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Bose Headphones Reset Steps by Model

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Bose Headphones Reset Steps by Model

This guide explains how to reset Bose headphones, with model-specific steps for QuietComfort, SoundLink, and other popular lines. You’ll learn the exact button combinations and what to do when a reset doesn’t fix your issue.

Why Reset Your Bose Headphones

Resetting clears temporary glitches—not your paired devices or saved settings. It’s the first fix for problems like:

  • Audio cutting out or one side not playing
  • Bluetooth pairing failures or dropped connections
  • Unresponsive buttons or touch controls
  • Battery draining quickly or charging erratically
  • Noise cancellation acting strangely

A reset is different from a factory reset. A factory reset erases all paired devices and restores original settings, while a standard reset just reboots the internal firmware. Most troubleshooting guides ask you to try a standard reset first, then a factory reset if the problem persists.

Model-Specific Reset Steps

The reset method depends on your headphone model. Here are the official procedures for current and recent Bose products:

QuietComfort Series (QC35, QC45, QC Ultra)

  1. Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and hold it for about 10 seconds until you hear a voice prompt saying “Bluetooth device list cleared� (for a factory reset) or the power LED blinks (for a standard reset).
  2. Release the switch.

For QC Ultra headphones, the same switch is used. A standard reset is done by holding the switch for 10 seconds until the LED blinks blue. A factory reset requires holding it for 20 seconds until the LED blinks amber.

SoundLink Around-Ear and On-Ear (AE2, AE2i, OE2, OE2i)

  1. Press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds.
  2. Release when the LED flashes blue (standard reset) or you hear a voice prompt (factory reset).

SoundLink Wireless Headphones (Original, II, and QC35 II)

  1. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds.
  2. Release when the LED blinks blue.

SoundSport Free and SoundSport Pulse

  1. Place both earbuds in the charging case.
  2. Press and hold the button on both earbuds for about 10 seconds until the LEDs flash red and then blue.
  3. Release and remove the earbuds from the case.

QuietComfort Earbuds and SoundSport Wireless

  1. Place the earbuds in the charging case.
  2. Press and hold the button on the left earbud for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks red and then blue.
  3. Release and remove the earbuds.

Bose Frames (Audio and Tempo)

  1. Press and hold the Action button (the one on the right temple) for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks blue.
  2. Release.

How to Perform a Factory Reset

A factory reset clears all paired devices and restores the headphones to out-of-the-box state. Use it when a standard reset doesn’t fix the issue, or before selling/gifting the headphones.

  • QuietComfort series: Hold the Power/Bluetooth switch for 20 seconds until the LED blinks amber.
  • SoundLink around-ear: Hold the Power button for 20 seconds until you hear a voice prompt.
  • SoundSport Free: Hold both earbud buttons for 10 seconds until the LEDs flash red and blue.
  • QuietComfort Earbuds: Hold the left earbud button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes red and blue.

After a factory reset, you’ll need to re-pair your headphones with your devices.

Common Problems and What to Try First

Before resetting, try these quick checks:

  • Charge the headphones for at least 30 minutes—low battery can cause erratic behavior.
  • Turn off Bluetooth on all devices that were previously paired, then turn it back on.
  • Delete the headphones from your device’s Bluetooth list and re-pair.
  • Update the firmware using the Bose app (if your model supports it).

If the reset doesn’t fix the issue, the problem might be hardware-related—like a faulty battery or connection. Contact Bose support for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Bose headphones delete my paired devices?

A standard reset does not delete paired devices. Only a factory reset clears the Bluetooth pairing list. If you’re experiencing connection issues, try a standard reset first, and only do a factory reset if the problem persists.

How do I know if my Bose headphones are in pairing mode?

With the headphones powered off, press and hold the Power/Bluetooth switch (or the Bluetooth button on earbuds) for about 2-3 seconds until you hear “Ready to pair� or see the LED blinking blue. The exact prompt varies by model.

Why is one side of my Bose headphones not working?

This could be due to a loose connection, debris in the earbud, or a firmware glitch. Try cleaning the earbud tips, then perform a standard reset. If the issue persists, it may be a hardware problem that requires service.

Can I reset my Bose headphones without the app?

Yes, all resets are done using the physical buttons on the headphones. The Bose app is not required for a reset, but it can help with firmware updates and diagnostics.

How often should I reset my Bose headphones?

Only reset when you encounter issues. There’s no need to reset on a schedule. Frequent resets are unnecessary and won’t improve performance if the headphones are working fine.

What should I do if my Bose headphones won’t turn on after a reset?

Plug them into a charger and wait a few minutes. If they still don’t turn on, try a different cable and power source. If they remain unresponsive, the battery may be defective—contact Bose support.

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