Bose SoundLink Flex SE Bluetooth Speaker
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
REGULATORY AND LEGAL INFORMATION
- 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 product.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment to 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 of the device.
- This device complies with FCC and ISED Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for the general population. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
CONTENTS
Confirm that the following parts are included:
- Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker
- USB Type-C® cable
- NOTE: If any part of the product is damaged, do not use it. Contact your authorized Bose dealer or Bose customer service. Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/FlexSE
BOSE CONNECT APP SETUP
- The Bose Connect app lets you set up and control the speaker from any mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Using the app you can manage Bluetooth connections, choose your voice prompt language, manage speaker settings, and get new features.
DOWNLOAD THE BOSE CONNECT APP
- On your mobile device, download the Bose Connect app.
- Follow the app instructions
SPEAKER PORTABILITY
STRAP CONFIGURATIONS
- You can use the strap as a finger loop to easily carry the speaker. You can also attach it to a carabiner or a cord.
WATER AND DUST RESISTANCE
- Your speaker is waterproof, splash-resistant, and dust-proof. It is rated IP67 and IP64. You can immerse the speaker in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 3.3 ft (1 m). It can also be used while showering and in the rain or snow.
- CAUTIONS:
- Do NOT submerge this speaker in any pool of water deeper than 3.3 ft (1 m).
- If the speaker is exposed to salt or chlorinated water, gently rinse with fresh water following the exposure to remove residue. Make sure the connector port is fully dried out before charging.
SPEAKER CONTROLS
- Controls are located on the top of the speaker.
POWER ON/OFF
- Press the Power button
- The battery light glows solid white.
AUTO-OFF TIMER
- The auto-off timer conserves the battery when the speaker is operating on battery power. The speaker switches off when the audio has stopped and buttons have not been pressed for 20 minutes.
- NOTE: To adjust the time it takes for your speaker to automatically power off, use the Bose Connect app.
Disable the auto-off timer
- Press and hold + and the Multi-function button V simultaneously. You hear “Auto-off disabled.” Repeat to re-enable the auto-off timer.
- TIP: You can also disable the auto-off timer using the Bose Connect app.
SPEAKER FUNCTIONS
Media playback and volume functions
| FUNCTION | WHAT TO DO |
| Play/Pause | Press the Multi-function button V. |
| Skip forward | Press V twice quickly. |
| Skip backward | Press V three times quickly. |
| Volume up | Press H. |
| Volume down | Press z. |
Call functions
| FUNCTION | WHAT TO DO |
| Answer/End a call | Press the Multi-function button V. |
| Decline an incoming call | Press and hold V for 1 second. |
| Answer a second incoming call and put the current call on hold | While on a call, press V. |
| Decline a second incoming call and stay on the current call | While on a call, press and hold V for 1 second. |
| Switch between two calls | With two active calls, press V twice quickly. |
|
Access voice control to make a call | While not on a call, press and hold V for 1 second. Your mobile device may not support voice control. Refer to your device owner’s guide for more information. |
| Mute/Unmute a call | While on a call, press H and z simultaneously. |
ACCESS VOICE CONTROL
- The speaker microphone acts as an extension of the microphone in your mobile device. Using the Multi-function button V on the speaker, you can access the voice control capabilities on your device to make/take calls or access your voice assistant to play music, tell you the weather, give you the score of a game and more. Press and hold V to access voice control on your device. You hear a tone that indicates voice control is active.
BATTERY
CHARGE THE SPEAKER
- Charge your speaker using the USB-C® charging cable (wall charger not provided)
Charging time
- Allow up to 4 hours to fully charge the battery. With typical usage, the battery lasts up to 12 hours. Battery performance varies with the content played and the volume at which it’s played
BATTERY PROTECTION MODE
- When your speaker battery is depleted (0%), or your speaker is unplugged and unused for more than three days (with a remaining charge of less than 10%), it enters battery protection mode. To reactivate your speaker, connect it to a wall charger. When not in use, store your speaker in a cool place.
CAUTION: Do NOT store your speaker for extended periods when fully charged or with a remaining charge of less than 10 percent
STATUS LIGHTS
BLUETOOTH LIGHT
- Shows the connection status of a mobile device.
| LIGHT ACTIVITY | SYSTEM STATE |
| Blinking blue | Ready to connect |
| Blinking white | Connecting |
| Solid white | Connected |
VOICE PROMPTS
CHANGE THE LANGUAGE
When you power on the speaker for the first time, the voice prompts are in English.
- Press and hold the Multi-function buttons three dots _ simultaneously until you hear the voice prompt for the first language option.
- Press + or – to move through the list of languages.
- When you hear your language, press and hold three dots to select
CONNECT YOUR MOBILE DEVICE USING THE BOSE CONNECT APP (RECOMMENDED)
- With your speaker powered on, download the Bose Connect app and follow the on-screen connection instructions.
- Once connected, you hear “Connected to <mobile device name>,” and the Bluetooth light glows solid white.
BLUETOOTH CONNECTIONS
DISCONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE
- Disable the Bluetooth feature on your device.
- TIP: You can also disconnect your device using the Bose Connect app.
RECONNECT A MOBILE DEVICE
- When powered on, the speaker tries to reconnect with the two most recently- connected devices.
- NOTE: The devices must be within range (30 ft or 9 m) and powered on. You can pair additional devices to your speaker. These Bluetooth connections are
controlled with the Bluetooth button l. Voice prompts guide you through controlling multiple connections. Before connecting an additional mobile device, make sure this feature is enabled. - TIP: You can also easily manage multiple connected devices using the Bose Connect app.
CONNECT AN ADDITIONAL MOBILE DEVICE
- You can store up to eight paired devices in the speaker pairing list, and your speaker can be actively connected to two devices at a time. To connect an additional device, download the Bose Connect app (see page 11) or use the Bluetooth menu on your mobile device (see page 24).
- NOTE: You can play audio from only one device at a time.
IDENTIFY CONNECTED MOBILE DEVICES
- Press Bluetooth to hear which devices are currently connected
CONNECT BOSE PRODUCTS
PAIR TWO BOSE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS
- For a more immersive music experience, you can pair your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker with another Bose Bluetooth speaker and play the same song from both speakers. Two speakers can play together in the following modes:
- Party mode (left and right speakers play in unison)
- Stereo mode (left speaker and right speaker play separately) You can set this up using the Bose Connect app (recommended) or the speaker control buttons.
Compatible products
You can pair your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker with the following speakers:
- Bose SoundLink Micro
- Bose SoundLink Flex
- Bose SoundLink Color II
- Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series I & II)
- Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series I & II)
PAIR TWO BOSE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS MANUALLY
If you are unable to access the Bose Connect app, follow the instructions below. Party mode
- Make sure both speakers are powered on.
- Make sure one speaker is connected to your mobile device.
- On the speaker connected to your device, press and hold the Bluetooth button Bluetooth and + simultaneously.
Stereo mode
- Configure your speakers for Party mode (see page 29).
- On one speaker, press the Bluetooth buttons l and H simultaneously.
- Release the buttons when you hear “Stereo mode.” You hear “Left” from the left speaker and “Right” from the right speaker. Stereo mode is enabled, and you are now able to play audio in stereo using your mobile device.
- For an optimal experience, position your speakers:
- In the same room or outdoor area
- Within 10 feet of each other, free from obstructions
- So that your distance to each speaker is equal
Compatible products
You can pair your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker with any Bose Smart Speaker or Bose Smart Soundbar. Popular compatible products include:
- Bose Smart Soundbar 700/Bose Soundbar 700
- Bose Smart Speaker 500/Bose Home Speaker 500
- Bose Smart Soundbar 300
- 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
Pair using the Bose app
- On your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker, press and hold the Bluetooth button until the Bluetooth light blinks blue, and you hear “Ready to pair another device.”
- Use the Bose app to connect your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker to a compatible Bose product. For more information, visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/Groups
- NOTES:
- Make sure that your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker is within 30 ft (9 m) of your Bose Smart Speaker or Bose Smart Soundbar.
- You can pair your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker with only one product at a time
CLEAN THE SPEAKER
Your speaker may require periodic cleaning.
- Clean the surface of the speaker with a soft, damp cloth (water only).
- Do not use any solvents, chemicals or cleaning solutions containing alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives.
- If the speaker is exposed to salt or chlorinated water, gently rinse with fresh water following the exposure to remove residue. Make sure the connector port is fully dried out before charging.
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
- Replacement parts and accessories can be ordered through Bose customer service. Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/FlexSE
TROUBLESHOOTING
COMMON SOLUTIONS
If you experience problems with your speaker:
- Power on the speaker (see page 14).
- Check the state of the status lights (see page 20).
- Make sure your mobile device supports Bluetooth technology (see page 24).
- Charge the battery (see page 18).
- Increase the volume on your speaker, device, and Bose Connect app.
- Move your device closer to the speaker and away from any interference or obstruction.
- Try connecting to another device (see page 26). If you cannot 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
| SYMPTOM | SOLUTION |
| No power (battery) | The battery may be in protection mode or discharged. Connect your speaker to a wall charger. |
|
The speaker does not connect to a mobile device | On your device:
Connect a different device (see page 27). Visit: worldwide.Bose.com/Support/FlexSE to see how-to videos. Clear the speaker pairing list (see page 27). Connect again. |
|
No sound | Make sure voice prompts are on (see page 22). Press the Bluetooth button l to hear the connected device. Make sure you are using the correct device. Use a different music source. Connect a different mobile device (see page 26). If two devices are connected, pause audio on the first device and play audio on the other device. If two devices are connected, move the devices within range of the speaker (30 ft or 9 m). |
|
Poor sound quality | Use a different music source. Connect a different device. Disconnect the second device. Disable any audio enhancement features on the device or Bose Connect app. If the speaker was exposed to water, dry it out and try again. |
|
The speaker does not charge | Make sure the connector on the cable is correctly aligned with the connector on the speaker. Try another charging source. Secure both ends of the USB-C cable. If your speaker has been exposed to high or low temperatures, let it return to room temperature, and then try charging again. Reset your speaker (see page 37). |
|
The microphone is not picking up sound | Try another phone call. Try another compatible device. If the speaker was exposed to water, dry it out and try again. Try moving closer to the speaker while talking. While on a call, make sure the speaker is selected as the audio source in your active call window. |
| Mobile device not responding to button presses | For multi-press functions using the Multi-function button V, vary the speed of presses. Full controls may not be available for some device models. Try another compatible device. |
| The speaker doesn’t pair with a Bose Bluetooth speaker manually | Download the Bose Connect app for an additional way to pair your Bose Bluetooth speakers. Your second speaker may not support Stereo or Party mode. Refer to your Bose Bluetooth speaker owner’s guide. |
|
The speaker doesn’t pair with a Bose Smart Speaker or Soundbar | Make sure you have downloaded the Bose app. Press and hold the Bluetooth button l until the Bluetooth light blinks blue, and you hear “Ready to pair another device.” Make sure that your Bose SoundLink Flex speaker is within 30 ft (9 m) of your Bose Smart Speaker or Bose Smart Soundbar. |
| The speaker doesn’t reconnect to a previously-paired Bose Smart Speaker or Soundbar | See “Reconnect a previously connected device” on page 25. |
| Delayed audio when paired with a Bose Smart Speaker or Soundbar | Download the Bose Connect app (see page 11), and run available software updates. On a computer, check btu.Bose.com for USB updates. |
RESET YOUR SPEAKER
A factory reset clears connected devices and language settings from your speaker and returns it to the original factory settings.
- Power on your speaker.
- Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. The speaker powers off.
- Press the Power button. The Bluetooth light glows blue, and you hear “Ready to connect. To start setup, download the Bose Connect app” (see page 11).
For more manuals by Bose visit, ManualsLibraryy
Bose SoundLink Flex SE Bluetooth Speaker-FAQs
What is the difference between the Bose SoundLink Flex and Flex SE?
The Flex SE does not include a microphone or speakerphone, is available only in black, and has a solid black utility loop, whereas the standard Flex features a two-tone loop.
Is the Bose SoundLink Flex SE waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP67 rating, making it waterproof, splash-resistant, and dustproof. It can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3.3 ft (1m) and is safe for use in the shower, rain, or snow.
Is the Bose SoundLink Flex SE mono or stereo?
The SoundLink Flex SE plays audio in mono. If you prefer a more immersive, 360-degree sound, you may want to consider alternative speakers like the Ultimate Ears BOOM 4.
Does the Bose SoundLink Flex SE turn off automatically?
Yes, the speaker has an auto-off timer that shuts it down after 20 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life.
Why does my Bose SoundLink Flex SE turn off by itself?
The automatic power-off feature turns off the speaker after a period of inactivity to preserve battery life, in case it was accidentally left on.
How many watts is the Bose SoundLink Flex SE?
The maximum power consumption is 7.5W, but wattage alone does not determine sound quality. It’s best to listen to the speaker and judge its performance for yourself.
How do I know when my Bose SoundLink Flex SE is fully charged?
When fully charged, the battery indicator glows solid white. Do not charge the speaker while wet, as it may cause damage. Charging takes about 4 hours.
Can the Bose SoundLink Flex SE connect to a TV?
Yes, but your TV must support Bluetooth with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), and Bluetooth 4.2 or higher for a successful connection.
How do I adjust the bass on the Bose SoundLink Flex SE?
Use the Bose app to access the EQ settings. Select your speaker, tap the EQ button, and adjust the bass, mid, and treble levels to your preference.
Which is better, Bose or JBL?
It depends on your preference:
1. Bose offers clear, well-balanced audio with natural sound.
2. JBL is known for its powerful bass, making it ideal for movies or bass-heavy music.