Bose QuietComfort Headphones F27 Error Code Fix

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What This Error Means

F27 on Bose QuietComfort headphones basically means: battery / charging control fault.

In plain terms, the headphones are not talking properly to their battery, so they refuse to charge, turn on reliably, or finish a firmware update.

Bose does not publish a public list of F-codes, but in practice F27 almost always pops up when the battery or charging system misbehaves.

Official Fix

Do the boring, official stuff first. This is the warranty-safe path Bose expects you to take.

  • 1. Power-cycle the headphones properly
    • Unplug any USB cable.
    • Turn the headphones fully off (switch to Off, not Bluetooth/pairing).
    • Leave them off for at least 30 seconds.
    • Now plug them into a wall USB charger and leave them alone for 5 minutes.
    • After 5 minutes, try powering them on while still connected to power.
  • 2. Rule out a bad charger or cable
    • Swap to a different USB cable that you know works with another device.
    • Use a simple 5 V phone charger or a USB port on a laptop.
    • Avoid fancy multi-port fast chargers for this test; keep it basic and 5 V.
    • If F27 disappears with a new cable/charger, the headphones are fine. Toss the old power gear.
  • 3. Update the firmware with the Bose app
    • Install the Bose Music app on your phone.
    • With the headphones charging, open the app and add the headphones if they are not already there.
    • Go into the device settings and run any available firmware update.
    • Let it finish. Do not unplug or power off until the app says it is done.
    • When the update completes, power-cycle the headphones again and see if F27 is gone.
  • 4. Do a factory reset (model specific)
    • In the Bose Music app, look for an option like ‘Reset’ or ‘Restore factory settings’ and run it if available.
    • If the app does not offer it, check the official manual for your exact QuietComfort model for the reset button combo and follow that.
    • After the reset, reconnect the headphones in the app and test charging and power-on again.
  • 5. Try a different power source and outlet
    • Plug the charger into a different wall outlet, not a power strip or USB hub.
    • If you can, test in a different room or building to rule out a dodgy outlet or surge protector.
  • 6. If F27 keeps returning, contact Bose support
    • By now you have done the official checklist: cable, charger, update, reset, outlets.
    • Persistent F27 usually means a failing battery pack or charging board inside the earcup.
    • Contact Bose support with your model and serial number. Ask for their repair or exchange price and whether it is covered under warranty.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Headphones are in warranty, or Bose offers a flat-rate repair that is under roughly half the price of a new QuietComfort, and the rest of the headset (hinges, pads, sound) is in good shape.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty and the repair quote is getting close to a decent mid-range replacement, or you already have minor issues like shorter battery life and worn pads but still like the sound and ANC.
  • ❌ Replace: Bose wants near new-price, the headband or hinges are cracked, ear cushions are shot, or the headphones are 5+ years old with weak battery life even when they are working.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Got other gadgets throwing mystery codes at you? These quick guides might bail you out: