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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Powering off, clearing saved Bluetooth devices, rebooting, and restoring Bose headphones to factory settings are different actions. The correct button sequence depends on the exact model, so check the product name in the Bose app or on the headphones before following a reset procedure.
Choose the right action before you press a button
- Power off: Stops the headphones. Bose’s over-ear power-off instructions vary by model, so there is no universal button sequence here.
- Clear Bluetooth pairings: Deletes remembered source devices without being the same as a factory restore. This can be enough if you only need to reconnect a phone or computer.
- Reboot: Restarts the headphones to address an unresponsive state. For QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, Bose says the reboot does not erase product settings.
- Factory restore: Returns supported headphones to their original setup state and clears settings. Bose recommends this for troubleshooting issues or when customer service directs you to do it.
Factory reset: use the instructions for your exact model
Before starting, identify the model and generation. These procedures apply to the named over-ear models only; do not assume they work on other Bose headphones or earbuds.
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Bose QuietComfort 45
- Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on your phone, computer, or other source device.
- In the Bose app, remove the headphones from your Bose account.
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and hold it. At the same time, press and hold the Action button for 30 seconds.
- Watch the indicator: it blinks white, then amber for two to three seconds as restoration starts. A slow blue blink indicates the headphones have returned to their original out-of-box state.
Bose’s QuietComfort 45 owner’s guide recommends restoring only if you are having issues or Bose customer service has instructed you to do so.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Remove the headphones from your source device’s Bluetooth list.
- Use the Bose app to remove them from your Bose account.
- Press and hold Bluetooth/Power and Multi-function together for 15 seconds in total, until the status light blinks white twice again.
- Wait for the status light to blink blue; Bose identifies this as completion of the restore.
The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones owner’s guide also recommends factory restore only for an issue or at Bose customer service’s direction.
#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
Current Bose QuietComfort Headphones
The Bose manual for the current QuietComfort Headphones documents a procedure similar to the QuietComfort 45: remove the Bluetooth and Bose-account associations, then hold Power/Bluetooth and Action together for 30 seconds. Use the status-light pattern in the guide to confirm completion. Since the QuietComfort name covers multiple generations, follow the owner’s guide for your exact model rather than treating the steps as interchangeable.
Clear the Bluetooth device list without a factory restore
If your aim is simply to remove saved Bluetooth devices, use the model’s pairing-list operation instead. You will still need to remove the headphones from your phone or computer’s Bluetooth settings and pair again afterward.
Rank #2
- 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.
QuietComfort 45
- Power on the headphones.
- Hold the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right for 15 seconds, until the headphones say, “Bluetooth device list cleared. Ready to connect.”
- On the phone or computer, remove the headphones from its Bluetooth list, then pair them again.
QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- Hold Bluetooth/Power and Multi-function together until you hear, “Bluetooth device list cleared. Ready to connect.”
- Remove the headphones from the source device’s Bluetooth list, then reconnect.
For the exact controls and prompts, consult Bose’s QuietComfort 45 or QuietComfort Ultra Headphones guide. Clearing saved pairings is a separate action from restoring the headphones to factory settings.
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Try a reboot before restoring an unresponsive QuietComfort Ultra
Bose documents a reboot for QuietComfort Ultra Headphones that are unresponsive or disconnecting. It restarts the product without erasing its settings.
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 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
- Disconnect any USB or audio cables from the headphones.
- Connect a USB charging cable to a charger or other power source, but do not yet connect the cable to the headphones.
- Press and hold Bluetooth/Power.
- While continuing to hold the button, connect the cable to the left earcup.
- Wait two seconds after connecting the cable, then release the button. The power light quickly blinks twice.
If the headphones remain unresponsive, Bose suggests trying the reboot again. Do not apply this procedure to another model without checking its guide. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones owner’s guide distinguishes this restart from a factory restore, which returns settings to the original setup state.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Earbuds use different power and reset procedures
Do not use over-ear headphone instructions for earbuds. For QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, Bose says to put both earbuds in the charging case and close it to power them off; they disconnect from the device while in the case.
Rank #4
- 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
Bose also distinguishes reboot from factory restore for QuietComfort Earbuds sold from 2024: a reboot restarts without changing settings, while a restore clears settings, pairings, and customizations. QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) have separate case-and-cable reboot and factory-restore procedures. Follow the guide for the exact earbud model rather than adapting any over-ear button sequence.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- A COOL NEW HUE: Listening feels anything but fleeting when you tune in with QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue
- 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
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.
