If your Bose QuietComfort Gen 2 won’t connect, first identify whether you have the over-ear QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) or QuietComfort Earbuds II. They use different pairing controls and recovery steps, so don’t apply one model’s reset instructions to the other. Then remove old Bose entries from your phone or computer and pair again using the instructions for your model.
Identify which QuietComfort Gen 2 you own
“QuietComfort Gen 2” can refer to two distinct products: over-ear QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) or QuietComfort Earbuds II. The headphones use a Power/Bluetooth switch; the earbuds use their charging case and the Bose app for parts of troubleshooting. Confirm the product name and form factor before following model-specific steps.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do not confuse Earbuds II with the separate QuietComfort Earbuds model. Bose lists Earbuds II as sold from 2022–2025, while its separate QuietComfort Earbuds support page is for a 2024 product. The products have different reset procedures; the newer model’s instructions are not a substitute for Earbuds II steps.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTry these checks before pairing again
- Check power and charge. For Earbuds II, listen for the welcome tone and battery announcement when you remove the earbuds and place them in your ears. If the case status light does not come on when the earbuds are inside, press them down so their charging contacts meet the case pins. See Bose’s Earbuds II connection troubleshooting.
- Forget old Bose pairings. Open Bluetooth settings on the phone, tablet, or computer and remove every entry for the Bose product, including duplicates with “LE” in the name. Depending on the device, the command may be called “Forget,” “Unpair,” or “Clear.” For Earbuds II, toggle Bluetooth off and on after removing the entries, as the QuietComfort Earbuds II user guide recommends.
- Disconnect other Bluetooth audio devices and restart the source device. This helps rule out a phone or computer connection conflict before you change settings on the Bose product.
Pair QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch toward the Bluetooth symbol and hold it for three seconds.
- Wait for the discoverable tone and blinking blue status light.
- Open the source device’s Bluetooth list and select the headphones.
Bose says these headphones can store up to eight devices and actively connect to two at a time, although audio plays from one device at a time. If they connect to the wrong remembered device, select the intended device in Bluetooth settings or use the Source flow in the Bose app. Bose’s pairing support page also describes clearing the headphones’ Bluetooth pairing list. That is separate from a product reset: the reset reboots the headphones and resets product controls, but does not clear device settings.
#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
Reconnect or clear the pairing list on QuietComfort Earbuds II
When they connect to the wrong device
Earbuds II try to reconnect to the most recently connected device when removed from the case. To switch, select “Bose QC Earbuds II” in the Bluetooth settings of the phone or computer you want to use. Alternatively, cycle through remembered devices with the Bluetooth button on the back of the case. Keep the source within 30 feet (9 m), as Bose recommends. See Bose’s Earbuds II reconnection instructions.
When ordinary re-pairing does not work
Clear the Earbuds II remembered-device list using Bose’s model-specific sequence:
Rank #2
- 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
- Remove the earbuds from the Bose app.
- In the source device’s Bluetooth settings, forget every matching Bose entry, including entries marked “LE.”
- Connect the charging case to a USB wall charger.
- Put both earbuds in the case and leave the lid open.
- Hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the case for 30 seconds. Watch the status light and release the button when Bose’s described light sequence completes.
- Reconnect the earbuds using the Bose app.
Use the complete light sequence in Bose’s Earbuds II troubleshooting instructions to confirm when the list-clear procedure is complete. Do not use this case-button procedure for the over-ear Headphones (2nd Gen).
Find out whether the problem is the Bose product or your device
- Restart the phone or computer, then try pairing again.
- Try pairing the Bose product with a different phone, tablet, or computer.
- If it connects to another source, check Bluetooth settings or software on the original device. If it fails with another source too, the Bose product may need service.
If Earbuds II still will not connect after Bose’s troubleshooting steps, Bose identifies repair or replacement as the next step. Start with its support guidance for the product.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLATION: Effortlessly combines noise cancelling headphones technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- PREMIUM COMFORT: 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
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 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
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.
