EARBUDS 500
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. Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. WARNINGS/CAUTIONS • To avoid accidental ingestion, keep the earbuds away from children and pets.
IMPORTA N T SA F ET Y I N STR UCT I O N S • Do NOT submerge or expose the earbuds for extended period to water, or wear while participating in water sports, e.g., swimming, waterskiing, surfing, etc. • Remove earbuds immediately if you experience a warming sensation or loss of audio. Contains small parts which may be a choking hazard. Not suitable for children under age 3. T his product contains magnetic material. Consult your physician on whether this might affect your implantable medical device.
R EG U L ATORY I N FOR M AT IO 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.
R EG U L ATORY I N FOR M AT IO N This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be delivered to an appropriate collection facility for recycling. Proper disposal and recycling helps protect natural resources, human health and the environment. For more information on disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop where you bought this product.
R EG U L ATORY I N FOR M AT IO N Please complete and retain for your records The earbud serial numbers are located on the earbud nozzles. The charging case serial number is located on the earbud well in the charging case. The model numbers are located on the bottom of the charging case. Serial number: _____________________________________________________________________ Model number: _____________________________________________________________________ Please keep your receipt with your owner’s guide.
L EG A L IN FOR M AT ION Amazon, Alexa, Amazon Music, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon, Inc. or its affiliates. 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.
CON T EN TS WHAT’S IN THE BOX Contents.............................................................................................................................. 11 BOSE MUSIC APP SETUP Download the Bose Music app................................................................................... 12 Add the earbuds to an existing account................................................................ 13 SWEAT AND WEATHER RESISTANCE...............................................................
CON T EN TS VOICE ASSISTANT Voice assistant options.................................................................................................. 22 Set up your voice assistant.......................................................................................... 22 Access Amazon Alexa.................................................................................................... 23 Use your voice....................................................................................................
CON T EN TS EARBUD AND CHARGING CASE STATUS Earbud status lights........................................................................................................ 32 Bluetooth® connection status ............................................................................ 32 Earbud charge status............................................................................................. 32 Charging case status lights......................................................................................
W HAT’S IN T HE BOX CONTENTS Confirm that the following parts are included: Bose Earbuds 500 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 16. NOTE: If any part of the product is damaged, don’t use it. Contact your authorized Bose d ealer 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 configure Amazon Alexa or your Google Assistant, choose your voice prompt language, and manage earbud settings. NOTE: If you have already created a Bose account in the app 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. BOSE MUSIC 2.
Bose M usic A pp Setup ADD THE EARBUDS TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT 1. On the charging case, press and hold the Bluetooth button until you hear “Ready to connect,” and the earbud status lights slowly pulse blue. 2. In the Bose Music app, from the My Bose screen, tap H. NOTE: To return to the My Bose screen, tap Z in the top-left corner of the screen. 3. Follow the app instructions.
SW EAT A N D W EATHER R ESISTA N C E The earbuds are rated IPX4 sweat and weather resistant. They 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 pins 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 HOW To W EA ear R INSERT THE EARBUDS 1. Insert the earbud so the eartip gently rests in your ear canal. NOTE: Each eartip is marked with either an L (left) or an R (right). 2. Slightly rotate the earbud back until the eartip creates a comfortable seal in your ear canal. NOTE: Rotating the earbud too far back may impact audio performance. 3. Tuck the top of the eartip under your ear ridge. FPO FPO Insert Ear ridge FPO Rotate Tuck 4. Check the fit (see page 16). 5.
How TO HOW to W EA ear R CHECK THE FIT When the eartips are properly inserted and fit correctly, they: • Sit deep enough in your ears to create a seal but still feel comfortable. Background noise should sound muffled. • Stay secure, even when moving your head. If the eartips don't feel comfortable or secure, try another eartip size. 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 (medium) eartips come attached to the earbuds.
HOW TO ’ W EA R Change the eartips 1. Holding the earbud, gently stretch the eartip base and peel it away from the earbud. ? Stretch Eartip base Peel Separate CAUTION: To prevent tearing, do NOT pull on the top of the eartip. 2. Choose a new eartip size (see page 16). 3. Align the opening of the eartip with the earbud nozzle, and slide the eartip opening onto the earbud nozzle. Earbud nozzle ? Eartip opening 4.
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 33) and charging case status lights glow (see page 33). POWER OFF 1. Place both earbuds in the charging case (see page 29). The earbud status lights glow according to the charging status (see page 33). 2. Close the charging case. STANDBY Standby conserves the earbud battery when the earbuds are not in use.
TOUCH CON T R OL Use touch control by tapping or swiping the touch surface of the earbuds. With touch control, you can play/pause audio, change the volume, perform basic call functions, and access your voice assistant. TOUCH SURFACE AREA The touch surface is located on the outer surface of each earbud. The right earbud controls media playback, volume, phone calls, and your voice assistant. The left earbud controls your Shortcut.
Touch CON TOUCH Control T R OL PHONE CALLS The microphone is located on the right earbud. Microphone CONTROL WHAT TO DO Answer/end a call Tap the right earbud. Decline an incoming call Touch and hold the right earbud. TOUCH CONTROL NOTE: 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 disable call notifications, use the Bose Music app.
I N -EA R D ETECT ION In-ear detection uses sensors to identify when you’re wearing the earbuds. You can automatically play or pause audio and answer phone calls by inserting or removing the right earbud. NOTE: To disable in-ear detection features, use the Bose Music app. You can access the features from the Settings menu. AUTO PLAY/PAUSE When you remove the right earbud, audio pauses on both earbuds. To resume audio, re-insert the right earbud.
VOI CE ASSI STA N T VOICE ASSISTANT OPTIONS You can set up the earbuds to quickly and easily access Amazon Alexa, your Google Assistant, or voice control capabilities on your mobile device. NOTE: Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant aren’t available in certain languages and countries. OPTIONS HOW TO USE Amazon Alexa Use your voice and/or touch control (see page 24). Your Google Assistant Use your voice and/or touch control (see page 26). Use touch control (see page 27).
VOI CE ASSI ’ STA N T ACCESS AMAZON ALEXA The earbuds are Amazon Alexa enabled. With Alexa, you can ask to play music, hear the news, check the weather, control smart home devices, and more. Using Alexa on your earbuds is as simple as asking. Just ask and Alexa responds instantly. For more information about what Alexa can do, visit: https://www.amazon.com/usealexa NOTES: • Alexa isn’t available in certain languages and countries. • When talking to Alexa, you must wear the right earbud.
VOI CE ASSI STA N T Use touch control Use the touch surface on the right earbud to control Amazon Alexa. THINGS TO TRY WHAT TO DO Talk to Alexa Touch and hold the right earbud. Disable/enable the wake word Double-tap the right earbud. TOUCH CONTROL FPO NOTE: You can also set your Shortcut to disable/enable the Alexa wake word. For information about how to set and use this Shortcut, see "Touch control Shortcut" on page 28.
VOI CE ASSI ’ STA N T ACCESS YOUR GOOGLE ASSISTANT Your earbuds are optimized for the Google Assistant, making your earbuds the perfect companion for getting stuff done on your travels or commute. Continue your conversations while on the go and easily access the best of Google, from Google Play Music to Google Maps. You can quickly enjoy entertainment, stay connected to friends, get information, and manage your day—all without glancing at your phone.
VOI CE ASSI STA N T Use touch control Use the touch surface on the right earbud to control your Google Assistant. THINGS TO TRY WHAT TO DO TOUCH CONTROL Talk to your Google Assistant Touch and hold the right earbud while saying your request. Get notifications Double-tap the right earbud.
VOI CE ASSI STA N T DISABLE THE WAKE WORD FOR AMAZON ALEXA OR YOUR GOOGLE ASSISTANT To disable the wake word, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu. NOTES: • After disabling the wake word, you can still access the voice assistant using touch control (see page 22). • You can also set a Shortcut control to automatically disable/enable the wake word (see page 28).
CUSTOM IZE TOU CH CON T R O L TOUCH CONTROL SHORTCUT A Shortcut enables you to quickly and easily access one of the following functions: • Check the earbud battery level. • Skip a track. • Disable/Enable the wake word for Amazon Alexa or your Google Assistant (see page 27). NOTE: T he Shortcut to disable/enable the wake word is not applicable for mobile device voice control. Set a Shortcut To set a 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 pins on the left earbud with the charging pins on the left side of the charging case. Charging pins Charging pins 2. Place the earbud in the charging case until it magnetically snaps into place. Status light The earbud status light glows according to the charging status (see page 32). 3. Repeat steps 1 – 2 to charge the right earbud. Charging time Allow up to 2.5 hours to fully charge the earbuds.
BAT T ERY CHECK THE EARBUD BATTERY LEVEL While using the earbuds • When you remove the earbuds from the charging case and insert the earbuds, a voice prompt announces the battery level. If the battery is low, you hear “Battery low, please charge now.” • If you set your Shortcut to check the battery level, double-tap the left earbud (see page 28). • If connected to an Apple device, your device displays the battery level on the home screen, Control Center, or notification screen.
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. Connect the small end of the USB cable into the USB-C port. 2. Connect the other end into a USB-A wall charger (not provided) or computer that is powered on. NOTE: Before charging, be sure the earbuds are at room temperature, between 41° F (5° C) and 104° F (40° C). Charging time Allow up to 2.5 hours to fully charge the case.
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 lights Bluetooth connection status Shows the Bluetooth connection status. LIGHT ACTIVITY SYSTEM STATE Slowly pulses blue Ready to connect Blinks blue Connecting Solid blue Connected Earbud charge status Shows the earbud battery level.
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 Charging case charge status Shows the charging case battery level. LIGHT ACTIVITY CHARGING PERCENTAGE 0% - 20% 20% - 40% 40% - 60% 60% - 80% 80% - 99% NOTE: When the charging case is charging, the last lit status light blinks white.
B LU E TO OT H CON N ECT IONS Bluetooth wireless technology lets you stream music from mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers. Before you can play audio from a device, you must connect the device with the earbuds. CONNECT USING THE BLUETOOTH MENU ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE NOTE: For the best experience, set up and connect your mobile device using the Bose Music app (see page 12). 1.
B LU E TO OT H CON N ECT IONS DISCONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE Use the Bose Music app to disconnect your mobile device. TIP: You can also use Bluetooth settings to disconnect your device. Disabling the Bluetooth feature disconnects all other devices. RECONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE When powered on, the earbuds try to reconnect with the most recentlyconnected device. NOTES: • The device must be within range (30 ft. or 9 m) and powered on. • Make sure the Bluetooth feature is enabled on your mobile device.
CA R E A N D M A IN T EN A N CE STORE THE EARBUDS To store the earbuds, place them in the charging case. When the earbuds are stored, the earbud status lights glow (see page 33). CLEAN THE EARBUDS AND CHARGING CASE The earbuds and charging case may require periodic cleaning. COMPONENT Eartips Earbud nozzles CLEANING PROCEDURE Remove the tips from the earbuds and wash them with a mild detergent and water. NOTE: Make sure you thoroughly rinse and dry the tips before r e-attaching them to the earbuds.
CA R E A N D M A IN T EN A N CE FIND YOUR LOST EARBUDS Use the Bose Music app to help find your lost earbuds. REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Replacement parts and accessories can be ordered through Bose customer service. Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/EB500 LIMITED WARRANTY The earbuds are covered by a limited warranty. Visit our website at global.Bose.com/warranty for details of the limited warranty. To register your product, visit global.Bose.com/register for instructions.
CA R E A N D M ’A IN T EN A N CE SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS The earbud and charging case serial numbers are located: • On the carton outer label. • In the Bose Music app, under Technical Info. • On the earbud nozzles (earbuds only). • On the charging case (charging case only). View the serial number on the earbuds Remove the eartip from the earbud (see page 17). The serial number 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: • Power on the earbuds (see page 18). • Check the earbud status lights (see page 33). • Charge the earbuds (see page 29). • Charge the charging case (see page 31). • Make sure your mobile device supports Bluetooth connections (see page 35). • Download the Bose Music app and run available software updates (see page 12). • Move your mobile device closer to the earbuds (30 ft.
TR roubleshooting OUBL ESHOOTI N G PROBLEM WHAT TO DO Bose Music app doesn’t work on mobile device Make sure your mobile device is compatible with the Bose Music app and meets minimum system requirements. For more information, refer to the app store on your mobile device. Uninstall the Bose Music app on your mobile device. Reinstall the app (see page 12). Make sure that both eartips fit securely in your ear, and they are not rotated too far back (see page 15).
T R OUBL ESHOOTI ’ NG PROBLEM WHAT TO DO Make sure that both eartips fit securely in your ear, and they are not rotated too far back (see page 15). Try a different audio track. Play audio from a different application or music service. Clear any debris or wax buildup from the eartips and earbud nozzles. Poor sound quality Turn off any audio enhancement features on the device or music app. Make sure your earbuds are connected over the correct Bluetooth p rofile: Stereo A2DP.
T R OUBL ESHOOTI ’ NG PROBLEM WHAT TO DO Make sure the microphone openings on the front edge of each of the earbuds are not blocked. Try using your voice assistant and see if your voice assistant hears your voice. Try another voice assistant. Microphone doesn’t pick up sound Try another phone call. Try another compatible device. 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 34).
T R OUBL ESHOOTI N G PROBLEM WHAT TO DO Make sure Alexa has been set up using the Bose Music app (see page 22). Connect your mobile device to Wi-Fi or enable the cellular data functionality for the Alexa app in your mobile device Settings menu. Make sure you’re in a country where Alexa is available (see page 23). Alexa doesn’t respond Make sure the wake word is enabled (see page 27). Make sure you are using the most up-to-date version of the Amazon Alexa app. Make sure your mobile device is compatible.
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