The Bose soundbar remotes—especially the Universal Remote style that comes with models like the Bose Soundbar 700 and 900—aren’t just shiny, fancy-looking sticks of plastic. They actually pack some clever tech that lets you boss around everything from your TV to your Blu-ray player, and maybe even that stubborn cable box that eats up batteries. But, as with most superpowers, there’s a bit of setup, some trial and error, and a little bit of patience involved. Let me break down how it all works—and why it genuinely makes life a little less cluttered.
Getting to Know Your Bose Soundbar Remote
First things first: not all Bose soundbar remotes are created equal. There’s a big difference between the basic (some might say boring) remotes that come with budget soundbars, and the Universal Remotes that ship with higher-end Bose models. The Universal version is the one with the fancy backlighting and the ability to control all kinds of devices. Not sure which one you have? If your remote is lighting up like a Christmas tree when you pick it up, that’s probably the one.
Here’s the thing—these remotes can send both infrared (IR) and Bluetooth signals. So, they’re kind of bilingual. That’s what lets them talk to TVs, satellite boxes, and more—not just your Bose soundbar. And believe me, for people who want a clean coffee table or just don’t want to shuffle through a pile of remotes every night, this is a game changer.
But let’s get specific. Each button on the remote can be programmed to control a different device. Want volume to always control your soundbar, but switch the channel on your TV? You can do that. Want to power on everything with one button? You get that, too. It does take a little setup (I’ll get into that), but the payoff is huge.
How the Remote Actually “Talks” to Other Devices
You might be wondering, “How does this remote even know how to operate my TV or game console?” Let me explain, because it’s not magic—it’s clever engineering, and a little bit of code. Basically, universal remotes work by mimicking the signals sent by your original remotes. They do this through something called “remote codes”—think of them as secret handshakes for electronics.
Here’s how it works:
- When you program your Bose remote, you enter or select a code that matches the brand and type of device you want to control.
- The remote then sends out signals that your devices recognize, just like your original remotes would.
- Want to control a Samsung TV? There’s a unique code for that. A Sony Blu-ray player? Different code, but the same process.
This is why the Bose remote is so handy—it’s preloaded with a huge library of these codes. And if you ever get stuck, there’s always the manual code entry or the code search feature, which is kind of like speed dating for remotes and devices.
Pro tip: If you’ve lost your original remote or it’s chewed up by your dog (been there), the Bose remote can seriously bail you out.
Pairing and Programming: Step-by-Step for Beginners
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of actually pairing or syncing your Bose soundbar remote with other devices. I know, sometimes the word “programming” sounds intimidating, but when you break it down, it’s honestly just a series of button presses. Here’s how you typically go about it:
- First, make sure your remote has fresh batteries. Low battery can turn setup into a pain, so trust me—just swap them now if you’re not sure.
- Press and hold the device button for the device you want to control—like TV, cable, or Blu-ray—until all the buttons light up. It’s like putting the remote in “listen” mode.
- Using the Bose Music app (or, for older remotes, the paper manual), find the right code for your device. Enter it using the remote’s keypad.
- Now, test it. Try turning your device on and off, or changing the volume or channel. If it works, you’re good. If not, repeat with another code until you hit the jackpot.
It might take a couple of tries, especially for off-brand devices or older tech, but don’t get discouraged. The whole process is pretty forgiving. And if you totally mess up, you can reset the remote and start over (I’ll tell you how in a bit!).
Using the Bose Music App for Easy Setup
If you’re feeling nervous about codes and buttons, here’s some good news: the Bose Music app makes things a whole lot easier. I personally love apps that just walk me through stuff, and this one is pretty user-friendly.
With the app, you can do the following:
- Select your soundbar model and get step-by-step instructions that are way less confusing than a paper manual.
- Automatically pair devices by selecting their brand and type. The app tries a few codes for you, so you don’t have to guess.
- Sync remote settings and soundbar preferences, so you don’t lose them when you update or change your setup.
And if something doesn’t work the first time, the app usually suggests troubleshooting tips right on the screen. It’s much less stressful than scrolling through forums at midnight when you just want to watch a movie.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Let’s be honest: technology never goes entirely as planned. Sometimes the remote won’t sync, or it stops controlling a device it used to work with. Maybe the batteries died at the worst moment, or you pressed a weird button combo and now the lights are doing a disco routine.
Here’s what usually fixes things:
- Check and replace batteries. It sounds basic, but it’s the number one remote issue I’ve seen. Weak batteries can make the remote act finicky, drop connections, or just randomly stop responding.
- Try a reset. Most Bose remotes can be reset by holding down certain buttons (check your manual or the Bose website for your model). A reset wipes any weird glitches and puts the remote back to factory settings, so you can start fresh.
- Re-pair with your devices. Sometimes, after an update or a battery change, you’ve got to redo the pairing steps. Annoying, I know, but usually fixes the problem.
- Check line of sight. Remember, infrared signals need a clear path, so don’t block the remote with books, pets, or that leftover pizza box.
If none of that works, you might want to check if your device is just too old or uses an uncommon code. In that case, not even the Bose remote can save you—but honestly, that’s pretty rare.
Why Control Multiple Devices With One Remote?
You might be thinking, “Isn’t this a lot of effort just to ditch a few remotes?” But let me just put it out there: it’s totally worth it. Here’s why:
- Convenience. You hit one button, and everything turns on–TV, soundbar, video game console, whatever. No more hunting for the “right” remote (or the batteries hiding inside your couch).
- Less clutter. Your coffee table thanks you. So does your brain.
- Accessibility. For folks who hate fiddling with complicated tech, it’s a lot easier to explain “just use the Bose remote” than trying to decipher a pile of silver and black clickers.
Of course, you could always buy a generic universal remote from the store, but honestly, I’ve found they’re often more complicated, and don’t always sync perfectly with everything—plus, they won’t have handy control for your Bose soundbar’s special features like dialogue enhancement or bass levels.
Comparing Bose Universal Remotes to Other Options
I’ve tried my fair share of remotes over the years, from cheap drugstore “universal” models to those fancy, touchscreen Logitech Harmony remotes. Each has its pros and cons, but the Bose Universal Remote does a few things really well:
- Seamless Bose integration. If you have a Bose soundbar, this remote just works better. You can control modes, adjust sound profiles, and do firmware updates right from your couch.
- High compatibility. Thanks to that massive code library and the Music app, it works with most TVs, players, and cable/satellite boxes. (But, yes, always double-check if you have oddball brands!)
- Backlighting and voice feedback. Super helpful for movie nights or when you don’t want to flip on the lights and ruin the vibe.
That said, some people still want a remote with a tiny screen, lots of device “activity” macros, or smart home controls. If you’re running a super complicated setup, a fancier universal remote might make sense. But for most homes, I think the Bose option hits the sweet spot between easy setup, reliable control, and not costing an arm and a leg.
Resetting and Maintaining Your Bose Remote
Eventually, every remote starts acting up, or you just want to start over. Here’s how you can reset your Bose soundbar remote and keep it running smoothly:
- To reset: Most Bose remotes reset by holding the “Power” + “Skip Forward” buttons together for 10 seconds. You’ll see the remote light up, and it’ll forget everything you programmed. (Don’t worry, your soundbar will still work with it—you’ll just need to redo any TV or device pairing.)
- Clean it with a soft cloth occasionally. TV remotes are gross. Trust me, you don’t want to know what’s on them.
- If a button stops working, try compressed air in the gaps or replace the batteries. Most issues are fixable at home.
If you ever lose your remote (which happens more than I’d like to admit), you can use the Bose Music app as a temporary remote in a pinch, or order a replacement from Bose directly. Just pair it, and you’re back in business.
Real-Life Example: A Night at Home, Simplified
Let me paint a quick picture. Imagine it’s Friday night. You come home, ready to binge your favorite series. Grab one remote—the Bose one. Press “Power.” The TV comes alive, your soundbar wakes up, and your cable box is ready to go. Five seconds, no hassle. No searching, no muttering curses at the remote drawer.
Midway through, your partner decides they want more bass. One tap on the Bose remote, and the room fills out. Want to jump over to your game console? Switch inputs, all with the same remote. The night flows, you’re relaxed, and your only real problem is popcorn in the couch cushions.
Honestly, once you’ve had a single remote do it all, it’s hard to go back. You’ll find yourself wondering why you ever put up with the pile in the first place.
So, that’s how to control multiple devices with Bose soundbar remotes remote. Hopefully, now it all feels way less mysterious (and a lot more doable). If you ever get stuck, don’t sweat it—reset, try again, and remember: Less is more when it comes to remotes. Your couch—and your sanity—will thank you.
