Bose Comfort 20 Manual

The Bose Comfort 20 is a premium in-ear headphone system featuring Bose proprietary noise-canceling technology, StayHear+ tips for secure and comfortable fit, inline remote and microphone for iOS devices, TriPort acoustic headphone structure for full-range audio, and rechargeable battery for up to 16 hours of use. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, care, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Connecting to Devices 7. Using Noise Cancellation 8. Battery & Charging 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Noise-canceling electronics module, StayHear+ silicone tips (S/M/L), inline remote with microphone, USB charging cable, carrying case.

FeatureDescription
Active Noise CancellationElectronically reduces ambient noise for clearer audio
StayHear+ TipsSecure, comfortable fit without deep insertion
Inline Remote & MicVolume control, play/pause, answer/end calls (iOS compatible)
TriPort Acoustic StructureDelivers balanced audio with clear bass
Rechargeable BatteryUp to 16 hours of noise cancellation on full charge
Aware Mode SwitchInstantly reduces noise cancellation to hear surroundings
Carrying CaseProtects headphones during travel
USB Charging PortFor recharging battery via included cable
Battery Indicator LightShows charging status and battery level
3.5mm Audio CableConnects to audio source devices

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

  1. Bose Comfort 20 headphones with attached cable and inline module.
  2. Three pairs of StayHear+ silicone tips (Small, Medium, Large).
  3. USB charging cable (USB-A to Micro-USB).
  4. Carrying case.
  5. User manual and warranty information.

WARNING! Keep small parts away from children to prevent choking hazard.

Getting Started

Prepare headphones for first use.

  1. Select appropriate StayHear+ tip size for secure and comfortable seal.
  2. Fully charge the battery using included USB cable (approx. 2 hours).
  3. Connect 3.5mm plug to your audio device (phone, tablet, computer, in-flight entertainment).
  4. Slide power switch to ON position to activate noise cancellation.
  5. Adjust volume on your audio device and use inline remote as needed.

CAUTION! Do not use while driving or in situations where awareness of surroundings is critical.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Inline module contains all user controls.

Power/Aware Switch: Slide forward for Noise Cancellation ON. Slide backward for Aware Mode (reduces cancellation to hear surroundings).

Inline Remote (iOS): - Center Button: Press once to play/pause music or answer/end call. Press twice to skip track forward. - Volume +/- Buttons: Adjust volume level on connected iOS device. - Microphone: For phone calls and voice commands.

Battery Indicator Light: - Solid green: Battery fully charged. - Solid amber: Battery medium charge. - Solid red: Battery low charge. - Flashing red: Battery critically low; charge immediately. - Flashing amber: Charging in progress. - Solid green (while plugged in): Fully charged.

Connecting to Devices

Compatible with most devices featuring a 3.5mm audio jack.

  1. Ensure device audio output is enabled and volume is set to low level.
  2. Firmly insert 3.5mm plug into device's headphone/audio jack.
  3. For iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod): Inline remote functions fully supported.
  4. For Android/other devices: Audio playback works; remote functions may be limited.
  5. For in-flight entertainment: Use dual-prong airline adapter if required (sold separately).

Tip: For best audio quality, ensure StayHear+ tips create a proper seal in your ears.

Using Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation reduces consistent low-frequency sounds like engine rumble.

  1. Slide power switch to ON position (forward).
  2. Listen for slight hiss indicating noise cancellation is active.
  3. Play audio from your device; noise cancellation works with or without audio playing.
  4. Use Aware Mode (switch backward) when you need to hear announcements or conversations.
  5. Noise cancellation is most effective for constant sounds; sudden loud noises may still be heard.

WARNING! Do not rely on noise cancellation for hearing protection in hazardous noise environments.

Battery & Charging

Battery charges via included USB cable.

  1. Connect Micro-USB end to charging port on inline module.
  2. Connect USB-A end to computer port or USB wall charger (5V, 500mA minimum).
  3. Battery indicator flashes amber during charging; turns solid green when fully charged.
  4. Full charge provides up to 16 hours of noise cancellation use.
  5. You can use headphones while charging, but charging time will be longer.
  6. For storage longer than 6 months, charge battery to at least 50%.

CAUTION! Use only the included USB cable or certified replacement. Do not expose to extreme temperatures while charging.

Care & Maintenance

Proper care extends product life.

  1. Clean StayHear+ tips regularly with mild soap and water; dry completely before use.
  2. Wipe headphones with soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasives.
  3. Store in carrying case when not in use to prevent cable tangling and damage.
  4. Do not expose to extreme heat, cold, or moisture.
  5. Do not pull on cables; grasp plug firmly when disconnecting.
  6. Replace StayHear+ tips if they become loose, discolored, or damaged.

CAUTION! Do not immerse any part of headphones in water. Not waterproof.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to condition that device does not cause harmful interference. IC Compliance: Complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose and StayHear are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No soundPower off/low batteryTurn power switch ON; charge battery; check audio source volume and connection.
Noise cancellation not workingSwitch position/batteryEnsure switch is forward (ON); charge battery; listen for slight hiss indicating active cancellation.
Poor audio qualityTip seal/connectionEnsure proper tip seal in ear; clean tips; check audio source quality; try different audio file.
Battery not chargingCable/power sourceUse included USB cable; try different USB port or wall charger; ensure charging port is clean.
Intermittent soundLoose connectionCheck 3.5mm connection at both ends; inspect cable for damage; try different audio device.
Remote not working (iOS)Compatibility/settingsEnsure connected to iOS device; check iOS settings for headphone controls; restart audio app.
Battery drains quicklyAging battery/usageReduce volume; turn off when not in use; battery capacity decreases over time with normal use.

Reset: Disconnect from device, turn power off, charge fully, then reconnect.

Service: 1-800-999-2673; www.bose.com/support

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