How Good Is the Bose QC35 Microphone for Phone Calls?

The Bose QC35 Microphone for Phone calls noise-canceling headphones from Bose deliver stunning audio results. The company sold Series I models from 2016 to 2018. For improved audio support, you can now purchase the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Series II headphones.

The built-in microphone is one of these headphones' best features. When paired with a compatible mobile device, you can use the device to make phone calls. This technology can also be used for dictation, conversation with Alexa, and recording into a DAW.

If you're looking for a new pair of headphones for work, home, or other purposes, the QC35 is a good option. Both series have the potential to provide a fantastic listening experience!

If you choose to use the QC35 microphone for phone calls, keep in mind that the noise-cancelling feature that you get for listening does not apply.

The person on the other end of the line will hear everything that is going on around them. That is why you should avoid using it in noisy environments.

When speaking with someone, it is convenient that the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones do not require the use of an external microphone. This technology can also be used for Zoom calls, FaceTime meetings, and other remote conversations.

The microphone's sensitivity rating is surprisingly high, which means that it picks up almost everything.

To use the QC35 mic for phone calls, you almost have to be in a completely silent environment. The Bose headphones are excellent for listening to music, audiobooks, and similar materials, but they will not provide conversational results if you are in a busy work environment.

When using the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones, you must manage the signal quality because the connection is made via Bluetooth.

If you keep the device in your pocket, there may be interference that disrupts your conversation.

If you have a problem with your QC35 microphone, clearing the Bluetooth device list may help to restore its functionality.

To do so, slide and hold the power switch to the right of the Bluetooth symbol for ten seconds.

The headphones will notify you that the Bluetooth device list has been cleared.

Alternative Video: Bose QC35 II Review with Call Quality and Airline Active Noise Canceling Test

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■ Specs of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones

If you’re thinking about using the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones at home for phone calls, music, and more, here are the product specs to consider.

Wireless Features:	NFC and Bluetooth
Power:	Rechargeable USB with a battery life of up to 20 hours
Color:	Black, White, or Custom
Product Weight:	0.51 pounds
Fit Style:	Around the ear (circumaural)
Cable Type:	Replaceable 3.93-foot straight cable
Assistive Features:	Alexa and Google Assistant support

The Bose Connect app manages the paired devices with the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones to ensure a personalized experience for everyone.

A volume-optimized EQ balances your audio at all levels, and the dual-microphone system improves clarity when making or taking calls.

The microphone quality on the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones is slightly better than on the QC35 Series I model.

If your primary need is to make hands-free calls while commuting, working, or staying busy at home, you should consider this.

If you have an iOS device, you can use the QC35 to connect to Siri.

How to Charge Your QC35 Headphones to Take Calls

It is critical to remember the Bluetooth feature when using the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 headphones to take calls. You cannot use it while the product is charging, which disables the microphone.

If you need to charge the battery in your QC35 or QC35 II, you must first turn off the product. Connect a USB cable from your headphones to your charger next.

When the battery is charging, the battery light blinks amber. You'll be able to use it again once it turns a solid green color. The battery usually charges in about three hours, though the actual time depends on the charger you're using and the remaining power levels.

You won't have to worry about overcharging your battery if you leave the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 headphones plugged in overnight. Even if the product is still connected, the power levels must fall below a certain threshold before triggering another charging cycle.

■ How to Check on the Remaining Battery Life with Your QC35s

Although the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones have a battery life of up to 20 hours on a full charge, this is not guaranteed. Several factors influence the total amount of time you can use the product, ranging from microphone use to general audio streaming.

If you're unsure how much time you have left to use your QC35s or QC35 II headphones, you can check the charge levels by following the steps below.

1. When you turn on the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones, a voice prompt will announce your battery charge level. The LED indicator also illuminates for about ten seconds to show you its current status.

2. If the headphones are already turned on, you can activate the LED indicators by pressing any button on the product. To conserve battery power, they will turn off after ten seconds.

3. A solid green light indicates that you have at least one hour of battery life left when the QC35 and QC35 II headphones are not charging.

4. When the headphones aren't charging, a solid amber light indicates that you have less than 60 minutes of battery life left. This indicator indicates that you should locate the charger.

5. When you see a blinking red light on the product, it means the battery needs to be charged.

6. When you plug the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones into a charger via the USB port, an amber light blinks to indicate that the product is charging. When you've finished, it will turn a solid green color.

If you plug in the QC35 or QC35 II headphones and see a solid red light, it means the system isn't within an acceptable temperature range for charging.

Depending on the conditions, you'll need to relocate it somewhere cooler or warmer.

What Happens If My Microphone Isn’t Working?

If you bought the QC35 headphones to take phone calls, there may be times when you try to speak with someone and the microphone does not appear to work. The most common cause of this problem is a lost cellular or Bluetooth signal. If your phone isn't connecting to someone else, the microphone will appear to be broken.

You can see if the headphones respond to other vocal commands to see if this is affecting your user experience.

If your Bluetooth signal is disrupted or there are multiple barriers between the headphones and the phone, the microphone may not function. When listening to music or speaking with someone, you'd also notice audio interruptions.

If both issues have been resolved but the QC35 phone mic is still not working, you may need to update the firmware, software, or both for your device.

This step frequently improves the product features and overall stability of the headphones, ensuring that your investment continues to meet your needs.

The QC35s or QC35 II headphones can be updated using the Bose Connect app or by connecting the product to your computer.

■ How to Update Your Bose Headphones Using a Computer

If you don’t want to use the Bose Connect app or it doesn’t seem to be working for you, connecting your headphones to your computer can let you install the updates needed for your QC35s.

Here are the steps to follow so that you can have a successful experience.

1. With your headphones not connected to your device, use a web browser on your computer or laptop to visit https://btu.bose.com.
2. You’ll get asked to view the terms and conditions of using the site. You cannot start the updating process until clicking on the “Accept and Continue” button.
3. Click on the “Download” button to save the file to your computer or laptop.
4. Once the file is finished transferring, open it so that you can install the updater. Although the pages should automatically advance, there’s a link that says “Click Here” if you need to manually activate it for some reason.
5. Now connect your Bose Quiet Comfort 35 headphones to the computer or laptop using a compatible USB cable.
6. If you have an update available for the product, you’ll see an overview of what to expect with the new download. You might have an “Update Now” button to click or a request to “Apply Changes” to begin the process.
7. Do not disconnect your Bose Quiet Comfort 35 headphones or power them off during the update.
8. Once you have everything updated, the browser will tell you that it is safe to disconnect the headphones from your computer.

■ How to Update Your Bose Headphones through the Companion App

If you use the Bose companion app with your QC35 or QC35 II headphones, you may find that the updating process is a little easier.

Instead of guessing whether an update is available or not, the app displays an icon indicating that something new for your headphones is available. It appears as a downward arrow on top of the image of your product.

When a software or firmware update is available, the downward arrow image will appear in your product settings menu. If you receive this notification, you can update your Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones by following the steps below.

1. Tap on the update icon that displays in the Bose companion app. Once you take this step, you’ll see a circular progress bar that indicates the download process’s current status.
2. After the download is complete, you will want to tap on the “Update” button that appears on your screen. It will have the downward arrow appear next to it.
3. As the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones start updating, you’ll need to wait a couple of minutes for everything to install. You’ll see a circular loading bar appear around your product, but it is a visual indicator to stay rather than a progress symbol.
4. When the checkmark appears on your mobile device, you’ll know that the update is complete. You can start using your headphones once again.

If you see an error screen while performing these steps in the Bose companion app, there may be a problem with the software or firmware that needs to be addressed.

In those circumstances, the first step would be to try a computer update. If that fails, you'll need to contact Bose to arrange for the headphones to be repaired.

Conclusion

When using the QC35 headphones to make phone calls, I discovered numerous advantages and disadvantages. Although the microphone is clear, my experience has not been as positive as the product's marketing descriptions suggest.

When using the QC35, noise-cancelling benefits come through the mic, but they aren't as strong as when listening to audio. Is it better than what someone would hear if you spoke directly on the phone? Probably.

As a result, when using the Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones for phone calls, it is critical to have realistic expectations. They won't be perfect, but they'll do well in most situations.

You'll just want to avoid high-noise areas, just like you would for any other call.

FAQs About the QC35 Microphone for Phone Calls