How to Fix Bose QC35 Headphones Bluetooth Pairing Failed

Quick Diagnosis

A Bluetooth pairing failure occurs when the headphones' internal hardware pairing cache is full (up to 8 devices) or has a corrupted handshake register. Clearing this cache forces the Bluetooth radio to broadcast a clean pairing beacon.

Technical diagnostic blueprint diagram for the Bose QC35 Headphones showing symptoms of Bluetooth Pairing Failed.

Step-by-Step Resolution

  1. 1

    Slide the physical Power/Bluetooth switch on the right ear cup all the way to the Bluetooth icon (right-most position).

  2. 2

    Hold the switch in the Bluetooth position for exactly 10 seconds until you hear a voice prompt 'Bluetooth device list cleared' or see the Bluetooth LED blink blue.

  3. 3

    Release the switch, allowing it to spring back to the middle 'On' position.

  4. 4

    Turn off Bluetooth on your host device (smartphone/PC), wait 5 seconds, then turn it back on.

  5. 5

    Select the Bose QuietComfort 35 from the newly broadcasted device scan list to complete the connection.

Alternative Causes & Edge Cases

  • Applies to Bose QuietComfort 45 and Bose Noise Cancelling 700 models.
  • Inserting a micro-USB charging cable into the headphones turns off the Bluetooth receiver by default.