Anyone with Bose headsets should count themselves lucky. These devices promise an immersive listening experience even in the noisiest environments. They are also compatible with most devices, from smartphones to computers, and can work with different operating systems.
While Bose headphones provide a seamless listening experience, pairing them with your Mac, iPad, or iPhone can sometimes be frustrating.
So in this post, I will help you connect your Bose headphones to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone within minutes. Here’s how to go about it.
Key Takeaways
- Bose headphones must be in pairing mode to make them discoverable and connect to other Bluetooth devices.
- Depending on the model, some Bose headphones automatically go into pairing mode when first used straight out of the box.
- You can make your Bose headphones discoverable by pushing the power button to the Bluetooth symbol for a few seconds until the LED indicator flashes blue.
- If you have issues connecting your Bose headphones to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, reset your headset to unpair previously connected devices.
- If you successfully connect your Bose headphones to your Mac but cannot hear any sound, set the headphones as the default audio output on your computer.
Putting Bose Headphones in Pairing Mode
Your Bose headphones must be in pairing mode for your Mac, iPad, or iPhone to find them. Your headphones can only connect to other Bluetooth devices if they are discoverable.
Depending on the model, some Bose headphones automatically go into pairing mode when used straight out of the box. However, some models might require you to manually make them discoverable using the buttons on the headset.
Here are the steps:
- Power on your Bose headphones.
- Locate the Power/Bluetooth button on the right earcup.
- Slide the Power/Bluetooth button to the Bluetooth symbol.
On most Bose headphones, you have to slide the POWER/Bluetooth button toward the Bluetooth symbol to put them in pairing mode
- Maintain this position for a couple of seconds.
- Release the button when you hear a voice prompt (Ready to Pair) or the Bluetooth light flashes blue.
When your headphones enter pairing mode, you will hear a voice prompt (Ready to Pair) and the Bluetooth indicator will start flashing Blue
- Your Bose headphones are now discoverable.
Once in pairing mode, you can jump to the next section to connect Bose headphones to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone.
Connecting Bose Headphones to a Mac
Connecting Bose headphones to a Mac doesn’t have to be hard once the headset is discoverable. However, you must first enable Bluetooth on your Mac to pair with your Bose headphones.
Follow these steps to enable Bluetooth on your Mac and connect your headphones:
- Click the Apple icon on the top-right corner.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Click Bluetooth to open Bluetooth settings.
- Click the Turn Bluetooth On button to enable Bluetooth on your Mac.
Bluetooth on your MacBook must be enabled
- Your computer will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Select the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices.
- Click Pair or Connect.
- The indicator light on the headphones will turn solid white when the connection is complete.
How to Connect Bose Headphones to a MacBook – Step-by-Step Instructions
Connecting Bose Headphones to an iPad
Bose headphones are compatible with numerous smart devices, including iPads. For this reason, do not expect connectivity issues when pairing your headset with your iPad. But first, you must enable Bluetooth on your iPad.
Here are the steps:
- Unlock your home screen.
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Tap the slider next to Bluetooth to turn it on.
- Your iPad will search for your headphones.
- Tap the name of your headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices.
- Tap Pair or Connect.
- Enter a passkey [0-0-0-0] if prompted.
- Check the indicator light on your headphones.
- If the LED light is solid white, the connection was successful.
Connecting Bose Headphones to an iPhone
Connecting Bose headphones to an iPhone is similar to pairing them with your iPad. Even though iPads and iPhones don’t use the same operating system, their settings, and features are almost identical. After all, they are Apple devices.
For instance, if you want to activate Bluetooth on an iPhone, you only need to go to the Settings app, tap Bluetooth, and select the toggle to turn Bluetooth on or off. The rest of the remaining instructions are similar.
Connecting Bose Headphones to an iPhone
Bose Headphones Won’t Connect to My Mac, iPad, or iPhone – Troubleshooting Tips
Sometimes your Bose headphones might act up and fail to connect to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, even after following all instructions diligently. Pairing issues might emanate from the headphones or your Bluetooth devices.
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Here are a few tips to help you troubleshoot your Bose headphones if they don’t pair with or connect to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone:
Check Bluetooth Range
Your Bose headphones might fail to connect to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone because of the distance. Bluetooth functions effectively within a 10-meter (33 ft) radius. Anything further than that can cause connectivity and pairing issues. Ensure your headphones are close to your devices to prevent connection problems.
The distance between your Bose headphones and your phone/laptop should not be greater than 10 meters
Check Battery Status
Sometimes your Bose headphones might not connect to your devices because it is low on charge. Wireless headphones use rechargeable batteries to operate. If the battery level is too low, some features might stop working. Consider recharging the headphones to at least 20% before retrying afresh.
Make Bose Headphones Discoverable
Bose headphones must be in pairing mode to make them discoverable and connect to other Bluetooth devices. If you do not make your headphones discoverable, your Mac, iPad, or iPhone won’t find them in the list of Bluetooth devices. Enable the pairing mode on your Bose headphones to connect to your computer or smartphone.
Enable Bluetooth On Your Devices
You may have forgotten to enable Bluetooth on your Mac or iPhone, leading to connection problems. You must activate Bluetooth to pair your headphones with your devices. If Bluetooth is already on, unpair the previously connected device and see if this solves the issue.
Reset Your Bose Headphones
Resetting your Bose headphones to factory defaults can help correct minor bugs and glitches. This solution erases all custom settings and pairing information, allowing you to configure your device afresh.
How to Reset Bose QC35/QC45 – Step-by-Step Instructions
Different Bose headphones have varying reset instructions. Some may require you to press the power button for several seconds, while others need you to turn off the headset and connect it to a power outlet. Refer to your user manual to learn how to reset your particular model.
How to Reset Bose 700 NC Headphones – Step-by-Step Instructions
Reboot Your Mac, iPad, or iPhone
Your Macintosh or iPhone might not discover your Bose headphones because of temporary memory and cache issues. If used for extended periods, they might develop bugs and glitches, leading to connectivity problems. Restarting your computer or smartphone can help solve the issue.
Change the Default Audio Output
Sometimes your headphones might successfully connect to your Mac, but you can’t hear any sound because of incorrect audio settings. Changing the default audio output can help solve this problem.
Here are the steps:
- Click the Apple icon on the top right corner.
- Go to System Preferences.
- Click Sound.
- Click the Output tab in the Sound menu.
- Lastly, select your Bose headphones as the default audio output.
Bose Headphones Pairing Issues – Troubleshooting Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Do Bose headphones work with iPad?
- Answer: Bose headphones are compatible with various smart devices, including iPads. You only need to pair your headphones with your iPad for them to connect. Power on your headphones and make them discoverable. Next, enable Bluetooth on your iPad to begin the pairing process and select your headphones from the list of nearby devices to complete the connection.
- Question: I am having trouble connecting my Bose headphones to my Mac. What should I do?
- Answer: There are a few reasons your Bose headphones won’t connect to your Mac or iPhone. The headphones’ battery might be low on charge and requires a recharge. Another possible cause is that your headphones may not be in pairing mode, making it impossible for your Mac or iPhone to find them. You must also enable Bluetooth on your Mac or iPhone to pair your wireless headphones with your devices.
- Question: How do I put my Bose headphones in pairing mode?
- Answer: Putting Bose headphones in pairing mode is straightforward. Some models go into pairing mode automatically when first used, while others require you to make them discoverable manually. You can put your headset in pairing mode by sliding the Bluetooth button to the Bluetooth symbol and releasing it when you hear a voice prompt or the LED indicator flashes blue.
- Question: How do I enable Bluetooth on my Mac?
- Answer: To enable Bluetooth on your Mac, click the Apple icon and select System Preferences. Next, click Bluetooth to open Bluetooth settings. Click the Turn Bluetooth On button to enable Bluetooth on your Mac. Your computer will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
- Question: Can I connect my Bose headphones to my iPhone via the Bose Connect app?
- Answer: Yes. You can wirelessly connect your Bose headphones to your iPhone via the Bose Connect App. Make your headphones discoverable to begin the pairing process. Next, download and install the Bose Connect app on your iPhone. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone. Launch the app and search for your Bose headphones. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.
Take Away
Connecting Bose headphones to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone can sometimes be frustrating. The process is not as smooth as with other premium brands. The reason behind this glitch remains unknown.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry anymore. You can use the tips in this guide to connect your Bose headphones to your Bluetooth devices within minutes.
