Bose QuietComfort Headphones F25 Error Code Fix

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What This Error Means

F25 means an internal power / firmware fault on your Bose QuietComfort headphones.

Translated: the self-test at startup or while charging is failing, so the headphones may refuse to power on, stay stuck with an error in the Bose app, or randomly shut off.

Official Fix

Bose does not list every F-code in the user manual. For F25-type faults the support script is the same: reset it, reload the firmware, check power, then swap the unit if it is still bad.

  • 1. Do a proper hard reset.
    • Unplug the headphones from any USB power or audio cable.
    • Power them off completely.
    • Wait at least 30 seconds.
    • Plug them into a wall USB charger (not a laptop) with a good cable for about 5–10 seconds.
    • Unplug, wait another 60 seconds, then power them back on.
  • 2. Factory reset / clear the Bluetooth memory.
    • Open the Bose Music (or Bose Connect) app and find the option to reset/restore or clear paired devices.
    • If you cannot reach the app, use the hardware combo for your model (usually holding the power/Bluetooth button for about 10 seconds until you hear a voice prompt that the device list is cleared).
    • After the reset, pair to just one phone or laptop and test again.
  • 3. Force a clean firmware install.
    • Charge the headphones to at least 30–40% first.
    • Connect them to your phone and open the Bose Music app.
    • If it offers an update, install it and let it finish. Do not unplug or power off while it is running.
    • If the app says you are up to date but F25 keeps coming back, connect the headphones to a computer, use Bose’s firmware updater from their website, and reinstall the latest firmware.
  • 4. Rule out basic power and charging issues.
    • Try a different USB-C (or micro-USB) cable that you know can carry data, not just charge.
    • Try a different wall charger, 5 V output, from a known brand.
    • Inspect the charging port on the headphones with a light; blow out dust and lint, and gently remove debris with a wooden toothpick if needed. No metal tools.
    • If the battery LED never comes on or jumps between colors, note that when you talk to support.
  • 5. If F25 still shows, Bose will treat it as hardware failure.
    • Check your purchase date and warranty status.
    • Go to Bose support with the model, serial number, and the F25 code.
    • The official next step is a warranty replacement or a paid exchange unit; they do not expect you to open the headphones.
  • 6. Stop here if there is water or physical damage.
    • If the headphones were washed, rained on, or dropped hard, F25 is likely the symptom, not the cause.
    • Do not keep charging a water-damaged battery; it can swell or fail.
    • Go straight to professional repair or replacement.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Under warranty, recent purchase, or F25 appeared right after a firmware update or low-battery shutdown but goes away after a reset or firmware reinstall.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty, the headphones are in good shape and you like the sound, but Bose quotes a flat-rate repair that is more than half the price of a new pair.
  • ❌ Replace: Battery life is already poor, the headband or cups are cracked, or a paid repair plus parts comes close to the cost of a fresh set of QuietComforts or a similar rival model.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

F-codes and fault lights show up on all kinds of gear. If you are chasing other weird errors, these guides might help too: