QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS
IMPORTA N T SA F ET Y I N STR UCT I O N S Please read and keep all safety, security, and use instructions. Bose Corporation hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU and all other applicable EU directive requirements. The complete declaration of conformity can be found at: www.Bose.com/compliance Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4.
IMPORTA N T SA F ET Y I N STR UCT I O N S • Do NOT use the earbuds with noise canceling mode at any time the inability to hear surrounding sounds may present a danger to yourself or others, e.g., while riding a bicycle or walking in or near traffic, a construction site or railroad, etc., and follow applicable laws regarding headphone use.
REGUL ATORY A N D L EG A L I N FORM AT I O N NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
REGUL ATORY A N D L EG A L I N FORM AT I O N Management Regulation for Low-power Radio-frequency Devices Article XII According to “Management Regulation for Low-power Radio-frequency Devices” without permission granted by the NCC, any company, enterprise, or user is not allowed to change frequency, enhance transmitting power or alter original characteristic as well as performance to an approved low power radio-frequency devices.
REGUL ATORY A N D L EG A L I N FORM AT I O N Taiwan Restriction of Hazardous Substances Table Equipment name: Charging Case, Type designation: 429708 Restricted substances and its chemical symbols Hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) ○ ○ ○ Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ - ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ - ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Unit Lead (Pb) PCBs - ○ Metal Parts - ○ Plastic Parts ○ Speakers Cables Mercury (Hg) Cadmium (Cd) Note 1: “○” indicates that t
REGUL ATORY A N D L EG A L I N FORM AT I O N Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Use of the Made for Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect specifically to the Apple product(s) identified in the badge, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
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CON T EN TS WHAT’S IN THE BOX Contents.............................................................................................................................. 14 BOSE MUSIC APP SETUP Download the Bose Music app................................................................................... 15 Add the earbuds to an existing account................................................................ 15 SWEAT AND WEATHER RESISTANCE...............................................................
CON T EN TS IN-EAR DETECTION Auto Play/Pause............................................................................................................... 26 Auto Answer Call............................................................................................................. 26 Auto Transparency.......................................................................................................... 26 NOISE CANCELLATION Noise cancelling levels.....................................................
CON T EN TS EARBUD AND CHARGING CASE STATUS Earbud status lights........................................................................................................ 35 Bluetooth® status..................................................................................................... 35 Battery status............................................................................................................ 35 Charging case status lights................................................................
W HAT’S IN T HE BOX CONTENTS Confirm that the following parts are included: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Charging case USB-C to USB-A cable Eartips (sizes 1 and 3) NOTE: Size 2 eartips are attached to the earbuds. For help identifying the eartip sizes, see page 19. NOTE: If any part of the product is damaged, don’t use it. Contact your authorized Bose dealer or Bose customer service. Visit: worldwide.Bose.
BOSE M USI C A P P SETUP The Bose Music app lets you set up and control the earbuds from any mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Using the app, you can manage Bluetooth connections, manage earbud settings, choose your voice prompt language, learn about wireless charging, and get new features. NOTE: If you have already created a Bose account for another Bose product, see “Add the earbuds to an existing account.” DOWNLOAD THE BOSE MUSIC APP 1. On your mobile device, download the Bose Music app.
SW EAT A N D W EATHER R ESISTA N C E The earbuds are rated IPX4 water resistant. They are designed to be sweat and weather resistant but aren’t meant to be submerged under water. CAUTIONS: • Do NOT swim or shower with the earbuds. • Do NOT submerge the earbuds. NOTES: • To prevent rusting, regularly clean the charging contacts on the earbuds with a dry, soft cotton swab or equivalent. • IPX4 is not a permanent condition, and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.
HOW TO W EA R INSERT THE EARBUDS 1. Insert the earbud so the eartip gently rests at the opening of your ear canal. NOTE: Each eartip is marked with either an L (left) or an R (right). L/R marking 2. Slightly rotate the earbud back until the eartip creates a comfortable seal at your ear canal. NOTE: Rotating the earbud too far back (or forward) may impact audio and microphone sound quality. 3. Tuck the top of the eartip wing under your ear ridge. Eartip wing Ear ridge Insert Rotate Tuck 4.
HOW TO W EA R CHECK YOUR FIT Use a mirror to make sure you have successfully rotated the earbud back, tucked the eartip wing, and that you’re using the best eartip size for each ear. FIT WHAT TO CHECK When the eartip fits properly: Proper fit • The eartip gently rests at the opening of your ear canal to create a comfortable seal. Background noise should sound muffled. NOTE: N oise cancellation may impact the ability to hear muffled noise.
HOW TO W EA R TRY ANOTHER EARTIP SIZE Wear the earbuds for an extended period of time. If the eartips don’t feel comfortable or secure, or sound quality isn’t as expected, try another eartip size. The size is marked on the bottom of each eartip with a 1 (small), 2 (medium), or 3 (large). 1 2 3 The size 2 eartips come attached to the earbuds. If size 2 feels too loose, try size 3. If it feels too tight, try size 1. You may need to try all three eartip sizes or use a different size eartip for each ear.
HOW TO W EA R CHANGE THE EARTIPS 1. Holding the earbud, gently stretch the eartip base and peel it away from the earbud. Eartip base Peel Stretch Separate CAUTION: To prevent tearing, do NOT pull on the top of the eartip. 2. Choose a new eartip size (see page 19). 3. Align the earbud nozzle with the back of the eartip, and slide the earbud nozzle onto the eartip. Earbud nozzle 4. Gently stretch the eartip base around the nozzle, and press down until the eartip clicks securely into place.
P OW ER POWER ON Press the button on the front of the charging case. When the charging case opens, the earbuds power on. The earbud status lights (see page 35) and charging case status lights glow (see page 36). NOTE: When you remove the earbuds from the charging case, close the case to help preserve the battery life and keep the case free of debris.
P OW ER POWER OFF 1. Place both earbuds in the charging case. The earbud status lights glow according to the charging status (see page 35). 2. Close the case. The earbuds power off. STANDBY Standby conserves the earbud battery when the earbuds are out of the case and not in use. The earbuds switch to Standby when you remove both earbuds from your ears for 20 minutes. To wake the earbuds, insert both earbuds in your ears.
TOUCH CON T R OL Use touch control by tapping the touch surface of the earbuds. With touch c ontrol, you can play/pause audio, perform basic call functions, access mobile device voice control, adjust noise cancellation, and use a Shortcut (see page 30). TOUCH SURFACE AREA The touch surface is located on the outer surface of each earbud. The right earbud controls media playback, phone calls, and mobile device voice control. The left earbud controls noise cancellation and your Shortcut.
TOUCH CON T R OL PHONE CALLS CONTROL WHAT TO DO Answer/End a call Double-tap the right earbud. Decline a call Touch and hold the right earbud. NOTE: The microphone is located on the right earbud. When talking on the phone, you must wear the right earbud. You hear audio from both earbuds. Call notifications A voice prompt announces incoming callers and call status. To stop call notifications, disable voice prompts using the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.
TOUCH CON T R OL MOBILE DEVICE VOICE CONTROL You can access your mobile device voice control using the earbuds. The microphone on the right earbud acts as an extension of the microphone in your mobile d evice. CONTROL WHAT TO DO Access mobile device voice control Touch and hold the right earbud until you hear a tone. Release, then say your request. Stop mobile device voice control Double-tap the right earbud.
I N -EA R D ETECT ION In-ear detection uses sensors to identify when you’re wearing the earbuds. You can automatically play/pause audio, answer phone calls (if enabled), and adjust noise cancellation by inserting or removing an earbud. NOTE: To disable in-ear detection features, use the Bose Music app. You can access these options from the Settings menu. AUTO PLAY/PAUSE When you remove an earbud, audio pauses on both earbuds. To resume audio, reinsert the earbud.
N OI SE CA N CEL L AT ION Noise cancellation reduces unwanted noise, providing a clearer, more lifelike audio performance. Each time you power on the earbuds, noise cancellation is fully enabled at the highest level. NOTE: To use the last set noise cancelling level when powering on, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu. NOISE CANCELLING LEVELS Choose your noise cancelling level based on your listening preferences and environment.
N OI SE CA N CEL L AT ION ADJUST NOISE CANCELLATION To cycle through Favorite noise cancelling levels, double-tap the left earbud. NOTE: To customize Favorite noise cancelling levels, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu. NOISE CANCELLATION WHILE ON A CALL When you receive a call, the earbuds remain at the current noise cancelling level and Self Voice is activated. Self Voice helps you hear yourself speak morenaturally.
N OI SE CA N CEL L AT ION USE NOISE CANCELLATION ONLY Clear away noisy distractions without audio. Focus on what matters most — your work or whatever your passion. 1. Press and hold the Bluetooth button l in the charging case until you hear “Bluetooth off.” Your mobile device disconnects, and all audio stops playing. 2. Double-tap the left earbud to set your preferred noise cancelling level (see page 27). NOTE: To reconnect your mobile device, select the earbuds from the Bluetooth list on your device.
CUSTOM IZE TOU CH CON T R O L SHORTCUT A Shortcut enables you to quickly and easily access one of the following functions: • Check the earbud battery level. • Skip a track. Set a Shortcut To set a Shortcut, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu. Use your Shortcut To use your Shortcut, touch and hold the left earbud. Remove or change your Shortcut To remove or change your Shortcut, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.
BAT T ERY CHARGE THE EARBUDS 1. Align the charging contacts on the left earbud with the charging pins on the left side of the charging case. L Charging pins NOTE: Before charging, make sure the earbuds are at room temperature, between 46° F (8° C) and 102° F (39° C). 2. Place the earbud in the charging case until it magnetically snaps into place. The earbud status light glows according to the charging status (see page 35). Status light 3. Repeat steps 1 – 2 for the right earbud. 4.
BAT T ERY CHARGE THE CHARGING CASE CAUTION: Use this product only with an agency approved power supply which meets local regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CSA, VDE, CCC). 1. With the charging case closed, connect the small end of the USB cable to the USB-C port. 2. Connect the other end to a USB-A wall charger (not provided). The charging case status lights glow (see page 36). NOTES: • If the earbuds are in the case, the case can remain open.
BAT T ERY CHECK THE CHARGING CASE BATTERY LEVEL Press the button on the front of the charging case to open the case. The charging case status lights glow according to the battery level (see page 36). CHARGING TIME COMPONENT CHARGING TIME Earbuds 2 hours Charging case 3 hours NOTES: • When the earbud battery level is low, a 15-minute charge with the case closed powers the earbuds for up to 2 hours. • A full charge powers the earbuds for up to 6 hours.
BAT T ERY CHARGE WIRELESSLY You can use a Qi-compatible third-party wireless charger (not provided) to charge the case. Place the charging case in the center of your wireless charger. The charging case status lights glow (see page 36). NOTE: For more information, refer to your wireless charger owner’s guide.
EA RBU D A N D CHA R G IN G CASE STAT U S EARBUD STATUS LIGHTS The earbud status lights are located on the outside surface of each earbud. Status light Status light Bluetooth status Shows the B luetooth connection status of mobile devices. LIGHT ACTIVITY SYSTEM STATE Slowly pulses blue Ready to connect Blinks blue Connecting Solid blue Connected Battery status Shows the earbud battery status.
EA RBU D A N D CHA R G IN G CASE STAT U S CHARGING CASE STATUS LIGHTS The charging case status lights are located on the front of the charging case. They show the charge status and battery level of the case and the earbud update status. Status lights Battery status Shows the charging case battery level. LIGHT ACTIVITY CHARGING PERCENTAGE 0% – 20% 21% – 40% 41% – 60% 61% – 80% 81% – 100% NOTE: When the case is charging, the last light blinks according to the current battery level.
B LU E TO OT H CON N ECTI ONS CONNECT USING THE BLUETOOTH MENU ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE You can store up to seven devices in the earbud device list. You can connect and play audio from only one device at a time. NOTE: For the best experience, use the Bose Music app to set up and connect your mobile device (see page 15). 1. Press and hold the Bluetooth button l in the charging case until you hear “Ready to connect.
B LU E TO OT H CON N ECTI ONS 3. Select the earbuds from the device list. NOTE: Look for the name you entered for your earbuds in the Bose Music app. If you didn’t name your earbuds, the default name appears. BOSE QC EARBUDS Once connected, you hear “Connected to .” The earbuds name appears in the mobile device list. NOTE: If you’re not wearing the earbuds, the status lights glow solid blue. DISCONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE Use the Bose Music app to disconnect your mobile device.
B LU E TO OT H CON N ECTI ONS CLEAR THE EARBUD DEVICE LIST 1. Press and hold the Bluetooth button l in the charging case until you hear “Bluetooth device list cleared.” NOTE: If you’re not wearing the earbuds, press and hold the Bluetooth button l in the charging case for 10 seconds. The earbud status lights slowly pulse blue. 2. Delete the earbuds from the Bluetooth list on your device. All devices are cleared, and the earbuds are ready to connect (see page 15).
CA R E A N D M A IN T EN A N CE STORE THE EARBUDS When you’re not using the earbuds, store them in the charging case. Close the charging case to help preserve battery life and keep the charging case free of debris. When storing the earbuds for an extended period of time (more than 4 weeks), make sure they are stored at room temperature and the charging case battery level is greater than 40% (see page 36).
CA R E A N D M A IN T EN A N CE UPDATE THE EARBUDS The earbuds and charging case begin updating automatically when connected to the Bose Music app and an update is available. Follow the app instructions. TIP: You can also update the earbuds and charging case using the Bose updater website. On your computer, visit: btu.Bose.com and follow the on-screen instructions. VIEW THE EARBUD DATE CODE Remove the eartip from the earbud (see page 20). The date code is located on the earbud nozzle.
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G TRY THESE SOLUTIONS FIRST If you experience problems with the earbuds, try these solutions first: • Charge the battery (see page 31). • Power on the earbuds (see page 21). • Check the earbud status lights and charging case status lights (see page 35). • Make sure your mobile device supports Bluetooth connections (see page 37). • Download the Bose Music app and run available software updates (see page 15).
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G SYMPTOM SOLUTION On your device: • Turn the Bluetooth feature off and then on. • Delete the earbuds from the Bluetooth list on your device. Connect again (see page 15). Earbuds don’t connect with mobile device Place both earbuds in the charging case until they magnetically snap into place, and the status lights display charge status (see page 35). Close and re-open the case. Connect again (see page 15). Make sure you’re wearing the right earbud.
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G SYMPTOM SOLUTION Make sure that both eartips fit securely in your ear, and they aren’t rotated too far back (see page 17). Make sure your head is upright when inserting the earbuds. Press play on your mobile device to make sure audio is playing. No sound Play audio from a different application or music service. Play audio from content stored directly on your device. Restart your mobile device. Make sure the earbuds are within range of each other.
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G SYMPTOM SOLUTION Make sure that both eartips fit securely in your ear, and they aren’t rotated too far back (see page 17). Make sure the microphone holes on the edge of the right earbud aren’t blocked. Make sure the microphone isn’t muted on your phone. Microphone doesn’t pick up sound If you’re on a phone call, make sure you’re using the right earbud. Try another phone call. Try another compatible device. On your device: • Turn the Bluetooth feature off and then on.
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G SYMPTOM SOLUTION Earbuds don’t respond Place both earbuds in the charging case until they magnetically snap into place. Close and re-open the case. The earbud status lights display charge status (see page 35). Reboot the earbuds and charging case (see page 48). Make sure you’re touching the correct touch control surface (see page 23). Make sure your finger is making good contact with the touch control surface (see page 23). For multi-tap functions, vary the tap pressure.
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G SYMPTOM SOLUTION Make sure the USB cable is correctly aligned with the port on the charging case. Secure both ends of the USB cable. Try another USB cable. Charging case doesn’t charge Make sure the charging case is closed. To help preserve the battery life, the case should be closed while it’s charging. Try another wall charger. If the charging case has been exposed to high or low temperatures, let the case return to room temperature. Charge again (see page 32).
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G REBOOT THE EARBUDS AND CHARGING CASE If the earbuds are unresponsive, you can reboot them. NOTE: Rebooting the earbuds clears the earbud device list. It doesn’t clear other settings. 1. Place the earbuds in the charging case. 2. Press and hold the Bluetooth button l in the charging case for 30 seconds until the earbud status lights blink. When the reboot is complete, the earbud status lights (see page 35) and charging case status lights glow (see page 36).
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