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Bose QC35 White Light Stays On: How to Fix It

Bose QC35 White Light Stays On: How to Fix It

Bose’s QuietComfort 35 II headphones are top-rated amongst users, particularly in the gaming community. The headphones come packed with features – fantastic sound, innovative technology, and top-tier noise-canceling functions. However, some users have pointed out some issues with the headphones – that the lights stay on. What does it mean?

The light on your Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones signals different things. White usually indicates that the headphones are ready for pairing. However, the light should not stay on for more than a few seconds. 

Typically, a Bose QC35 white light will stay on for a few reasons. Some of these are:

  1. The firmware for the device is out of date and needs to be updated.
  2. The Bose QC35 updated but encountered an issue and may need to be reset.
  3. The headphones simply need to be reset or reconnected to Bose Connect.

So how do you resolve the issue of a white light staying on all the time? It may not seem like a big deal, but this can significantly impact your battery health. Please keep reading for our suggestions on how to fix this issue. 

White Light On Bose QC 35 II – What Does It Mean?

If you see a white light on your Bose headphones, they usually indicate that the headphones are in pairing mode. This light isn’t a bad sign, and it suggests that your headphone’s pairing mechanisms are working well. However, the issue arises when that white light does not seem to go away. 

This issue will undoubtedly impact your battery health in the long run, and you need to resolve it. Fortunately, you can take steps to understand exactly what is causing this glitch and how to fix it. Go through each of the suggested solutions one by one to rule out the previous issue.

Check Your Firmware Version

Before you make any changes to your headphones, it is essential to know what firmware version it is using to operate. When you see the firmware version, you can take adequate steps to take care of any glitches and issues. To check your Bose QC35 firmware, follow these steps:

  1. On the Bose Connect App, wait and let it search for your headphones.
  2. If there are multiple Bose products, you may have to swipe to find the right headphones. 
  3. Select ‘Settings’ to see the configuration of your QC35.
  4. Select the option ‘Product Info.’
  5. Under ‘Firmware Version,’ you will see the last updated firmware. 
  6. Also, check the version of the App you are using.

Related: How to Use Bose Headphone Mic on PC

Update Firmware

Now that you know the version of firmware your Bose QC35 is using, you can decide if it needs updating. There are two main ways to do this, either through a computer or the Bose Connect App. Here’s how you can update your headphones to the latest firmware version using a computer:

  1. Connect your Bose QuietComfort 35 II to your computer using the USB cable.
  2. On your computer, open up a web browser of your choice.
  3. In the search bar, type in the following address: btu.bose.com
  4. The screen will prompt you to download the Bose Updater. 
  5. The site will direct you to the new updates if the updater has already been installed.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions and update the firmware. 
Photo: Bose

Alternatively, you can use the Bose Connect App to install updates. When the App detects an update is ready, it will show you an icon signaling an update. You will be able to see this on the image of your headphones in the App. The App is available on both the App Store and the Play Store so that all phone types can use it.

  1. Open up the Bose Connect App on your phone.
  2. Make sure your Bose QuietComfort 35 II is available.
  3. Allow the App to recognize the headphones. 
  4. Tap on the update notification on the image of your headphones (if available).
  5. A progress bar will show you how long the download will take.
  6. Once the download is complete, you can tap on ‘Update.’
  7. Give the update a couple of minutes to install.
  8. Once the installation is complete, you will see a checkmark.

Related: How to Connect Bose Headphones to Mac

Issues With Updates

In some cases, updates may not install correctly. If you encounter this issue, try some of these tips and tricks to resolve your conflict. 

  • Reconnect USB cables: if the update isn’t working, this may be due to the connection with the headphones being unstable. Reconnect them again, and make sure everything is in place.
  • Use another USB port: sometimes, one of the USB ports on your computer isn’t functioning. If reconnecting doesn’t work, try to use another USB port to rule out other issues. 
  • Reinstall Bose Connect: the issue at hand may be a glitch or conflict within the App. A simple fix is to uninstall the App and then install it again to continue the update. 
  • Use your computer: In some cases, the update just doesn’t happen through the App. In that case, you can try the other method mentioned above to take care of the issue through another means. 
  • Reinstall Bose Updater: the updater software mentioned above helps software get installed onto your headphones. You can try reinstalling it from the website to ensure it is not the problem.

Reset Your Bose QC35

Photo: Bose

Your Bose QuietComfort 35 II reset can help resolve software glitches or conflicts between changing settings and configurations. To reset your headphones, you will have to follow these steps:

  1. Switch off your Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones.
  2. Wait for thirty seconds after the headphones are switched off.
  3. Connect the headphones to an outlet on the wall using a USB cable.
  4. Wait another five seconds to establish the connection.
  5. Disconnect the headphones from the power outlet and cord.
  6. Wait another minute after the disconnection.
  7. Now, power your headphones on again. 

Contact Customer Support

In some cases, none of these options will be enough to fix the issue of a white light not going away. In that case, the only option you have available is to contact Bose Customer Support. You can do so by going on the company’s website and registering a ticket for your issue. 

Conclusion

There is no clear answer to why your headphones have a lingering white light on all the time. However, there are ways for you to take care of this issue, either by these troubleshooting tips or by reaching out to the Bose Support team.