Why does my Bose product activation fail?

Here’s the complete guide on how to fix some of the most common Bose Bluetooth headset pairing problems so you wouldn’t have to get through them again!

Bluetooth headset pairing problems can happen to anyone, anytime, and with any device. And not even high-end commercial headphone brands like Bose are safe from these issues.

These headphones aren’t exactly cheap, so you’d expect a top-notch listening experience. Instead, you can’t even listen to anything at all since you can’t establish a connection. This can be extra frustrating, especially if you just want to chill with some music after a long workday.

But, it is all okay! We’ve got the solutions you require to get everything back up and running.

In This Article

  • How to Properly Pair Your Bose Headphones
  • What to Do if the Bose Connect App Can’t Detect the Headphones
  • How to Fix Bose Bluetooth Headset Pairing Problems
  • Conclusion

How to Properly Pair Your Bose Headphones

Why does my Bose product activation fail?
Woman wearing Bose headphones (From: Amazon)

Before trying to fix your Bose headphones’ pairing problems, it’s best to make sure that you’re doing the correct pairing method first. Besides, if you don’t know how to pair your Bose headphones properly, no other fix will be of any use for you.

Bose headphones have two options when it comes to pairing with your devices. You can either connect via the Bose Connect App or the standard Bluetooth pairing process.

The Bose Connect App has various features, including the ability to change the button functions and finetune the amount of noise cancellation.

Connecting via the Bose Connect App takes just a few steps:

  1. Download the Bose Connect App. This is available on both the Google Play Store and the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Bose Connect on App Store
  2. Turn on your Bose headset beside your mobile device. The app should pop up automatically to prompt for a connection. If not, simply open up the Bose Connect App, find the image of your headphones, and swipe down to connect.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Connecting Bose headphones via app
  3. Finally, tap “Ready To Play” at the bottom of your screen.

If this is your first time connecting via the Bose Connect app, you will be asked to set the headphones up and explore the app, first, via a tutorial. Here, you’ll learn about the different things you can do on the app and rename your headphones.

Unfortunately, the Bose Connect App is only available on mobile devices (both iOS and Android). Lucky for you, we created comprehensive guides for PC and Mac users. Feel free to check them out:

  • How to Connect Bose headphones to Mac
  • How to Connect Bose headphones to PC

Some people prefer to use the standard Bluetooth connection process due to past privacy concerns of the Bose Connect app. If this is your preferred method, be sure to visit our ‘Connecting manually’ section below.

What to Do if the Bose Connect App Can’t Detect the Headphones

While the Bose Connect App offers a load of features, it’s not entirely foolproof. In fact, one of the most common issues when it comes to pairing Bose headphones is when the Bose Connect App just won’t detect them.

Fortunately, there are some pretty basic steps you can follow to solve this sort of issue:

Enable location permissions

While it might seem unnecessary for the Bose Connect App to know your location, it is crucial to have this option enabled for your headset to work fully.

For one, there are some really cool features – including headphones tracking – that require it.

Also, to connect to Bluetooth devices, Android platform apps must gain location permission first. This is a result of a 2018 update that requires location access when an app needs to scan for other devices via Bluetooth.

To do so, simply follow these steps:

  1. Go to your phone Settings. Select Apps, then Bose Connect
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Bose Connect on list of apps
  2. Go to Permissions
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Select ‘Permissions’
  3. Make sure ‘Location’ isn’t set to ‘Denied’
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Allow location access

Clear the Bose Connect App cache

Cached data, used to remember settings, also take up active memory on your device. If you neglect to clear the cache data, an app will get “bloated” and bogged down over time. The result? It just won’t work properly.

In the case of Bose Connect App, clearing it gives you a chance to establish new connections.

Clearing the cache and clearing the app data are different. Clearing the cache will only delete the app memory, but not the settings. On the other hand, clearing the app data will reset the app completely and is equivalent to uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

To clear the app cache, follow the steps below:

For iOS

  1. First, go to Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    iPhone Storage settings
  2. Select Bose Connect from the dropdown menu.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    iPhone App list
  3. Scroll down and select Offload App.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Offloading app

Offloading the App will only help you clear your cache. If you are looking to clear your app data, you can press ‘Delete App’ then reinstall, instead.

For Android

  1. First, go to Settings -> Storage -> Other Apps.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Android Storage settings
  2. Select Bose Connect.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    List of apps in Android
  3. Finally, tap Clear Cache.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Clear app cache

Check if your headphones are counterfeit

There are reports of fake Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones being sold on Wish. Luckily, If you’re one of many who bought these alleged fake headphones, or if you think your headphones are fake, there is one easy way to quell any doubts about the authenticity of your headphones — connect them to the Bose Connect App.

Currently, scammers are capable of copying the look and feel of legitimate Bose headphones. They can also even have searchable serial numbers copied from legitimate Bose headphones.

However, the Bose Connect app is only designed to connect with official Bose headphones.

There is no way for any manufacturer to reverse-engineer the firmware to allow counterfeit headphones to connect with the Bose app, no matter how good they are.

So, if the Bose Connect app can’t detect your headphones, there’s a high chance that what you have is counterfeit.

If you feel like you’ve been scammed into buying a pair of fakes, give Bose’s counterfeit products page a look over and contact them immediately.

Check for App Updates

Sometimes, if the app is not up to date, your Bose headphones won’t pair due to unfixed bugs in the firmware. An outdated app may also be incompatible with your headphones, which prevents the two from communicating properly.

Luckily, updating the app is quite straightforward. Simply go to your app store and check for any app update.

Connect manually

If you still can’t connect to the Bose Connect App and want a quick solution now, you can choose to connect manually. This works just like any other Bluetooth device. To do this:

  1. On your headphones, slide the power button all the way up to the Bluetooth symbol. Hold it there until you hear “Ready to pair.”
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Turn Bose headphones to pairing mode
  2. Using your phone or other Bluetooth-capable device, turn on your Bluetooth settings and scan for nearby devices.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Enable Bluetooth
  3. Once your Bose headset shows up on the list, click it to pair.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Select your headphones to pair

How to Fix Bose Bluetooth Headset Pairing Problems

If you were forced to connect manually but still can’t pair properly, there are some more in-depth fixes to try. Read on to find out:

Reset Bose Headphones

Many connection problems, including not being found by your smartphone or being found but not connecting, are not usually hardware problems. A simple factory reset might even solve them.

Resetting your headphones can revert them into a clean slate, free of bugs or wrong settings. This can also help the headset reconnect after a smartphone update or finalize firmware updates for your headphones.

  1. Disconnect your headphones from all cables.

    https://www.headphonesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Reset-Your-Bose-Headphones-1-1.mp4

  2. Plug the charger into an outlet OR connect one end of the USB cable to a computer that is turned on.

    https://www.headphonesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Reset-Your-Bose-Headphones-2-1.mp4

  3. Press and hold the power button. While doing so, connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB-C port on the right side of the headphones.

    https://www.headphonesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Reset-Your-Bose-Headphones-3-1.mp4

  4. Wait for the Bluetooth light to blink blue before releasing the power button.

    https://www.headphonesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Reset-Your-Bose-Headphones-4-1.mp4

Check out our handy guide on how to reset Bluetooth headphones for more info.

Clear the pairing list

One interesting feature of Bose headphones is that, unlike other Bluetooth headphones, resetting them will not remove your previously paired devices. Instead, this will simply remove all bugs, glitches, and some settings.

Unfortunately, if your headphones have already been paired with other devices before, they may be overloaded with data or have trouble identifying which to prioritize. In this case, clearing the pairing list can be your top solution.

To do this:

  1. Turn your headphones off. Then, slide and hold the Power/Bluetooth button until you hear the words, “Bluetooth device list cleared.” 

    https://www.headphonesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Clear-the-pairing-list-2.mp4

  2. Go to your phone or audio device’s Bluetooth settings. From there, click on your Bose headphones and ‘forget’ or ‘unpair’ the device.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Unpair Bose headphones
  3. Then, turn the Bose headset back on and attempt to connect again.

Check for Headphones Update

Like most other companies, Bose will periodically update their products. And, aside from features adjustments, updating the headphones helps ensure that the headphones will match any update the Bose Connect app may have.

Here is how to get the most out of it and ensure updates aren’t the reason your Bose headphones are not connecting:

Update via the Bose Connect App

Opening up the Bose Connect App and connecting your headset will trigger any available updates automatically.

Once the update is complete, remember to tap ‘UPDATE’ to finalize the process.

Update manually

If the app isn’t working as it should, you can also head over to Bose’s Software Updater page to do it yourself:

  1. Go to btu.Bose.com, then follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it to your PC. Once done, launch the app.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Bose headphones updater
  2. Using your USB cable, connect your Bose headphones to your PC.

    https://www.headphonesty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Is-There-a-Bose-Connect-App-for-Windows-10-3.mp4

  3. If there are any updates available, click ‘Update now’.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Update Bose headphones
  4. This should automatically start installing the update to your headphones. Wait for it to finish, then disconnect your headphones.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Successful update

Manually change the codec to SBC

Stuttering sound caused by connection dropouts is frustrating. And this usually results from a mismatch of Bluetooth audio codecs of your headphones and audio device.

If you’re having this issue while connecting your Bluetooth headset to your Android phone, switching to the subband codec (SBC) should solve your problem.

SBC is the oldest Bluetooth codec for transferring audio. As such, it will work with every Bluetooth product, but it also has the lowest quality compared to other codecs.

  1. First, go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Software information
  2. Scroll down to ‘Build number’ and begin to tap repeatedly.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Tap Build number repeatedly
  3. You will be told that you are X steps away from becoming a developer. Keep tapping until you complete this process.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Three steps away from being a developer
  4. Go back to Settings and now into the new Developer options.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Developer options
  5. From here, trigger the Bluetooth audio codec selection and manually change the codec to SBC.
    Why does my Bose product activation fail?
    Changing codec to SBC

Conclusion

Now, you’ve got your Bose headset working, free of any pairing problems. All that cash you’ve spent on these headphones can now be worth it!

Enjoy the excellent sound quality and noise cancellation of these headphones as you relax for the day.

As always, we want to hear from you. Which of these worked for you? Do you have some other trick up your sleeve that wasn’t covered above? Maybe you’re still having trouble and just want some advice. Tell us all about it in the comments section below!

Why is my Bose product activation failed?

Be sure the Bose app is up-to-date. If the Bose app is not the latest version, it might be missing features or improvements. On your device, go to the app store, search for the app and select it. If an update is available, install it.

Why is my Bose sound system not working?

Reset the HDMI connection by resetting both devices and the cables connected between them. Turn off the Bose system, the source device and the TV. Unplug the Bose system, the source device and the TV. Disconnect two HDMI cables at both ends and reseat them ensuring secure connections.

Why won't my Bose Soundbar connect to the app?

Check that your mobile device and Bose product are both connected to the same wireless network. On the device running the Bose app, go to the Wi-Fi settings and be sure the device is connected to the same network as your product. If the device and product are not on the same network, the app won't find your product.

Why won't Alexa respond on my Bose Soundbar?

Remove and re-add Alexa in the Bose Music app. Open the Bose music app and remove Alexa. Then, re-add the same Alexa account. This re-links Alexa to your Bose account and can correct any issues that may have occurred between the two accounts.