Pair Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Step-by-Step

To pair your Bose noise cancelling headphones with a phone, tablet, or computer, turn on the headphones and put them in pairing mode—usually by sliding the power switch to the Bluetooth symbol and holding it there until you hear “Ready to pair” or see the Bluetooth light blink blue. Then open your device’s Bluetooth settings, select your Bose headphones from the list, and confirm the connection. The exact steps vary slightly by model, so here’s a detailed guide covering the most common Bose noise cancelling headphones.

Before You Start: Charge and Power On

Make sure your headphones have enough battery. Most Bose models (like the QuietComfort series and Noise Cancelling Headphones 700) will not enter pairing mode if the battery is completely drained. Connect them to a USB-C charger for at least 10–15 minutes if you’re unsure. Then power them on by sliding the power switch or pressing and holding the power button. You’ll hear a voice prompt saying “Power on” and see a status light.

Entering Pairing Mode (by Model)

The method to enter pairing mode differs slightly depending on which Bose headphones you own:

• QuietComfort 35 II and QuietComfort 45: Slide the power switch to the right and hold it there for about 2 seconds until you hear “Ready to pair” and the Bluetooth light blinks blue.
• Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Press and hold the Bluetooth button (the one with the Bluetooth icon on the right earcup) for about 2 seconds until you hear “Ready to pair.”
• QuietComfort Ultra: Press and hold the power button for about 2 seconds until you hear “Ready to pair.” The Bluetooth light will blink blue.
• QuietComfort Earbuds and Sport Earbuds: Place the earbuds in the charging case, keep the case open, and press and hold the button on the back of the case until the LED blinks blue.

If you’re not sure which model you have, check the model number printed on the inside of the headband or on the earbuds case. You can also use the Bose Music app to identify the device and start pairing.

Pairing with a Phone or Tablet (iOS and Android)

Once your headphones are in pairing mode, the process is the same for most devices:

1. On your phone or tablet, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
3. Wait for your Bose headphones to appear under “Other Devices” or “Available Devices.” They usually show up as “Bose QC45” or “Bose NC 700.”
4. Tap the name to connect. You may hear a tone or voice prompt saying “Connected.”

If your device asks for a passcode, enter 0000 (four zeros). This is the default for most Bluetooth audio devices, including Bose.

Pairing with a Windows PC or Mac

On a Windows 10/11 PC:

1. Click the Start button, then Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices → Add device → Bluetooth.
3. Select your Bose headphones from the list and follow any on-screen prompts.

On a Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on.
3. Find your Bose headphones in the list and click Connect.

If your computer doesn’t find the headphones, make sure they are still in pairing mode (the blue light should be blinking). If not, repeat the pairing mode steps.

Using the Bose Music App for Multi-Device and Updates

The Bose Music app (for QC 45, NC 700, QC Ultra, and earbuds) and the Bose Connect app (for older models like QC 35 II) can simplify pairing and management. After installing the app, create an account or sign in, then follow the in-app instructions to add your headphones. The app lets you:

• Manage Bluetooth connections and see which devices are paired.
• Switch between multiple paired devices (some models support multi-point, meaning you can connect to two devices at once).
• Update firmware to fix bugs and improve pairing reliability.
• Adjust noise cancelling levels and EQ settings.

Note that the app is not required for basic pairing—it’s an optional helper.

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Bose Headphones Pair?

If your headphones don’t appear in the Bluetooth list or fail to connect, try these fixes in order:

1. Turn Bluetooth off and on on your device.
2. Restart the headphones: turn them off and on again.
3. Clear the pairing list: On most Bose headphones, press and hold the Bluetooth button (or power switch in the Bluetooth position) for 10–15 seconds until you hear “Bluetooth device list cleared.” This removes all previously paired devices and forces a fresh pairing.
4. Forget the device on your phone: In Bluetooth settings, tap the “i” next to your Bose headphones and select “Forget This Device.” Then re-pair from scratch.
5. Check for interference: Move away from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, or other wireless devices that can cause Bluetooth interference.
6. Update firmware: Use the Bose Music or Bose Connect app to check for updates.

If none of these work, try pairing with a different device to determine if the problem is with the headphones or your original device.

Resetting Your Bose Headphones

A factory reset can resolve persistent pairing issues. The reset method varies by model:

• QC 35 II: Slide the power switch to the Bluetooth symbol and hold for 10 seconds until you hear “Bluetooth device list cleared.” Then turn off and on.
• QC 45: Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds until the LED blinks amber, then release. This resets the headphones.
• NC 700: Press and hold the power button and the Bluetooth button together for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks amber, then release.
• QC Ultra: Press and hold the power button and the Bluetooth button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the LED blinks amber.

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

Multi-Point Connection (Using Two Devices at Once)

Many newer Bose models (QC 45, NC 700, QC Ultra) support multi-point, meaning they can stay connected to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can be connected to your laptop and phone at the same time, and the headphones will automatically switch audio to whichever device is playing. To set this up, simply pair both devices using the steps above. The headphones will remember both. If you want to disconnect one, use the Bose app or turn off Bluetooth on that device.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I put my Bose headphones in pairing mode if the button doesn’t work?

If the power switch or Bluetooth button isn’t responding, make sure the headphones are charged. If they are charged and still not entering pairing mode, try a reset as described above. If that fails, contact Bose support—it may be a hardware issue.

Why does my Bose headphone keep disconnecting and reconnecting?

This often happens when the headphones are connected to two devices and both are sending audio, causing a conflict. Disconnect one device or disable multi-point in the Bose app. Also, check for low battery or interference from other wireless devices.

Can I pair my Bose headphones with a TV?

Yes, if your TV has Bluetooth audio output (most modern smart TVs do). Put the headphones in pairing mode, then go to your TV’s Bluetooth settings and search for devices. If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, you can buy a Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the TV’s audio output.

How many devices can my Bose headphones remember?

Most Bose headphones can store up to 8 paired devices in memory. However, they can only be actively connected to one or two at a time (depending on multi-point support). To pair a new device when the list is full, you may need to clear the pairing list first.

Why is my Bose headphone not showing up in the Bose Music app?

Make sure the app is updated and that your phone’s Bluetooth is on. The app only works with supported models—older models use the Bose Connect app instead. Also, ensure the headphones are powered on and within range.

Do I need to pair again after a firmware update?

Usually not. Firmware updates typically preserve your paired device list. However, if you experience issues after an update, try resetting the headphones and re-pairing.

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