Bose® SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones

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Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth®

headphones.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL PRODUCT INFORMATION

What are Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones immerse you in videos
Bluetooth® headphones? and music from your mobile device, and provide clarity for your calls. The
ear cushions are comfortable for hours of listening, and the advanced
product design and durable materials contribute to lasting quality. In
addition, the collapsible headband allows them to fold into a compact
unit for easy storage in the convenient carrying case.

What is Bluetooth technology Bluetooth technology is a wireless standard used in mobile devices to
and how does it affect the Bose wirelessly connect them to headphones. This standard allows for audio to
SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® be transmitted wirelessly to the headphones. The standard also supports
headphones? microphones for communications, multi-point to be able to connect to 2
mobile devices simultaneously and a remote to control your media.

How comfortable are Bose Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones were designed for a
SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® comfortable fit, especially when used for extended periods of time. The
headphones? materials have been selected for their durability, comfort and light weight.

 
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Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones have a microphone to
Bluetooth® headphones take calls? allow the customer to use them during calls when connected to a
smartphone that supports the Bluetooth HFP profile. In addition to
traditional calls, the headphones will work with many apps that use Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) like Skype or FaceTime.

What is A2DP? A2DP is a Bluetooth profile that streams stereo audio content. Using A2DP,
the Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones allow you to listen to
videos, music, calls and podcasts wirelessly from a Bluetooth enabled
mobile device.

How will I know if my tablet or Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones are compatible with
smartphone is compatible with Bose other Bluetooth devices using Bluetooth 2.1 (or later) specifications that
SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth® support the Bluetooth A2DP, hands-free and headset profiles.
headphones?

How do I pair Bose SoundLink® First, make sure the headphones are turned on by sliding the three-
on-ear Bluetooth® headphones with position power switch to the middle position. Next, press the three-position
my mobile device? power switch to the Bluetooth icon until the Bluetooth LED flashes blue or
the voice-enhanced user interface gives you additional directions. Now,
follow the directions within the smartphone’s Bluetooth menu to connect
the headphones. Once the connection is made, the Bluetooth LED will
turn white.

How do I know if I have a Bluetooth The status of the Bluetooth connection between your mobile device and
connection between Bose SoundLink® your Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones easily can be
on-ear Bluetooth® headphones and determined by looking at the Bluetooth status light on the back of the
my mobile device? headphones. If the status light is solid white, it means the headphones are
connected. If no lights are visible, press any button on the headphones to
make them visible. To find out what mobile device(s) the headphones are
connected to, briefly press the three-position power switch to the
Bluetooth icon. The voice prompts will provide the information.
The headset’s battery-level icon will appear in the top right corner of an
iOS device. In addition, “connected” will appear next to the device name
in the Bluetooth menu under Settings. Also, “Bose OE SoundLink” will
appear in the AirPlay list in apps that support audio.

 
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What is the range of Bose SoundLink® Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones have a range of 10
on-ear Bluetooth® headphones? meters (30 feet) from the source device. This range will vary depending on
the environment: indoors vs. outdoors, construction material of the home,
other CE devices causing interference, etc. It is realistic to describe the
range of SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones as being the room
the user is in and the adjacent room.

Why do the Bluetooth® and battery The status lights turn themselves off after 10 seconds to conserve battery
status lights shut off? How do I check power. To re-activate the lights, press any button on the Bose SoundLink®
the headphones’ status? on-ear Bluetooth® headphones.

Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Yes. Multi-point is a technology that allows Bose SoundLink® on-ear
Bluetooth® headphones Bluetooth® headphones to maintain a connection to two devices at the
simultaneously be connected to two same time. For example, a customer who has an iPad and a smartphone
mobile devices? What is multi-point? can be connected simultaneously. While you’re watching video on an
iPad, the headphones will automatically pause the video to answer a call
from the connected smartphone. When the call is finished, the
headphones automatically switch back to the video on the iPad.

Why do Bose SoundLink® on-ear If Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones are unable to connect
Bluetooth® headphones turn off to a mobile device within 5 minutes, lose a connection and cannot
automatically? reconnect after 5 minutes, or are idle for 20 minutes, they will
automatically go into standby to conserve the battery. Press any button
to “wake up” the headphones.

What should I do if I experience pops Pops or crackling could indicate that there is interference with the
or a crackling noise when using Bose Bluetooth connection. Move away from wireless routers or microwaves, if
SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® possible. Bring your Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones closer
headphones? to the Bluetooth device and listen for diminished interference.

Are there any performance Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones use Bluetooth technology
differences between Bose to connect to your mobile device wirelessly, whereas Bose SoundTrue on-
SoundTrue™ on-ear headphones and ear headphones connect to a source via a 3.5mm plug. In addition, Bose
Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones have active EQ, which
headphones? provides a noticeable improvement to the sound quality of the
headphones. Both headphones have the same comfort and fit and meet
Bose standards for reliability and quality.

 
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Why is an audio cable included in the The audio cable is provided to allow the user to listen to Bose SoundLink®
box? on-ear Bluetooth® headphones in circumstances when a Bluetooth
connection is not available or the headphones’ battery is depleted. The
audio cable can be inserted into the bottom of the left earcup.

Are Bose SoundLink® on-ear Yes. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones carry a one-year
Bluetooth® headphones durable? limited warranty in the U.S. for defects in materials and workmanship.

What is the warranty on Bose In the United States, the limited warranty on Bose SoundLink® on-ear
SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Bluetooth® headphones is one year. Additional details are furnished on
headphones? the limited warranty card included with the headphones.

Do Bose SoundLink® on-ear Yes. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones are covered by a
Bluetooth® headphones come with 30-day return policy, which means that customers can try them risk-free
the 30-day return policy? for 30 days.

PRODUCT COST

How much do Bose SoundLink® on- Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones cost $249.95.
ear Bluetooth® headphones cost?

Why are Bose SoundLink® on-ear One reason Bose Corporation has been successful is because our
Bluetooth® headphones more founder, Dr. Amar Bose, established a company committed to
expensive than other headphones? producing quality products and to taking the time to perform the
thorough research such products require. When comparing prices, you
must compare performance. Through decades of research, Bose has
developed proprietary technologies that allow Bose SoundLink® on-ear
Bluetooth® headphones to deliver a high-quality headphone experience.
They provide an uncommon combination of audio reproduction
performance and comfortable fit for wireless headphones. We offer a
30-day return policy to give you the opportunity to try them and
compare the audio performance, comfortable fit and convenience for
yourself.

How much is shipping and handling? Standard shipping and handling costs may vary according to sales
channel.

 
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Is there sales tax? In the U.S., consumers are required by federal law to pay state sales tax.

How much will it cost in shipping to The headphones can be returned by whatever shipping means you
return the headphones? choose at your own expense. We do suggest that you purchase insurance
to protect your investment during shipping.

PARTS INFORMATION

What is included with Bose SoundLink® The following are included with these headphones:
on-ear Bluetooth® headphones?
• Audio cable
• USB charging cable
• Carrying case
• Owner’s guide
• Warranty card

What does the carrying case do? The soft carrying case provides a convenient way to store Bose
SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones.

What are the optional/replaceable The following can be purchased as replacement parts or accessories:
parts?
• Vivid Blue audio cable (Material Number 721315-0010)
• Earcup cushion replacement kit, Black (Material Number 724277-0010)
• Earcup cushion replacement kit, White (Material Number 724277-0020)
• 36" USB charging cable (Material Number 329344-0010)
• 12" USB charging cable (Material Number 348110-0010)
• Wall charger (Material Number 329341-0010)
• Wall charger plus adapters (Material Number 329342-0010)
• Adapter kit (no charger) (Material Number 329343-0010)
• Black case (Material Number 718791-0010)
• Vivid Blue case (Material Number 718791-0020)

 
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Is a car charger available? Yes. A car charger is available as a separate accessory purchase
(Material Number 329345-0010).

BATTERY/CHARGING INFORMATION

How do I charge Bose SoundLink® Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones can be charged using
on-ear Bluetooth® headphones? the USB cable supplied in the box and plugging it into a USB port on a
computer or a Wall Charger (sold separately). Allow up to 3 hours for the
headphones to fully charge. Once it is fully charged, the battery indicator
light will turn green.

Can I charge Bose SoundLink® on-ear Yes. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones come with a USB
Bluetooth® headphones from my cable that allows the headphones to be charged from the user’s PC or
PC/laptop? laptop. Please note that the PC or laptop must be on and awake in order
to charge over USB.

What is the difference between runtime Runtime is the number of hours that fully charged headphones can be
and standby time? What are these times actively used while listening to audio, or making a phone call. Standby
for Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® time is the number of hours that fully charged headphones can remain
headphones? powered on while not actively in use. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth®
headphones have up to 15 hours of runtime and up to 200 hours of
standby time.

CONTROLS

What are the buttons for on the back of The larger middle button is the multi-function button. It initiates play/pause
the right earcup? and other track controls for videos and music, answer/end for calls, and
Siri or voice dial. The buttons on either side of the multi-function button are
volume +/- buttons. They allow the listener to easily adjust volume in an
intuitive up/down vertical orientation.

Where is the power switch? The power switch is on the right earcup. The switch is a three-position slide.
Sliding the switch up turns on the device. This switch looks and feels
different from the other buttons so the user will not accidentally turn off
the headphones while in use.

 
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What do the LEDs mean? There are two LEDs, one for battery charge and the other for Bluetooth
connection state. When the battery LED is green, it means the
headphones have at least 1 hour of use left. When the LED turns amber,
there is less than 1 hour of use left. When the LED is flashing red, it is time to
charge the headphones with the supplied USB cable.

When the Bluetooth LED is flashing blue, it is discoverable. When the LED is
flashing white, the headphones are connecting to a Bluetooth source.
When the LED is solid white, the headphones are connected to a
Bluetooth source.

The LEDs will turn off after 10 seconds to conserve battery life. To get the
LEDs to light up, press any button on the headphones.

Battery indicator Solid green The device has at

least 1 hour remaining
while in use. It also
means the battery is
fully charged when
connected via USB.
Solid amber There is less than 1
hour of use remaining.
Solid red Charging error. The
room temperature or
product temperature
is too hot or too cold.

Flashing red The headphones

need to be charged.
Flashing amber The headphones are
connected via USB
and are charging.

Bluetooth® indicator Solid white The headphones are

connected to a
Bluetooth enabled
device.
Flashing white The headphones are
trying to connect to a
Bluetooth enabled
device.
Flashing blue The headphones are
in discoverable mode;
they are ready to pair.

 
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What Bluetooth profiles are supported? Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones use Bluetooth Version 4.0.
It supports the Bluetooth profiles A2DP v1.3, HFP v1.6, HSP v1.1, AVRCP v1.5.
It also supports multi-point.

In what languages are the voice The voice prompts on the SoundLink® Bluetooth® on-ear headphones are
prompts available? available in multiple languages, with additional languages under
development. Check the Bose website for the latest list of languages. New
languages can be added to your SoundLink® Bluetooth® on-ear
headphones via software update.

How do I change the language of the Make sure the headphones are connected to a device, then press and
voice prompts? hold the multi-function button and volume + button together for 3
seconds. Then press either the volume + or volume – buttons to index
through the available languages. Once the desired language is reached,
press and hold the multi-function button to about a second. The
headphones will guide the user through this process with voice prompts.

Is there a way to turn off the voice Yes. Make sure the headphones are connected to a device, then press
prompts? and hold the volume + and volume – buttons together for 3 seconds to
toggle the feature on/off.

PRODUCT USAGE

Can I use Bose SoundLink® on-ear Yes. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones can be used to
Bluetooth® headphones with my portable listen to your favorite audio sources by using the audio cable provided.
or home audio equipment? These include CD players, DVD players, digital music players and PCs.
When using the backup audio cable, the headphones do not have use of
the power electronics that implement the active EQ. As such, the
headphones will sound different.
Please note: Some audio equipment is built for ¼-inch-sized (6.3mm)
plugs. You will need to use a ¼-inch stereo headphone adapter plug, sold
separately.

Do Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® No. Many TVs do not have wireless Bluetooth functionality. Although a
headphones work with my TV? Would transmitter will technically work, the experience does not meet Bose
they work with a Bluetooth transmitter? expectations. There will be a distracting delay between the audio and
video that detracts from the experience.

 
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Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Gaming consoles that have Bluetooth technology typically use HFP for
headphones be used for gaming? communications. We are unaware of a console that implements A2DP,
which is necessary for audio. So, Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth®
headphones would only work for communications.

In general, the audio/video delay for gaming could be annoying. This is a

subjective measure. Customers who play games where their actions are
synchronized with audio will most likely notice the A/V delay. Customers
that play more casual games with sound effects (like Words with Friends)
will most likely not have an issue.

Do Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Yes. Pressing the multi-function button for 3 seconds will initiate voice
headphones work with voice recognition recognition on mobile devices that support this feature.
apps?

Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Yes. If the source being used for VoIP is Bluetooth technology enabled
headphones be used for VoIP? with the hands-free profile, Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth®
headphones can be used for your calls.

Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Yes. Lifestyle® systems are designed with a standard 1/8-inch (3.5mm)
headphones be used with Lifestyle® headphone jack. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones can be
systems? plugged into these systems with the spare audio cable provided in the
box.

Are Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® No. SoundTouch™ systems use a Wi-Fi® network. Bose SoundLink® on-ear
headphones compatible with the Bluetooth® headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect to 1 or 2
SoundTouch™ systems? mobile devices.

Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® The Bose Wave® music system III, Wave® music system, Wave® radio III and
headphones be used with Wave® music Wave® radio II have a standard 1/8-inch (3.5mm) headphone jack. Bose
systems? SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones can be plugged into these
systems with the spare audio cable provided in the box. The original
Wave® products were designed without a headphone jack. Connecting
Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones to these original Wave®
products requires the purchase of an additional RCA-to-mini-stereo-jack
accessory. This is available from Bose at 1-800-444-BOSE. (The Material
Number is 029100.)

 
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I am a pilot; can I use Bose SoundLink® Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones do not include features
on-ear Bluetooth® headphones to fly? that are designed to meet the needs of pilots. The Bose A20® Aviation
Headset is designed to meet these needs. For more information, contact
Bose Corporation at 1-800-444-BOSE.

Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Yes. Just as you can bring your own digital music player or laptop
headphones be brought on board an computer on board, you can bring your own personal headphones on
airplane? board. However, as with any electronic device, there are FAA restrictions
on use during takeoff and landing. You are required to obey the
directions of flight attendants throughout the flight.
Please note: Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones do not
employ noise reduction technology. For noise reduction, Bose offers
QuietComfort® Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones.

Can I use Bose SoundLink® on-ear No. For your safety and that of others, do not use these while driving.
Bluetooth® headphones in my car? However, passengers may enjoy using Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth®
headphones while riding in an automobile.

Can Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Minor surface exposure to rain or snow should not result in any damage to
headphones be used in the rain or snow? the headphones. Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones are not
specifically designed to be waterproof or used in wet conditions. If water
enters into the headphones, there may be damage to the internal
components.

What if the volume is too high or too low? The volume controls on mobile devices can be used for volume
adjustments. In addition, the volume buttons on the right earcup can be
used to adjust volume.

How are Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones do not require scheduled
Bluetooth® headphones cleaned? cleaning. However, if some cleaning is necessary, gently wipe the outside
surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. Be careful not to allow any moisture to
enter the headphones through the ports or earcups. In addition, be
certain not to force any dirt or debris into the ports. Do not blow air into, or
vacuum, the ports or the interior of the earcups.

 
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Why would I want to replace the The earcup cushions have been designed using materials that should
cushions? provide years of long-lasting, comfortable performance. Replacement
cushions are offered in the event that the cushions become excessively
dirty or damaged in some way. A comfortable, effective cushion seal is
important for the optimum experience with your headphones.

What is the difference between Bose Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones provide high-quality
SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® audio performance and a lightweight, comfortable fit. They are not
headphones and Bose QuietComfort® designed for noise reduction. The audio performance of Bose SoundLink®
Acoustic Noise Cancelling® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones combined with their comfortable, wireless
headphones? design reduces any need for compromise when shopping for audio
headphones.
QuietComfort Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphones provide an
unmatched combination of acclaimed noise reduction technology,
audio performance and comfortable fit. Decades of research have
resulted in proprietary technologies that offer attenuation across a wide
range of frequencies. The QC®15 headphones provide an around-ear fit
and use a single AAA battery; the QC3 headphones offer a smaller, on-
ear alternative with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The QC20 and 20i
headphones provide an even smaller in-ear fit with a rechargeable
battery.

Are Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® Certain wireless electrical devices, such as mobile phones and wireless
headphones subject to electromagnetic computer networks, may cause some static interference with audio
interference (EMI)? products. The interference depends on the specific device and the
distance from the audio product.
The EMI shielding of the Bose SoundLink® on-ear Bluetooth® headphones
includes circuitry designed to minimize the potential for interference from
wireless Internet networks or mobile phones. They have been tested and
conform to all electromagnetic emission levels, safety and other
directives/specifications presently required by the Council of European
Communities (CE).

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

The Bluetooth® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such mark by Bose Corporation is
under license. AirPlay and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Wi-Fi is a registered mark
of the Wi-Fi Alliance.

 
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