Bose's microphone article for the QC Ultra Headphones asks how the headphones are connected, because the fix differs. Over Bluetooth, if the headphones are connected only with the Bluetooth stereo audio profile (A2DP) the microphone is not enabled: in the settings menu of the connected device make sure the headset profile is enabled, and unpair, re-pair and reconnect if needed. On Windows the product shows up twice, once as Stereo (A2DP) and once as Hands-Free (HSP); calls need the hands-free entry and full-range music needs the stereo entry.
Power the device off and on, and update the firmware at btu.bose.com. Bose's voice-control article says the microphone used depends on how you summon Siri: saying Hey Siri uses your phone's microphone, while pressing the shortcut button uses the headset microphone. Check the app's microphone permission. For a wired connection with an inline microphone, use the supplied cable with the headphones powered on. If callers hear nothing on several apps and devices after a reboot, the headset needs service.
Differential
Likely causes of “Bose QuietComfort headphones and earbuds microphone sounds bad or is not detected”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Only the stereo profile is connected
What separates it The microphone is off because only the stereo profile is connected
How to confirm Enable the headset profile on the device, in its Bluetooth settings
- 2
The wrong Windows entry
What separates it Callers do not hear you because of the wrong Windows entry
How to confirm Use the Hands-Free entry for calls, on Windows
- 3
A stale pairing
What separates it The microphone drops in and out because of a stale pairing
How to confirm Unpair the headphones, and pair them again from the start
- 4
App permission is off
What separates it One app cannot hear you because the app permission is off
How to confirm Allow the microphone for the app, in the device's privacy settings
- 5
A blocked microphone
What separates it The voice sounds muffled because the microphone is blocked
How to confirm Clear the microphone openings, using a soft dry brush
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The product and how it is connected
- Which apps fail to pick up your voice
- Whether the headset profile or hands-free entry exists
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the connection
ReversibleCheck the connection, whether Bluetooth or wired with the inline microphone, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Enable the headset profile
ReversibleEnable the headset profile, in the Bluetooth settings of the device, and then test the microphone.
Pick the hands-free entry
ReversiblePick the hands free entry, and on Windows use Hands-Free for calls, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Re-pair
ReversibleRe pair the headphones, by unpairing them, pairing them again and reconnecting, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Reboot
ReversibleReboot the device, by powering it off and on, and then test the microphone, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Update
ReversibleUpdate the headphones at btu.bose.com, and then test the microphone again, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Start a repair
ReversibleStart a repair, if nothing works, and begin a repair or a replacement with Bose.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Microphone connections
- Bose asks whether the QC Ultra Headphones are used over Bluetooth or wired with an inline microphone, and the fixes differ.
- Windows profiles
- The product appears with Stereo (A2DP) and Hands-Free (HSP) entries on Windows.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If no app can hear the microphone after profile, re-pair and reboot steps, start a repair or replacement with Bose
- !If only one app fails, check its permission
- !If only one device fails, check that device's profile
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Bluetooth or wired connection and the headset profile.
Which microphone Siri uses.
The Stereo versus Hands-Free listings on Windows.
Re-pairing and the LE listing.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why can't callers hear me?+
The headset profile may be off; enable it in the device's Bluetooth settings.
What is HSP or hands-free?+
The profile that carries the microphone for calls.
Which microphone does Siri use?+
When you change a Bose mode by voice, Hey Siri uses the phone's microphone; the shortcut button uses the headset's.
Do I need to re-pair?+
Sometimes you need to re pair the headphones, after enabling the profile.
Does the wired mode work?+
Yes, with the inline microphone and the headphones powered on.
Is it my phone?+
Try another device, to see whether the problem is with your phone or computer.
Can I use the earbuds the same way?+
Bose's earbuds articles cover the same profile checks.