Bose QuietComfort Headphones F29 Fix (Error Code Guide)

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What This Error Means

F29 means: Bose is flagging an internal power or firmware fault on your QuietComfort headphones.

Bose does not publish a detailed definition for F29, but in practice it shows up when the headphones try to boot, fail a self-check, and then crash or refuse to connect.

Official Fix

Here is the by-the-book sequence Bose support will walk you through:

  • 1. Quick power reset
    • Turn the headphones off.
    • Wait about 30 seconds.
    • Turn them back on and check if F29 is gone.
  • 2. Rule out bad charging gear
    • Use a different USB charging cable than you normally use.
    • Plug into a solid wall charger (5 V, around 1–2 A), not a laptop or USB hub.
    • Let them sit on charge for at least 30–60 minutes, then try powering on.
  • 3. Do the official reset and firmware update
    • Install the Bose Music app (or Bose Connect for older QuietComfort models) on your phone.
    • With the headphones on charge, connect them in the app if you can.
    • If the app offers a firmware update, run it and let it finish completely.
    • In the app settings, run a factory reset or restore defaults to clear glitches.
  • 4. Call Bose support
    • If the code survives a reset and update, support usually moves straight to service or replacement options.
    • Have the model, serial number, and the F29 code ready so they can check warranty and quotes.

The Technician’s Trick

When the official steps do not clear F29, this is the kind of stuff a bench tech actually tries before calling it dead:

  • 1. Clean the charging port properly
    • Power the headphones off and unplug any cable.
    • Use a wooden toothpick to pick lint and pocket junk out of the USB charging port.
    • Give the port a quick blast of compressed air to clear dust.
    • Retry with a short, thick USB cable and a decent wall charger, not a PC.
  • 2. Force a hard power-cycle from the charger
    • Plug the headphones into a wall charger.
    • Hold the power or Bluetooth slider in the on position for 20–30 seconds.
    • Keep holding even if there is no light, beep, or voice prompt.
    • Release, leave them charging for 10–15 minutes, then try powering on normally.
  • 3. Battery controller reset
    • If they will stay on at all, run them until they shut off by themselves.
    • Without touching any buttons, put them straight on a wall charger for at least 2 hours.
    • After that long charge, try to power on again and see if F29 is gone or at least less frequent.
  • 4. Out-of-warranty move: reseat or replace the battery
    • Only do this if you are already prepared to replace the headphones if it goes wrong.
    • Pop off the right ear cushion, remove the screws, and gently unplug then re-plug the battery connector, or fit a replacement battery.
    • This often clears mystery F codes after drops or an aging battery, but it will void any remaining warranty and you can crack the plastic if you force it.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Under roughly 4 years old, physically in good shape, and F29 showed up after a low-battery event, weird charge, or update; a cable, charger, reset, or battery is cheap versus a new QuietComfort.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty, pads are worn, and battery life is already weak; paying for board-level repair only makes sense if the quote lands well under half the price of a new pair.
  • ❌ Replace: Cracked hinges, trashed pads, or a totally dead unit where Bose is quoting near-new pricing for service; at that point your money is better in a fresh set.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Chasing other F-series error codes on your gear? These guides might save you some time: