How to connect a JBL speaker

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

JBL produces some of the best Bluetooth speakers and best waterproof speakers, like the JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 5. They're like shooting fish in a barrel to fix up and apply consistent interfaces for Bluetooth pairing across dissimilar models — so if yous acquire how to connect a JBL speaker, you'll know how to do it for other speakers in the JBL range.

In this guide we'll show you how to connect a JBL speaker to whatsoever Bluetooth source device, from Windows and macOS PCs to Android and iOS smartphones. 3.5mm aux outputs aren't common on JBL speakers, then a wireless Bluetooth connection is the way to go.

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The practiced news is that you don't strictly need any special apps or other software to connect to a JBL speaker; for a straightforward Bluetooth connection you lot tin but use the born tools of your source device OS.

Nosotros practice recommend installing the JBL Portable app for iOS and Android, but but if your speaker supports it. The JBL Charge, Flip, Pulse, Extreme and Boombox series all volition, though cheaper and lower-spec speakers like the JBL Go and Prune series volition not. It's however mainly useful for installing updates and setting up the PartyBoost mode for multiple speakers, as opposed to beingness integral to the basic connexion process.

How to connect a JBL speaker

1. Power on your speaker. If this is the kickoff fourth dimension you lot're using it, it will enter pairing way automatically; otherwise, press the Bluetooth button once to enter pairing mode. The indicator LED volition flash white to show it'due south looking for a source device.

2. Find the speaker in your device's Bluetooth settings, using the post-obit methods for each Os.

On iOS, open Settings and tap "Bluetooth." Make sure Bluetooth is enabled so select the JBL speaker from the list of available devices, nether "Other devices."

On Android, open Settings then tap "Continued devices." Tap "Pair new device" so select the JBL speaker from the list of available devices.

On macOS, open the Apple menu then select "System Preferences" followed by "Bluetooth." Finally, select your JBL speaker from the list, then, click "Connect." Click "Accept" if prompted.

On Windows, click the Bluetooth symbol in the taskbar, and so click "Add a Bluetooth device." This should brand Windows starting time searching for nearby devices; wait for your JBL speaker to appear in the list, so click on it.

How to connect a JBL speaker- On Windows, click Bluetooth symbol then 'Add a Bluetooth device' — (Image credit: Future)

3. Check that the speaker's indicator LED is solid to confirm the connectedness is ready.

How to connect a JBL speaker step 3: Check LED is solid to confirm connection — (Image credit: Future)

4. Optionally, you tin open up the JBL Portable app in one case the Bluetooth connexion is established and your speaker will be automatically detected. You tin can now employ the app to install firmware updates, gear up a PartyBoost network or create a stereo pair on supported speakers.

How to connect a JBL speaker: Run JBL Connect app for compatible speakers — (Image credit: Future)

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James joined Tom's Guide in 2020, bringing years of feel in consumer tech and product testing. Every bit Audio Editor, James covers headphones, speakers, soundbars and anything else that intentionally makes noise. A PC enthusiast, he also covers the occasional spot of computing and gaming news, usually relating to how hard information technology is to find graphics menu stock.