When you use cheap headphones, it doesn’t really matter if they decide to stop working. You throw them in the trash and move on to the next pair.
If you’ve invested in Bose 700 headphones, it costs a lot more to pitch them. Instead of buying a new pair or returning them, you can follow a reset process to get them working again.
It’s important to remember that all wireless connections have some stability issues to manage. A simple reset often solves the problem, especially if you’re connecting the Bose 700s to multiple devices.
A reset is also helpful if you’ve been streaming from the same computer or mobile device for a prolonged time.
How to Reset Bose 700 Headphones
Bose 700 headphones can be reset by a simple reboot or clearing all the product settings to return to the original out-of-box state. The first option is preferable because it retains all product settings. After connecting the item to a USB charging cable, hold the Bluetooth® button until it blinks. Release after two seconds.
If you’re having problems with your Bose 700 headphones working correctly, a reset might be necessary. The benefit of using this process is that you don’t lose your product settings during the following reboot steps.
- Disconnect all the cables from the Bose 700 headphones.
- You must connect the larger side of the USB charging cable to a powered computer or a compatible wall charger.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth/Power button as you connect the smaller end of the USB cable to the right side of the headphones.
- You should see the LED indicator on the Bose 700 headphones blink twice quickly.
- Once you have the cable connected, release the Bluetooth/Power button after two seconds.
If you’ve followed those steps in order, your Bose 700 headphones should be reset. Some products become unresponsive (or appear that way) after completing the process, which means a second sequence of the above steps is necessary.
When the Bose 700 headphones do not reset after two sequences of the five-step process, the USB link might need to be reset first. You’ll need to unplug it for 30 seconds before returning it to the computer’s USB port.
How to Restore Bose 700 Headphones to Factory Default Settings
Knowing how to turn off Bose 700 headphones successfully is not the same as restoring the product to its factory settings.
Restoring the Bose 700 headphones to their default will clear the Bluetooth device list. This step is often necessary if you’ve accidentally turned off the product while it was in the process of connecting to a device.
From the Bose USB Link, you’ll need to press and hold the Bluetooth/Power button for at least seven seconds.
It might take up to ten seconds for the action to register. If you’ve counted 15 seconds or more, you will need to start over.
You’ll receive a notification from the headphones that the restoration command is complete.
The Bose USB link is designed to prevent meeting interruptions. If you attempt to follow the reboot or restoration steps while engaged in one, it won’t respond.
You’ll need to leave the meeting first before you can reset or restore the Bose 700 headphones to their working condition.
What If My Bose 700 Headphones Still Aren’t Working?
If you’ve tried to reset the Bose 700 headphones and you’ve done a restoration to the factory defaults, the issue could be related to your computer or mobile device. You’ll want to check to see if the Bluetooth settings are enabled on the item to which you want to connect.
Although it is unusual, the Bluetooth component on computers, tablets, and smartphones can malfunction. Here are some steps to follow for those using Windows PCs.
| Run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter | • You’ll need to select Start on your PC. • From there, enter the Settings screen. • The pathway from there is System-Troubleshoot-Other Troubleshooters. • Next to the Bluetooth option, choose Run and follow the instructions on the screen. |
| Have the Latest Drivers | • If you recently updated your PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11, a driver update might be necessary. The following steps will help you check to see if this issue applies. • Select Search from the taskbar, then type “Device Manager.” Choose it from the results. • Choose Bluetooth, then pick the adapter name. It might include “radio” in the title. • Press and hold the Bluetooth adapter – or use the right-click command. Choose Update Driver, then automatically search for it. • Follow the instructions, let the system run, and choose Close when it’s finished. • After installing an updated driver, you’ll need to restart the computer. |
| Uninstall the Current Driver | • If you don’t see a Bluetooth icon on your Windows PC, but it appears in Device Manager, you might need to uninstall the driver to reinstall the new one automatically. • Go to the Bluetooth menu option in Device Manager. • Choose Uninstall Device, then reset the computer. • When you turn it back on, the PC will attempt to install the latest drivers. |
| Turn On Bluetooth | • You can check to see if Bluetooth is turned on through two processes. • Check in the settings by selecting the Start button. Choose the Bluetooth and Devices option to see if it’s on. • Look in the taskbar by picking the Network icon on the right side. • Look for the Bluetooth quick setting, then turn it on if it is off. |
| Check Product Compatibility and Range | • The Bose Noise Cancelling 700 Headphones are designed to connect to a compatible Bluetooth device within 30 feet. If you’re outside of that range, it will not work. • Your Windows PC might be incompatible with the Bose 700s if you’re using an older version of Bluetooth. • An update might be necessary. • You could be connected to two devices with the headphones already. • If you disconnect from one of them, the product should work as expected. |
| Use the Windows Feedback Hub | • There could be a software or hardware bug preventing your Windows PC from connecting to your Bose 700 headphones. • Filing a report through the feedback hub lets Microsoft technicians start looking for a fix. |
Outdated or incompatible Bluetooth drivers are the most common problem that stops Bose 700 headphones from working with Windows PCs.
How to Check for Bluetooth Functionality on Apple Products
If you’re having trouble connecting your Bose 700 headphones to an iOS or macOS device, you’ll want to review these steps to ensure the tablet, smartphone, iMac, or MacBook is functioning correctly.
- Ensure that the headphones and your iOS or macOS device are close to each other.
- Check the Bose 700s are turned on and connected to power or fully charged. You’ll want to do the same with your device.
- Restart the headphones.
- Review that the iOS or macOS software is updated. Then ensure that the Bluetooth is turned on by going to “Settings” and “Bluetooth.” If you see a spinning gear or can’t turn on the feature, you’ll need to restart the computer or phone.
- Unpair the Bluetooth accessory. Place it in discovery mode, then try to pair it again.
My Bose 700 Headphones Won’t Work Even After These Steps
Most problems with the Bose 700 headphones get fixed through the reset process. When that doesn’t work, a return to the factory default settings repairs the majority of the other issues. If it is still causing problems, you might have a software or manufacturing issue that Bose must address directly.
The Bose 700 headphones are one of my favorite investments. They do an excellent job of keeping me productive while I’m busy working across multiple tasks.
I wear them everywhere, whether I’m cleaning out the gutters or involved in my professional duties.
Although I’ve had great success with the 700s, I also understand how frustrating it can be when they don’t work as intended.
When I need an alternative to the Bose 700s, I grab the SENNHEISER PXC 550-II headphones that I keep in my home office.
You receive AI helper support through Alexa, Google, and Siri, but I love the smart pause feature through the product app because of its convenience.
The sound quality is excellent, reminiscent of studio-quality products that deliver harmonic depth and clarity.
All the controls are easy to use and highly intuitive. It’s comfortable to wear all day, and you’ll get up to 30 hours of music.
If you have any issues with your Bose 700 headphones, the reset and restoration guides found here should resolve the issue.
When a solution doesn’t work, or you want to go with a different brand, I highly recommend giving SENNHEISER a try.