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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To pair Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), turn them on, hold the Power/Bluetooth switch toward the Bluetooth symbol for three seconds until you hear the “Discoverable” tone and the status light blinks blue, then select the headphones in your device’s Bluetooth settings. For a TV, first confirm that it supports Bluetooth audio output.
How to put Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) in pairing mode
- Turn on the headphones.
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch toward the Bluetooth symbol and hold it for three seconds. Wait for the “Discoverable” tone and a blinking blue status light.
- On your phone, computer, or compatible audio device, open Bluetooth settings and turn Bluetooth on if needed.
- Choose the headphones from the list of available devices. If you renamed them in the Bose app, select that name; otherwise, choose the Bose product name shown.
- Listen for the “Connected to” prompt. Bose says the status light stays solid blue for 10 seconds after connection.
These are Bose’s instructions for QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), not the separate QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Bose’s Bluetooth pairing instructions use the source device’s Bluetooth menu; you do not need the Bose app to pair.
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How do I pair Bose QuietComfort headphones with my phone?
Put the headphones in discoverable mode using the steps above, then open Bluetooth settings on your phone and tap the headphones in the available-device list. The exact menu labels vary by phone, but the pairing process is the same: the headphones must be discoverable and Bluetooth must be enabled on the phone.
If the headphones are already set up in the Bose app, you can also make them available to another Bluetooth device by tapping Source > Bluetooth > Add New in the app.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERN, UPDATED DESIGN: A sleek, streamlined take on the original noise cancelling headphones. All-new pill-shaped earcups and an adjustable sliding headband hit on contemporary design trends and modern aesthetics.
- COMFORTABLE FIT: The new headband is wider than the previous gen, and adds more of the supple, synthetic leather found on the earcups. The headphones strike the right balance of clamping force and comfort for a secure fit and lightweight feel.
- IMPROVED AUDIO PERFORMANCE: The addition of Bose TrueSpatial Technology gives listeners a more natural, immersive experience — no matter the content. QC Headphones (2nd Gen) now also feature high-fidelity lossless audio delivered by USB-C connection.
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLING: Legendary Bose QuietControl noise cancelling technology includes updated ActiveSense Tech for adaptive acoustic noise reduction to smooth unwanted spikes in noise when listening in Aware Mode.
- MORE MODES: In addition to Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling and Aware Mode for transparency, these headphones now include Immersion, Cinema Mode, and ANR off. Cinema Mode enhances video content for an immersive experience with more layered sound.
How do I connect Bose QuietComfort headphones to my computer?
Put the headphones in discoverable mode, open the computer’s Bluetooth settings, enable Bluetooth if it is off, and select the headphones. Menu names and locations differ between operating systems, so use your computer’s Bluetooth settings rather than relying on a single universal menu path.
Can I connect Bose QuietComfort headphones to my TV?
Yes, if the TV supports Bluetooth audio output. Check the television’s settings or manual for Bluetooth headphones or audio output, then put the Bose headphones in discoverable mode and select them in the TV’s Bluetooth audio menu. Bose’s model-specific instructions do not give menu steps for individual TVs, and not every TV supports Bluetooth audio; consult the TV maker’s guidance for your model.
Rank #2
- MODERN, UPDATED DESIGN: A sleek, streamlined take on the original noise cancelling headphones. All-new pill-shaped earcups and an adjustable sliding headband hit on contemporary design trends and modern aesthetics.
- COMFORTABLE FIT: The new headband is wider than the previous gen, and adds more of the supple, synthetic leather found on the earcups. The headphones strike the right balance of clamping force and comfort for a secure fit and lightweight feel.
- IMPROVED AUDIO PERFORMANCE: The addition of Bose TrueSpatial Technology gives listeners a more natural, immersive experience — no matter the content. QC Headphones (2nd Gen) now also feature high-fidelity lossless audio delivered by USB-C connection.
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLING: Legendary Bose QuietControl noise cancelling technology includes updated ActiveSense Tech for adaptive acoustic noise reduction to smooth unwanted spikes in noise when listening in Aware Mode.
- MORE MODES: In addition to Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling and Aware Mode for transparency, these headphones now include Immersion, Cinema Mode, and ANR off. Cinema Mode enhances video content for an immersive experience with more layered sound.
How many devices can the headphones connect to?
Bose says the headphones can store up to eight devices and maintain active connections to two devices at once. They play audio from only one device at a time, so connecting to two does not mean they can play two audio streams simultaneously.
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What to try if pairing does not work
The headphones do not appear in the Bluetooth list
- Make sure the headphones are in discoverable mode: hold the Power/Bluetooth switch toward the Bluetooth symbol for three seconds and wait for the tone and blinking blue light.
- Check that Bluetooth is on for the phone, computer, or TV, and keep the headphones close to it. Bose recommends a maximum separation of 33 feet (10 meters); walls, doors, appliances, and other wireless devices can reduce the usable range.
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on at the source device, then try again. Restarting the headphones or testing with another Bluetooth device can help identify whether the issue is specific to the source.
A saved or duplicate entry prevents reconnection
- Turn on the headphones and hold the Power/Bluetooth switch toward the Bluetooth symbol for 15 seconds, until a tone sounds, to clear Bluetooth pairing.
- Remove the headphones from the source device’s Bluetooth list.
- Put the headphones back in discoverable mode and pair them again.
The headphones are unresponsive
- Remove the headphones from the source device’s Bluetooth list.
- Connect the USB-C cable to the port on the right earcup.
- Hold the Power/Bluetooth switch toward the Bluetooth symbol while connecting the other end of the cable to a USB-C power source.
- Release the switch after the power connection. Bose describes this as rebooting the headphones without clearing device settings.
Use a cable instead of Bluetooth
Bose lists a 3.5 mm-to-USB-C cable in the box for analog audio sources, with a computer as an example. It is a wired alternative when Bluetooth is unavailable or not wanted; it does not pair the headphones, and Bose’s listing does not establish compatibility with every TV.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening.
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Enjoy Bose’s best noise cancellation for headphones with Quiet Mode, turn on Aware Mode to hear more of your surroundings, or combine noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio with Immersion Mode.
- NEW CINEMA MODE: Bring video content to life like never before with Cinema Mode; spatialize and balance background sound and sound effects for movie-like immersion wherever you go.
- USB VOICE: Use the built-in mic to enjoy high-quality two-way communication for phone calls and video conferencing while connected via USB-C.
- ENHANCED LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Up to 30 hours of play time (23 with Immersive Audio)* keeps the music playing through even the longest listening sessions. Charge your headphones with the included USB-C cord and listen to music at the same time.
Rank #4
- MODERN, UPDATED DESIGN: A sleek, streamlined take on the original noise cancelling headphones. All-new pill-shaped earcups and an adjustable sliding headband hit on contemporary design trends and modern aesthetics.
- COMFORTABLE FIT: The new headband is wider than the previous gen, and adds more of the supple, synthetic leather found on the earcups. The headphones strike the right balance of clamping force and comfort for a secure fit and lightweight feel.
- IMPROVED AUDIO PERFORMANCE: The addition of Bose TrueSpatial Technology gives listeners a more natural, immersive experience — no matter the content. QC Headphones (2nd Gen) now also feature high-fidelity lossless audio delivered by USB-C connection.
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLING: Legendary Bose QuietControl noise cancelling technology includes updated ActiveSense Tech for adaptive acoustic noise reduction to smooth unwanted spikes in noise when listening in Aware Mode.
- MORE MODES: In addition to Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling and Aware Mode for transparency, these headphones now include Immersion, Cinema Mode, and ANR off. Cinema Mode enhances video content for an immersive experience with more layered sound.
Rank #3
- MODERN, UPDATED DESIGN: A sleek, streamlined take on the original noise cancelling headphones. All-new pill-shaped earcups and an adjustable sliding headband hit on contemporary design trends and modern aesthetics.
- COMFORTABLE FIT: The new headband is wider than the previous gen, and adds more of the supple, synthetic leather found on the earcups. The headphones strike the right balance of clamping force and comfort for a secure fit and lightweight feel.
- IMPROVED AUDIO PERFORMANCE: The addition of Bose TrueSpatial Technology gives listeners a more natural, immersive experience — no matter the content. QC Headphones (2nd Gen) now also feature high-fidelity lossless audio delivered by USB-C connection.
- LEGENDARY NOISE CANCELLING: Legendary Bose QuietControl noise cancelling technology includes updated ActiveSense Tech for adaptive acoustic noise reduction to smooth unwanted spikes in noise when listening in Aware Mode.
- MORE MODES: In addition to Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling and Aware Mode for transparency, these headphones now include Immersion, Cinema Mode, and ANR off. Cinema Mode enhances video content for an immersive experience with more layered sound.
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