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Voice Prompts Not Working

Bose Headphones

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Bose Headphones Voice Prompts Not Working — Audio Cue Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Bose voice prompts (battery level, paired device names) come from preloaded audio files in the headphones.
If they stopped, check the Bose Music app: Voice Prompts setting may be off, language may have reset, or firmware needs reinstall.
Toggle voice prompts off and on, factory reset if needed.
Voice prompts are independent of music — having them on doesn't affect audio quality.

Affected Models

  • Bose QuietComfort 35 II
  • Bose QuietComfort 45
  • Bose Noise Cancelling 700
  • Bose QC Ultra

Common Causes

  • Voice Prompts toggled off in Bose Music app
  • Language setting reset to None or wrong language
  • Firmware corruption after interrupted update
  • Headphones in pairing-only mode (limited prompts)
  • Audio prompts buffer corrupt on the device

How to Fix It

  1. Open the Bose Music app.

    Connect to your headphones via Bluetooth.
    App auto-detects.
    Settings → Voice Prompts.
    Confirm toggle is ON.

  2. Set language explicitly.

    Voice Prompts → Language.
    Pick English (or your preferred language).
    If 'None' is selected, no voice prompts play.
    Some Bose models have firmware that defaults to None on factory reset.

  3. Test by power-cycling.

    Power off headphones for 10 seconds.
    Power on.
    You should hear 'Bose, ready to pair' or 'Connected to [device]'.
    If still silent, prompts are broken — proceed to firmware check.

  4. Update or reinstall firmware.

    App → Settings → Software updates.
    Apply pending updates.
    If no updates available but voice prompts are dead, factory reset to force firmware reinstall.

  5. Factory reset.

    Bose QC 35 II: hold Power for 10 seconds while turning on.
    Bose 700: hold Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds.
    Bose QC Ultra: hold Power for 15 seconds.
    Light pattern confirms reset.
    Re-pair via app, voice prompts often return.

  6. If still silent, contact Bose.

    Persistent voice prompt failure after reset suggests firmware corruption that needs Bose service.
    1-year warranty covers; out of warranty, repair is 80-150 USD via authorized centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize what voice prompts say?

Bose's voice prompts are factory-set — you can't customize them.
You can choose language and toggle them off entirely.
Some users prefer minimal mode where only critical prompts play (low battery, pairing).
Set in Bose Music app.