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! Show
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 HeadphonesWoman 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:
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:
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 HeadphonesWhile 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 permissionsWhile 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:
Clear the Bose Connect App cacheCached 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
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
Check if your headphones are counterfeitThere 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.
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 UpdatesSometimes, 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 manuallyIf 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:
How to Fix Bose Bluetooth Headset Pairing ProblemsIf 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 HeadphonesMany 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.
Check out our handy guide on how to reset Bluetooth headphones for more info. Clear the pairing listOne 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:
Check for Headphones UpdateLike 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 AppOpening 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 manuallyIf the app isn’t working as it should, you can also head over to Bose’s Software Updater page to do it yourself:
Manually change the codec to SBCStuttering 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.
ConclusionNow, 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.
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