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How to Pair Bose Headphones with an iPhone: A Definitive Guide

Pairing your beloved Bose headphones with your iPhone should be a seamless experience, unlocking a world of audio bliss. This guide will provide a straightforward method to connect your devices and explore solutions to any common roadblocks you might encounter.

The Direct Approach: Pairing Bose Headphones with an iPhone

The most common and generally reliable method for pairing your Bose headphones with your iPhone uses the standard Bluetooth pairing process. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

Put Your Bose Headphones in Pairing Mode: This is the crucial first step. The method varies slightly depending on your specific Bose headphone model.
- For most models (QuietComfort, Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, etc.): Slide the power switch or press the power button to turn the headphones on. Then, press and hold the power button (or sometimes a dedicated Bluetooth button) for a few seconds until the Bluetooth indicator light starts flashing. This flashing light signifies that the headphones are in pairing mode and ready to connect.
- For older models (SoundLink series, etc.): The process might involve sliding the power switch to the Bluetooth icon or pressing a designated Bluetooth button. Again, look for the flashing Bluetooth indicator. Consult your headphones’ user manual if you are unsure.
Access Bluetooth Settings on Your iPhone: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on “Bluetooth.”
Enable Bluetooth: Ensure that the Bluetooth toggle at the top of the screen is switched to the “ON” (green) position. Your iPhone will automatically begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Select Your Bose Headphones: In the “Devices” list, your Bose headphones should appear with their model name (e.g., “Bose QC35 II,” “Bose NC 700”). Tap on your headphones’ name to initiate the pairing process.
Complete the Pairing (if prompted): You might be prompted to enter a PIN code. The default PIN code for most Bose devices is “0000” (four zeros). If prompted, enter the code and tap “Pair”.
Confirmation: Once the pairing is successful, your Bose headphones will be listed under the “My Devices” section with the word “Connected” next to them. The Bluetooth indicator light on your headphones should also stop flashing and become a solid color (usually white or blue), indicating a successful connection.

That’s it! Your Bose headphones are now paired with your iPhone. You can start enjoying your music, podcasts, or phone calls wirelessly.

Troubleshooting Common Pairing Issues

Sometimes, the pairing process doesn’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

Headphones Not Appearing in the Device List:
- Ensure Pairing Mode: Double-check that your headphones are actually in pairing mode (flashing Bluetooth indicator).
- Bluetooth is On: Confirm that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone.
- Proximity: Make sure your headphones are close to your iPhone (within a few feet) during the pairing process.
- Interference: Bluetooth signals can be affected by interference from other electronic devices. Try moving away from potential sources of interference like Wi-Fi routers or microwave ovens.
- Restart Devices: A simple restart of both your headphones and your iPhone can often resolve minor connectivity glitches.
Pairing Fails with an Error Message:
- Incorrect PIN Code: If you are prompted for a PIN code and the default “0000” doesn’t work, consult your headphones’ user manual for the correct code.
- Too Many Devices: Some Bluetooth devices have a limited number of devices they can remember. Try forgetting other Bluetooth devices on your iPhone and then try pairing with your Bose headphones again. (Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to a device, and select “Forget This Device”).
Headphones Connected but No Sound:
- Volume Levels: Ensure that the volume on both your headphones and your iPhone is turned up.
- Audio Output: Check that your iPhone is routing audio to your Bose headphones. You can do this by swiping down from the top-right corner to access the Control Center and selecting your headphones as the audio output device.
- App-Specific Settings: Some apps have their own audio output settings. Check the settings within the app you are using to make sure it is routing audio to your headphones.

Advanced Options and Considerations

Using the Bose Connect App

The Bose Connect app (available for free on the App Store) provides additional functionality for some Bose headphone models. It can simplify the pairing process, manage connected devices, customize settings, and even update your headphones’ firmware.

Download and Install: Download the Bose Connect app from the App Store.
Open the App: Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions.
Add Your Headphones: The app will usually automatically detect your Bose headphones if they are in pairing mode. If not, you can manually add them by following the app’s prompts.

The Bose Connect app streamlines device management and provides access to advanced features, making it a valuable tool for Bose headphone owners.

Multipoint Pairing

Some Bose headphones support multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can be listening to music from your iPhone and then seamlessly switch to answer a call from your iPad without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. Refer to your headphones’ user manual to determine if they support multipoint pairing and how to enable it.

Firmware Updates

Keeping your Bose headphones’ firmware up to date is essential for optimal performance and compatibility. The Bose Connect app usually handles firmware updates automatically, but you can also check for updates manually within the app’s settings. Firmware updates can address bugs, improve battery life, and add new features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about pairing Bose headphones with an iPhone, designed to provide even more clarity and helpful information.

1. Why won’t my Bose headphones show up on my iPhone’s Bluetooth list?

Ensure your Bose headphones are in pairing mode (flashing Bluetooth indicator), that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone, and that the headphones are close to your iPhone. Interference from other electronic devices can also prevent your headphones from appearing. Restarting both devices is often a helpful first step.

2. What is the default PIN code for pairing Bose headphones?

The default PIN code is typically “0000” (four zeros). However, consult your headphones’ user manual if this code doesn’t work.

3. Can I pair multiple Bose headphones to one iPhone?

No, you can only connect one pair of Bose headphones to your iPhone at a time using Bluetooth.

4. How do I unpair Bose headphones from my iPhone?

Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your headphones’ name, and select “Forget This Device”.

5. My Bose headphones connect, but there’s no sound. What should I do?

Check the volume levels on both your headphones and your iPhone. Also, verify that your iPhone is routing audio to the headphones by checking the Control Center’s audio output settings. App-specific settings can also affect audio output.

6. How do I use the Bose Connect app?

Download the Bose Connect app from the App Store and follow the on-screen instructions to add your headphones. The app allows you to manage connected devices, customize settings, and update firmware.

7. What is multipoint pairing, and do my Bose headphones support it?

Multipoint pairing allows your headphones to connect to two devices simultaneously. Check your headphones’ user manual to see if they support this feature.

8. How do I update the firmware on my Bose headphones?

The Bose Connect app usually handles firmware updates automatically. You can also check for updates manually within the app’s settings.

9. Why are my Bose headphones disconnecting frequently?

Low battery, Bluetooth interference, or distance between your headphones and your iPhone can cause disconnections. Ensure your headphones are fully charged, move away from potential sources of interference, and keep your iPhone close by.

10. Are Bose headphones compatible with all iPhone models?

Bose headphones are generally compatible with all iPhones that support Bluetooth connectivity.

11. Can I use Bose headphones for phone calls on my iPhone?

Yes, Bose headphones with a built-in microphone can be used for phone calls. The audio will be routed through the headphones, and the microphone will pick up your voice.

12. How do I reset my Bose headphones if they are not pairing correctly?

The reset process varies depending on the model of your Bose headphones. Consult your headphones’ user manual for specific instructions on how to perform a reset. A reset typically involves holding down a specific combination of buttons for a set period of time.