Bose QuietComfort Headphones F37 Error Code Fix

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What This Error Means

F37 on Bose QuietComfort headphones is a boot / firmware fault. In plain English: the tiny computer in the headphones is crashing during startup, so they will not power, will hang on a solid LED, or the Bose app/updater throws the F37 error.

Official Fix

Bose does not publish a nice code list for F37, but their standard script for this type of fault is always the same: reset, recharge, update, then send it in. Do this in order:
  • 1. Hard power cycle
    • Unplug the USB cable.
    • Slide the power switch to Off and leave it for 60 seconds.
    • Disconnect any analog audio cable too.
  • 2. Known-good charging test
    • Use a different USB cable and a decent 5 V wall charger, not a laptop port.
    • Plug the headphones in and leave them alone for at least 10–15 minutes.
    • Watch the LED. If it never lights at all, you likely have a battery or board issue.
  • 3. Factory reset (Bose method)
    • Turn the headphones on.
    • Most QuietComfort models: hold the Power/Bluetooth switch or button for about 10 seconds until the LEDs flash and the voice prompt says the device list is cleared.
    • Forget the headphones from your phone’s Bluetooth list, then pair them again like new.
    • If you are unsure of the exact button combo, follow the reset instructions for your specific QC model on the Bose support site.
  • 4. Force a firmware update
    • On a phone: open the Bose Music or Bose Connect app (whichever your model uses).
    • Connect to the headphones. If it offers an update, install it and let it finish. Do not unplug during the update.
    • On a computer: use the Bose updater tool, connect via USB, and run any offered update.
  • 5. If F37 still shows up
    • This is where Bose tells you to stop.
    • Contact Bose support with the serial number and describe the F37 error.
    • They will offer warranty service, a paid repair, or a discount replacement swap, depending on age and region.

The Technician’s Trick

When the official dance does nothing, this is the field tech playbook. Do this only if you are out of warranty or do not care about it.

  • 1. Deep discharge logic reset
    • Unplug USB. Turn the headphones off.
    • Hold the Power/Bluetooth button or switch in the “on” or Bluetooth position for 45–60 seconds. Yes, that long.
    • This forces the internal regulators to dump and can clear a stuck microcontroller.
    • Wait 30 more seconds, then plug into power and try a normal start.
  • 2. USB “kick” start
    • Leave the headphones off.
    • Plug them into a strong wall charger, wait 60 seconds, then turn them on while still plugged in.
    • If they only boot while on USB, your battery is weak or the battery connector is flaky.
  • 3. Open it and reseat the battery (advanced but common real-world fix)
    • Right earcup off the headband side is where the brains and battery live on most QC models.
    • Carefully pull off the right ear cushion. It just snaps off.
    • Remove the small screws around the plastic plate under the cushion.
    • Lift the cover gently. Do not yank any cables.
    • Find the small battery connector going from the flat battery pack into the main board.
    • Unplug that connector, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in firmly.
    • While you are in there, check for green corrosion, burnt spots, or loose switch parts.
    • Reassemble, charge for 15–30 minutes, then try to power on and connect again.
  • 4. Swap the battery if it only works on the charger
    • If F37 disappears but the headphones die as soon as you unplug USB, the battery is done.
    • Replacement batteries for QuietComfort are cheap compared to a new pair.
    • Same procedure as above: open the right cup, disconnect old battery, fit the new one, reassemble.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Headphones are under 5 years old, plastics and pads are fine, they still charge or work sometimes, and you can solve it with a reset, firmware update, or a simple battery swap.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty, battery life is already poor, you need new pads and maybe a battery, and Bose is quoting a flat-rate repair that is over half the cost of a newer model.
  • ❌ Replace: No power even on USB, clear board damage or heavy corrosion inside, or the only fix is a main board swap that costs close to buying a fresh set of headphones.

Parts You Might Need

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See also

Chasing other F-codes or device errors? These guides might save you another headache: