, alongside an update of your headphones’ battery percentage.

Note that the process is the same for connecting iPhones, iPads, and other iOS devices.

You can also use the Bose companion apps to pair your phone for better control over the listening experience: the Bose Connect app is compatible with the QuietComfort 35, while the Bose Music app works with the QuietComfort 45 Headphones and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

How to connect Bose headphones to a Mac or MacBook

Follow these steps on how to pair Bose headphones to a MacBook:

1. Click the System Preferences icon on the Mac dock.
2. Select Bluetooth and ensure it is turned on.
3. Put the headphones in pairing mode. The name should appear on your Mac under Devices.
4. Click the Connect button next to the name to pair your headphones with your Mac. You should hear a “connection was successful” message.

How to connect Bose headphones to a Windows PC

Here’s how to pair Bose headphones to a Windows PC (assuming Swift Pair isn’t an option):

1. Click on the Start icon on your Windows PC.
2. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn on Bluetooth by flipping the switch.
3. Turn on and put your Bose headphones in pairing mode.
4. Click Add Bluetooth or another device. You can also click the Bluetooth Taskbar shortcut and select Add a Bluetooth Device.
5. Select your headphones from the list of available devices and follow the instructions until you hear the audio prompt, Connected.

Note that the Bose apps are only available on Android and iOS and cannot be used on Windows or MacOS.

How to connect Bose headphones to an Android phone or tablet

Assuming your headphones either don’t support Fast Pair, or the feature isn’t working, manual pairing is also possible. You can connect your Bose headphones to your Android device using any of the Bose apps on the Google Play Store or manually as shown below:

1. Go to Settings > Connected devices on your Android phone or tablet and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Turn on your headphones and put them in pairing mode.
3. Tap on Pair new device on your phone and wait for the name of your headphones to appear under Available devices.
4. Select your headphones from the list. You should hear a connectivity chime and see your headphones’ battery percentage if the pairing is successful.

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