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Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone User Manual

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Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone

Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-product

Charging

Allow up to 2 hours for a full charge before first use. Use the supplied USB cable to connect the headphones to a powered USB port on your computer or an agency-approved wall charger (not supplied).

When fully charged. Headphones will have about 16 hours of battery life. Note: Before charging, be sure the headset is at room temperature. between 41’F (5’C) and 104′ F (40’C).

ComponentsBose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-5

  • Control module
  • Inline microphone and 3-button remote
  • Clothing clip
  • StayHear+tips: Small (white); Medium. installed (grey); Large (black)
  • USB charging cable
  • Carry case

Powering on

Slide the power switch on the control module to On. The headphones will turn on in Noise Cancellation, which reduces most sounds around you. Note: When the power is off, the headphones will still provide unpowered audio. For the best quality audio. Turn the power on.

Switching modes

Press the Mode button on the side of the remote to switch to Aware mode, which lets you hear some sounds around you, such as traffic noise.Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-1

Connecting to an iPod. iPhone or iPad

Connect the Bose QuietComfort 20 headphones to the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

The headphones come with an inline microphone and a 3-button remote for convenient control of select iPod, iPhone, and iPad models.Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-2

Note: Full controls may not be available for some devices.

Importance of Proper Fit

For effective noise reduction performance, it is important to choose the correct size StayHear” +tip.

Select the size that gives you the best comfort and fit in each ear. You may need to try all three sizes to determine the best fit.

To test the fit, try speaking aloud (with the power off). Your voice should sound muffled in both ears. If not, select another tip size.

Each tip is marked with either an L or an R Be sure to attach the left tip (L) to the left earpiece and the right tip (R) to the right earpiece.

To change a StayHear tip:

Gently peel the edges of the attached tip away from the earpiece, using care not to tear the tip.

CAUTION: To prevent damage, do not pull on the tip wing.

Slide the new tip over the headphone nozzle.

Press the tip securely into place until you feel it latch. The ridge on the headphone housing should fit into the slot on the inside of the tip.

Fitting the headphones to your ear

  1. Insert the headphone into the ear so the tip gently rests in the opening of the ear canal.
  2. Tilt the headphone back and lightly press the wing under the ear ridge until it is comfortable and secure. The tip should sit comfortably yet securely in the bowl of the ear.

Recognizing the lights

Power/Battery indicatorBose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-3

Mode indicatorBose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-4

Troubleshooting

Poor sound quality

  • Make sure the headphones are powered on and securely plugged into the headphone jack on the device.
  • Try another StayHear” tip size.
  • Try another device or music application.
  • Clean the connector with isopropyl alcohol and dry with a clean cloth.
  • If you experience a loud noise, turn off the power switch.

Poor or no noise reduction

  • Make sure the power is switched on and the Mode indicator is on (green).
  • Try another StayHear tip size. See “Importance of Proper Fit.
  • Ensure that headphones are properly charged.

Short battery life (less than 16 hours)

When charging, be sure both ends of the USB cable are firmly connected and verify that the Battery Indicator is blinking amber.

Device is not responding to remote button commands

  • Ensure you are using a compatible device. See “Made for” (below).
  • Make sure the headphones are securely plugged into the headphone jack on the device.

Microphone not working

  • Make sure the headphones are securely plugged into the headphone jack on the device.
  • Make sure the microphone is not blocked.
  • Try another call, device, or application.

Important Safety Instructions

WARNINGS

  • Do focus on your safety and that of others if you use the headphones while engaging in any activity requiring your attention, e.g., while riding a bicycle or walking in or near traffic, a construction site, or a railroad, etc.
  • Turn the headphones off, or use Aware mode, and adjust your volume to ensure you can hear surrounding sounds, including alarms and warning signals.
  • Be aware that how sounds that you rely on as reminders or warnings may vary in character when using the headphones, even with Aware mode.
  • DO use caution when using your headphones while operating a vehicle or engaging in any activity that requires your full attention. Check and follow local laws regarding mobile phone and headphone/headset use. Some jurisdictions impose specific limitations, such as a single earpiece configuration, on the use of such products while driving.
  • Sounds that you rely on as reminders or warnings may have an unfamiliar character when using headphones. Be aware of how these sounds may vary in characters so you can recognize them as needed.
  • DO NOT use the headphones if they emit a loud squeal or other loud noise. Contact Bose customer service if the headphones emit any loud or unusual noise.
  • Do not use mobile phone adapters to connect headphones to airplane seat jacks, as this could result in personal injury, such as burns, or property damage due to overheating. Remove and disconnect immediately if you experience a warming sensation or loss of audio.
  • DO NOT submerge or expose for an extended period to water or wear while participating in water sports, i.e., swimming, waterskiing, surfing, etc.
  • To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, DO NOT expose the product to rain or moisture.
  • DO NOT expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on or near the apparatus. As with any electronic product, use care not to spill liquids into any part of the system liquids can cause a failure and/or a fire hazard.
  • Do not place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on or near the apparatus.
  • Contains small parts that may be a choking hazard. Not suitable for children under 18.
  • This product contains magnets that can be harmful to pacemaker wearers.
  • The product shall not be exposed to excessive heat, such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
  • DO NOT subject the product to mechanical shock.
  • DO NOT leave the product on prolonged charge when not in use.

CAUTIONS

  • Make no modifications to the system or accessories. Unauthorized alterations may compromise safety, regulatory compliance, and system performance.
  • Long-term exposure to loud music may cause hearing damage. It is best to avoid extreme volume when using headphones. especially for extended periods.
  • DO NOT drop, sit on, or allow the headphones to be immersed in water.

NOTE

  • Use only with an agency-approved power supply meeting local regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CSA, VDE, CCC).

CLEANING

Your headphones may need periodic cleaning:

Ear tips:

Remove the tips from the headphones and wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Allow the tips to thoroughly dry before you put them back on the headphones.

Headphone nozzles:

Clean the exterior only with a soft cloth. Never insert any cleaning tool into the nozzle.

Replacement Accessories

For additional information about your headphones or for replacement accessories, refer to:

For more Manuals by Bose, visit ManualsLibraryy

Bose QuietComfort 20 Headphone-FAQs

Can I use them while charging?

No, Bluetooth is disabled while charging. Use the audio cable for wired listening.

How do I check battery status?

Solid white light: Fully charged.
Amber light: Charging.
Blinking red: Low battery.

Why is sound quality poor?

Try:
Rebooting your device.
Checking the EQ settings.
Disabling Multi-point Connection in the Bose app.

Can I sleep with Bose QC20?

Possible, but not ideal—they’re designed for active use, not extended wear.

How do I reset the headphones?

Hold the power button for 10+ seconds (if unresponsive).

Are they sweat/water-resistant?

No, avoid moisture to prevent damage.

Can I use them without Bluetooth?

Yes, connect via the 3.5mm cable (included).

How do I update firmware?

Use the Bose Connect app or visit Bose’s update page.

Why is ANC not working?

Ensure battery isn’t dead.
Check if ANC mode is enabled.

How do I adjust ear tips for comfort?

Try different silicone tip sizes (included).
Rotate earbuds for a secure fit.

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