Bose QC3 Owners Manual

The Bose QuietComfort 3 (QC3) Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones deliver premium audio quality with industry-leading noise cancellation technology. Designed for travel and critical listening, they feature a comfortable around-ear fit, rechargeable battery, and include accessories like an airline adapter, carrying case, and audio cables. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. What's in the Box 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Connecting to Audio Sources 7. Using Noise Cancellation 8. Battery and Charging 9. Care & Storage 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Headphones with integrated noise cancellation electronics, Control Module with inline microphone/remote, Carrying Case, Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, Audio cables, Airline adapter.

FeatureDescription
Acoustic Noise CancellationElectronically reduces ambient noise for clearer audio
TriPort Acoustic Headphone StructureDelivers balanced audio with deep low notes
Control ModuleInline remote with microphone for calls and music control
Rechargeable BatteryProvides up to 25 hours of noise cancellation
Airline AdapterDual-prong adapter for in-flight entertainment systems
Carrying CaseProtective case for travel and storage
Audio InputStandard 3.5mm stereo jack for audio sources
Battery Status IndicatorLED shows charging and battery level status
Foldable DesignEar cups rotate and fold for compact storage
Comfort FitPlush ear cushions and adjustable headband

What's in the Box

Unpack and verify all contents are present.

  1. Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones
  2. Control Module with inline remote/microphone
  3. Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (installed)
  4. Audio cable (48-inch, straight plug)
  5. Audio cable (48-inch, right-angle plug)
  6. Airline adapter (dual-prong)
  7. Protective carrying case
  8. USB charging cable
  9. Owner's Manual

WARNING! Keep plastic bags away from children to avoid suffocation hazard.

Getting Started

Prepare your headphones for first use.

  1. Charge the battery: Connect USB cable to Control Module and power source. LED blinks amber during charge, turns off when full.
  2. Install battery: If not pre-installed, insert into compartment on right ear cup.
  3. Connect audio cable: Plug into headphone jack on left ear cup and your audio device.
  4. Power on: Slide power switch to "On" position. Green LED indicates active noise cancellation.

CAUTION! Use only Bose-approved batteries and accessories.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Power Switch: On/Off slider on right ear cup. Control Module: Inline remote with microphone, volume buttons, and multi-function button.

LED Indicators: Right ear cup LED - Green (power on), Amber (charging), Off (charged or power off).

Control Module Functions: Volume Up/Down buttons, Multi-function button (play/pause, answer/end call, track skip with double/triple press). Microphone for phone calls and voice commands.

Connecting to Audio Sources

Connect to devices with 3.5mm audio jack: smartphones, tablets, laptops, in-flight entertainment.

  1. Ensure headphones are powered off before connecting.
  2. Plug audio cable into headphone jack on left ear cup.
  3. Plug other end into audio source's headphone/line-out jack.
  4. For airline use: Connect airline adapter between cable and seat jack.
  5. Power on headphones and play audio from source.

Tip: Use right-angle cable for pocket devices to reduce strain on connector.

Using Noise Cancellation

Noise cancellation works without audio playback for quiet environments.

  1. Power on: Slide switch to "On" - green LED lights.
  2. Listen: Notice reduction in constant low-frequency noises (engine rumble, fan noise).
  3. Adjust volume: Use source device volume or Control Module buttons.
  4. For calls: Multi-function button answers/ends calls; microphone picks up voice.
  5. Power off: Slide switch to "Off" to conserve battery when not in use.

WARNING! Do not use in situations where awareness of surroundings is critical (e.g., walking near traffic).

Battery and Charging

Battery provides up to 25 hours of noise cancellation. Charging via USB port on Control Module.

Charging: Connect USB cable to powered USB port or adapter. Amber LED blinks during charge, turns off when full (approx. 2.5 hours).

Low Battery: LED flashes amber when battery is low. Audio continues but noise cancellation may weaken.

Battery Replacement: Contact Bose customer service for battery replacement; do not attempt to replace yourself.

Care & Storage

Store in carrying case when not in use. Clean with dry, soft cloth only.

Cleaning: Wipe ear cushions and headband with dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use cloth slightly dampened with water. Do not use solvents or abrasives.

Storage: Fold ear cups and place in carrying case. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity.

CAUTION! Do not expose to liquids; avoid pulling cables forcefully.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian ICES-003. Battery Disposal: Dispose of battery according to local regulations. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose and QuietComfort are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No power/no LEDBattery depletedCharge battery for at least 30 minutes; ensure power switch is On.
Noise cancellation not workingPower off/low batteryTurn power on; charge battery if LED flashes amber.
No sound from one/both sidesConnection/audio sourceCheck cable connections; try different audio source; test with other headphones.
Distorted soundSource volume too highReduce volume on audio source; check audio file quality.
Battery not chargingUSB power/cable issueTry different USB port/cable; ensure connection is secure.
Microphone not working on callsConnection/phone settingsEnsure Control Module is connected; check phone audio settings.

Reset: Power off, disconnect cables, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect and power on.

Service: Contact Bose Customer Support or visit www.bose.com/support

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