You want to continue enjoying your playlist but your JBL speaker won’t charge all of a sudden. Well, that’s a bummer!
If there’s any consolation, there are others like you who have to deal with charging issues with wireless speakers sometimes, JBL brand, or otherwise. This can be frustrating, especially when the battery runs out just when you are grooving to your jam!
In this article, we will explore common charging issues with JBL speakers and provide quick troubleshooting solutions to the problem.
How Do JBL Speakers Recharge?
The first thing to understand is that the charging process for JBL speakers can differ depending on the model you have.
Some models, like the JBL Charge 3 and 4, have a built-in USB port that allows you to charge your device using a USB cable. Other models like the JBL Xtreme and Boombox have charging ports that require a specific charger.
Moreover, all JBL wireless speakers have indicator LED lights that blink while charging and will stay on once the battery is fully charged. In fact, even the JBL earbuds that you pair with your mobile device have this feature.
Note: It’s essential to follow the charging instructions in the user manual for each model. Using the wrong charging cable or port can damage the speaker or may result in a slower charging time.
Here is a short primer on the different charging ports, expected charging times, and normal battery life for popular models of JBL speakers:
1. JBL Charge 3 and JBL Charge 4
- Charging Port: Micro-USB
- Charging Time: 4.5 hours
- Battery Life: 20 hours
2. JBL Flip 3, JBL Flip 4, and JBL Flip 5
- Charging Port: Micro-USB
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours for Flip 3 and 3.5 hours for Flip 4, 2.5 hours for Flip 5
- Battery Life: 10 hours for Flip 3, 12 hours for Flip 4, 12 hours for Flip 5
3. JBL Xtreme
- Charging Port: DC power connector
- Charging Time: 3.5 hours
- Battery Life: 15 hours
4. JBL Boombox
- Charging Port: DC power connector
- Charging Time: 6.5 hours
- Battery Life: 24 hours
6 Common Causes Why a JBL Speaker Won’t Charge and How to Troubleshoot Them
Here are some common issues that you may encounter when charging your JBL speaker and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Faulty Wall Power Outlet
Before you start troubleshooting the hardware and software components of your speaker, you should first confirm if your wall outlets are working fine. Sometimes the voltage from your wall outlets may be low or dangerously high, which may cause your JBL speaker to fail to charge.
The first thing you should try is plugging your JBL speaker into another wall outlet and see if the problem persists. If the speaker charges successfully, then the issue is with the other wall outlet.
A more lasting solution is using a surge protector. Such a device can help protect your JBL speaker from voltage spikes that may damage the battery or charging components.
2. Faulty Charging Cable
A faulty micro-USB charging cable is another prime suspect why your JBL speaker won’t charge all of a sudden. Here are some of the things you can do in such a case:
- Check the Cable for Damage
Examine the charging cable for any signs of physical damage, such as frayed wires or a bent connector. You may need to replace your USB cable if you see obvious signs of damage.
- Test with a Different Cable
If you have access to another micro-USB charging cable, try using it to charge your JBL speaker. If the speaker charges successfully, then the original cable is likely faulty.
3. Broken Charging Port
If there is debris or dust in the charging port of your JBL speaker, it may prevent the cable from adequately fitting into the USB port. Forcing it in may result in the bending of the connector pins. In the event of water damage, a hairdryer may be used to dry the excessive moisture.
To further examine your charging port for any signs of damage:
- Inspect the charging port for any visible damage or debris. If there are, gently clean the charging port using a soft-bristled brush or a can of compressed air. Avoid using sharp objects that may scratch or damage the charging port.
- In some cases, you may be able to repair the charging port yourself. You can purchase a charging port repair kit online or from a local electronics store. The kit will include all the tools and parts you need to fix the charging port.
- Follow the instructions provided in the repair kit carefully. Depending on your JBL speaker model, you may need to remove the back cover, the battery, and other components to access the charging port.
- If you are hesitant to repair the charging port by yourself, consider taking your speaker to a certified repair technician. They will have the essential tools and expertise to fix the charging port without causing further damage to your speaker.
4. Circuitry Issues
If the speaker still won’t charge after replacing the charging cable and checking for a broken charging port, it is likely that the circuit is damaged and needs to be checked by a professional.
- Check for Warranty
Before taking your speaker to a service center, checking if it’s still under warranty is a good idea. If it is, contact JBL customer support to initiate a warranty claim. They will advise you on how to proceed with the repair process, which may involve sending the speaker in for repairs or exchanging it for a new one.
- See a Certified Repair Technician
If your speaker is no longer under warranty, you can take it to a certified repair technician. Look for a reputable repair shop that specializes in repairing JBL speakers and has experience working with the model of your speaker. The technician will assess the circuitry issue and provide you with a quote for the repairs needed.
5. Outdated JBL software
If all the aforementioned possible causes check out or all troubleshooting methods didn’t work, then you should consider software issues. Bugs in the code can interfere with the charging capabilities of your JBL speaker. Ensure that you are using the latest software on your speaker, and reset it if necessary.
If you suspect that outdated JBL software is causing your speaker to not charge, you can take the following steps:
- Check for Updates
Check the JBL website to see if there are any available software updates for your specific model. Download and install the latest software to your JBL speaker.
- Reset the Speaker
To reset your JBL speaker, hold down the Bluetooth and volume buttons for about 5 seconds. This will work on JBL Go and JBL Flip 5. To reset your JBL Charge, press and hold the play, pause, and volume up buttons together until the power button glows.
- Contact Customer Support
If the above steps do not work, you can reach out to JBL customer support for further assistance. They may provide additional troubleshooting steps or recommend sending the speaker for repair.
6. Damaged Battery
One of the most likely reasons why your JBL speaker won’t charge is a damaged battery. While lithium-ion batteries are designed to undergo hundreds of charges, their recharging capacity diminishes with time.
Confirm if the battery is in fact the issue. If it is, here are steps you can take to replace it:
- Find and buy the battery replacement kit that matches your JBL speaker’s model. Popular varieties like JBL GO2, JBL Flip5, and JBL Boombox 2 come with battery replacement kits that contain everything you need. They may also come with a video tutorial on how to service the speaker.
- Carefully remove the old battery from your JBL speaker. Each model has a specific battery removal method. Follow the instructions in the user manual or the video tutorial that came with the replacement kit.
- Install the new battery according to the instructions provided in the battery replacement kit. Ensure that the rating of your replacement battery matches your system.
- After replacing the battery, connect the charging cable and confirm if the JBL speaker is charging.
Note: Remember to dispose of the old battery in accordance with the guidelines in your local area.
If you are not confident in replacing the battery yourself, you can always seek assistance from a certified repair technician or JBL customer support. They can guide you through the process or perform the replacement for you.
JBL Speaker Charging Issues Solved!
It can be frustrating sometimes when your JBL speaker won’t charge and you don’t know why. With the right approach and knowledge, you can quickly identify and solve the problem. Possible causes you may encounter range from a faulty wall power outlet to a broken charging port, to outdated software. It’s important to take the right steps to diagnose and fix the issue.
Perhaps you need to replace a damaged battery or troubleshoot a faulty charging cable or port. Whatever the cause may be, you are now more equipped to assess and troubleshoot the problem.
So, go ahead and put these tips to use the next time your JBL speaker won’t charge. With a little patience and perseverance, you’ll be back to enjoying your favorite tunes in no time. And remember, if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to JBL customer support or a certified repair technician for assistance.
