Bose Sleepbuds 2 Left Earbud Not Working? Let’s Fix That

Bose Sleepbuds 2 are designed to reduce unwanted noise, providing a more relaxing audio experience at night. However, some users experience an issue where the left earbud stops working, won’t charge, or fails to connect properly. If you’re dealing with this frustrating problem, don’t worry, this guide will walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to get your Sleepbuds back in working order.

Common Issues with the Left Bose Sleepbud 2

Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand the possible reasons behind the issue. Users typically report the following problems:

• The left earbud does not produce any sound.

• The left earbud does not charge or shows a blinking light while in the case.

• The Bose app fails to detect the left Sleepbud.

• The earbud disconnects randomly during use.

• The left earbud loses charge faster than the right one.

Now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s go through the potential fixes.

Troubleshooting Steps for a Non-Working Left Sleepbud

When your left Bose Sleepbud 2 stops working, whether it won’t charge, connect, or produce sound, the issue can often be traced to a few key areas. Many users have reported similar problems, but fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps that can help resolve the issue. Below, we’ll go through a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and fixing the problem.

Step 1: Check If the Sleepbud Is Properly Seated in the Charging Case

One of the most common reasons a Sleepbud stops working is that it is not charging correctly. This often happens because the earbud is not making proper contact with the charging pins inside the case. If the left Sleepbud is not charging, the first thing to do is inspect its placement.

When placing the Sleepbuds in the charging case, ensure that each one is aligned properly. The right earbud may snap into place easily, while the left one might sit loosely, preventing it from charging. If the left earbud does not fit securely, try gently adjusting its position to see if the charging light appears.

It’s important to observe the status lights on the case. If the right earbud shows a solid white light while the left one blinks or has no light at all, it may not be receiving a proper charge. Some users have found that applying slight pressure on the left Sleepbud while it’s in the case can help it establish a better connection with the charging pins. If this temporarily fixes the issue, the problem may be due to worn-out charging contacts or a misalignment inside the case. However, if pressing down on the earbud does not cause it to charge, it’s time to check for dirt or debris blocking the connection.

Step 2: Clean the Charging Contacts

Over time, dirt, dust, or oil from your fingers can build up on the charging pins in the case and on the metal contacts of the Sleepbuds. This can prevent the earbuds from charging properly. Even if the right earbud charges without issue, the left one may not make proper contact if there is any obstruction.

To clean the charging contacts, use a dry, soft cloth or a cotton swab. Carefully wipe both the charging pins inside the case and the metal contacts on the Sleepbuds themselves. It’s essential to avoid using liquid cleaners, as moisture can cause further damage to the internal components.

If there is any stubborn residue that is difficult to remove, using a dry toothbrush with soft bristles can help clean the charging pins more effectively. Once the contacts are cleaned, place the Sleepbuds back in the case and observe whether the left one begins charging. If the left Sleepbud still does not charge, a reset might be necessary.

Step 3: Reset the Sleepbuds and the Charging Case

Resetting the Bose Sleepbuds 2 can help resolve software glitches or minor issues affecting functionality. This is a crucial step if the left Sleepbud is not producing sound, disconnecting randomly, or failing to charge.

To perform a reset, start by placing both Sleepbuds in the charging case with the lid open. Locate the small reset button on the back of the charging case, then press and hold it for at least 10 seconds until the case’s status lights blink. Once the lights start flashing, release the button and close the case. Wait for about 30 seconds before opening the lid again.

After the reset, check whether the left Sleepbud is now functioning. If it still does not connect or play sound, it could be a Bluetooth-related issue.

Step 4: Restart Your Bluetooth Device

Sometimes, the issue may not be with the Sleepbuds themselves but rather with the Bluetooth connection of the device they are paired with. If the left Sleepbud is not detected, restarting the connected device can help re-establish a proper connection.

Begin by turning off Bluetooth on your phone or tablet. Wait for about 30 seconds before turning Bluetooth back on. Then, open the Bose Sleep app and check whether both earbuds are detected. If the left Sleepbud still does not appear, it may be necessary to manually remove and reconnect the Sleepbuds.

Step 5: Remove and Reconnect the Sleepbuds in the Bose App

If the Bose Sleep app fails to detect the left Sleepbud, removing the earbuds from the app and re-pairing them can sometimes fix the issue.

Start by opening the Bose Sleep app and navigating to the device settings. Locate the option to remove or forget the Sleepbuds from the list of connected devices. Once removed, restart your phone or tablet to clear any lingering connection issues.

After restarting, reopen the Bose Sleep app and follow the setup instructions to reconnect the Sleepbuds. During the pairing process, ensure that both earbuds are fully charged and inside the charging case. If only the right Sleepbud is detected while the left one remains unresponsive, a firmware update may be required.

Step 6: Update the Firmware

Firmware updates can fix software bugs that may be causing one of the Sleepbuds to stop working. If the left Sleepbud is still not functioning after trying the previous steps, checking for an available firmware update is a good next move.

Open the Bose Sleep app and navigate to the settings section. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. The update process may take several minutes, so ensure that the Sleepbuds remain inside the case and connected to a stable power source.

Once the firmware update is complete, perform another reset and check if the left Sleepbud is now working. If it still does not function properly, the issue may be related to a hardware defect.

Additional Fixes for Persistent Issues

Try a Different Charging Cable or Power Source

A faulty charging cable or adapter may prevent the case from charging properly.

• Use a different USB-C cable and wall adapter to charge the case.

• Check if the charging case itself is fully charged before inserting the earbuds.

• If the case is low on battery, let it charge for at least an hour before testing the Sleepbuds again.

Check for Physical Damage

• Inspect the left Sleepbud for any visible cracks or damage.

• If the earbud has been dropped or exposed to moisture, it may have internal damage preventing it from working properly.

If none of the steps above resolve the issue, contacting Bose support may be necessary.

When to Contact Bose Customer Support

If the left Sleepbud is still not working after trying all troubleshooting steps, it may require servicing or replacement.

• Bose provides support for Sleepbuds 2, and if your device is still under warranty, you may be eligible for a replacement.

• Visit the official Bose support website or call customer service in your region.

• Be prepared to provide details about your troubleshooting attempts and the product’s serial number.

Some users have reported needing multiple replacements for persistent issues, so if you’ve already replaced your Sleepbuds once, you may want to explore alternative sleep audio solutions.

Consider Trying an Alternative

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Conclusion

Dealing with a non-working left Bose Sleepbud 2 can be frustrating, especially if it’s interfering with your nightly routine. Fortunately, most issues, whether it’s charging problems, connection errors, or sound loss, can be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps. Ensuring the Sleepbud is seated correctly in the case, cleaning the charging contacts, resetting the device, updating the firmware, and reconnecting via the Bose app can often resolve the problem.

If you’ve tried all the fixes and the left Sleepbud is still not functioning, it may be time to contact Bose support for assistance. While these earbuds are designed to block noise and provide a comfortable listening experience, technical issues can arise. If this is a recurring issue, exploring alternative products may also be worth considering.

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