QUIETCOMFORT 45

I MP O RTA NT SA F ETY INSTRU CTIO N S

Please read and keep all safety, security, and use instructions.
Bose Corporation hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential
requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU and all other
applicable EU directive requirements. The complete declaration of conformity can be
found at: www.Bose.com/compliance

This product conforms to all applicable Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016

and all other applicable UK regulations. The complete declaration of conformity can be
found at: www.Bose.com/compliance
Bose Corporation hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential
requirements per Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 and all other applicable UK
regulations. The complete declaration of conformity can be found at:
www.Bose.com/compliance

Important Safety Instructions

Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the ­apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.

WARNINGS/CAUTIONS
• Do NOT use the headphones at a high volume for any extended period.
– To avoid hearing damage, use your headphones at a comfortable, moderate volume level.
– Turn the volume down on your device before placing the headphones in/on your ears, then
turn the volume up gradually until you reach a comfortable listening level.
• Do NOT use your headphones while driving for phone calls or any other purpose.
• Do NOT use the headphones with noise canceling mode at any time the inability to hear
surrounding sounds may present a danger to yourself or others, e.g., while riding a bicycle or
walking in or near traffic, a construction site or railroad, etc., and follow applicable laws
regarding headphone use.
– Turn the headphones off, or use the headphones with noise canceling off and adjust your
volume, to ensure you can hear surrounding sounds, including alarms and warning signals.
– Be aware of how sounds that you rely on as reminders or warnings may vary in character
when using the ­headphones, even with Aware mode.
• Do NOT use the headphones if they emit any loud unusual noise. If this happens, turn the
headphones off and contact Bose customer service.
• Remove product immediately if you notice heat coming from the product.
• Do NOT use mobile phone adapters to connect headphones to airplane seat jacks, as this
could result in injury or property damage due to overheating.
• Do NOT use the headphones as aviation communication headsets.

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 I MP O RTA NT SA F ETY INSTRU CTIO N S

Contains small parts which may be a choking hazard. Not suitable for children under
age 3.
This product contains magnetic material. Consult your physician on whether this might
affect your implantable medical device.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do NOT expose this product to rain, liquids
or moisture.
• Do NOT expose this product to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, on or near the product.
• Keep the product away from fire and heat sources. Do NOT place naked flame sources, such as
lighted candles, on or near the product.
• Use this product only with an agency approved LPS power supply which meets local regulatory
requirements (e.g., UL, CSA, VDE, CCC).
• Do NOT make unauthorized alterations to this product.
• If the battery leaks, do not allow the liquid to come in contact with the skin or eyes. If contact is
made, seek medical advice.
• Do not expose products containing batteries to excessive heat (e.g. from storage in direct
sunlight, fire or the like).
• Do NOT wear while charging.

3 | ENG
 REG U L ATO RY A ND L EGA L INFO RM AT I O 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. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Bose Corporation could void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and with ISED Canada l­icense-exempt RSS
standard(s). ­Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device complies with FCC and ISED Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for general
population. This ­transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
Meets IMDA Requirements.
FCC ID: A94437310
IC: 3232A-437310
CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
For Europe:
Frequency band of operation 2400 to 2483.5 MHz.
Maximum transmit power less than 20 dBm EIRP.
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.

Management Regulation for Low-power Radio-frequency Devices

Article XII
According to “Management Regulation for Low-power Radio-frequency Devices” without
permission granted by the NCC, any company, enterprise, or user is not allowed to change
frequency, enhance transmitting power or alter original characteristic as well as performance to
an approved low power radio-frequency devices.
Article XIV
The low power radio-frequency devices shall not influence aircraft security and interfere legal
communications; If found, the user shall cease operating immediately until no interference is
achieved. The said legal communications means radio communications operated in compliance
with the Telecommunications Act.
The low power radio-frequency devices must be susceptible with the interference from legal
communications or ISM radio wave radiated devices.

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 REG U L ATO RY A ND L EGA L INFO RM AT I O N

DON’T attempt to remove the rechargeable lithium-ion battery from this product. Contact your
local Bose retailer or other qualified professional for removal.
Removal of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery in this product should be conducted only by a
qualified ­professional. Please contact your local Bose retailer or see
products.bose.com/static/compliance/index.html for further information.

Please dispose of used batteries properly, following local regulations. Do not incinerate.

   

Names and Contents of Toxic or Hazardous Substances or Elements

Toxic or Hazardous Substances and Elements
Polybrominated Polybrominated
Lead Mercury Cadmium Hexavalent
Part Name Biphenyl diphenylether
(Pb) (Hg) (Cd) (CR(VI))
(PBB) (PBDE)
PCBs X O O O O O
Metal Parts X O O O O O
Plastic Parts O O O O O O
Speaker X O O O O O
Cables X O O O O O
This table is prepared in accordance with the provisions of SJ/T 11364.
O: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in all of the ­homogeneous
materials for this part is below the limit requirement of GB/T 26572.
X: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in at least one of the
homogeneous materials used for this part is above the limit requirement of
GB/T 26572.

Date of Manufacture: The eighth digit in the serial number indicates the year of manufacture;
“1” is 2011 or 2021.
Importers: Bose Electronics (Shanghai) Company Limited, Level 6, Tower D, No. 2337 Gudai Rd.
Minhang District, Shanghai 201100 | Bose Products B.V., Gorslaan 60, 1441 RG Purmerend, The
Netherlands | Bose de México S. de R.L. de C.V., Avenida Prado Sur #150, Piso 2, Interior 222 y
223, Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec V Sección, Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, C.P. 11000
Phone Number: +5255 (5202) 3545 | Bose Limited (H.K.), 9F., No.10, Sec. 3, Minsheng E. Road,
Zhongshan Dist. Taipei City 10480, Phone Number: +886-2-2514 7676 | Bose Limited, Bose
House, Quayside Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4QZ, United Kingdom
Input Rating: 5V p 0.5A
Charging Temperature Range: 32° F to 113° F (0° C to 45° C)
Discharging Temperature Range: -4° F to 140° F (-20° C to 60° C)
Model 437310. The CMIIT ID is located inside the earcup under the scrim

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 REG U LREG
ATOURY A ND
L ATO RYL INFO
EGA LRMAT
INFOIO
RMNAT I O N

Please complete and retain for your records

The serial and model numbers are located inside the earcup under the scrim.
Serial number: ________________________________
Model number: ________________________________
Please keep your receipt with your owner’s guide. Now is a good time to register your Bose
product. You can easily do this by going to global.Bose.com/register

Security Information
 his product is capable of receiving security updates from Bose automatically when
T
connected to the Bose app. In order to receive security updates via the mobile
application, you must complete the product setup process in the Bose app. If you do
not complete the setup process, you will be responsible for installing security updates
that Bose makes available via btu.Bose.com

Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., r­ egistered in the U.S.
and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. The ­trademark “iPhone” is used in
Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K.
Use of the Made for Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect
specifically to the Apple ­product(s) identified in the badge, and has been certified by the
developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not ­responsible for the operation of
this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by ­Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and
any use of such marks by Bose Corporation is under license.
Google Play is a trademark of Google LLC.
Spotify is a registered trademark of Spotify AB.
USB Type-C® and USB-C® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.
Bose, Bose Home Speaker, the B logo, Bose Smart Soundbar, Bose Smart Speaker, Bose
Soundbar, QuietComfort, and SimpleSync are trademarks of Bose Corporation.
Bose Corporation Headquarters: 1-877-230-5639
©2024 Bose Corporation. No part of this work may be reproduced, modified, d
­ istributed, or
­otherwise used without prior written permission.

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 L IC E NS E D IS C LO S U RE S

The following license disclosures apply to certain third-party software packages used as
components in the product.

Package: FreeRTOS
Copyright © Amazon Web Services, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
The FreeRTOS package is subject to the license terms reprinted below:
MIT License
Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software
and associated ­documentation files (the “Software”), to deal in the Software without restriction,
including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense,
and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to
do so, subject to the following conditions:
The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or
substantial portions of the Software.
THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ­NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS
OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.

Package: Nanopb
Copyright © 2011 Petteri Aimonen <jpa at nanopb.mail.kapsi.fi>.
The Nanopb package is subject to the license terms reprinted below:
Zlib License
© 2011 Petteri Aimonen <jpa at nanopb.mail.kapsi.fi>
This software is provided ‘as-is’, without any express or implied warranty. In no event will the
authors be held liable for any damages arising from the use of this software.
Permission is granted to anyone to use this software for any purpose, including commercial
applications, and to alter it and redistribute it freely, subject to the following restrictions:
1. T
 he origin of this software must not be misrepresented; you must not claim that you wrote
the original software. If you use this software in a product, an acknowledgment in the
product documentation would be appreciated but is not required.
2. A
 ltered source versions must be plainly marked as such, and must not be misrepresented as
being the original software.
3. This notice may not be removed or altered from any source distribution.

Package: Mbed TLS 2.16.1

© ARM Limited. All rights reserved.
The Mbed TLS package is subject to the license terms reprinted below:
Apache License
Version 2.0, January 2004
http://www.apache.org/licenses/
TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE, REPRODUCTION, AND DISTRIBUTION

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 L IC E NS E D IS C LO S U RE S

1. Definitions.
“License” shall mean the terms and conditions for use, reproduction, and distribution as
defined by Sections 1 through 9 of this document. “Licensor” shall mean the copyright owner
or entity authorized by the copyright owner that is granting the License.
“Legal Entity” shall mean the union of the acting entity and all other entities that control, are
controlled by, or are under common control with that entity. For the purposes of this
definition, “control” means (i) the power, direct or indirect, to cause the direction or
management of such entity, whether by contract or otherwise, or (ii) ownership of fifty
percent (50%) or more of the outstanding shares, or (iii) beneficial ownership of such entity.
“You” (or “Your”) shall mean an individual or Legal Entity exercising permissions granted by
this License.
“Source” form shall mean the preferred form for making modifications, including but not
limited to software source code, documentation source, and configuration files.
“Object” form shall mean any form resulting from mechanical transformation or translation
of a Source form, including but not limited to compiled object code, generated
documentation, and conversions to other media types.
“Work” shall mean the work of authorship, whether in Source or Object form, made available
under the License, as indicated by a copyright notice that is included in or attached to the
work (an example is provided in the Appendix below).
“Derivative Works” shall mean any work, whether in Source or Object form, that is based on
(or derived from) the Work and for which the editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or
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this License, Derivative Works shall not include works that remain separable from, or merely
link (or bind by name) to the interfaces of, the Work and Derivative Works thereof.
“Contribution” shall mean any work of authorship, including the original version of the
Work and any ­modifications or additions to that Work or Derivative Works thereof, that is
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“Contributor” shall mean Licensor and any individual or Legal Entity on behalf of whom a
Contribution has been received by Licensor and subsequently incorporated within the Work.
2. G
 rant of Copyright License. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, each
Contributor hereby grants to You a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, no-charge,
royalty-free, irrevocable copyright license to reproduce, prepare Derivative Works of, publicly
display, publicly perform, sublicense, and distribute the Work and such Derivative Works in
Source or Object form.
3. G
 rant of Patent License. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, each
Contributor hereby grants to You a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, no-charge,
royalty-free, irrevocable (except as stated in this section) patent license to make, have made,
use, offer to sell, sell, import, and otherwise transfer the Work, where such license applies
only to those patent claims licensable by such Contributor that are necessarily infringed
by their Contribution(s) alone or by combination of their Contribution(s) with the Work to
which such Contribution(s) was submitted. If You institute patent litigation against any entity
(including a cross-claim or counterclaim in a lawsuit) alleging that the Work or a Contribution
incorporated within the Work constitutes direct or contributory patent infringement, then
any patent licenses granted to You under this License for that Work shall terminate as of the
date such litigation is filed.

8 | ENG
 L IC E NS E D IS C LO S U RE S

4. R
 edistribution. You may reproduce and distribute copies of the Work or Derivative Works
thereof in any medium, with or without modifications, and in Source or Object form,
provided that You meet the following conditions:
a. You must give any other recipients of the Work or Derivative Works a copy of this
License; and
b. You must cause any modified files to carry prominent notices stating that You changed
the files; and
c. You must retain, in the Source form of any Derivative Works that You distribute, all
copyright, patent, ­trademark, and attribution notices from the Source form of the Work,
excluding those notices that do not pertain to any part of the Derivative Works; and
d. If the Work includes a “NOTICE” text file as part of its distribution, then any Derivative
Works that You ­distribute must include a readable copy of the attribution notices
contained within such NOTICE file, excluding those notices that do not pertain to any part
of the Derivative Works, in at least one of the following places: within a NOTICE text file
distributed as part of the Derivative Works; within the Source form or ­documentation, if
provided along with the Derivative Works; or, within a display generated by the Derivative
Works, if and wherever such third-party notices normally appear. The contents of the
NOTICE file are for informational purposes only and do not modify the License. You may
add Your own attribution notices within Derivative Works that You distribute, alongside or
as an addendum to the NOTICE text from the Work, provided that such additional
attribution notices cannot be construed as modifying the License.
You may add Your own copyright statement to Your modifications and may provide
additional or different license terms and conditions for use, reproduction, or distribution
of Your modifications, or for any such ­Derivative Works as a whole, provided Your use,
reproduction, and distribution of the Work otherwise ­complies with the conditions stated
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5. S
 ubmission of Contributions. Unless You explicitly state otherwise, any Contribution
intentionally submitted for inclusion in the Work by You to the Licensor shall be under the
terms and conditions of this License, without any additional terms or conditions.
Notwithstanding the above, nothing herein shall supersede or modify the terms of any
separate license agreement you may have executed with Licensor regarding
such Contributions.
6. T
 rademarks. This License does not grant permission to use the trade names, trademarks,
service marks, or product names of the Licensor, except as required for reasonable and
customary use in describing the origin of the Work and reproducing the content of the
NOTICE file.
7. D
 isclaimer of Warranty. Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, Licensor
provides the Work (and each Contributor provides its Contributions) on an “AS IS” BASIS,
WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied, including,
without limitation, any warranties or conditions of TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT,
MERCHANTABILITY, or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. You are solely responsible
for determining the appropriateness of using or redistributing the Work and assume any
risks associated with Your exercise of permissions under this License.
8. L
 imitation of Liability. In no event and under no legal theory, whether in tort (including
negligence), contract, or otherwise, unless required by applicable law (such as deliberate
and grossly negligent acts) or agreed to in writing, shall any Contributor be liable to You for
damages, including any direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of
any character arising as a result of this License or out of the use or inability to use the Work
(including but not limited to damages for loss of goodwill, work stoppage, computer failure
or malfunction, or any and all other commercial damages or losses), even if such Contributor
has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9 | ENG
 L IC E NS E D IS C LO S U RE S

9. A
 ccepting Warranty or Additional Liability. While redistributing the Work or Derivative
Works thereof, You may choose to offer, and charge a fee for, acceptance of support,
warranty, indemnity, or other liability obligations and/or rights consistent with this License.
However, in accepting such obligations, You may act only on Your own behalf and on
Your sole responsibility, not on behalf of any other Contributor, and only if You agree to
indemnify, defend, and hold each Contributor harmless for any liability incurred by, or
claims asserted against, such ­Contributor by reason of your accepting any such warranty or
additional liability.

END OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

©2021 Bose Corporation
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the “License”); you may not use this file except
in compliance with the License.
You may obtain a copy of the License at: http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software distributed under the License
is distributed on an “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either
express or implied.
See the License for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under
the License.

10 | ENG
 C O NTE NTS

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Contents....................................................................................................................................................... 14

BOSE APP
Download the Bose app......................................................................................................................... 15
Add the headphones to an existing account................................................................................ 15

HEADPHONE CONTROLS
Power on....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Standby timer.................................................................................................................................... 17
Power off....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Headphone functions............................................................................................................................. 19
Media playback and volume....................................................................................................... 19
Phone calls......................................................................................................................................... 20
Action button.................................................................................................................................... 21

SHORTCUTS
Use your shortcut...................................................................................................................................... 22
Change or disable your shortcut........................................................................................................ 22

SPOTIFY TAP........................................................................................................................ 23

NOISE CANCELLATION
Noise cancelling modes......................................................................................................................... 24
Change the noise cancelling mode................................................................................................... 24

VOICE CONTROL
Access voice control................................................................................................................................ 25

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 C O NTE NTS

BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIONS
Connect using the Bluetooth menu on your mobile device................................................... 26
Disconnect a mobile device................................................................................................................. 28
Reconnect a mobile device.................................................................................................................. 28
Connect another mobile device......................................................................................................... 28
Identify connected mobile devices................................................................................................... 28
Switch between two connected mobile ­devices........................................................................ 29
Reconnect a previously connected device.................................................................................... 29
Clear the headphone device list......................................................................................................... 29

WIRED CONNECTIONS
Connect the audio cable....................................................................................................................... 30

BATTERY
Charge the headphones......................................................................................................................... 31
Charging time.................................................................................................................................... 31
Hear the battery level..................................................................................................................... 31

HEADPHONE STATUS
Bluetooth status ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Battery status ............................................................................................................................................ 32
Charging status ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Update and error status ........................................................................................................................ 33

CONNECT BOSE PRODUCTS

Connect a Bose Smart Speaker or Soundbar............................................................................... 34
Benefits............................................................................................................................................... 34
Compatible products..................................................................................................................... 34
Connect using the Bose app...................................................................................................... 34
Reconnect to a Bose Smart Speaker or Soundbar..................................................................... 35

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 C O NTE NTS

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Store the headphones............................................................................................................................ 36
Clean the headphones........................................................................................................................... 37
Replacement parts and accessories................................................................................................ 37
Limited warranty........................................................................................................................................ 37
Serial number location............................................................................................................................ 38

TROUBLESHOOTING
Try these solutions first........................................................................................................................... 39
Other solutions.......................................................................................................................................... 39
Restore the headphones to factory settings................................................................................. 42

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 W H AT’ S IN TH E B OX

CONTENTS
Confirm that the following parts are included:

Bose QuietComfort 45 ­headphones Carry case

USB Type-C® cable 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable

NOTE: If any part of your product is damaged, do not use it. Contact your authorized
Bose dealer or Bose customer service.

Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/QC45

14 | ENG
 BOSE APP

The Bose app lets you set up and control the headphones from any mobile device,
such as a smartphone or tablet.
Using the app, you can manage Bluetooth connections, manage headphone settings,
choose your voice prompt language, and access new features through updates.

NOTE: If you’ve already created a Bose account for another Bose product, add the
headphones to your existing account (see the bottom of page 15).

DOWNLOAD THE BOSE APP

1. On your mobile device, download the Bose app.

BOSE

2. Follow the app instructions.

ADD THE HEADPHONES TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT

To add your Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones, open the Bose app and add
your headphones.

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 H EA D P H O NE C O NTRO LS

Action button Multi-function button

Power/Bluetooth
switch

Volume up

Volume down

2.5 mm audio cable port USB-C® port

16 | ENG
 H EA D P H O NE C O NTRO LS

POWER ON
On the right earcup, slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right.
A voice prompt announces the battery level, and the status light glows according to
the current charge level (see page 32).

Standby timer
The standby timer conserves the battery when the headphones are not being used.
To set up and customize the standby timer, use the Bose app.

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 H EA D P H O NE C O NTRO LS

POWER OFF
Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the left.

NOTE: When the headphones are powered off, noise cancellation is disabled.

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 H EA D P H O NE C O NTRO LS

HEADPHONE FUNCTIONS
The headphone controls are located on the back of the right earcup.

Media playback and volume

Volume up
Multi-function button
Volume down

FUNCTION WHAT TO DO

Play/Pause Press the Multi-function button.

Skip forward Double-press the Multi-function button.

Skip backward Triple-press the Multi-function button.

Volume up Press H.

Volume down Press z.

NOTES:

• To quickly increase the volume, press and hold H.

• To quickly decrease the volume, press and hold z.

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 H EA D P H O NE C O NTRO LS

Phone calls
The Multi-function button is located on the back of the right earcup. The microphone
is located near the front of the right earcup.
The Action button is located on the back of the left earcup.

Action button

Multi-function button

Microphone

FUNCTION WHAT TO DO

Answer/End a call Press the Multi-function button.

Decline an incoming call Press and hold the Multi-function button for 1 second.

Answer a second incoming

While on a call and a second incoming call is ringing,
call and put the ­current call
press the Multi-function button.
on hold

Decline a second incoming While on a call and a second incoming call is ringing,
call and stay on current call press and hold the Multi-function button for 1 ­second.

While two calls are active, double-press the

Switch between two calls
Multi-function button.

While two calls are active, press and hold the

Create a conference call
Multi-function button for 3 ­seconds.

Mute/Unmute a call While on a call, double-press the Action button.

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 H EA D P H O NE C O NTRO LS

Action button
The Action button allows you to quickly and easily switch between noise
cancelling modes.
The Action button is located on the back of the left earcup.

Action button

To switch between Quiet Mode and Aware Mode, press the Action button.
For information about noise cancelling modes, see page 24.

21 | ENG
 S H O RTC U TS

A shortcut enables you to quickly and easily access one of the following functions:
• Access Spotify (see page 23)
• Access battery level

NOTE: By default, accessing battery level is enabled.

USE YOUR SHORTCUT

Press and hold the Action button.

CHANGE OR DISABLE YOUR SHORTCUT

To change or disable your shortcut, use the Bose app. You can access this option from
the main screen.

22 | ENG
 S P OTIFY TA P

Spotify Tap is music to your ears, quite literally. Get the tunes playing with a
simple gesture.

NOTE: To use Spotify Tap, it must be set as your shortcut in the Bose app and the
Spotify app must be up to date.

1. Press and hold the Action button to play a recommendation based on your
listening taste.

2. Press and hold the Action button again for the next recommendation made just
for you.

23 | ENG
 NO IS E CA NC E L L AT IO N

Noise cancelling reduces unwanted noise, providing a clearer and more lifelike audio
performance. You can choose between two pre-configured noise cancelling modes
­­— Quiet or Aware — or create up to two of your own custom modes.
Quiet Mode allows you to block out distractions using the highest level of
noise cancellation.
Aware Mode provides full transparency and allows you to hear your surroundings
while enjoying your audio.
Choose your noise noise cancelling mode based on your listening p
­ references
and environment.

NOISE CANCELLING MODES

MODE DESCRIPTION

Quiet World-class noise cancellation with Bose-optimized audio.

Aware Hear your surroundings while enjoying your audio.

Custom noise control (noise cancellation or wind block)

based on your listening preferences and environment.
Custom NOTE: You can create up to two custom modes using the
Bose app. To access this option, tap Modes on the
main screen.

NOTE: When powered on, the headphones default to the last mode you used.

CHANGE THE NOISE CANCELLING MODE

To change the noise cancelling mode, press the Action button.
A voice prompt announces the selected noise cancelling mode.

TIP: You can also change the noise cancelling mode using the Bose app.

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 VO IC E C O NTRO L

ACCESS VOICE CONTROL

You can use the headphones to access voice control on your mobile device. To access
voice control, press and hold the Multi-function button for 1 second.
The Multi-function button is located on the back of the right earcup.

NOTE: You can’t access voice control while on a call.

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 B LU ETO OTH C O NNECT IO NS

CONNECT USING THE BLUETOOTH MENU ON YOUR ­

MOBILE DEVICE
You can store up to eight devices in the headphone device list, and the headphones
can ­be actively connected to two devices at a time. You can play audio from only one
device at a time.

NOTE: For the best experience, use the Bose app to set up and connect your mobile
device (see page 15).

1. Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and hold for 3 seconds.
You hear “Ready to connect,” and the status light blinks blue.

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 B LU ETOSOTH
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2. On your device, enable the Bluetooth feature.

NOTE: The Bluetooth feature is usually found in the Settings menu.

3. Select your headphones from the device list.

TIP: Look for the name you entered for your headphones in the Bose app.
If you didn’t name your headphones, the default name appears.

QuietComfort 45

Once connected, you hear “Connected to <device name>,” and the status light
glows solid blue for 10 seconds.

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DISCONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE

To disconnect your mobile device, use the Bose app.

TIP: You can also use Bluetooth settings on your mobile device to disconnect your
device. Disabling the Bluetooth feature disconnects all other devices.

RECONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE

When powered on, the headphones try to reconnect with the two most
­recently-connected devices.

NOTES:

• The devices must be within range (30 ft or 9 m) and powered on.

• Make sure the Bluetooth feature is enabled on your mobile device.
• If the multi-point connection feature is disabled, the headphones try to reconnect
with the most recently-connected device.

CONNECT ANOTHER MOBILE DEVICE

The headphones can ­be actively connected to up to two devices at a time
(multi-point connection).
To connect another device, download the Bose app (see page 15) or use the
Bluetooth menu on your mobile device (see page 26).

NOTES:

• You can only play audio from one device at a time.

• To manage or disable the multi-point connection feature, use the Bose app.
You can access this option from the Settings menu.
• Disabling the multi-point connection feature disconnects the second
connected device.

IDENTIFY CONNECTED MOBILE DEVICES

Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and release to hear which device is
­currently ­connected.

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 B LU ETO OTH C O NNECT IO NS

SWITCH BETWEEN TWO CONNECTED MOBILE D

­ EVICES
1. Pause audio on your first mobile device.

2. Play audio on your second mobile device.

The headphones switch to that mobile device’s audio stream.

NOTE: Your headphones receive phone calls from both devices, regardless of
which ­device is playing audio.

RECONNECT A PREVIOUSLY CONNECTED DEVICE

1. Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and release to hear which device
is connected.

2. Within 2 seconds, slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and release
again to connect to the next ­device in the headphone device list.

3. Repeat until you hear the correct device name.

You hear a tone that indicates when the device is connected.

4. Play audio on the connected mobile device.

NOTE: If two devices are already connected to the headphones, the

newly-connected device replaces the second device that was
previously connected.

CLEAR THE HEADPHONE DEVICE LIST

1. Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and hold for 15 seconds, until you
hear “Bluetooth device list cleared. Ready to connect.”

2. Delete your headphones from the Bluetooth list on your mobile devices.
All devices are cleared and the headphones are ready to connect.

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 W IRE D C O NNECTIO NS

CONNECT THE AUDIO CABLE

Use the 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable to connect a non-wireless device or to continue
using the ­headphones if the ­battery is depleted.

1. Connect the cable into the 2.5 mm port on the left earcup.

2. Connect the other end of the cable into the 3.5 mm port on your device.

NOTE: You can use the headphones powered on or off when the the audio cable
is connected.

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 BATTE RY

CHARGE THE HEADPHONES

1. Connect the small end of the USB cable into the USB-C port on the
right earcup.

2. Connect the other end into a USB wall charger.

NOTES:

• When the headphones begin charging, the status light blinks white for 10 seconds.
When fully charged, the status light glows solid white.
• The headphones don’t play while charging.

Charging time
Allow up to 2.5 hours to fully charge the headphones.

Hear the battery level

Each time you power on the headphones, a voice prompt announces the battery level.
When the headphone battery is low, you hear “Battery low, please charge now.”

NOTE: To visually check the battery, see the status light ­l­ocated on the right earcup.
For more information, see “Battery status” on page 32.

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 H EA D P H O NE STATU S

The status light is located on the right earcup.

­Headphone
status light

BLUETOOTH STATUS
Shows the Bluetooth connection status.

LIGHT ACTIVITY SYSTEM STATE

Blinking blue Ready to connect

Solid blue (10 seconds) Connected

BATTERY STATUS
Shows the battery level.

LIGHT ACTIVITY SYSTEM STATE

Solid white Medium to full charge

Solid amber Low charge

TIP: You can also check the battery level using the Bose app.

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 H EA S
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STATU S

CHARGING STATUS
Shows the charging status.

LIGHT ACTIVITY SYSTEM STATE

Blinks white 2 times Charging begins

Solid amber Charging

Solid white Full charge

UPDATE AND ERROR STATUS

Shows the update or error status.

LIGHT ACTIVITY SYSTEM STATE

Fast blinking white (10 seconds) Updating software (via USB)

Slow blinking white (30 to 60 seconds) Updating software (wirelessly)

Blinking amber and white Error - contact Bose customer service

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 C O NNECT B O S E P RO D U CTS

CONNECT A BOSE SMART SPEAKER OR SOUNDBAR

Using SimpleSync™ technology, you can connect the headphones to a Bose Smart
­Soundbar or Bose Smart Speaker for a personal listening experience.

Benefits
• Use independent volume controls on each product to lower or mute your Bose
Smart Soundbar while keeping the headphones as loud as you like.
• Hear your music clearly from the next room by connecting the headphones to your
Bose Smart Speaker.

NOTE: SimpleSync™ technology has a Bluetooth range of up to 30 ft (9 m). Walls and

­construction materials can affect reception.

Compatible products
You can connect the headphones to any Bose Smart Speaker or Bose
Smart Soundbar.
Popular compatible products include:
• Bose Smart Soundbar 700/Bose Soundbar 700
• Bose Soundbar 500
• Bose Smart Speaker 500/Bose Home Speaker 500
• Bose Home Speaker 300
• Bose Portable Smart Speaker/Bose Portable Home Speaker
New products are added periodically. For a complete list and more information,
visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/Groups

Connect using the Bose app

1. On the headphones, slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and hold for
3 seconds.
You hear “Ready to connect another device,” and the status light blinks blue.

2. Use the Bose app to connect the headphones to a compatible Bose p

­ roduct.
For more information, visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/Groups

NOTES:

• Make sure that the headphones are within 30 ft (9 m) of your soundbar or speaker.
• You can connect the headphones to only one product at a time.

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 C O NNECT B O S E P RO D U CTS

RECONNECT TO A BOSE SMART SPEAKER OR SOUNDBAR

Use the Bose app to reconnect the headphones to a previously-connected
compatible Bose product. For more information, visit: support.Bose.com/Groups

NOTES:

• Your soundbar or speaker must be within range (30 ft or 9 m) and powered on.
• If the headphones don’t reconnect, see “Headphones don’t reconnect to a
­previously-connected Bose ­Smart Soundbar or Speaker” on page 41.

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 CA RE A ND MA INTE NA NC E

STORE THE HEADPHONES

The earcups rotate for easy, convenient storage. Place the headphones flat into
the case.

1. Rotate both earcups inward so they lay flat.

Left earcup Right earcup

2. Fold the left earcup up toward the headband.

NOTES:

• Make sure to power off the headphones when not in use.

• Before storing the headphones for more than a few months, make sure the battery
is fully charged.

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 CA RE A ND MA INTE NA NC E

CLEAN THE HEADPHONES

Wipe the outside surfaces with a soft, dry cloth.
Don’t allow moisture to get inside the earcups.

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

Replacement parts and accessories can be ordered through Bose customer service.
Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/QC45

LIMITED WARRANTY
Your headphones 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. Failure to
­register will not affect your limited ­warranty rights.

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 CA RE A ND MA INTE NA NC E

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATION

The serial number is located inside the right earcup under the scrim. The scrim is the
inner screen that covers and protects the ­components inside the earcup.
To view the serial ­number, grab the scrim at the top edge and gently peel it away.
CAUTION: Be careful not to press down on or remove any other ­components inside
the earcup as this could ­damage the headphones.

S/N: 011001000100010AE

S/N: 01
10
010001
00010A
E

Scrim

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 TRO U B L E S H O OT ING

TRY THESE SOLUTIONS FIRST

If you experience problems with your headphones:
• Check the state of the status light (see page 32).
• Charge the battery (see page 31).
• Increase the volume on your headphones, mobile device, and music app.
• Try connecting another mobile device (see page 28).
If you could not resolve your issue, see the table below to identify symptoms and
­solutions to common problems. If you are unable to resolve your issue, contact
Bose customer service.
Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/contact

OTHER SOLUTIONS
SYMPTOM SOLUTION

Headphones don’t
Charge the battery.
power on

Disconnect the back-up audio cable.

Disconnect the USB charging cable.
On your mobile device:
Disable the Bluetooth feature and then re-enable.
Headphones don’t Delete your Bose ­QuietComfort 45 headphones from the
connect with your ­Bluetooth list on your ­device. Connect again.
mobile device
Move your mobile device closer to the headphones and away
from any interference or obstructions.
Visit worldwide.Bose.com/Support/QC45 to see how-to videos.
Clear the connected devices list (see page 29) and
connect again.

Secure the ends of the USB charging cable.

Try another charging source.
Battery won’t charge
If your headphones have been exposed to high or low
­temperatures, let the headphones return to room temperature
and try charging again.

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 TRO U B L E S H O OT ING

SYMPTOM SOLUTION

Power on the headphones and charge the battery.

Check the state of the status light (see page 32).
Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right and release to hear
the connected device. Make sure you are using the
correct device.
Move your mobile device closer to the headphones and away
No sound from any interference or obstructions.
Use a different music source.
If two mobile devices are connected, pause your other
device first.
If two mobile devices are connected, move the devices within
range of the headphones (30 ft or 9 m).
Try a locally stored music or video file on your mobile device.

If in a windy environment, create a custom mode with wind

blocking enabled in the Bose app. To access this option, tap
Modes on the main screen (page 24)
Use a different music source.
Poor sound quality Connect another mobile device (see page 28).
Disconnect the second device.
Move your mobile device closer to the headphones and away
from any interference or obstructions.
Try a locally stored music or video file on your mobile device.

Secure the ends of the back-up audio cable.

No sound from a d­ evice
Increase the volume on your headphones, your mobile device
connected by the
and music source.
­back-up audio cable
Connect another device (see page 28).

Poor sound quality from Secure the ends of the back-up audio cable.
a device connected by
audio cable Connect another device (see page 28).

Action button doesn’t Make sure your headphones are powered on.
change the noise
Use the Bose app to change the noise cancelling mode.
­cancelling mode

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 TRO U B L E S H O OT ING

SYMPTOM SOLUTION

Headphones don’t Slide and hold the Power/Bluetooth button until you hear “Ready
connect to a Bose to connect another device,” and the Bluetooth light blinks blue.
Smart Soundbar Make sure that the headphones are within 30 ft (9 m) of your
or Speaker soundbar or speaker.

Headphones don’t On the headphones, slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the

reconnect to a right and hold for 3 seconds until you hear “Ready to connect”
­previously-connected and the status light blinks blue. Use the Bose app to connect the
Bose S
­ mart Soundbar headphones to a compatible Bose product. For more
or Speaker information, visit: support.Bose.com/Groups

Delayed audio when

­connected to a Bose
Download the Bose app and run available software updates.
Smart Soundbar
or Speaker

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 TRO U B L E S H O OT ING

A restore to factory settings can clear all settings and return the headphones to their
original out-of-box state. After, the headphones can be configured as if they were
being set up for the first time.
Restoring to factory settings is only recommended if you are having issues with the
headphones, or you have been instructed to do so by Bose customer service.

RESTORE THE HEADPHONES TO FACTORY SETTINGS

1. Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on your device.

2. Remove the headphones from your Bose account using the Bose app.

NOTE: For more information about how to remove the headphones from your
Bose account using the Bose app, visit:
worldwide.Bose.com/Support/QC45

3. Slide the Power/Bluetooth switch to the right l and hold. At the same time,
press and hold the Action button for 30 seconds.
The LED indicator blinks white. After 30 seconds, the LED indicator blinks amber
to indicate factory settings are being restored (2 to 3 seconds).

4. When the rest is complete, the LED indicator slowly blinks blue. The headphones
are now in their original out-of-box state.

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©2024 Bose Corporation, 100 The Mountain Road, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
AM869288-0010 Rev. 02