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How to Replace Dead or Failing Batteries in the 2020 Bose QuietComfort (QC) Earbuds (DIY Repair Guide)
Do your Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (model number: 429708) refuse to power on, need frequent charging, shut down unexpectedly before the battery reaches 1%, experience reduced playback time, or appear fully charged when plugged into a power source? If your earbuds experience any of these issues, it’s time to replace the battery.
In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to disassemble the Bose QC in-ear earbuds, replace the battery, and reassemble the device yourself. Below are the tools and OEM spare parts for this repair.
Repair Difficulty
Easy / Requires 20-30 minutes to complete.
This repair requires carefully handling delicate internal cables, circuit boards, and batteries. While prior soldering experience can help, it’s not essential. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the batteries in the Bose QuietComfort earbuds yourself.
Replacement Parts You’ll Need
Restore your Bose QuietComfort earbud’s battery life and playback time by using original replacement parts. Select the OEM spares from the drop-down menu below to bring your device back to peak working condition.
- Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2020) Battery Replacement Repair - Part
Looking for another spare part? Browse Joe’s GE Parts Catalog for Bose QuietComfort Earbuds to find genuine replacement parts.
Tools You’ll Need
Before starting the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds battery replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY fix at home.
- Nylon Spudger
- Flexible Pry Tool
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Precision Tweezers
- Soldering Flux
- Soldering Iron
- Joe’s Cold Press Adhesive
- Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat
- Plastic Spring Clamp or rubber band
Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Batteries in the 2020 Bose QuietComfort (QC) Earbuds at Home
In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace dead or dying batteries in the Bose QuietComfort earbuds yourself. The repair process is identical for both earbuds. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.
Step 1: Remove the Exterior Cover
1.1. Set your heat gun to 140°F (60°C) and 70 airflow, and apply heat to the earbud housing.
1.2. Once the earbud gets warm and the adhesive softens, insert a thin, flexible pry tool into the seam between the outer cover and the earbud housing, then gently work the tool around the perimeter until the cover separates.
1.3. Use a nylon spudger dipped in isopropyl alcohol to lift the outer cover once it starts to separate from the earbud housing.
1.4. Gently flip the outer cover to reveal the touch panel ribbon cable, then disconnect it from the main board, and set the outer cover aside.
Step 2: Extract the Dead or Failing Battery
2.1. Disconnect the small ribbon cable connected to the main board with a nylon spudger.
2.2. Lift the PCB from the earbud housing with a nylon spudger to reveal the soldered connections for the battery.
2.3. Apply soldering flux to the 2 battery wires, then desolder them from the PCB.
Ninja Repair Tip: Several wires are soldered onto the battery. Desolder them before you try to extract the battery from the earbud housing.
2.4. Extract the worn-out battery from the earbud housing.
2.5. Scrape off any old adhesive residue from the earbud housing with the nylon spudger before installing a new battery.
Step 3: Install a New Battery
3.1. Grab a new battery and solder the wires to the PCB.
3.2. Push the battery into the slot in the earbud housing, then cover it with the PCB.
Step 4: Reassemble Your Beats QuietComfort Earbuds
4.1. Reconnect the ribbon cable to the PCB.
4.2. Apply a thin line of Joe’s cold press glue along the perimeter of the earbud housing. Put 1 drop of glue on top of the ribbon cable that you just attached to ensure a stable connection.
4.3. Reconnect the ribbon cable on the outer cover to the PCB.
4.4. Align both parts of the housing and press down for the adhesive to cure.
4.5. Use a plastic spring clamp to apply constant pressure on the earbuds while the adhesive cures for the next 24 hours.
Congratulations! Your 2020 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are Ready to Use
You have successfully replaced the batteries on the Bose QuietComfort (QC) Earbuds. Check charging stability, audio quality, button response, and Bluetooth pairing to confirm the device is working properly.
If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, check out our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home earbud repair guides for other popular brands, including Apple, Beats, Bose, and Sony.
Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll reply shortly.