Welcome to our comprehensive troubleshooting guide for the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. For other headphones, check the our guides section. These headphones are renowned for their superior sound quality and comfort, but like any electronic device, they may occasionally run into issues.
Whether you’re experiencing problems with power, connection, sound quality, or charging, this guide is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of common issues and their solutions to help you get back to enjoying your favorite tunes in no time.
1. Power Issues
- If your Bose QuietComfort headphones won’t power on, slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right.
2. Connection Issues
- If you’re unable to connect your Bose QuietComfort headphones to your mobile device, try the following steps:
- Power off the headphones, then power them on again.
- Disconnect the audio cable and the USB charging cable.
- On your mobile device, disable and then re-enable the Bluetooth feature.
- Delete your Bose QuietComfort Headphones from the Bluetooth list on your device and reconnect.
- Connect using the Bluetooth menu on your mobile device.
- Clear the headphone device list, delete the headphones from the Bluetooth list on your mobile device, including any duplicate listings labeled LE (Low Energy), and reconnect.
- Visit support.Bose.com/QC to see how-to videos.
3. App Setup Issues
- If your Bose QuietComfort headphones don’t respond during app setup, try the following:
- Uninstall the Bose Music app on your mobile device and reinstall it.
- Make sure you’re using the Bose Music app for setup.
- Make sure you have given the Bose Music app access to Bluetooth connections in your mobile device Settings menu.
- Make sure the Bluetooth feature is on your mobile device Settings menu.
4. Bose Music App Issues
- If the Bose Music app can’t find your headphones or doesn’t work on your mobile device, try the following:
- Make sure your mobile device is compatible with the Bose Music app and meets minimum system requirements. For more information, refer to the app store on your mobile device.
- Uninstall the Bose Music app on your mobile device and reinstall it.
5. Charging Issues
- If your Bose QuietComfort headphones don’t charge, try the following:
- Make sure both ends of the USB cable are securely connected into the ports.
- Try a different USB-A wall charger, USB cable, or AC (mains) power source.
- If your headphones have been exposed to high or low temperatures, let the headphones return to room temperature and try charging again.
6. Sound Issues
- If there’s no sound, try the following:
- Make sure the volume is turned up.
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and release to hear the connected device. Make sure you are using the correct device.
- Press play on your mobile device to make sure audio is playing.
- Play audio from a different application or music service.
- Play audio from content stored directly on your device.
- If two mobile devices are connected, pause your other device first.
- Restart your mobile device.
- Reset the headphones.
7. Sound Quality Issues
- If the sound quality of your Bose QuietComfort is poor, try the following:
- If in a windy environment, create a custom mode with wind blocking enabled in the Bose Music app. To access this option, tap Modes on the main screen.
- Make sure you’re using the Bose Music app for setup.
- Clear the headphone device list, delete the headphones from the Bluetooth list on your mobile device, including any duplicate listings labeled LE (Low Energy), and reconnect.
- Play audio from a different application or music service.
- Play audio from content stored directly on your device.
- If two mobile devices are connected, disconnect the second device.
- Turn off any audio enhancement features on the device or music app.
- Visit support.Bose.com/QC to see how-to videos.
- Reset the headphones.
8. Wired Connection Issues
- If there’s no sound from a device connected by the audio cable, try the following:
- Make sure both ends of the audio cable are securely connected into the ports.
- Press play on your source device to make sure audio is playing.
- Play audio from a different application or music service.
- Play audio from content stored directly on your source device.
- Increase the volume on the headphones, then increase the volume on your source device.
- Restart your source device.
9. Wired Connection Sound Quality Issues
- If the sound quality is poor from a device connected by the audio cable, make sure both ends of the audio cable are securely connected into the ports and restart your source device.
10. Audio Cable Microphone Issues
- If the audio cable microphone doesn’t work, make sure your mobile device is compatible with the audio cable (CTIA standard pin connection).
11. Noise Cancelling Mode Issues
- If the Action button doesn’t change the noise cancelling mode, disconnect the audio cable if it’s connected and use the Bose Music app to change the mode.
12. Headphones Don’t Respond
- If the headphones don’t respond, reset the headphones.
13. Noise Cancellation Issues
- If the noise cancellation is poor, check the mode.
14. Call Issues
- If you have difficulty hearing a caller while on a phone call, increase the volume using your mobile device and try a different mode.
15. Voice Prompt Language Issues
- If the voice prompt language isn’t correct, change the voice prompt language using the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.
16. Call Notification Issues
- If you’re not receiving call notifications, make sure you have given the headphones access to your contacts in your mobile device Bluetooth menu.
17. Connecting to a Bose Smart Soundbar or Speaker
- If the Bose QuietComfort headphones don’t connect to a Bose Smart Soundbar or Speaker, make sure you’re connecting using the Bose Music app, make sure you’re connecting to a compatible Bose product (for a complete list visit: support.Bose.com/Groups), slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and hold for 3 seconds until you hear “Ready to connect another device” and the Bluetooth light blinks blue, and make sure that the headphones are within 30 ft (9 m) of your soundbar or speaker.
18. Reconnecting to a Previously-Connected Bose Smart Soundbar or Speaker
- If the Bose QuietComfort headphones don’t reconnect to a previously-connected Bose Smart Soundbar or Speaker, on the headphones, slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and hold for 3 seconds until you hear “Ready to connect” and the status light blinks blue. Use the Bose Music app to connect the headphones to a compatible Bose product.
19. Delayed Audio When Connected to a Bose Smart Soundbar or Speaker
- If you experience delayed audio when connected to a Bose Smart Soundbar or Speaker, download the Bose Music app and run available software updates.
Remember, if you’re still experiencing issues after trying these solutions, it may be best to contact Bose customer service for further assistance. Happy listening!
