Bose's sound-and-video-out-of-sync article for the QC Ultra Headphones is short: reboot the headphones by holding Power/Bluetooth while connecting the USB cable to the left earcup, then try a different app, since a lag in one app is that app's issue. Bose explains the mechanism in its help pages: wireless audio adds a slight delay, Bose headphones include technology to keep audio and video in sync, and the source device and the app must support the same syncing technology, otherwise a slight mismatch remains.
For the older QuietComfort Earbuds Bose documents a low latency Bluetooth audio setting for games and films. Also keep the headphones within 33 feet and away from interference, update at btu.bose.com, remove and re-pair the device, and if you need zero lag use the supplied audio cable, which bypasses Bluetooth but requires the headphones to be powered on. For a TV, a Bose soundbar connected by HDMI has its own audio delay setting.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bose QuietComfort headphones and earbuds audio is delayed or out of sync”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The app does not support sync technology
What separates it There is lag in one app only because the app does not support sync technology
How to confirm Try a different app, to see whether the lag follows the app
- 2
The source device lacks sync support
What separates it A slight mismatch remains because the source device lacks sync support
How to confirm Use another source, or the cable, to see whether the lag goes away
- 3
A weak Bluetooth link
What separates it The lag varies because the Bluetooth link is weak
How to confirm Move closer to the device, and reduce interference around it
- 4
A stale connection
What separates it The audio drifts over time because the connection has gone stale
How to confirm Reboot the headphones, and pair them again from the start
- 5
Outdated firmware
What separates it There are sync issues after a phone update because the firmware is out of date
How to confirm Update the headphones at btu.bose.com, and then test the lag again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The app and device where the lag occurs
- How much lag and whether it varies
- Whether the audio cable removes the lag
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedReboot the headphones
ReversibleReboot the headphones, by holding Power and Bluetooth while connecting USB, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Try another app
ReversibleTry another app, to see whether the lag follows the app, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Re-pair
ReversibleRe pair the headphones, by removing them from the device and pairing again, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Update
ReversibleUpdate the headphones, by using btu.bose.com to install the newest firmware, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Use the cable
ReversibleUse the cable, by playing through the audio cable, which bypasses Bluetooth, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Start a repair
ReversibleStart a repair if it persists, and begin a repair or a replacement with Bose.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Sync support
- Bose says the connected device and app must support the same syncing technology as the headphones.
- Wired option
- The QC Ultra Headphones' audio cable disables Bluetooth and needs the headphones powered on.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If lag remains in every app on a strong link, start a repair or replacement with Bose
- !If only one app lags, contact that app
- !If it is a TV soundbar, use the soundbar delay setting
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Reboot and try a different app.
The same checks for the earbuds.
The audio cable bypasses Bluetooth.
Range and interference.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my video out of sync?+
Wireless adds a slight delay and the source and app must support the sync technology.
Do Bose earbuds have low latency mode?+
The older QuietComfort Earbuds do; check your product.
Does the cable fix it?+
It bypasses Bluetooth, though the headphones must be powered on.
Does one app lag?+
Then it is the app or its settings.
Does range matter?+
Yes, range matters, so keep within thirty three feet of the device.
Should I reboot?+
Yes, hold Power/Bluetooth while connecting USB.
Is a TV different?+
Bose soundbars have an audio delay setting.