JBL has long been one of the best brands for getting crisp, clear audio quality without having to spend unbelievable sums of money. Their earbuds are another example of this philosophy that has placed them at the forefront of the audio equipment industry.
JBL has made all of their earbuds almost universal in their user interface — making it quite easy for people to work out their Bluetooth pairing regardless of whichever earbuds they have purchased.
In this article, we will go over how to pair JBL earbuds for iOS and Android devices, televisions, MacBooks, and even laptops.
Universal Steps For Pairing JBL Earbuds
First thing’s first: if it’s your first time pairing the earbuds, you should only pair them when they have reached a complete charge.
- Turn on your earbuds if they haven’t turned on automatically and activate the Bluetooth pairing mode. For most earbuds, this will be indicated by a blinking blue light on the earbud.
- Bluetooth mode can be activated by a dedicated Bluetooth button on your earbuds or by holding down the center button for five seconds until it shuts off, then turning your headphones back on.
- When your earbud is blinking blue, it is in pairing mode.
- On the device you wish to pair it with, make sure that the Bluetooth capabilities are toggled on and the device (i.e. your phone or laptop) is actively searching for new Bluetooth connections.
- The JBL earbuds should show up in your list of selectable Bluetooth options if it hasn’t automatically connected already.
- Once you have completed this process, your headphones should be stored in the Bluetooth options of your preferred device.
If you are having difficulty getting pairing mode to start on your earbuds, hold the middle button on the right earbud for five seconds until it turns off. When it turns on it should be in pairing mode.
Some JBL earbuds will not have a Bluetooth button but they should have a center button in the middle of the volume buttons — hold this to begin pairing.
How To Pair JBL Earbuds With iOS & Android Devices
Despite the different user interfaces that Android and Apple phones utilize, getting Bluetooth to work is about the same process, give or take. This should cover both conclusively and typically speaking once you do this your phone should remember the headphones indefinitely.
- Remove one of the earbuds (preferably the right) from the case to start pairing or press the center button to turn it off and on to force start Bluetooth pairing. Some earbuds will have a Bluetooth button you can press to initiate pairing.
- For iOS, go into Settings > Bluetooth and then enable Bluetooth. For Android, access settings via the dropdown menu (Swiping your finger downwards on the screen) or through the settings button in your apps. From there, go to Connections > Bluetooth and enable Bluetooth.
- Start searching for new Bluetooth devices and select your JBL earbuds from the dropdown menu (For Android this will likely be in available devices).
- Your earbud should now be connected to your phone and once you remove your other earbud it will automatically connect to the other.
How To Pair JBL Earbuds With Televisions
You should check if your television has Bluetooth capabilities when trying to pair with JBL earbuds to avoid the headache of an unfortunate realization later down the road. More and more televisions are getting this option in recent years but it certainly isn’t a universal function.
If your television does not have Bluetooth capabilities there are a number of quality Bluetooth adapters on the market.
- Turn on your pairing mode on your JBL earbuds. This could be a dedicated button or simply by pressing the middle button on the headphones for five seconds then turning it back on.
- Your headphones will be blinking blue if they are in pairing mode.
- Go into your setting menus on your Television and locate the Bluetooth menu.
- There should be a scan option or “search for new Bluetooth devices”. Whichever it is, click it and wait for your JBL earbuds to show up in available pairings or available devices.
- After a few moments of connecting (make sure they are the two devices aren’t obstructed or too far apart) your TV should pair successfully with your earbuds!
How To Pair JBL Earbuds With Your Laptop or Macbook
Unlike iOS and Android device, the process of activating Bluetooth on a laptop and MacBook are a bit different. They differ in ways that have less to do with how to pair the earbuds and more to do with the difference in operating systems. We will go over both separately to avoid any confusion and make the directions as concise and understandable as possible.
MacBook
- In the top left corner of your screen, there is an apple icon. Click on it then go to System Preferences > Bluetooth.
- In the new tab, enable Bluetooth mode.
- There will be a “Show Bluetooth in the menu bar” option, select it.
- Now remove your earbuds from the charging case and turn on Bluetooth mode. Depending on which type of JBL earbuds you have, this can be done by hitting the Bluetooth button or holding down the center button for five seconds then turning the headphones back on.
- From the list of available choices, you should see your JBL earbuds, select them and wait for the pairing to complete!
Laptop
- Make sure your JBL earbuds have their pairing on, turn this on with the Bluetooth button or by pressing the center button for five seconds, which will turn them off, and then pressing the center button again to turn them on.
- They will be blinking blue when they are pairing.
- Go to Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices
- Enable Bluetooth and then click on the “+” sign at the top of the tab.
- Ignore the lower two options and select Bluetooth.
- Your JBL headphones should show up and after selecting them, connect to your laptop.
Troubleshooting Common Pairing Issues
Even the best devices sometimes encounter challenges. If you’re having trouble pairing your JBL earbuds, here are a few troubleshooting steps to follow.
- Ensure the earbuds are in pairing mode: This is indicated by a blinking blue light. If not, hold the center button for about five seconds until it turns off, then turn it back on.
- Ensure the Bluetooth on your device is turned on: Check your device settings to confirm that Bluetooth is activated and set to discoverable mode.
- Reset your JBL earbuds: If all else fails, consider resetting your JBL earbuds to factory settings. This process may vary depending on your earbuds model, so refer to your manual for exact instructions.
Maintaining Your JBL Earbuds
Ensuring the longevity of your JBL earbuds is as crucial as pairing them with your devices. Here are some maintenance tips to follow:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean your earbuds, especially the ear tips and mesh covers. Use a soft, dry cloth and be gentle to prevent any damage.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, store your earbuds in the provided case to protect them from dust, water, and potential damage.
- Regular Software Updates: Keep your earbuds up-to-date with the latest firmware updates. These updates can improve functionality and solve potential pairing issues.
Swift Moves How-To’s:
Speaker Pairing: Marshall / Sony / Altec Lansing
Earbud/Headphone Pairing: Sony / Tozo / Aftershokz / JLab / Bose / JBL / Soundcore
Final Thoughts
Bluetooth has become increasingly versatile over the years and with the ease of use that JBL headphones offer it has never been easier to take advantage of it!
Plus, once you connect your earbuds to a device they should stay in the Bluetooth memory so you never have to worry about the process again.
FAQs
Can I pair my JBL earbuds to multiple devices?
Yes, JBL earbuds can remember multiple devices, but they can only be connected to one device at a time.
What should I do if my JBL earbuds aren’t showing up on the Bluetooth list?
Ensure your earbuds are in pairing mode and your device’s Bluetooth is on and set to discoverable. If it still doesn’t show up, try resetting your earbuds and device’s Bluetooth.
How far can my paired device be from my JBL earbuds?
The standard range for Bluetooth devices like JBL earbuds is around 10 meters (33 feet) without obstacles. However, the range can be affected by walls, other electronic devices, and even body interference.
