# How do the touch controls work on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen?

> Complete guide to earbud controls

*Published: 2026-03-30 | Updated: 2026-03-30 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-to-use-touch-controls*

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## Product: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds (2nd Gen, Black)

The [QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen](https://shopsavvy.com/products/b595a4c3-458b-de58-b64e-402801d1cd84) have touch controls on both sides. Here's what you can actually do with them.

## The Basic Moves

**Tap once** — Play/pause. Also answers or ends calls.

**Tap twice** — Skip to the next song.

**Tap three times** — Go back to the previous song.

**Swipe up** — Volume up.

**Swipe down** — Volume down.

**Press and hold** — Configurable, but by default cycles through listening modes (Quiet, Aware, Immersion).

## Making Them Work Reliably

A few tips from experience:

- **Tap the flat part** — The touch-sensitive area is on the outside face where the Bose logo is, not the edge or tip.
- **Be deliberate** — Light, tentative taps don't always register. A firm tap works better.
- **Keep them clean** — Sweat and grime can mess with touch sensitivity.

## Customizing What They Do

The Bose app lets you change what press-and-hold does for each earbud. You could set:
- Left earbud: Toggle voice assistant
- Right earbud: Cycle listening modes

Options include voice assistant, listening modes, Immersive Audio modes, play/pause, and skip track.

## Turning Them Off Entirely

Accidentally triggering controls all the time? Disable touch controls completely through the app (Settings → Product Control → Toggle off).

You'll lose the convenience, but no more random pauses when adjusting your earbuds.

## During Calls

Same basic controls work:
- Tap to answer/end
- Hold to reject incoming call
- Swipe for volume

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*