Audio Artifacts | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Resetting your earbuds:

IMPORTANT: If previous troubleshooting does not resolve your issue, try resetting your product.
Please follow these instructions in the following order:

Clear out Bose App:

Open the Bose app and tap on the "Account" icon in the upper-right corner.
Select "Manage Products."
Tap "Edit."
Select the Bose earbuds.
Tap "Delete."
On the following screen, tap "Remove."
Close the Bose App

Clear out the phone's Bluetooth history:

Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings menu
Clear all mentions of the Bose earbuds from the Bluetooth device list, including any duplication with "LE" in the name. Clearing can vary by device. Look for "Clear," "Unpair" or "Forget."

Clear out the product's Bluetooth pairing list and reconnect to Bose App:

Plug the charging case into a USB wall charger (not a computer or laptop).
Place both earbuds into case. Keep the lid open. The earbud's LEDs will light up when buds are inserted into case. If the LED does not light up, press downward on the buds to ensure they are making a solid connection with the charging pins
With the case open and earbuds inside, press and hold the Bluetooth button on the back of the case for 30 seconds (The earbuds status light will blink blue while holding the button). Then the status light will blink white 2 times, slowly blink blue, and then turns off.
Release the button. Earbud status light blinks white 5 times, then slowly blinks blue. The product is now in pairing mode and ready to connect.
Open your Bose App and follow the onscreen instructions to connect your Bose earbuds.

Reboot the Bluetooth® device.

Electronics, such as cell phones, tablets or computers, might need to be reset on occasion to correct minor issues. This is typically done by shutting down the device, then powering it on again.

Determine whether the issue is with the earbuds or your source device

Before troubleshooting further, check that the problem is with your earbuds—not your phone or other Bluetooth device.

Stay within Bluetooth range
Keep your earbuds within 33 feet (10 meters) of your device. If you're hearing distorted or choppy audio, try moving them closer together. Keep in mind that walls, doors, appliances, and other wireless devices can reduce this range.
Check your phone's signal (for call issues)
If you're only having trouble during phone calls, check your phone's signal strength. Turning on Wi-Fi calling while connected to your home Wi-Fi can help. Or, wait until you have a better signal and try again.
Reduce wireless interference
Other nearby wireless devices may interfere with your Bluetooth connection. Try turning off other devices one at a time to see if things improve. If that helps, try moving either your earbuds or the device to a different location.
Try a different app
If the issue only happens in one app, try using another to see if the problem persists. Some apps may handle audio differently or have their own settings that affect playback quality.
Try playing audio that is stored locally
If the audio is stored on the device, that can rule out a connection or buffering issue.
Try a different Bluetooth device
If you're still having problems, try connecting your earbuds to another Bluetooth-enabled device. This can help confirm whether the issue is with the original device.

Squealing sound in one or both ears

If you are experiencing a squealing sound in either earbud, check the following

It may be due to feedback caused by blocked external microphones.
Feedback can occur when the microphones used for noise cancellation or ambient sound detection are obstructed. This interference can result in high-pitched squealing or whistling sounds. Ensure that the earbuds are clean and that no debris or objects are blocking the microphone openings.
Make sure the stability bands are aligned and installed correctly. If the stability band is misaligned, it can cover the microphone. Ensure the dot or notch lines up between the band and the earbud.
Remove any form of headgear that might be covering or pressing against the earbuds.
Hats, headbands, or other accessories can unintentionally block the microphones or affect the fit of the earbuds, contributing to sound issues such as feedback or reduced audio clarity.
A proper fit is essential for both comfort and sound quality.
If the earbuds are not correctly positioned in your ears, it can negatively impact both the audio output and the performance of the built-in microphones. Poor placement may also result in sound leakage, causing feedback. Make sure the earbuds sit snugly and securely in your ears. See Wearing and adjusting your earbuds for detailed instructions on achieving the best fit.
Try resetting the earbuds by removing them from your ears, placing them back in the charging case, and then reinserting them.
This simple step can help recalibrate the internal sensors and restore normal functionality. It’s especially useful if the squealing sound persists despite checking the fit and ensuring the microphones are unobstructed.

Hissing or Static noise

If you experience a hissing or static noise in your earbuds, try the following steps before seeking service. This type of sound is usually expected behavior and cannot be resolved through repair or replacement:

Check your mode setting in the app.
Make sure you are in “Quiet” mode, not “Aware” mode.
In Aware mode, the external microphones feed ambient sounds into your ears for awareness and safety. This can cause external noise or increase the perception of hissing, especially in quiet environments.
See Setting the adjustable Active Noise Cancellation mode for more details.
Understand the presence of a low-level “hiss” or “hum.”
This faint sound—also known as a noise floor—is a normal part of how earbuds with built-in batteries and active electronics function.
It is not a defect and will not be eliminated by servicing or replacing the product.
You may notice the noise more in very quiet settings.
When the earbuds are on but no audio is playing, the internal electronics remain active. In silent environments, this can make the normal noise floor more noticeable.
This is expected behavior and does not indicate a fault.
Brief crackling or distortion may occur in extremely loud environments.
Situations like airplane takeoffs, concerts, emergency sirens, or construction zones can overwhelm the earbuds’ noise-cancelling microphones.
Even in Quiet or Aware mode, this can lead to temporary audio distortion—similar to someone shouting into a microphone.
This distortion is normal and does not harm the product.
It is a natural response to intense external noise.
Try to reduce exposure to those sounds when possible—for example, by moving away from engines on a plane.
Service is not required for these symptoms.
Since this behavior is a normal part of how active noise-cancelling earbuds operate, repair or replacement will not eliminate it.

Static or Distortion

If you are hearing static or distortion through your earbuds or headphones, try the following steps. These issues are often caused by environmental interference or device settings and can frequently be resolved with a few adjustments:

Check for nearby electronic devices that may cause wireless interference.
Some electronics that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency can interfere with Bluetooth signals and introduce static or distortion. Common sources include:
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers
- Cordless phones
- Wireless speaker adapters
- Home security motion sensors
- Fluorescent lighting
- Microwave ovens
- Wireless mice and keyboards
Try disconnecting or turning off these devices one at a time and check if the issue improves. If so, consider relocating your earbuds or the source of the interference to improve performance.
Check and adjust audio settings on your connected device.
Many smartphones, tablets, and computers have built-in audio enhancements like Bass Boost, Treble, or Loudness settings. These can sometimes conflict with your earbuds’ audio processing.
Go to your device’s sound settings and either turn off these features or set them to a neutral position. This allows your earbuds to apply their own optimized sound profile without interference.
Be sure the bass and treble adjustments in the Bose app are not set too high or too low for your preferences. For more info, see Using the Equalizer settings.
If needed, you can make small, gradual adjustments afterward to fine-tune your audio experience.

Your earbuds need to be replaced.

If the steps above did not resolve your issue, your earbuds need to be replaced. Click START A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT below to begin the process online — the fastest and easiest way to get service.

Was this article helpful?

START A REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT

💰 Get up to $300 credit by trading in your Bose product!