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Microphone does not pick up sound | QuietComfort® SE Headphones
quietcomfort®-se-headphones
QuietComfort SE HeadphonesSold from 2022 - 2025

Microphone does not pick up sound | QuietComfort® SE Headphones

Select how the device is connected:

Using a Bluetooth connection

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 phone is not muted.

Check the phone to see if the mute functionality has been enabled. The phone and the headset each have the ability to mute a call. Check for a visual representation of the muting aspect for the phone. For more information, see Muting your product.

Check if a voice assistant responds to a voice request.

If you have set up the Google Assistant or Alexa, ask it a question (i.e. "What time is it?") to see if it detects your voice. If it can, the microphone is picking up sound.

Keep your product within 33 feet (10 meters) of your personal device.

Distance and obstacles like walls, doors, or other electronics can weaken the Bluetooth signal. If you're having trouble, try moving your personal device and product closer together or relocating other devices that may cause interference.

Be sure the headphones are connected to a Bluetooth device using the headset profile (HSP).

If the headphones are only connected to a device using the Bluetooth stereo audio profile (A2DP), microphone functionality will not be enabled. This will prevent the user from hearing themselves.

In the settings menu of the connected device, be sure the headset profile is enabled. Once enabled, unpairing, re-pairing and reconnecting the headphones to the device may be needed.

If more than one device is connected to the headphones, try turning off the other device.

The Bluetooth headset profile (HSP) may be enabled in both devices but one device may not allow the other to operate properly for in-call audio.

Reboot the connected device.

Electronics might need to be reset from time-to-time—much like rebooting a computer. Power off the device, then power it back on and try again.

Reset your product.

Much like rebooting a smartphone, your product might need to be reset on occasion to correct minor issues. For more information, see Resetting your product.

Try connecting a different Bluetooth device.

If your Bose product can connect to another device, Bluetooth functionality is working. In cases like this, the issue could be with the first device or its settings.
Using a wired connection with inline microphone

Remove and reseat the audio cable in the connected device.

On the connected device, disconnect the cable that connects to your headset then reconnect it to be sure it is fully connected and secure. If you rotate the plug in the jack and hear crackling or intermittent sound, there might be debris inside the jack or on the headphone plug.

Check that the headphone jack is clean and free of debris.

Use a flashlight or other light source to check if any lint or debris has entered the headphone jack on the device, which can interfere with the connection.

Check the condition of the headphone cable.

If the plug or any part of the cable is damaged, replace the headphone cable.

Remove the connected device from any case or protective sleeve.

A case or sleeve may prevent the audio cable from seating properly into the headphone jack. If using a case, remove it and try again.

Try connecting the headset to a different device.

If the headset works with one device but not another (with or without an adapter), there may be an issue with that particular device.

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Microphone does not pick up sound | QuietComfort® SE Headphones