How to Set Up and Use Bose Frames

Listen to some tunes on Bose sunglasses

by
Tyler Hayes
Tyler Hayes
Writer
Tyler Hayes is a former Lifewire writer covering Apple, Google, Spotify, and more. Tyler has written for Fast Company, Digital Trends, and Paste, and others.
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Tyler Hayes
Updated on December 23, 2020

Bose Frames pack speakers into the stems of standard looking sunglasses and direct sound into the wearer's ears while remaining inaudible to others. Here's how to connect Bose glasses headphones to your phone via Bluetooth.

These Bose sunglasses instructions apply to Android and Apple mobile devices.

How to Set Up Bose Glasses Headphones

Connect your frames to your phone using the Bose Connect app:

  1. Download the Bose Connect app from the Google Play Store or the iOS App Store.

  2. Turn on your Frames by pressing the single button on the right stem.

  3. Keep the Frames close to your mobile device with the Bose Connect app open. Your frames should appear on the screen shortly.

    If you don’t see the Frames appear, close the Bose Connect app on other nearby devices.

  4. Once displayed, you’ll likely need to download the latest firmware. Having the latest firmware will ensure that you are able to take advantage of all app capabilities.

    Button on frames, Frames in app, Transferring Firmware message in Bose Connect app

Once you’ve set up your Frames and connected them to the Bose Connect app, you’ll be able to control the settings and take advantage of augmented reality capabilities through other third-party apps. Once the glasses are updated, you won’t need the app to perform normal headphone functions.

How to Control Bose Frames

You can use the Bose music app settings or the device itself to control audio playback. Most Bose Frames have a single button on the right stem that can be used for various actions:

  • Play/Pause: Single press
  • Answer an incoming call: Single press
  • Skip track: Double press
  • Backtrack: Triple press
  • Increase volume: Press and hold, then tilt your head right
  • Decrease volume: Press and hold, then tilt your head left

To use the volume control feature, make sure the firmware is up-to-date and enable it in the Bose Connect app.

What Are Bose Frames?

Bose Frames, despite their unique appearance, are really just headphones. They work with the same music streaming apps as any other listening device. They can even take calls. Now, instead of carrying both sunglasses and headphones, you just need one.

Bose Frames come in different styles and sizes. For example, there's the more classic looking Rondo sunglasses and the smaller Alto. Each of the styles comes with a proprietary charging cable and a semi-hardshell case to protect the glasses. Bose Frames are rated to have a battery life of 3.5 hours.

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