Why your Bose headphones won’t charge (and how to fix them)

⚡ Fast fix

• Test a different charging cable and wall adapter.
• Check the wall outlet or USB port you’re using.
• Make sure the charging cable is fully connected to your headphones and the adapter.
• Let the headphones charge for several minutes before powering them on.
• Look for blinking lights that may help identify charging problems.

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When your Bose® headphones run out of battery, all you want to do is charge them up again as quickly as possible. But what happens if your headphones won’t charge? Charging problems that get in the way of you using your headphones are frustrating, especially if you need them right away for work, travel, or exercise.

Bose headphones not charging is often due to faulty cables, debris in the charging port, software glitches, or battery issues rather than complete hardware failure. So, don’t head out to buy replacement headphones as soon as yours stop charging.

At Asurion, we’ve helped millions of customers troubleshoot and solve their tech issues. Follow our guide on what to do if your Bose headphones stop charging.

Check the charging port and cable for damage or debris

Bose makes some of the best noise-canceling headphones, but your headphones won’t do you any good if they won’t charge. Look for these physical charging issues that could be stopping your headphones from charging:

• Bent connectors: If the cable you’re using is bent, it could be damaged inside and no longer capable of charging your headphones. Try a different cable.
• Dust and lint: Dust and lint in the charging port can get in the way of the connection. Look into the USB-C or micro-USB port and use compressed air to clean it out if necessary. Avoid inserting sharp objects to clean your wireless earbuds safely.

Your Bose headphones blinking red while charging is a sign they’re not actually charging, so check for these physical issues if you see that light.

Reset your Bose headphones and check for firmware updates

Software bugs can sometimes affect Bose headphone charging, but a quick reset should solve that.

Follow these steps on how to reset Bose headphones:

1. Open Bluetooth Settings on your phone or other device.
2. Click on your headphones in the Bluetooth list and remove them.
3. Open the Bose app and remove the headphones there, too.
4. Press and hold the Multi-function and Bluetooth buttons on your headphones for a few seconds.
5. Release the buttons when you see a blinking white light.

The exact reset process may vary slightly depending on your headphone model. Check your user guide for the precise steps to reset your Bose headphones.

Try updating your headphone firmware through the Bose app, too, in case the reset doesn't take care of the Bose 700 charging issue.

Signs your Bose headphones may need battery repair

Sometimes, when your Bose QuietComfort is not charging, it’s not just a temporary issue. Your headphones’ battery may have failed.

Look out for these signs of Bose headphone battery failure:

• Your headphones are only charging intermittently.
• Your headphones won’t hold a charge for nearly as long as they used to.
• Your headphones overheat when plugged in.
• Your headphones constantly show blinking red or yellow lights.

Every device’s battery has a lifespan, including headphones. If your Bose headphones are older, the battery may have worn out over time. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your headphones, though. When your Bose 700 headphones are not charging and you suspect battery failure, consider a battery replacement or professional repair.

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FAQ

Why are my Bose headphones blinking red while charging?

Usually, it means the battery is very low or charging isn't happening properly. Try a different cable, adapter, or charging source first.

Can you replace the battery in Bose headphones?

Sometimes. It depends on the model. Just keep in mind that opening the headphones yourself may void the warranty.