To reset Bose wireless earbuds, you need to follow a specific process that varies by model, and some resets only clear Bluetooth pairings while others restore factory settings. This model-by-model guide provides the verified button combinations and app steps to reset your Bose earbuds, whether you are troubleshooting wireless earbuds that won't connect or preparing them for a new owner.
How to reset Bose wireless earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
- Put both earbuds in the charging case so they snap into place.
- Close the lid.
- Plug the case into power using a USB-C cable to a wall charger or computer.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 30 seconds until the case light turns off.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (app removal and Bluetooth cleanup)
- Open the Bose app and tap Account in the upper-right corner.
- Select Manage Products.
- Tap Edit.
- Select the Bose earbuds.
- Tap Delete.
- On the next screen, tap Remove.
- Close the Bose app.
- On the phone, open Bluetooth settings and remove the Bose earbuds from the remembered device list, including any duplicate entries with LE in the name; Bose says the wording varies by device and may be Clear, Unpair, or Forget.
- Plug the charging case into a USB wall charger, not a computer or laptop.
- Put both earbuds in the case and keep the lid open.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the case for 30 seconds.
- Release the button after the status light blinks white 2 times, slowly blinks blue, and then turns off; Bose says the earbuds then blink white 5 times and slowly blink blue, which means they are in pairing mode.
- Open the Bose app and follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect.
Bose Sport Earbuds
- Connect the charging case to power.
- Place the earbuds in the charging case.
- Close the charging case lid for 5 seconds, then open it.
- In the charging case, press and hold the Bluetooth button for 30 seconds.
- Bose says the earbud LEDs blink, glow solid white, and then blink blue.
- On the previously connected device, go to Bluetooth settings and remove the earbuds from the remembered connections list.
- Reconnect the earbuds to the device.
Bose says this reset clears the earbuds' memory of previously connected Bluetooth devices, but it does not restore factory settings.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
- Disconnect the earbuds from all paired Bluetooth devices first.
- On each paired device, go to Bluetooth settings and forget or remove the earbuds.
- Confirm the earbuds are no longer connected to any phone, computer, tablet, or other Bluetooth device.
- Place only the left earbud in your ear and press its touch surface for 7 seconds; the right earbud requires no specific action during reset.
Bose says you do not need to do anything specific with the right earbud during the reset, and the reset applies to both earbuds. This reset clears all settings, pairings, and customizations.
Reasons to reset your Bose earbuds
Bose says some resets clear previously connected Bluetooth devices only, while other reset flows clear all settings, pairings, and customizations and restore the product to out-of-box state. Bose also says factory restoration is recommended only if you are having issues or are instructed to do so by Bose customer service. Use a Bluetooth clear when you are having connection problems with a specific device, and use a full factory reset when you are experiencing persistent audio glitches or need to prepare the earbuds for a new owner.
What to do after the reset
After performing the reset, you must forget the earbuds in your phone's Bluetooth settings, including any duplicate entries with LE in the name. Then, remove the earbuds from the Bose app account by going to Account, Manage Products, and deleting the product. Finally, re-pair the earbuds by putting them in pairing mode and selecting them in your device's Bluetooth settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my Bose earbuds erase my saved settings?
It depends on the model and the type of reset. Some resets only clear Bluetooth pairings, while others restore all settings to factory defaults. Check the specific reset procedure for your model to know what will be erased.
What do the blinking lights mean during a reset?
Blinking lights indicate the reset status. The earbuds then blink white 5 times and slowly blink blue to indicate they are in pairing mode.
When should I reset my Bose earbuds instead of contacting support?
Reset your earbuds if they won't connect, have audio glitches, or need to be prepared for a new owner.
Can I reset my Bose earbuds without the Bose app?
Yes, for most models you can reset using button combinations on the earbuds or charging case. However, some models require the Bose app to remove the product from your account first before performing the reset.
