So that your device can recognize your Bose headphones, go to your device’s settings – usually indicated by a gear icon – and make sure that the Bluetooth function is toggled on.

The key to activating your Bose’s pairing mode is a small switch or button the same color as the hardware. 

Over-ear models, like the QuietComfort 45s, will have a switch on the ear cuff. Slide the switch to the “on” position until a blue light starts pulsing blue. 

For earbuds, like the QuietComfort II earbuds, the button is located on the back of the case. Press down on the button for about 2 seconds. Release the button when you see a slow blinking blue light. 

On both in-ear and on-ear models, the blue light signals that you’ve activated the Bose’s Bluetooth capability and your headphones are ready to pair.

If the buds are in your ears already, you’ll also hear a voice saying, “Ready to pair.”

After the light starts blinking, release the button and look at the Bluetooth device menu in your phone, tablet, or computer’s settings or in the Bose Music app. Your Bose headphones will appear as a connectivity option in the Bluetooth device menu. 

Tap on the Bose option and place the headphones on or in your ears. 

Next, don’t be startled like a certain ZDNET editor was the first time she paired her Bose headphones. To signal connectivity, the earbuds will project a whooshing sound followed by a robotic voice notifying you of a successful connection and updated battery level. 

Luckily, the robot voice doesn’t signal a Terminator-style takeover (yet), just the go-ahead that your headphones are connected and ready for listening.

To make sure your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings are on, go to your Settings (gear icon), select the Bluetooth option, and make sure the Bluetooth switch at the top is toggled on (it shows up as green). 

You can also swipe down from the upper-right corner of the home screen and tap the Bluetooth toggle on for quick access.

Either press and hold the button on your Bose earbuds’ case or slide the button on the cuff of over-ear headphones. Wait for the blinking blue light to flash and release the button. 

The Bose headphones will appear as a device connection option in the Bluetooth menu. Put the earbuds in your ears or slip on the over-ear cans and select the Bose device. You may have to wait while the phone buffers, but a robotic voice will tell you that “Connection was successful” and give a battery percentage update once pairing is complete.

The same process applies for connecting to an iPad or another iOS device.

The process of pairing Bose headphones to a Mac is fairly intuitive. In your Mac dock, select the System Preferences icon (gear). From here, select the Bluetooth option and make sure that the Bluetooth settings are on, so your headphones can recognize your computer as a connection point.

Keep the Bluetooth settings open as you pair your headphones by pressing and holding the connection button on earbuds or by switching the Bluetooth toggle on your over-ear cans until you see the blue light. 

Your Mac will recognize your headphones and the name of your Bose device will pop up as a device option. Put the headphones in or on your ears and select the Connect button. 

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Upon a successful connection, you’ll hear a robotic voice telling you connection was successful, and all the listening awaits.

On your Android device, swipe down on the home screen and select the gear icon in the top right corner. From there, select the Connections option and make sure the Bluetooth switch (third option down) is toggled on. 

You can also swipe down on the home screen twice and tap the Bluetooth quick toggle.

Select the Bluetooth option from the Connectivity menu. Then, press or slide the Bose connectivity button until you see the blue light start to blink. It may take a few seconds, but you’ll eventually see the name of your Bose headphones pop up under the “Available devices” menu. 

Select your headphones, pressing the Pair button when your Android phone prompts you. 

Put your headphones in or over your ears to hear a connectivity chime and your headphones’ battery percentage. 

Find your settings menu on your PC, often located in the dock. Make sure the Bluetooth setting is toggled on, so your headphones can easily pair. 

As with connecting the headphones to the other devices, press or switch on the connectivity button until it starts to blink blue.

Under the Bluetooth menu, select “Add device” or your PC’s equivalent invitation to connect a new device. Follow the connection prompt or prompts until you hear, “Connected.” 

Available from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store, the Bose Music app is a control hub for your Bose devices. The app allows you to create a fun nickname for your headphones like “Earphoria,” adjust the EQ, and quickly pair them. 

Download the app to your iOS or Android device and set up an account.

Once you’ve created an account, select the option to “Set Up New Product.” From there, choose the “Headphones and Frames” option from the setup menu.

Make sure that your Bose headphones are charged, within range, and in pairing mode — the blue light is blinking — and the app will recognize your product, inviting you to connect. 

Select the Connect button and wait a few seconds for the pairing process to complete. 

The app interface will change from a “connecting” screen to a widget displaying your make and model of headphones, their battery percentage, and the device they’re connected to. Tap the widget to further adjust the EQ or switch between modes as you listen.

From here, all there’s left to do is place the headphones in or on your ears and lock in to the sound.