bose quietcomfort qc20 manual

The Bose QuietComfort QC20 is a premium in-ear active noise-cancelling headphone system. It features Bose's proprietary Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology, Aware Mode for hearing ambient sounds, StayHear+ tips for secure and comfortable fit, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, inline remote and microphone for calls and music control, and a compact carrying case. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, care, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. What's in the Box 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Using the Headphones 7. Battery and Charging 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: In-ear headphones with inline battery pack/control module, StayHear+ tips (S/M/L), USB charging cable, carrying case, and airplane adapter.

Feature	Description
Active Noise Cancellation	Electronically reduces unwanted ambient noise
Aware Mode	Temporarily lets in surrounding sounds with a button press
StayHear+ Tips	Provide secure, comfortable fit without deep insertion
Inline Remote & Microphone	Controls music/calls on compatible devices; built-in mic
Rechargeable Battery	Integrated lithium-ion battery provides up to 16 hours of use
Carrying Case	Protects headphones and stores accessories
Battery Status Indicator	LED shows charging and battery level status
Airplane Adapter	Allows use with in-flight entertainment systems
TriPort Acoustic Structure	Delivers balanced audio performance
Noise Cancelling On/Off	Switch to enable or disable the noise cancelling feature

What's in the Box

Unpack and verify all contents are present.

Bose QuietComfort QC20 headphones.
Inline battery pack/control module.
Three pairs of StayHear+ tips (S, M, L).
USB charging cable.
Carrying case.
Airplane adapter.
Quick Start Guide and Safety Information.

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

Getting Started

Prepare your headphones for first use.

Charge the battery: Connect the USB cable to the battery pack and a power source. LED will glow amber while charging, then white when full.
Select ear tips: Try different StayHear+ tip sizes for the best fit and seal, which is critical for noise cancellation and sound quality.
Connect to audio source: Plug the 3.5mm connector into your device's headphone jack.
Power on: Slide the Noise Cancelling switch to the ON position. You will hear a tone confirmation.

CAUTION! Ensure the headphones are fully charged before first use for optimal performance.

Specifications

Type: In-ear, active noise-cancelling.
Noise Cancellation: Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology.
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours (noise cancelling on).
Charging Time: Approximately 2.5 hours to full charge.
Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo plug.
Microphone: Integrated, for phone calls.
Controls: Inline remote for volume, track, call answer/end.
Carrying Case Dimensions: Compact, protective design.
Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty.

Controls and Indicators

Primary controls are located on the inline module.

Inline Module: - Noise Cancelling ON/OFF Switch: Slides to activate/deactivate. - Aware Mode Button: Press to hear surroundings; release to restore full noise cancellation. - Multi-Function Button: Answer/end calls, play/pause music, activate voice assistant. - Volume Buttons (+/-): Control audio level. - Battery Status LED: Amber (charging), White (charged/on), Red (low battery).

Battery Pack: Contains rechargeable battery and charging port.

Using the Headphones

For music, calls, and travel.

Listening to Music: Power on noise cancellation, connect to device, play audio. Use volume and multi-function button for control.
Making/Taking Calls: Press the multi-function button to answer/end. The microphone will pick up your voice.
Using Aware Mode: Press and hold the Aware button to hear announcements or conversations. Release to re-engage noise cancellation.
On an Airplane: Use the included adapter to connect to the seat's audio jack.

Tip: For best noise cancellation, ensure ear tips create a proper seal in your ear canal.

Battery and Charging

The integrated battery is rechargeable via USB.

Charging: Connect the USB cable to the port on the battery pack and a USB power source (computer or wall adapter).
Battery Status: LED is amber while charging, turns white when fully charged. A red flash indicates low battery.
Using While Charging: The headphones can be used while charging, but charging time will be longer.
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours. Actual life depends on usage and settings.
Battery Conservation: Turn noise cancellation OFF when not needed to extend battery life.

WARNING! Use only the provided USB cable or a certified replacement. Do not expose to extreme temperatures.

Care & Maintenance

Proper care ensures long-lasting performance.

Cleaning: Wipe headphones and tips with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use liquids or solvents.
Ear Tips: Periodically remove and clean tips with a dry cloth. Replace if damaged or worn.
Storage: Always store in the carrying case when not in use to prevent damage.
Cable Care: Avoid sharp bends, knots, or excessive tension on the cable.

CAUTION! Do not immerse in water. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions including no harmful interference. ICES-003 Compliance: Class B digital apparatus. Copyright and trademarks owned by Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power / No noise cancellation	Battery depleted, switch off	Charge the battery; ensure Noise Cancelling switch is ON.
Poor or no sound	Loose connection, volume low	Check connection to device; increase volume on device and inline controls.
Noise cancellation not effective	Improper ear tip fit	Re-seat headphones; try a different size StayHear+ tip for better seal.
Battery not charging	Faulty cable/power source	Try a different USB cable and power source. Ensure port is clean.
In-line controls not working	Device incompatibility	Check device compatibility for remote functions. Test with another device.
Microphone not working on calls	Connection/phone settings	Ensure plug is fully inserted. Check phone settings for audio input.

Reset: Fully discharge battery, then recharge fully. Ensure firmware is up to date via Bose website if applicable.

Service: For warranty and repair, contact Bose Customer Support or visit www.bose.com/support.