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There is no single power-off or reset sequence for every Bose headphone. Check the exact model name in the Bose app or on the product, then use the matching instructions below. If you only need to fix a Bluetooth connection, clear the saved-device list before considering a factory restore; a restore erases settings.
Choose the right kind of reset
Powering off, rebooting, clearing Bluetooth pairings, and restoring factory settings do different things. Use the least disruptive action that addresses the problem.
- Power off: Stops the headphones. Bose’s over-ear power-off controls vary by model, so check the guide for your exact product rather than relying on a universal button sequence.
- Reboot: Restarts the product and may leave settings intact. For example, Bose documents a settings-preserving reboot for QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
- Clear Bluetooth pairings: Deletes remembered source devices, without being the same as a factory restore. Bose documents this as a separate action on QuietComfort 45 and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
- Factory restore: Returns supported headphones to their original setup state and clears settings. Bose recommends doing this only to address issues or when customer service directs you to.
How to turn off Bose headphones
For over-ear headphones, use the power control described in the owner’s guide for the exact model and generation. The reviewed Bose instructions do not establish one power-off sequence that applies to all over-ear models.
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To power off QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, place both earbuds in the charging case and close it. They disconnect from the connected device while in the case. This is an earbud-specific instruction, not a method for Bose over-ear headphones or every earbud generation.
#1 Best Overall
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Clear the Bluetooth list without a factory restore
If the aim is to remove old or troublesome Bluetooth pairings, try the model’s list-clearing procedure first. Afterward, remove the headphones from the phone or computer’s Bluetooth settings and pair them again.
QuietComfort 45
- Power on the headphones.
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and hold it for 15 seconds, until the voice prompt says, “Bluetooth device list cleared. Ready to connect.”
- On the phone or computer, remove the headphones from the saved Bluetooth devices list, then pair them again.
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Hold Bluetooth/Power and Multi-function until the headphones announce, “Bluetooth device list cleared. Ready to connect.”
- On the phone or computer, remove the headphones from its saved Bluetooth devices list, then reconnect.
These list-clearing actions are separate from the factory-restore procedures below. Follow the relevant Bose owner’s guide if the prompt or controls do not match your headphones.
Rank #2
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Factory reset Bose over-ear headphones
Before starting, confirm the model name. For the procedures below, remove the headphones from the connected device’s Bluetooth list and from your Bose account in the Bose app. The restore clears settings and returns the headphones to their original out-of-box state; use the steps only for the named model.
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QuietComfort 45
- Remove the headphones from the phone or computer’s Bluetooth list.
- In the Bose app, remove the headphones from your Bose account.
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and hold it while also pressing and holding the Action button for 30 seconds.
- Watch the indicator: it blinks white, then amber for two to three seconds as restoration starts. A slow blue blink indicates the headphones are back in their original out-of-box state.
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Remove the headphones from the phone or computer’s Bluetooth list.
- In the Bose app, remove the headphones from your Bose account.
- Press and hold Bluetooth/Power and Multi-function together for 15 seconds in total, until the status light blinks white twice again.
- A blue status light indicates that restoration is complete.
Current QuietComfort Headphones
The Bose manual reviewed for current QuietComfort Headphones describes a procedure similar to the QuietComfort 45: remove Bluetooth and Bose-account associations, then hold Power/Bluetooth and Action together for 30 seconds. Check the manual for your exact model’s status-light pattern and confirmation before proceeding; do not assume this instruction applies to other generations.
Rank #3
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush earcup cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your over ear headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Try a reboot before restoring QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
If QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are unresponsive or disconnecting, Bose documents a reboot that does not erase product settings. Disconnect USB or audio cables before beginning.
- Connect a USB charging cable to a charger or other power source, but do not connect the cable to the headphones yet.
- Press and hold Bluetooth/Power.
- While continuing to hold the button, connect the cable to the left earcup.
- Wait two seconds after connecting the cable, then release the button. The power light quickly blinks twice.
If the headphones remain unresponsive, Bose suggests trying the reset again. Use the guide for the exact model before applying any procedure to different headphones.
Rank #4
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
Earbud resets use different instructions
Do not apply over-ear headphone button combinations to earbuds. Bose distinguishes reboot from factory restore for QuietComfort Earbuds sold from 2024: reboot restarts without changing settings, while factory restore clears settings, pairings, and customizations. QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) also have separate case-and-cable reboot and factory-restore procedures. Consult the guide for the exact earbud model before resetting; these steps are not interchangeable with the over-ear procedures in this article.
When a factory restore is appropriate
Bose recommends restoring factory settings only when there is a problem with the headphones or Bose customer service has instructed you to do so. If you are troubleshooting only a pairing issue, start by clearing the Bluetooth list. If a model-specific reboot or restore does not resolve the fault, contact Bose support or customer service rather than repeating a procedure meant for another generation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
