# Easy fix for Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Broken Case


## Headphone Rant

I have been frustrated with earbuds since mobile phone manufactures dropped the 1/8" inch headphone jack - I think this trend started with the iPhone 7 in 2016.  After playing around with headphones with proprietary connectors and adapters for almost a decade, I decided to buy wireless ear buds in April 2024.  I chose the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.  I haven't been impressed - mostly due to frustration when they refuse to pair with my phone (my Sony portable speaker is flawless in this regard).  My wife/kids seem to do better with various Anker soundcore models.  But... the noise cancelling on these Bose earbuds is awesome for sharing a small space, walking in loud urban areas, and traveling on public transit.  I had planned to use them until they stop working altogether.

## Headphones Dropped

But - a couple of weeks ago, I dropped the earbud case on a hardwood floor, and the case lid broke.  I see others reporting similar experiences on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/16z1ted/qc_ii_earbuds_case_lid_broke_off/) - this is not a device designed klutzes.

![Bose Earbuds II Case Broken](images/BoseEarbuds2BrokenCase.jpg "Bose Earbuds II Case Broken")

Kudos to Bose, they do sell a [replacement case](https://www.bose.ca/en/p/accessories-carry-cases-bags/charging-case--quietcomfort-earbuds-ii/CMWB-QCEARBII-CASEPWR.html), and it is much less expensive (at $130 CAD) than the [earbuds](https://www.bose.ca/en/p/earbuds/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-2nd-gen/QCUE2-HEADPHONEIN.html) at $380 CAD.  But given my experience with them, at that price, I'd likely just replace them with a cheaper set of earbuds.

## Solution

My case did still charge the earbuds.  I could keep the case closed with a rubber band, or just keep the case at home for charging, and figure out another way to carry the earbuds around.  Looking at the break, I didn't think I could glue it together.  I considered trying to design and 3D-print a new lid, but after watching a [tear-down video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_oJJoLPY3k), I didn't think I had the skill to take apart the case without damaging it.

My wife suggested I look at protective cases.  I needed something that would latch shut, so I landed with the [Olytop for New Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II (2022) / Ultra (2023) Case Cover with Lock Clip](https://www.amazon.ca/Olytop-QuietComfort-Shockproof-Protective-Carabiner/dp/B0CLLR46KT/) for $20 CAD.  Unfortunately, I didn't pay close attention to the photos of the back of this case, and there was no hinge!

![Olytop Bose Protective Case](images/OlytopBoseProtectiveCase.jpg "Olytop Bose Protective Case")

I decided to keep the case, and make my own hinge.  I took a scrap piece of leather (I cut up an old wallet), and placed it, friction-fit, between the Bose case and the protective case.  

![Scrap leather inserted between original and protective case](images/LeatherInstalledBetweenOriginalAndProtectiveCase.jpg "Scrap leather inserted between original and protective case")

![Leather Hinge Installed](images/LeatherHingeInstalled.jpg "Leather Hinge Installed")


I've been using this for about a week.  The fixed case:
- latches shut
- closes securely
- opens
- click-to-pair button still works
- charges the ear buds
- protects the earbuds while not in use

 It's probably more shock resistant than the original case - I expect this would survive a similar fall.  The leather has held in place - the friction fit has been sufficient, I didn't need to use any glue.  This fix has extended the life of these earbuds.