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Noise cancellation is not working
The combination of both active and passive noise reduction technologies in your headphones is desgined to block out most sounds but may not block out everything. You may still hear higher pitched sounds like sirens and even human voices, although the volume of these sounds should be dramatically reduced. If you feel you are not geting any noise reduction with your headphones, here are a few steps you can try.
Noise cancellation is not working | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Do you hear static or distorted audio while in noisy environments?
Brief crackling or distortion may occur in extremely loud environments. Situations like airplane takeoffs, concerts, emergency sirens, or construction zones can overwhelm the earbuds’ noise-cancelling microphones. Even in Quiet or Aware mode, this can lead to temporary audio distortion—similar to someone shouting into a microphone.
This distortion is normal and does not harm the product. It is a natural response to intense external noise. Try to reduce exposure to those sounds when possible—for example, by moving away from engines on a plane.
Move away from any hard surfaces.
Reflected sound (caused by using the headset close to a hard surface – like a wall) will negatively affect noise cancellation.
Try a different noise cancelling level.
You can adjust the noise cancellation levels in the Bose Music app from 0 (least cancelling) to 10 (most cancelling). Try different levels and see if the noise cancellation is improved
Check for and install any available product updates.
On a computer, visit btu.bose.com and follow the instructions to ensure your product has the latest features and enhancements. See Checking the software or firmware version and Updating the software or firmware of your product.
Be sure the earcups are tightly seated against the head.
Glasses, earrings and hats may prevent the headphone cushions from forming a tight seal around the ear. Remove any of these items and retest the noise cancelling feature.
Be sure the cushions are securely attached to the earcup.
If the ear cushion is not affixed to the ear cup properly, the noise reduction or sound quality may be affected. For more information, see Replacing the ear cushions.
Reboot your headphones.
This reset will not erase your product settings.
- If the USB charging cable or audio cable is connected to your headphones, disconnect it.
- Connect a USB charging cable and charger to a power outlet. You can also connect the USB cable to a USB port on a computer that is powered on.
Note: Do not connect your headphones to the USB cable yet. - On your headphones, press and hold the Power/Bluetooth® button.
- While continuing to hold the button, connect the USB cable to the right earcup. The Power light on your headphones will quickly blink twice.
- Once connected, wait two seconds and then release the Power/Bluetooth button.
Tip: If your headphones don't respond after this, reset them a second time.
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