Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Manual

Also See for QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds:

Manual (64 pages)

Table of Contents

Contents

1 WHAT'S IN THE BOX
2 BOSE MUSIC APP SETUP
3 SWEAT AND WEATHER RESISTANCE
4 HOW TO WEAR
5 POWER
6 POWER OFF
7 TOUCH CONTROL
8 SHORTCUTS
9 IN-EAR DETECTION
10 NOISE CANCELLATION
11 IMMERSIVE AUDIO
12 LISTENING MODES
13 LISTENING MODES
14 BATTERY
15 EARBUD AND CHARGING CASE STATUS
16 BLUETOOTH CONNECTIONS
17 Documents / Resources
- 17.1 References
- 17.2 Download manual

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds - Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds Manual

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

CONTENTS
Confirm that the following parts are included:

NOTE: Medium eartips are attached to the earbuds. For help identifying the eartip sizes,

NOTE: Size 1 bands are attached to the earbuds. For help identifying the band sizes.

NOTE: If any part of your product appears to be missing or damaged, don't use it. Visit support.Bose.com/QCUE for troubleshooting articles, videos, and product repair or replacement.

BOSE MUSIC APP 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 verify the earbud fit, manage Bluetooth connections, manage earbud settings, adjust the audio, choose your voice prompt language, and get any future updates and new features made available by Bose.
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

On your mobile device, download the Bose Music app.
NOTE: If you're located in Mainland China, download the Bose app.
Follow the app instructions.

ADD THE EARBUDS TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT
To add your Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, open the Bose Music app and add your earbuds.

SWEAT AND WEATHER RESISTANCE

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.

Do NOT swim or shower with the earbuds.
Do NOT submerge the earbuds.

NOTES:

To prevent corrosion, regularly clean the charging contacts on the earbuds with a dry, soft cotton swab or equivalent.
IPX4 isn't a permanent condition, and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.

HOW TO WEAR

INSERT THE EARBUDS

Insert the earbud so the eartip gently rests at the opening of your ear canal.
NOTE: Each earbud is marked with either an R (right) or L (left).
Slightly rotate the earbud back until the eartip creates a comfortable seal at your ear canal and the stability band rests against your ear ridge.
NOTE:You may need to rotate the earbud back and forth for the eartip to create a comfortable seal. However, rotating it too far back or forward may impact audio and microphone sound quality.
Check the fit.
Repeat steps 1 – 3 to insert the other earbud.
When you insert the earbuds, the audio is personalized to your ears for the best audio performance and noise cancellation.
NOTE: If you're sharing the earbuds, place them in the charging case to clear the audio personalization between each user.

CHECK YOUR FIT
For the best fit, audio performance, and noise cancellation, use a mirror to make sure you're using the correct size eartips and stability bands. You may need to try a different size eartip or stability band for each ear.
TIP: You can also check your fit using the Earbud Seal Test in the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.

Eartips

FIT	WHAT TO CHECK
Proper fit	The eartip gently rests at the opening of your ear canal to create a comfortable seal. Background noise should sound muffled. NOTE: Noise cancellation may impact the ability to hear muffled noise.
Too much pressure	The eartip feels uncomfortable and squished in your ear canal.
Too loose	The eartip rests too deep in your ear canal, feels loose in your ear, or falls out when you move your head.

Stability bands

FIT	WHAT TO CHECK
Proper fit	The band doesn't stick out or feel squished against your ear ridge.
Too big	The band is sticking out or feels squished under your ear ridge.
Too small	The band doesn't reach your ear ridge.

TRY ANOTHER SIZE
Wear the earbuds for an extended period of time. If the earbuds don't feel comfortable or secure, or noise cancellation or sound quality isn't as expected, try another size eartip or stability band.
You may need to try all three eartip or band sizes or use a different size eartip or band for each ear.

Eartips
Three sizes of eartips are included with the earbuds: small, medium, and large.
Eartips
Medium eartips come attached to the earbuds. If they feel too small, try large eartips. If they feel too big, try small eartips.

Stability bands
The stability bands are marked with size 1 (small), 2 (medium), or 3 (large) and an R (right) or L (left).

Size 1 bands come attached to the earbuds. If they feel too small, try size 2 bands.

CHANGE THE EARTIPS

Holding the earbud, gently squeeze the eartip and peel it away from the earbud.

To prevent tearing, do NOT pull on the edge of the eartip.
Choose a new eartip size.
Align the eartip with the earbud nozzle and press the eartip onto the nozzle until you feel it snap securely into place and hear it click.
Repeat steps 1 – 3 for the other earbud, as needed.
NOTE: You may need to use a different size eartip for each ear.
Insert the earbuds.
Check the fit.

NOTES:

If you change the eartip, you may need to change the stability band so the band rests comfortably against your ear ridge.
To see how-to videos about changing the eartips, visit: support.Bose.com/QCUE
If you need additional eartip sizes, contact Bose customer service or visit: support.Bose.com/QCUE

CHANGE THE STABILITY BANDS

Holding the earbud, gently grab the stability band scoop and peel the band toward you, over the eartip, and away from the earbud.

To prevent tearing, do NOT pull on the thin part of the band.
Choose a new band size. Select the band marked with either an R (right) or L (left), depending on the earbud.
With the band markings facing you and the band scoop facing away from you, align the dot on the band with the gray dot on the bottom of the earbud.
Gently stretch the band over the eartip, making sure the dots align and the tab on the band fits in the notch on the top of the earbud.
NOTE: Aligning the band correctly makes sure that the hole on the side of the band is over the earbud microphone so the microphone isn't blocked.
Press down until the band fits securely into place, then check for alignment.
Repeat steps 1 – 5 for the other earbud, as needed.
NOTE: You may need to use a different size band for each ear.
Insert the earbuds.
Check the fit.

NOTES:

To see how-to videos about changing the bands, visit: support.Bose.com/QCUE
If you need additional stability band sizes, contact Bose customer service or visit: support.Bose.com/QCUE

POWER

POWER ON
Open the charging case.
The earbuds power on. The earbuds status light blinks white and then glows according to the charging status. The charging case status light glows according to the battery level.

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.

POWER OFF

Place both earbuds in the charging case.
The earbuds disconnect from your mobile device.
Close the case.
The earbuds power off. The charging case status light glows according to the battery level.

STANDBY
Standby conserves the earbud battery when an earbud is out of the case and not in use. The earbud switches to Standby when you remove it from your ear and don't move it for 10 minutes.
To wake the earbud, insert the earbud in your ear.

TOUCH CONTROL

Use touch control by tapping or swiping the touch surface of either earbud. With touch control, you can play/pause audio, change the volume, perform basic call functions, and use a shortcut to change the mode or change immersive audio settings.

TOUCH SURFACE AREA
The touch surface is located on the outer surface of both earbuds. It controls media playback, volume, phone calls, and your shortcut.

MEDIA PLAYBACK AND VOLUME

CONTROL	WHAT TO DO
Play/Pause	Tap an earbud.
Increase the volume	Swipe up on an earbud.
Decrease the volume	Swipe down on an earbud.
Skip to the next track	Double-tap an earbud.
Skip to the previous track	Triple-tap an earbud.

PHONE CALLS

CONTROL	WHAT TO DO
Answer a call	Tap an earbud.
End/Decline a call	Double-tap an earbud.
Answer a second incoming call and put the current call on hold	Tap an earbud.
Decline a second incoming call and stay on current call	Double-tap an earbud.

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.

IMMERSIVE AUDIO SETTINGS
For information about changing the immersive audio setting.

MOBILE DEVICE VOICE CONTROL
You can set a shortcut to access your mobile device voice control using the earbuds. The microphone on the earbuds acts as an extension of the microphone on your mobile device.
NOTE: To access mobile device voice control using the earbuds, it must be set as a shortcut.

CONTROL	WHAT TO DO
Access mobile device voice control	Touch and hold an earbud until you hear a tone. Release, then say your request.
Stop mobile device voice control	Tap an earbud.

SHORTCUTS

A shortcut enables you to quickly and easily access one of the following functions:

Cycle through modes
Cycle through immersive audio settings
Use your mobile device voice control

NOTE: By default, cycling through modes is enabled on both earbuds.

USE YOUR SHORTCUT
Touch and hold an earbud.

CHANGE OR DISABLE YOUR SHORTCUT
To change or disable a shortcut or to assign a different shortcut to each earbud, use the Bose Music app. To access this option, tap Shortcut on the main screen.
NOTE: If you assign a different shortcut to each earbud, you must touch and hold the appropriate earbud. If you remove an earbud, you can only use the shortcut assigned to the earbud in your ear.

IN-EAR DETECTION

In-ear detection uses sensors to identify when you're wearing both earbuds or just a single earbud.
You can automatically play/pause audio, answer phone calls (if enabled), and adjust noise cancellation by inserting or removing an earbud.
NOTE: To manage in-ear detection features, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.

AUTO PLAY/PAUSE
When you remove an earbud, audio pauses on both earbuds.
To resume audio, reinsert the earbud.
NOTE: If you want to use a single earbud, you can tap the earbud in your ear to resume audio.

AUTO ANSWER CALL
You can answer phone calls by inserting an earbud.
NOTE: To enable this feature, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.

AUTO TRANSPARENCY
When you remove an earbud, the mode adjusts to Aware mode on the e arbud in your other ear.
When you reinsert the earbud, the earbud in your ear adjusts to the previous noise cancelling level.
NOTE: If you want to use a single earbud, you can use your shortcut to cycle through the modes and choose the appropriate mode.

NOISE CANCELLATION

Noise cancellation reduces unwanted noise, providing a clearer, more lifelike audio performance.
By default, the earbuds power on in Quiet mode. Noise cancellation is fully enabled.

CHANGE THE NOISE CANCELLATION SETTING
You can switch between preset noise cancellation settings by changing the mode.

NOISE CANCELLATION WHILE ON A CALL
When you make or receive a call, the earbuds remain at the current noise cancellation setting and self voice is activated. Self voice helps you hear yourself speak more naturally.
To adjust noise cancellation while on a call, change the mode.

NOTES:

Auto transparency is disabled while on a call.
To adjust self voice, use the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the Settings menu.

USE NOISE CANCELLATION ONLY
You can use noise cancellation only, without audio or interruptions from phone calls.

Do one of the following:
- If you're wearing the earbuds, disconnect your mobile device.
- If the earbuds are in the charging case, turn the Bluetooth feature off on your mobile device. Then, remove the earbuds from the case and insert them in your ears.
Touch and hold an earbud to change the mode.
NOTE: To reconnect your mobile device, select the earbuds from the Bluetooth list on your device.

IMMERSIVE AUDIO

Immersive audio takes what you're hearing out of your head and places it in front of you—like you're always in the acoustic sweet spot. It feels like the sound is c oming from outside the earbuds, resulting in a more natural listening experience. Immersive audio works on any streaming content from any source, taking it to new heights with better sound clarity and richer sound quality.
NOTE: When you make or receive a phone call, immersive audio is temporarily set to Off.

IMMERSIVE AUDIO SETTINGS

SETTING	DESCRIPTION	WHEN TO USE
Motion	Audio sounds like it's coming from two stereo speakers in front of you that follow the movements of your head. NOTE: This setting is used by default in Immersion mode.	Use for the most consistent experience. Best for when you're doing activities that require you to frequently turn your head or look down.
Still	Audio sounds like it's coming from two stereo speakers in front of you that stay where they are when you move your head. NOTES: A few seconds after you stop moving your head, the speakers recenter on your position. To access this setting, use the Bose Music app. Tap Immersive Audio on the main screen.	Use for the most realistic and powerful experience. Best for when you're stationary.
Off	Audio sounds like it's coming from your earbuds.	Use when you want a classic listening experience or want to conserve battery life.

CHANGE THE IMMERSIVE AUDIO SETTING
You can change the immersive audio setting by changing the mode or using a shortcut to cycle through immersive audio settings.
TIP: You can also change the immersive audio setting using the Bose Music app. You can access this option from the main screen.

NOTES:

Changing the mode changes both the immersive audio and noise cancellation settings.
You can also create a custom mode with your preferred immersive audio and noise cancellation settings.

Use your shortcut
You can change your shortcut to cycle through immersive audio settings without affecting your current mode's noise cancellation setting. This temporarily customizes the current mode until you power the earbuds off or change the mode.
NOTE: To change the immersive audio setting using the earbuds, it must be set as a shortcut.

Touch and hold an earbud.
A voice prompt announces each immersive audio setting in a loop.
When you hear the name of your preferred setting, release the earbud.

IMMERSIVE AUDIO WHILE ON A CALL
When you make or receive a phone call, immersive audio is temporarily set to Off.
When you end the call, the earbuds return to the previous immersive audio setting.

LISTENING MODES

Listening modes are preset audio settings that you can switch between based on your listening preferences and environment. They consist of noise cancellation and immersive audio settings.
You can choose between three pre-configured modes — Quiet, Aware, and Immersion — or create up to seven of your own custom modes.

MODES

MODE	DESCRIPTION
Quiet	Full noise cancellation with Bose-optimized stereo audio. Allows you to block out distractions using the highest level of noise cancellation.
Aware	Full transparency with Bose-optimized stereo audio. Allows you to hear your surroundings while enjoying your audio in stereo.
Immersion	Full noise cancellation with immersive audio set to Motion. Allows you to block out distractions and immerse yourself in lifelike audio.
Custom	Custom noise cancellation and immersive audio settings based on your listening preferences and environment. NOTE: You can create up to seven custom modes using the Bose Music app. To access this option, tap Modes on the main screen.

NOTES:

By default, the earbuds power on in Quiet mode. To set the earbuds to power on with the last mode used, use the Bose Music app. You can access this o ption from the Settings menu.

Aware mode with ActiveSense
The dynamic noise cancellation of Aware mode with ActiveSense technology allows you to hear your surroundings while reducing unwanted noise.
Aware mode with ActiveSense allows the earbuds to automatically increase noise cancellation when sudden or loud noises occur near you, so you can maintain awareness without intermittent noise interrupting your audio. Once the noise stops, noise cancellation automatically returns to the previous setting.
To enable ActiveSense, use the Bose Music app. To access this option, on the main screen, tap Modes > Aware > .

LISTENING MODES

CHANGE THE MODE
NOTE: To change the mode using the earbuds, it must be set as a shortcut.

To cycle through modes, touch and hold an earbud.
A voice prompt announces each mode in a loop.
When you hear the name of your preferred mode, release the earbud.
TIP: You can also change the mode using the Bose Music app. To access this option, tap Modes on the main screen.

Add or remove modes from the earbuds
To access modes on the earbuds, they must be set as favorites in the Bose Music app. By default, Quiet, Aware, and Immersion modes are set as favorites.
To add or remove modes from the earbuds, tap Modes on the main screen and customize which modes are set as favorites.

BATTERY

CHARGE THE EARBUDS

Align the charging contacts on the left earbud with the charging pins on the left side of the charging case.
NOTE: Before charging, make sure the earbuds are at room temperature, between 46°F (8°C) and 102°F (39°C).
Place the earbud in the case until it magnetically snaps into place.
The earbuds status light blinks white and then glows according to the charging status.
Repeat steps 1 – 2 for the right earbud.
NOTE: The earbuds charge if the case is open or closed.

CHARGE THE CHARGING CASE

Use this product only with an agency-approved LPS power supply that meets local regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CSA, VDE, CCC).

Connect the small end of the USB cable to the USB-C® port on the bottom of the charging case.
Connect the other end to a USB-A wall charger (not provided) or computer. The charging case status light glows solid amber.
NOTE: Before charging, be sure the case is at room temperature, between 46°F (8°C) and 102°F (39°C).

CHECK THE EARBUD BATTERY LEVEL
While using the earbuds

When you remove the earbuds from the charging case and insert them into your ears, a voice prompt announces the earbud battery level.
Use the Bose Music app. The earbud battery level is displayed on the main screen.
NOTE: If one earbud has a lower battery level than the other, the voice prompt announces the lower battery level. If the battery is low, you hear "Battery low."

While charging the earbuds
When you place the earbuds into the charging case, the earbuds status light blinks white and then glows according to the charging status.

NOTE: If one earbud has a lower battery level than the other, the earbuds status light reflects the lower battery level.

CHECK THE CHARGING CASE BATTERY LEVEL
Open the charging case.
The charging case status light glows according to the battery level.

CHARGING TIME

COMPONENT	CHARGING TIME
Earbuds	Up to 2 hours 1
Charging case	Up to 3 hours

NOTES:

When the earbud battery level is low, a 20-minute charge with the case closed powers the earbuds for up to 2 hours.^{^[2]}
A full charge powers the earbuds for up to 6 hours with immersive audio set to Off (up to 4 hours with immersive audio set to On).^{^[3]}
When the case is fully charged, you can fully charge the earbuds up to 3 times.^{^[4]}
When the earbuds are inside of the case, the case charging time varies.

[1] Testing conducted by Bose in July 2023 using production-representative Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds charging case. Quick charge testing consisted of inserting earbuds with battery depleted (to the point of no audio playback) into a fully charged case and charging earbuds for 20 minutes, then resuming Bluetooth A2DP audio playback with volume set to loudness of 75dBSPL, 3-band EQ set to zero, in Quiet Mode (full noise cancellation) with Immersive Audio switched off, resulting in up to 2 hours playback time before battery depletion. Time to achieve fully charged earbuds was determined by inserting earbuds with battery depleted (to the point of no audio playback) into a fully charged case and charging earbuds to 100% battery charge. Battery life varies based on settings and usage.
[2] See 1.
[3] Testing conducted by Bose in June 2023 using production-representative Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and a variety of music tracks using A2DP Bluetooth audio. Volume set to playback loudness of 75dBSPL, 3-band EQ set to zero, in Quiet Mode (full noise cancellation). With Immersive Audio off, playback time was up to 6 hours before battery depletion. With Immersive Audio on, playback time was up to 4 hours before battery depletion. Battery life varies based on settings and usage.
[4] Testing conducted by Bose in July 2023 by inserting production-representative Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with battery depleted (to the point of no audio playback) into a fully charged Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds charging case and charging earbuds to 100%, then resuming audio playback until battery depletion. Testing resulted in three complete charging cycles by the case before a full charge was no longer possible.

EARBUD AND CHARGING CASE STATUS

EARBUDS STATUS LIGHT
The earbuds status light is located on the inside surface of the charging case.

Bluetooth status
Shows the Bluetooth connection status to mobile devices.

LIGHT ACTIVITY	SYSTEM STATE
Slowly blinks blue	Ready to connect
Quickly blinks blue	Connecting
Solid blue (5 seconds)	Connected
Blinks white 2 times	Device list cleared

Battery, update, and error status
Shows the earbud battery, update, and error status.

LIGHT ACTIVITY	SYSTEM STATE
Blinks white, then glows solid white (5 seconds)	Fully charged
Blinks white, then glows solid amber (5 seconds)	Charging
Blinks white 2 times, slowly blinks blue, and turns off	Reboot complete
Blinks white 3 times (repeated)	Updating software
Blinks amber (3 seconds)	Restoring factory settings
Blinks amber and white	Error – contact Bose customer service

CHARGING CASE STATUS LIGHT
The charging case status light is located on the front of the charging case.

Battery, update, and error status
Shows the charging case battery, update, and error status.

LIGHT ACTIVITY	SYSTEM STATE
Solid white	Fully charged (100%) and plugged in
Solid white (5 seconds)	Charged (34% – 99%)
Solid amber (5 seconds)	Low charge (10% – 33%)
Blinks amber 2 times	Need to charge (less than 10%)
Solid amber	Charging
Blinks white 3 times (repeated)	Updating software
Blinks amber and white	Error – contact Bose customer service

BLUETOOTH CONNECTIONS

You can connect the earbuds to your mobile device using the Bose Music app, the Bluetooth menu on your device, or Fast Pair (Android devices only).
You can store up to six devices in the earbud device list. You can connect and play audio from only one device at a time.

NOTES:

For the best experience, use the Bose Music app to set up and connect your mobile device.

CONNECT USING THE BOSE MUSIC APP
To connect the earbuds and manage Bluetooth settings using the Bose Music app.

CONNECT USING THE BLUETOOTH MENU ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

With the earbuds in the charging case and the case open, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the earbuds status light slowly blinks blue.
NOTE: Make sure both earbuds are in the case and the case is open.
On your device, enable the Bluetooth feature.
NOTE: The Bluetooth feature is usually found in the Settings menu.
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.
The earbuds name appears in the mobile device list. The earbuds status light glows solid blue.

DISCONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE
Place the earbuds in the charging case.
TIP: You can also use the Bose Music app or your Bluetooth settings to disconnect your device. Disabling the Bluetooth feature on your device disconnects the earbuds and all other devices.

RECONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE
When the earbuds are removed from the case, they try to connect with the most recently-connected device.
To connect to a different previously-connected device, use the device's Bluetooth settings to connect to the earbuds.

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.

CLEAR THE EARBUDS DEVICE LIST

With the earbuds in the charging case and the case open, press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15 seconds until the earbuds status light blinks white 2 times and then slowly blinks blue.
NOTE: Make sure both earbuds are in the case and the case is open.
Delete the earbuds from the Bluetooth list on your device.
All devices are cleared, and the earbuds are ready to connect.

ANDROID DEVICES ONLY
If you have an Android mobile device, you can access the following additional connection features.

Connect using Fast Pair
In one tap, the earbuds enable quick, effortless Bluetooth pairing with your Android devices.

NOTES:

To use Fast Pair, you need an Android device running Android 6.0 or higher.
Your Android device must have the Bluetooth and Location features enabled.

With the earbuds in the charging case and the case open, press and hold the button on the back of the case until the earbuds status light slowly blinks blue.
NOTE: Make sure both earbuds are in the case and the case is open.
Place the case next to your Android device.
A notification appears on your device prompting you to pair the earbuds.
NOTE: If you don't see a notification, check that notifications are enabled for the Google Play Services app on your device.
Tap the notification.
Once the earbuds are connected, a notification appears confirming that the connection is complete.