Bose QuietComfort Headphones F24 Fix (Error Code Guide)

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What This Error Means

F24 on Bose QuietComfort headphones = firmware / power fault. The headphones hit a software or power glitch and refuse to boot or finish an update.

Bose does not publish a public F-code list for QuietComfort, but in the field F24 almost always shows up around failed updates or power problems.

Official Fix

This is the straight-from-support playbook. Do it in this order.

  • 1. Check power and cable
    • Unplug the headphones from everything.
    • Use a known-good USB charger (5 V phone brick) and a different cable if you have one.
    • Plug the headphones in and let them charge for at least 10–15 minutes, even if the light looks weird.
  • 2. Do the standard Bose reset
    • Turn the headphones off.
    • Wait 30 seconds.
    • Connect them to wall power with the USB cable for 5 seconds.
    • Unplug the USB cable.
    • Wait 1 full minute.
    • Turn the headphones back on and see if F24 cleared.
  • 3. Update / reinstall firmware
    • On your phone, open the Bose Music (or Bose Connect) app.
    • Forget and re-add the headphones if they still show up there.
    • Once they connect, check for a firmware update and install it.
    • If they will not pair at all, connect them to a computer with USB and use Bose’s firmware updater from Bose’s support site.
  • 4. Rule out Bluetooth pairing junk
    • On your phone / laptop, delete the Bose headphones from the Bluetooth list.
    • On the headphones, clear the pairing list (usually: slide and hold the power/Bluetooth switch for about 10 seconds until you hear the prompt).
    • Re-pair just one device and test again.
  • 5. If F24 stays, Bose calls it “service”
    • At this point their script is: stop, don’t keep hammering it.
    • They’ll offer warranty service or a paid exchange, depending on age and proof of purchase.

The Technician's Trick

When the official reset does nothing, this is the street-fix that often revives F24 units without opening them.

  • 1. Deep power-drain reset
    • Unplug the headphones from USB.
    • Turn them on and leave them on. If they power-cycle, just let them keep trying.
    • Let the battery run completely flat. This can take a while; walk away.
    • Once they are totally dead (no lights, no sounds), plug them into a wall charger and leave them alone for 30–60 minutes.
    • After that long charge, do the standard reset again and try to power on.
  • 2. Port clean-out so it actually charges
    • Look inside the USB port with a light. Lint in there can fake a power fault and trigger codes like F24.
    • Use a wooden toothpick or soft brush only. No metal tools.
    • Gently scrape out any packed lint, then blow it out with canned air if you have it.
    • Reconnect to a charger and watch for a stable charging light.
  • 3. Long-press “hard boot”
    • Unplug from USB.
    • Press and hold the power / Bluetooth button for 30–40 seconds. Don’t let go early.
    • While still holding, plug in the USB cable to a wall charger, keep holding 5 more seconds, then release.
    • Wait 10 seconds, then try turning them on normally.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Headphones are under warranty, or an out-of-warranty swap from Bose costs far less than a new QuietComfort model.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: F24 plus weak battery life or worn pads on an older model; compare Bose’s exchange price against a newer ANC headset.
  • ❌ Replace: F24 plus cracked headband, dead battery, or liquid damage, and Bose wants close to new-headphone money for service.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Dealing with F-codes or smart-device errors on other gear too? These guides can save you some time: