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First identify which generation of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds you have: the original 2020 model, the standard QuietComfort Earbuds sold from 2024, QuietComfort Earbuds II, or QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Bose’s pairing and reset steps differ by model, so don’t use one generation’s reset procedure on another. If you have the standard model sold from 2024, work through the connection checks below in order, and save a reboot or factory restoration for last.
Identify your QuietComfort model before troubleshooting
Check the product name on the earbuds’ case, packaging, or in the Bose app. “QuietComfort Earbuds,” “QuietComfort Earbuds II,” and “QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds” are distinct products. The original QuietComfort Earbuds were introduced in 2020; the standard QuietComfort Earbuds sold from 2024 have their own owner’s guide and connection instructions.
Use the troubleshooting instructions for the exact model you own. In particular, do not use the 2020 model’s case-button reboot or the Earbuds II reset instructions on the 2024 standard model or Ultra model.
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Fix connection problems on QuietComfort Earbuds sold from 2024
Try these steps in order. Bose’s 2024 owner’s guide puts basic connection checks before rebooting or restoring factory settings.
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
- Reseat and wake both earbuds. Place both earbuds in the charging case so they sit in place, close the case, then open it and try connecting again.
- Refresh Bluetooth on the phone, tablet, or computer. Turn Bluetooth off, then turn it back on.
- Remove old pairings from the host device. In its Bluetooth settings, forget or remove the QuietComfort Earbuds. If the list includes duplicate entries marked “LE,” remove those too.
- Clear the earbuds’ remembered device list. Use the device-list clearing instructions in the owner’s guide for the 2024 model. The control sequence is model-specific; don’t substitute a reset sequence from another generation.
- Pair again through the device’s Bluetooth settings. Hold either earbud for four seconds, until the voice prompt says “Ready to pair.” Open Bluetooth settings on the phone, tablet, or computer and select Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. Bose says to connect through the host device’s Bluetooth list before connecting in the Bose QCE app for added functionality.
- Check for another connected device. The 2024 standard model can maintain active Bluetooth connections with two devices, but it plays audio from only one at a time. If two devices are connected, connecting a new one replaces the older connection. In the Bose QCE app, turning off Multi-point disconnects the second device.
- Reboot or restore only with the matching guide. Bose lists rebooting and restoring factory settings after the earlier connection checks in the 2024 owner’s guide. Follow that guide’s exact procedure rather than guessing at a button sequence.
If the earbuds connect but the Bose QCE app disconnects
For the 2024 standard model, Bose lists disabled sleep mode for the Bose QCE app on the phone as one possible reason for app disconnection. Check your phone’s documentation for how to manage app sleep or battery restrictions. The setting names and paths can differ between operating-system versions, so there is no single menu path that applies to every phone.
If the connection drops after pairing
Separate a Bluetooth connection from an app connection
Check whether audio is still connected through the phone or computer’s Bluetooth settings when the Bose QCE app loses contact. The app connection provides added functionality, but pairing the earbuds with the host device’s Bluetooth list is the required first step on the 2024 standard model.
Rank #2
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
Check which device is using the audio connection
If the earbuds are connected to two devices, audio can come from only one at a time. If a second device is taking over or keeping a connection active, disconnect it in that device’s Bluetooth settings or turn off Multi-point in the Bose QCE app.
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These are examples of the differences, not interchangeable instructions. Check the label on your product and use its own Bose owner’s guide before resetting.
Rank #3
- WORLD-CLASS NOISE CANCELLATION: The best noise cancellation of any Bose wireless earbuds is now even better than before. ActiveSense technology smooths spikes in surrounding sound, so even in Aware Mode distractions won’t get in the way.
- CUSTOMTUNE TECHNOLOGY: CustomTune technology analyses your ears and adapts your in-ear headphones to their shape. The result? World-class noise cancellation and custom sound for bigger chills every time you press play.
- NOISE CONTROL: Quickly adjust the level of noise cancellation without using Modes, including turning it off completely to conserve battery.
- IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Bose Immersive Audio spatialises what you’re hearing by taking it out of your head and placing it beyond your Bluetooth earbuds. It’s like listening from the acoustic sweet spot, where songs sound like the artist intended.
- SECURE FIT AND STABILITY: Choose from nine combos of eartips and stability bands to find the snuggest fit for comfortable earbuds. The soft, umbrella-shaped tips seal the opening of your ear to reduce outside noises while stability bands hug them.
| Model | Documented procedure or guidance | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| QuietComfort Earbuds (2020) | For unresponsive earbuds, the 2020 owner’s guide says to put them in the case and hold the case Bluetooth button for 30 seconds, until the earbud lights blink. | The guide says this reboot clears the earbud device list but not other settings. It is not the procedure for other generations. |
| QuietComfort Earbuds sold from 2024 | The owner’s guide lists reboot and factory-settings restoration after earlier connection troubleshooting. | Follow the 2024 guide for the exact sequence; don’t infer it from another model’s procedure. |
| QuietComfort Earbuds II | Bose describes placing the earbuds in the case, connecting the case to USB-C power with the lid closed, then holding the case button for about 30 seconds until the LED turns off. | This is an Earbuds II procedure, not a generic QuietComfort reset. |
| QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Bose provides separate connection and factory-restoration guidance for this model. | Use the Ultra-specific instructions rather than a standard QuietComfort or Earbuds II procedure. |
When to contact Bose
If the instructions for your exact model do not restore the connection, use Bose support for that model. Bose’s support guidance for Earbuds II and Ultra lists service or replacement as an escalation after troubleshooting, but eligibility and terms can depend on the model and region. Contact Bose to confirm the options that apply to your product.
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